Best Mattress Australia: A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right One

Finding the best mattress isn't about picking the most expensive option — it's about matching the right mattress type to how you sleep. Materials, construction, and firmness all affect how comfortable and supportive your mattress feels over time. 

       Key Takeaways:

• The best mattress for your sleep style depends on your position, comfort preferences, and temperature needs. 

• Open-cell foam (like Koala's Kloudcell®) combines pressure relief with breathability — solving the heat retention issue of traditional memory foam.

• Memory foam offers contouring, springs offer airflow, latex offers durability, and hybrids combine multiple materials.

• For most Australian sleepers, the right call is matching mattress technology to your sleep position, climate, and how you share the bed
  

Types of Mattresses Explained

Mattress types are defined by their internal construction and materials. Each type influences how the mattress feels, how long it lasts, and how well it supports your body during sleep.

Here's a comparison of the main mattress types available in Australia:

The key difference between these types comes down to how they respond to your body. Memory foam adapts closely to your shape, while springs push back to provide lift and support. Latex sits somewhere in between, offering both contouring and bounce.

Open-cell foams like Koala's Kloudcell® are a newer category that addresses the main complaint about traditional memory foam — heat retention. The open-cell structure allows air to move through the foam, while still providing the contouring and pressure relief that makes foam popular. It's why brands like Koala have built their entire range around it.

Durability also varies. Latex and hybrid mattresses tend to last longer due to stronger materials, while basic polyfoam options may wear out faster. Temperature regulation is another factor — spring-based mattresses usually allow more airflow, while dense foam can trap heat unless designed with cooling features.

Understanding these differences helps you narrow down which mattress type aligns with your sleep needs.

Memory Foam Mattresses

One of the biggest advantages of memory foam is pressure relief. It distributes body weight evenly, reducing stress on areas like shoulders, hips, and lower back. This makes it a strong option for side sleepers or anyone who experiences discomfort on firmer surfaces.

Motion isolation is another key benefit. Because the foam absorbs movement, it reduces disturbance from a partner shifting during the night. This is particularly useful for couples with different sleep schedules.

However, traditional memory foam can retain heat. Newer designs often include cooling technologies such as gel-infused foam, breathable covers, or open-cell structures to improve airflow.

In terms of lifespan, memory foam mattresses typically last around 7–10 years depending on quality and usage. Higher-density options tend to maintain their shape longer.

One important caveat: traditional memory foam is known for retaining heat and the "stuck in it" feel many sleepers find uncomfortable. Newer open-cell designs (covered below) are tested to be up to 40% cooler to the touch than traditional foams while still delivering the pressure relief that makes foam popular.

Spring & Pocket Spring Mattresses

Spring mattresses use a system of metal coils to provide support, while pocket spring mattresses use individually wrapped coils that move independently.

Pocket spring construction improves on traditional coil systems by allowing each spring to respond separately to pressure. This creates better contouring and reduces motion transfer between sleepers.

Support is the main strength of spring mattresses. They provide a more lifted, responsive feel compared to foam, which can make it easier to move or change positions during the night.

Breathability is another advantage. The open structure between coils allows air to circulate, helping regulate temperature. This makes spring mattresses a good option for hot sleepers or warmer climates.

Motion isolation varies depending on construction. Traditional coil systems can transfer movement across the mattress, while pocket springs reduce this effect significantly.

Spring mattresses are well suited for:

• Back sleepers who need consistent support
• Hot sleepers who prefer airflow
• People who prefer a firmer, more responsive surface

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic rubber and are known for their durability and responsiveness. They provide a buoyant feel that sits between foam and springs.

Natural latex is derived from rubber tree sap, while synthetic latex is manufactured using chemical processes. Natural latex is often preferred for its durability and eco-conscious appeal.

One of the standout features of latex is its longevity. These mattresses can maintain their structure for many years without sagging, making them a long-term investment.

Latex also offers:

• Consistent support across the surface
• Natural breathability
• A responsive feel that avoids deep sinking

Because of its structure, latex tends to stay cooler than traditional memory foam. It also resists dust mites and mould.

The main drawback is price. Latex mattresses typically sit in the premium category due to material costs and durability.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine foam layers with a spring support system. This design aims to deliver both comfort and structural support in one mattress.

A hybrid mattress usually includes:

• A top comfort layer (memory foam or latex)
• Transition layers for pressure distribution
• A pocket spring base for support

This combination creates a balanced feel — soft enough to relieve pressure but firm enough to support the body properly.

One of the main advantages of hybrid mattresses is versatility. They suit a wide range of sleepers because they combine the benefits of multiple materials.

Key benefits:

• Balanced support and comfort
• Improved airflow compared to all-foam mattresses
• Reduced motion transfer compared to traditional springs

Hybrids appeal to sleepers who want elements of both foam and spring construction. However, modern open-cell foams have closed much of the breathability gap that originally made hybrid designs necessary.

Open-Cell Foam: A Modern Australian Alternative

Open-cell foam is a newer mattress category designed to fix the main downside of traditional memory foam: heat retention. By engineering the foam structure to allow airflow, open-cell designs deliver the pressure relief of memory foam without sleeping hot — and respond instantly when you move, rather than the slow "stuck in it" feel of traditional foams.

Koala's Kloudcell® is one of Australia's most established open-cell foams, developed over a decade specifically for Australian climates. It's tested to be up to 40% cooler to the touch and 30× more breathable than the worst-performing competitor foams — addressing the two biggest complaints about traditional memory foam in one design.

