THE QUEST FOR the perfect mattress can feel like a journey akin to the search for the Holy Grail. A dizzying array of options are currently flooding the market, with each boasting promises of unparalleled comfort and support, so finding the ideal bed can feel daunting. And it’s not something you want to mess up, either. If you’re getting the recommended eight hours of sleep per night, that means you’re spending a third of your day—and by extension, your life—in bed. As you likely already know, spending 33 per cent of your life in discomfort isn’t a great way to promote overall wellbeing.
On top of the crowded market, finding the right bed isn’t just about buying into the promises of supreme comfort and wellness benefits, it’s about understanding what type of mattress suits your sleeping style. You may not have even realised that you had a sleeping style before now, but believe us, it matters. One person’s cozy cocoon can be another’s agitating nightmare. The notion of a one-size-fits-all bedding solution is sadly misleading, but by selecting a mattress that caters to your individual needs, you can ensure you get a full night’s rest.
Thankfully, there are mattresses tailored to every type of sleeper. From those who endlessly toss and turn to the steadfast back-sleepers who seek perfect alignment, there exists a mattress designed to cradle, support, and comfort you in nocturnal bliss. But how can you find such a mattress? And how does one mattress differ from any other? Whatever your night-time proclivities dictate, we’ll walk you through the mattresses best suited for you, and how they’ll help you get better sleep.
The best mattresses for a side sleeper
Side sleepers require support in different places than other sleepers. Most mattresses are designed to be aligned with where your spine will be when laying in a supine position, but when that’s not your go-to form, sleeping on a regular mattress can leave you feeling stiff in the morning.
For that reason, firmness isn’t what you want if you’re a side sleeper. Instead, a softer mattress will be more comfortable and relieve some of the pressure on your knees, pelvis and shoulders.
Our pick: Emma Sleep Comfort II
This six-layered, medium-soft firmness mattress from Emma Sleep is ideal for side sleepers. Utilising top of the line Halo Memory Foam, this mattress immediately adapts to your body’s shape to offer as much support for your shoulders and hips as it would your back. This highly adaptable mattress is also 25 per cent softer than its predecessor—mattresses don’t get much softer than this without compromising on support.
The best mattresses for a back sleeper
If you’re a back sleeper, congratulations, most mattresses are designed with you in mind. For this reason, you don’t need to search as hard as others for the perfect mattress, and most of what’s on offer will serve you just fine. Back sleepers need enhanced spinal support, and luckily, that’s what just about every available option offers—who ever heard of a mattress that wasn’t designed to be supportive?
To be slightly more helpful than simply saying any old mattress will do, we do suggest that back sleepers do some soul searching to determine what they really want out of a mattress. If it’s unrivalled comfort, go for something uber-plush. If it’s adaptability you’re after, memory foam will do the trick. Your bed is your oyster.
Our pick: Koala Mattress
This do-it-all innovation from Koala is a mattress for the everyman. It’s Australia’s highest rated mattress for 2024 and is a real all-rounder, with three zones of support and cutting edge Kloudcell foam that will have you feeling like you’re sleeping on a cloud. The Koala Mattress has superior cushioning, responsiveness, cooling and durability, meaning there’s something for everyone.
The best mattresses for a stomach sleeper
An exceedingly rare demographic, stomach sleepers exist in the rare category of sleepers who need both more and less support. Obviously, if you’re prone to lying prone, you’ll need a soft mattress—as your stomach is far more tender than your back—but you don’t want to go too soft, as you’ll risk sinking too deeply into the mattress and throwing yourself out of alignment.
Therefore, stomach sleepers should opt for a medium-firm mattress to provide the necessary softness while maintaining alignment. A hybrid mattress that utilises both foam and springs would be a worthwhile investment, as these offer deep softness as well as bolstered support.
Our pick: EVA Comfort Classic Mattress
As we just noted, a hybrid mattress will offer stomach sleepers their best night of sleep, and this one from EVA is Australia’s highest rated of all hybrids. Five-zone pocket springs ensure you have support where you need it, while plush memory foam provides the requisite comfort. At a seven out of 10 on the firmness scale, EVA’s comfort classic is perfect for a stomach sleeper.
The best mattresses for a restless sleeper
If you’re a tosser and turner and frequently experience restless nights of sleep, the cause might not be your mattress. Restless sleep can be caused by a variety of factors. Some are less obvious and relate to underlying conditions like sleep apnea. Others are more controllable, like stress or an uncomfortable mattress. So, if you’re a restless sleeper, the best option is to invest in a high-quality comfortable mattress. But if that still doesn’t help, our focus needs to be redirected towards your partner, because a surprising 12 per cent of relationships are put in peril by rough sleep.
