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Today, purchasing a mattress is no longer a difficult procedure. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the house in most cases, as the manufacturer can easily ship your mattress via the mail.
And if you’re scared of receiving a huge bulky box that won’t fit through your staircase, don’t be!
Some of the best mattresses in Australia come at your doorstep compressed in a box, so you only need to unpack them, install on your bed, remove the plastic seal and wait a bit until the bed expands.
Cool, right?
It gets even better: this article selected 4 top-rated mattresses for Australian customers, so you can easily make your choice for the nearest future. Scroll down and see for yourself!
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall - Editor’s Choice Emma Comfort Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | RUNNER UP Peacelily Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Mattress Under $1000 Ergoflex Memory Foam Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Flippable Mattress in a Box Koala Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
Our List of the Best Mattresses in a Box in Australia (November 2023)
Best Overall - Editor’s Choice — Emma Comfort Mattress
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Highlights
- The mattress covers help regulate the surface temperature so as to avoid sleeping hot;
- The foam layers comprise different density foams to help cushion and body alignment;
- The bottom cover has a pocket-like handle for easy maneuvering while also providing breathability;
- It uses a mattress zoning tech for customized comfort for users.
The Emma Comfort mattress is arguably the best in a box available in Australia, and with good reason. This mattress is a 4-zone mattress with 2 foam layers built to help consumers achieve maximum comfort. This mattress checks all the boxes for premium mattress quality.
One of the features I appreciate most about this mattress is the top and bottom covers. This is because they combine to ensure that the mattress surface temperature is always kept cool no matter the number of hours it has been in use. As a bonus, the top cover is made with an elastic material that helps with mattress conformity, while the bottom features a pocket-like handle for easy grip.
The foam portion of the Emma Comfort mattress is divided into two layers. The upper layer is less dense, providing a gentle cushion and motion resistance. This means you can enjoy this mattress with a restless partner. From my tests, the Emma Comfort absorbed compressions up to 3.5 inches from my glass of water. I could toss and turn without disturbing my partner much. This is 4.5 inches better than the Peacelily, making the Emma Comfort a more suitable choice for coupled sleep.
The lower foam layer is denser and offers support for spinal alignments. Not only is it dense, but it also reacts quickly to impressions. When I was testing this model, it only took the foam layers 0.2 seconds to recover from compressions, which is nearly instant. I could easily switch up my positions and wasn’t restricted despite the hug of the mattress. The Emma Comfort responds 0.5 seconds faster than the Koala on its medium side, meaning the Emma Comfort better suits sleepers who want a modern, ‘no quicksand’ feel to their memory foam mattress.
Furthermore, this layer makes use of zoning technology which helps customize the mattress to individual needs.
Finally, this mattress provides a good comfort level due to the average thickness and density. Considering the Emma Comfort mattress’s quality and value, it is easy to see why it’s our best overall mattress-in-a-box pick in Australia. “When laying down on the Emma Comfort, I felt I was ‘on’ the bed rather than ‘in’ it. It does offer a comfortable sinkage, but has more emphasis on lift and support,” explained Amelia Jerden, a Senior Staff Writer of Sleepopolis.
Based on Our Review
This mattress felt supportive and aligned my spine properly. During my tests, I didn’t notice back cramps after I got up and I liked how the bed conformed to my body.
Pros:
- This bed offers excellent motion transfer;
- The Emma Comfort contours around the body and relieves pressure points;
- The cover of this mattress feels cool to the touch.
Cons:
- I wasn’t impressed by the edge support on the Emma Comfort;
- The mattress provided less bounce than other competing mattresses.
Runner Up - Peacelily Mattress
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Highlights
- All-latex model, natural and safe even for kids;
- Doesn’t sleep hot and creates a pleasantly cool sleeping environment;
- Sewn-in handles for easier flipping and carrying.
Coming very close in comfort quality and mattress features to our best overall mattress is the Peacelily mattress. The main one is probably this model’s construction. The Peacelily uses natural latex and no harmful materials at all. This mattress is organic, safety certified, and would work for sensitive or allergy-prone sleepers.
It’s also a great option for those users who want unbeatable pressure relief without being enveloped by their mattress. You see, latex is quite springy by nature, so it won’t wrap around your body as you lay down on this mattress. At the same time, latex can mold to one’s body, fill in the curves, and aid tension relief. This is because latex is springier and more supportive than memory foam. From my tests, the Peacelily had a sinkage of 2.01 inches on its medium side and 1.87 inches on its firm side. I was more comfortable on my side when resting on the medium firmness. However, both sides gave me that comfortable, springy pressure relief that cushioned my limbs and released any muscle tension.
The Peacelily’s medium side has 0.18 inches less sinkage than the Ergoflex 5G, making both similar in how deep their sinkages are.
Additionally, it works great for proper weight distribution. This means you will be perfectly supported and cradled lying on the Peacelily without feeling stuck or restricted. From my review, the Peacelily fully recovered from compressions after only 0.3 seconds, which is almost instant. I could easily toss and turn without feeling that ’quicksand’ sensation traditional memory foam mattresses are sometimes known for. The Peacelily is 0.4 seconds faster in responding than the Koala on its medium-firm side, making the Peacelily a better option for unrestricted movement.
It gets better:
This mattress is flippable, which means it combines two firmness levels in one model. Depending on which side you choose, you can enjoy a medium or a firm feel. Therefore, the Peacelily is suitable for a wide variety of sleepers. The Medium side would work for lightweight back and stomach sleepers or average side and back sleepers. The Firm side would be suited for heavier individuals (mostly side or back sleepers) and average stomach sleepers. It can also be a great solution for those shoppers who aren’t sure what they need exactly. You can flip the mattress and sleep on both sides to decide which firmness level works the best for you. And if it doesn’t feel right anyway, a 100-night trial will allow you to get a full refund, so there’s no need to worry at all.
Based on Our Review
I liked the motion transfer of this mattress and the bed felt quiet during my review. The latex construction also provided adequate firmness for most sleeper types.
Pros:
- This mattress sleeps cool;
- The Peacelily features a flippable design that offers sleepers different firmness options;
- The mattress feels springy and responsive.
Cons:
- This bed may be difficult to move on for most sleepers;
- The mattresses may feel too firm for lightweight sleepers.
Best Mattress Under $1000 — Ergoflex Memory Foam Mattress
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Highlights
- Quality high-density foam for durable performance;
- Cool-Sleep™ airflow system for increased breathability and cooler sleep;
- Thick, conforming top layer to aid fast relaxation and tension relief.
The Ergoflex 5G is my best mattress under $1000 that you can find in a box due to its excellent price point, cooling qualities, and pressure-relieving sinkage. The Ergoflex 5G is $61 less expensive than the Koala and $610 less expensive than the Peacelily. However, it still offers comparable pressure relief and sinkage that can keep you feeling comfortable throughout the night.
From my tests, the Ergoflex 5G had excellent sinkage, translating to pressure off my limbs and evenly redistributing my body weight. I measured a sinkage of 2.19 inches while testing the Ergoflex 5G. This is 0.26 inches more sinkage than the Koala on its firm side, making the Ergoflex slightly better for a contouring, pressure-relieving body hug.
The Ergoflex 5G is also great at keeping your body temperature neutral. Its breathable, cool-to-the-touch cover and egg crate-shaped foam layers create an airflow system. This system encourages body heat to move away from you throughout the night, keeping your temperature neutral. From my tests, the Ergoflex 5G had a maximum temperature of 31.9 degrees Celsius. I never experienced any heat build-up and felt quite comfortable. This model has about the same level of coolness as the Koala, hotter by just 0.3 degrees.
As a result, the Ergoflex isn’t likely to cause night sweats. Additionally, this is a medium-firm mattress. It won’t hug you too much, which can also contribute to temperature regulation during sleep.
All in all, the Ergoflex is a worthy find. It uses conforming foams to deliver effective tension release but can maintain a temperature-neutral sleeping environment thanks to its Cool-Sleep system.
Based on Our Review
This mattress relieved pressure points around my body during tests. I also like how cool the mattress felt and it effectively regulated temperature. I felt my weight was evenly balanced out, even when I was laying on the edge.
Pros:
- This bed sleeps cool with moisture-wicking properties;
- The Ergoflex mattress offers the right amount of sinkage for back and side sleepers;
- This bed offers impressive stability.
Cons:
- This bed offered less sinkage than other mattresses on this list;
- The edge support felt below average.
Best Flippable Mattress in a Box — Koala Mattress
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Highlights
- The Tencel cover is cool-to-the-touch and soft, enhancing comfort when you first lie down;
- The Kloudcell foam is cradling and comfortable, ensuring effective weight redistribution and pressure relief;
- This model absorbs a high level of motion on both flippable sides, keeping you disturbance-free with coupled sleep.
The Koala is my best flippable mattress in a box due to its excellent sinkage, slow-adaptive recovery, and motion absorption. Flippable mattresses have the added benefit of offering two different feels, which I tested thoroughly. From my experience, the Koala had a sinkage of 2.05 inches on its medium-firm side and 1.93 inches on its firm side. I was sufficiently comfortable on both sides and had enough sinkage to feel my weight redistributed. The Koala's medium-firm side had 0.04 inches more sinkage than the Peacelily’s medium side. Its firm side had 0.06 inches more sinkage than the Peacelily on its firm side. That means the Koala has slightly more sinkage for sleepers who want a softer, cushioning feel.
One of memory foam’s key features is slowly conforming to your body, enabling it to redistribute your weight over a larger area for a pressure-relieving feel. The Koala has this benefit in a balanced manner, as its foam is slow enough to conform to your body but still reacts quickly so you don’t feel ‘stuck’ when moving. From my tests, the Koala recovered from compressions after 0.7 seconds on its medium-firm side and 0.5 seconds on its firm side. I noticed a slight difference between the two sides but still enjoyed a slow-adaptive cradle that melted away any tension. The Koala’s medium-firm side is 0.4 seconds slower than the Peacelily, making the Koala the better option for sleepers who want a slow, traditional memory foam feel.