The four pillars of Kloudcell®:

• Soft and supportive: Cushions pressure points without the sag or sink of traditional memory foam
• Breathable: Open-cell structure lets air flow through the mattress so heat escapes
• Instantly responsive: Fast-responding foam reacts when you move, forming the basis of Koala's Zero Disturbance® motion reduction
• Built to last: High-density foam designed to hold shape and comfort over years of use

Verified performance claims across the Koala range:

• Plus mattress: 13% cooler than leading online brands (Koala R&D testing)
• Polar+ mattress: 5°C cooler than the Plus over 8 hours
• SE mattress: 95% comfort retention after 8 years (CHOICE® recommended)
• Koala Mattress: ProductReview.com.au 2023 and 2024 winner

Comfort layer specs across the Koala range:

• Can't decide on firmness? The Koala Mattress, Plus, and Polar+ have a flippable comfort layer — switch between medium-firm and firm by unzipping and flipping.
• Couples with different preferences? The Koala Mattress offers a Partner Preference layer — half medium-firm, half firm.
• Hot sleeper? The Plus, Polar+, and Luxe each offer different cooling technologies for different climates.
• Frequent position changes? The Luxe's 7-zone support and edge support adapt as you move through the night.

For most Australian sleepers, Kloudcell® delivers the contouring of memory foam, the airflow of springs, and the durability of premium materials — all in one mattress.

Matching Mattress Type to Sleep Position

Sleep position is one of the most important factors when choosing the best mattress. It determines how your body weight is distributed and what level of support you need.

• Side sleepers benefit from softer materials that reduce pressure on joints. At Koala, we recommend our open-cell foam (Kloudcell®) for side sleepers — it delivers the contouring of memory foam and the responsiveness of softer hybrids in one design. 

• Back sleepers need support to maintain natural spine alignment. Our pick is open-cell foam (Kloudcell®) with flippable firmness  — set it to medium-firm for everyday support, or flip to firm for extra structure. Pocket springs and hybrids also work well at similar firmness levels. 

• Stomach sleepers need firmer support to stop the hips sinking. We suggest our open-cell foam (Kloudcell®) flipped to its firm side — solid support without the bounce of springs. 

• Combination sleepers need flexibility as they shift positions. Our open-cell foam (Kloudcell®) shines here — flippable firmness adapts overnight, no second mattress needed. 

For a complete sleep setup, see our guide to the Best Pillow for Your Sleep Position.

Key Factors When Buying a Mattress

Choosing the best mattress involves more than just selecting a type. Several key factors influence long-term comfort and performance.

• Firmness refers to how soft or firm the mattress feels. This affects comfort but should always be balanced with proper support.

• Support is how well the mattress keeps your spine aligned. A supportive mattress prevents sagging and helps maintain a natural sleeping position.

• Bounce affects how easily you can move. Spring and latex mattresses tend to have more bounce, while foam absorbs movement. Modern open-cell foams strike a balance — responsive enough to make movement easy, while still absorbing partner motion.

• Temperature regulation is important for hot sleepers. Materials like springs and latex allow more airflow, while foam may need cooling features. Open-cell foam structure (like Kloudcell®) addresses this directly — tested to be up to 40% cooler to the touch than traditional foams.

• Edge support determines how stable the mattress feels around the edges. Strong edge support is useful if you sit or sleep near the sides. The Koala Luxe includes 7-zone support with reinforced edges for added stability.

• Motion isolation matters for couples. Foam and pocket spring mattresses reduce movement transfer better than traditional springs. All Koala mattresses include Zero Disturbance® technology built into the comfort layer.

• Trial periods are also worth considering. Many mattresses come with a trial period, allowing you to test comfort at home before committing. Koala offers a 120-night sleep trial across the entire range.

Budget vs. Premium Mattresses

Mattresses vary widely in price, but a higher cost doesn’t always mean better suitability. 

Most mattresses last around 7–10 years on average, depending on the quality of materials, construction, and how well they are maintained. Higher-quality mattresses — particularly hybrid, latex, and quality open-cell foam designs — may last longer, while lower-cost foam and innerspring models tend to wear out sooner.

A helpful way to assess value is to consider the cost per year of use. A mattress with a higher upfront price may deliver better long-term value if it lasts significantly longer. The Koala SE mattress, for example, has been independently tested to retain 95% of its comfort after 8 years (CHOICE® recommended) — strong evidence that quality construction extends real-world lifespan.

In many cases, mid-range mattresses strike the best balance between comfort, durability, and affordability, making them a popular choice for Australian households.

New Mattress or Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is an additional layer placed on top of your mattress to adjust comfort. It can improve feel but cannot fix structural issues. 

Signs you need a new mattress:

• Visible sagging
• Loss of support
• Reduced comfort over time

When a topper works:

• The mattress is still supportive
• You want to adjust firmness
• Temporary comfort upgrade

Cost comparison:

• Topper = lower cost, short-term fix
• New mattress = higher cost, long-term solution

If your main reason for considering a topper is firmness adjustment, modern mattresses with built-in flippable firmness — like Koala's Kloudcell® range — let you switch between medium-firm and firm by unzipping and flipping the comfort layer. No topper purchase, no compatibility issues, no compromise. 

For more details, see our Memory Foam Mattress Topper Guide.

Ready to upgrade your mattress? 

Explore Koala's award-winning mattress range — built around proprietary Kloudcell® open-cell foam for Australian conditions. Every Koala mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, free delivery across Australia, and Zero Disturbance® motion absorption built in. 

Try yours risk-free for 120 nights !