Movement cancellation is crucial if you want to avoid being woken by the person you share a bed with. If they move, you don’t want to feel it, so a memory foam mattress is your best bet. The material is highly responsive and minimises the impact of movement, meaning you’ll be sleeping soundly, even if your partner isn’t.
Our pick: Ecosa Mattress
As we mentioned, memory foam should be a priority for a restless sleeper, and the Ecosa mattress has three layers of it. The base features ergonomic support foam, which stabilises disturbance pressure points. Just above, ECO-Tex memory foam provides the necessary cushioning. A third layer of G-7 gel memory foam maintains a lasting cool temperature. If you or your partner still experiences restless sleep on this mattress, the problem likely isn’t your bedding.
The best mattresses for a hot sleeper
In Australia’s high temperature climate, it doesn’t matter whether or not you naturally run hot at night, a breathable, cooling mattress is a must. But how can a mattress be better at keeping cool than any other, you ask? Well, some specially designed mattresses incorporate advanced cooling technology, with built in layers and cooling gels that shift heat away from sleepers. Some even have electrical systems that actively pump water throughout the bed to cool you down.
Unfortunately, some of the more advanced mattresses can get fairly pricey. But if you’re a sweaty snoozer, a principle that should always be followed regardless of price is that springs are typically more breathable than foam. Invest accordingly.
Our pick: Koala Plus Mattress
The Koala Plus employs advanced CoolThread technology for improved ventilation and breathability. With signature Kloudcell cooling gel, the Koala Plus also provides enhanced airflow. What’s more, Koala promises that this mattress will have you sleeping 13 per cent cooler than other options on the market. We’re not sure how they came to that number, but considering the brand’s reputation, we’re willing to take them at their word.
The best mattresses for back pain
It would be easy to assume that with chronic back pain, frequently experiencing a rough night’s sleep is a foregone conclusion. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Mattress tech has come a long way in recent years, and now purpose-built options are available—which is appropriate, as one in six Aussies suffer from back problems.
To prevent future back problems, or remedy existing issues, a foam mattress is what you should be looking for. Stabilisation is critical, as moving around during the night typically worsens the pain, so a foam mattress that moulds to your body and will allow you to sink in ever so slightly should be enough to keep you in place and relieve some of the pain. But don’t go too soft, as support is equally important.
Our pick: Sleeping Duck Mach II
Sleeping Duck’s Mach II mattress is designed to offer the ultimate support. It’s a hybrid blend of springs and foam, ensuring proper spinal alignment and rock-solid support, with adjustable firmness. The mattress’ multi-zoned motherboard system is seriously advanced, allowing each spring to act independently and reinforce the support where you need it. Meanwhile, antigravity surface foam creates a feeling of weightlessness, minimising the pressure on your ailing body.
The best mattresses for a sexually active sleeper
Now we’re getting into the good stuff. For those who do more in bed than just sleep, some mattresses will do more to aid in your adventures than others. Coils and springs are the best option in this space, as foam just can’t provide the right amount of bounce. Springs offer more freedom of movement and a firmer base for spicier activities. So if that’s your priority—and we’re certainly not judging you if it is—go for springs.
Our pick: Ecosa Pure Mattress
Yes, springs are best for sex, and this mattress from Ecosa has 4,500 of them. With pocket springs and micro coils spread out over two layers, the Ecosa Pure Mattress has bounce in excess, as well as enhanced motion transfer capabilities for more equitable weight distribution. Of course, it also holds up during its primary purpose: sleep. All those springs are strategically placed to allow for improved airflow and breathability.
The best mattresses for someone with allergies
For someone who has trouble with allergies, securing a high-quality mattress is paramount. Mattresses can be a source of allergens, collecting countless dust mites, pet dander, mould and mildew over their lifetimes, which in turn leads to worse sleep. To combat this, seek out a hypoallergenic mattress and avoid products made from animal products.
Our pick: Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress
This mattress from Ergoflex incorporates memory foam made from polyurethane and polyester. It’s both naturally hypoallergenic and anti-microbial, resisting the accumulation of dust mites and other allergens. Besides its allergy-friendly nature, the Ergoflex 5G’s memory foam is also supremely supportive, with a number of pressure-relieving qualities.
The best all-round mattress: Emma Sleep Zero Gravity Mattress
There’s something for everyone with Emma Sleep’s zero gravity mattress, no matter what type of sleeper you are. The name alone begets heightened curiosity. But what does a ‘zero gravity’ mattress actually do in practice? Well, this mattress is ultra responsive and ultra cushioned, providing an unbeatable weightless feel that will feel like you’re sleeping in space. AirGrid technology also allows for proper airflow through the myriad air channels found within the AirGrid layer.
Related:
