How to select the best mattress for an amazing night's sleep

The right mattress is essential for a good night's sleep - and a good night’s sleep is essential for a good day. You spend around a third of your life catching z’s, so when you’re shopping for a new mattress, it’s good to know exactly what to look for. In this article we look at the key considerations of size and firmness, as well as a few other factors, to help you choose the best new mattress for you.

What size mattress do you need?

One of the first things to consider when buying a mattress is size. You can generally choose from these sizes of mattress in Australia:

When choosing the mattress size, consider both the number of people sleeping in it and the space you have available in your bedroom. If you’re thinking of upsizing your bed, measure your room before you buy. Ideally you should have at least 60cm either side of the bed (unless it’s against a wall), to allow for ease of access and movement, as well as the opening of adjacent wardrobes, drawers and doors.

Of course, personal preferences might mean that you crave the luxury of a king size bed all to yourself - in which case, as long as it will fit in your room, go for it! 

It’s worth noting that single and double mattresses are 15cm shorter than other mattresses (which means that they use less materials and therefore usually cost less). This length is based on historical bedding sizes, from a time when people were considerably shorter than they are today. These mattresses are often used in children's bedrooms or smaller guest rooms.

If you sleep alone and have limited space, you might be fine with a single mattress, or a king single if you need some extra legroom. For couples, queen or king mattresses provide plenty of room for undisturbed sleep - and if space is no object, a super king will really make you feel like royalty! At 203cm by 203cm, super king mattresses should just fit through your doors (standard door height is 204cm), but you should also consider whether your home's layout will allow for the mattress to be manoeuvred into the bedroom.

How firm should your mattress be?

Once you’ve decided on the size, you should pick the type of mattress you want in terms of feel. Do you love sinking into a squishy crib, or does a firm bed help reduce your lower back pain? You can choose from these levels of firmness:

  • Plush: Plush mattresses provide a cushioning feel, and are suitable for side sleepers or those who simply prefer a softer mattress.
  • Medium: Medium-firm mattresses strike a balance between support and cushioning, and are suitable for a wide range of people, including back and combination sleepers.
  • Firm: Firm mattresses have a solid and supportive feel, and are good for back and stomach sleepers, as they help maintain proper spinal alignment.

Consider your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preference when choosing the firmness level for your new bed. Some mattresses, such as hybrids or latex foam mattresses, may have a range of firmness options to choose from. Others may have firm support throughout the main body of the mattress, but have an additional soft pillow top, which gives the top layer a luxuriously comfortable finish.

You can always adjust the comfort or support of your mattress later on, with the addition of a removable mattress topper, which can make a soft mattress feel firmer, or a firm mattress feel softer.

What’s your usual sleeping position?

We looked at sleeping positions in relation to firmness, and it’s definitely a factor to consider, as the way you tend to sleep can influence which type of mattress will provide you optimal comfort and the right level of support:

  • Side sleepers: Side sleepers place more pressure on their shoulders and hips. They often benefit from a mattress with excellent pressure relief and contouring capabilities, such as memory foam mattresses. A medium to medium-firm mattress is generally suitable for side sleepers.
  • Back sleepers: Back sleepers require a mattress that supports the natural curvature of the spine and promotes proper alignment. A medium-firm to firm mattress offers the extra spinal support to keep the spine in a neutral position.
  • Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that prevents their hips from sinking too deeply, which can strain the lower back. A medium-firm to firm mattress helps maintain proper spinal alignment for stomach sleepers.
  • Combination sleepers: Combination sleepers change positions throughout the night. A medium-firm mattress is a versatile option, providing adequate support and comfort for pressure points in various sleeping positions.

When you’re looking at a mattress on Appliances Online, you’ll see a ‘Sleep style’ section in the specifications, which tells you which sleeping positions the mattress is ideal for.

Other things to consider

While size and how the mattress feels are key factors choosing your new bed, several other considerations can affect your choice;

  • Material: Different mattress types, such as memory foam, latex, innerspring mattresses or hybrid mattress, offer distinct qualities in terms of support, comfort, and durability.
  • Motion isolation: If you sleep with a partner, motion isolation is a nice feature to have, as it can minimise disruptions caused by movement. Memory foam and latex mattresses are particularly effective at absorbing and preventing motion transfer.
  • Edge support: A mattress with sturdy edge support ensures that you can use the entire surface without feeling like you might roll off, which is important for couples or individuals who sleep near the edges of the bed.
  • Cooling properties: Some mattresses incorporate cooling technologies, such as gel-infused foam or breathable materials, to regulate body temperature and promote airflow. This can be beneficial for hot sleepers who tend to overheat during the night.
  • Trial period:Mattress in a box’-style mattresses often offer a trial period, so you can test them out at home. They are often made with high-quality foam that contours to your body, relieving pressure points and promoting proper spinal alignment. This foam construction allows them to be compressed, vacuum-sealed, and rolled into a compact box for easy delivery. It also makes them more affordable than traditional mattresses.
  • Warranty: It’s worth checking the warranty terms to understand the level of protection and coverage provided by the manufacturer. High quality mattresses can come with a 10 year warranty.

The best beds to catch some z’s!

Choosing a comfortable mattress is actually a very personal thing: one person’s dream mattress might be the stuff of nightmares for another! By considering the size, firmness, material, and your usual sleeping position, as well as things like motion isolation, cooling properties, your body type and body shape, and, of course, personal preferences, you can find the perfect mattress to improve your sleep and overall wellbeing.

Appliances Online has a huge range of mattresses of all sizes and firmness levels, and across a wide price range, from leading mattress brands including A.H Beard, Sealy, Sleepmaker and Koala

Sleep easy, with Free Delivery from Appliances Online!

Find the best mattress for you on Appliances Online and you could be enjoying your best sleep in ages with Appliances Online's Free Next Day Delivery* (Mon-Fri, when the mattress is in stock). Plus, we offer paid Same Day Delivery in metro areas of NSW, QLD and VIC if you order an in-stock item before midday on weekdays.

If you’re getting rid of an old mattress, we can also collect it and take it away for recycling at no extra cost - preventing up to 77% of mattress components from ending up in landfill. Other Australian retailers don’t always offer these sorts of services, so you should factor in delivery charges and recycling if you’re shopping around. If you have a question about anything at all, from mattresses to home appliances, just call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via that little chat icon in the bottom right of your screen.