Motion isolation is also essential, especially if you share the bed with a restless partner. According to my review, the Koala absorbed motion up to 2 inches from my glass on its medium-firm side and up to 2.5 inches on its firmer side. This is a high level of motion isolation, and my partner couldn’t feel it when I got in and out of bed. The Koala’s medium-firm side could absorb 6 inches more than the Peacelily, making the Koala the better option for restless couples.
“Koala uses zero-disturbance technology to help reduce sleepless nights, even if you have an active and restless partner,” said Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, a Shopping Writer of News.
Based on Our Review
When I tested this product, I found the Koala was surprisingly comfortable, hugging my shoulders and hips. I felt well-cradled, without any tension, and had enough sinkage on both sides to feel ‘weightless.’ I was also impressed with its edge support, as I was evenly supported and lifted when lying and sitting along the edge.
Pros:
- Excellent motion isolation for less jostling at night;
- Excellent pressure relief from balanced sinkage;
- Good edge support for stability.
Cons:
- Too hot for sleepers that are sensitive to temperature;
- Too soft for heavier sleepers over 230 pounds.
Why You Should Trust Me
When it comes to mattresses, I have spent countless hours testing my mattresses with a variety of quantitative tests. These tests are unbiased, gauging a mattress’s comfort based on its layers, sinkage, pressure relief, cooling abilities, and support. I also look at other factors like how quickly a bed off-gasses and how well it isolates motion.
From my expertise, the best mattresses in a box tend to have excellent pressure relief, sinkage, and support for the spine. When testing, I looked at these qualities to determine which would suit sleepers who want the best mattress in a box. Mattresses that tested high were placed higher on my list. You can learn more about how I test mattresses here, where my full methodology and testing methods are mentioned.
How to Choose a Mattress in a Box According to Your Needs?
Here’s one thing you need to know before choosing a mattress:
As long as it keeps your sleep sound and pain-free, the type, budget, or materials don’t matter.
But how do you define comfortable?
Easy!
There are a few general recommendations that you’ll want to remember before picking out your next mattress, which are listed below:
- Ensure it addresses your health issues;
- Make sure it's the right firmness;
- Ensure it’s couple-friendly;
- Check the mattress type.
Address Your Health Issues
Sleep is the time our bodies heal themselves, so be sure to create a suitable environment for that.
Different health issues require a different approach, however, some scientific recommendations will ease your choice:
- For back pain. Lower back pain is the most common complaint of those who sleep on a wrong mattress that fails to support their lumbar area. To prevent this, look for the models with zoned coil layers or the sewn-in lumbar pad. Some of the best mattresses for bad backs have a higher firmness level and slightly less sinkage, encouraging a straighter spine.
- For joint pain. Those who suffer from arthritis may have limited mobility from time to time. So the best mattress for this issue is the one that can offer total-body pressure relief without limiting movements, such as latex or hybrid.
- For hot sleeping. Hot sleeping can be tied to many health issues or physiological changes, i.e. menopause. However, you can surely alleviate hot flashes with the right mattress. Choose natural latex, gel or copper-infused foams, and breathable fabrics, such as cotton or Tencel. Or, go for a mattress with coils, as they typically sleep cooler. The best mattresses for hot sleepers tend to have a blend of breathable materials and cooling technology that draws heat away, keeping you cooler.
Check the Firmness
Firmness perception is a subjective thing and can be tied to many factors. The most influential of them, however, are your weight and preferred sleeping position.
So, here’s how to match the mattress firmness to your needs:
- Side sleeping. Generally, soft mattresses are the most suitable for side sleepers. Such mattresses can provide enough of a hug for the protruding body parts and thus, may eliminate the tender pressure points. However, you need to account for your weight as well. Lightweight individuals (less than 130 pounds) should choose soft, average - medium-soft or even medium, and heavier users (over 230 pounds) - medium or even medium-firm mattresses to receive proper support.
- Back sleeping. In this sleeping position, your mattress has to be firm enough to maintain the natural alignment between the head, midsection, and feet. Also, it has to allow for minimal sinkage for the heavier body parts such as hips and buttocks. Therefore, medium-firm mattresses usually work the best for average back sleepers. Lightweight users can try the medium firmness, and larger folks - firm mattresses.
- Stomach sleeping. Sleeping on one’s stomach can put too much strain on the back. Therefore, a suitable mattress for stomach sleepers should be firm (to prevent any unwanted sinkage and avoid creating an awkward bend in the back). However, when searching for the best mattress for stomach sleepers in Australia, it’s crucial to account for one’s weight. Larger folks require sturdier support, so they might want to look for an extra-firm mattress. And petite sleepers can go one step down and buy a medium-firm model. Their weight simply might not be enough to compress the comfort layers of the mattress, so a firm model can end up feeling like concrete.
- Combo sleepers. Those who frequently switch positions during sleep and don’t have a specific preference are likely to feel the comfiest on a medium-firm mattress. Also, pay attention to the materials. You probably don’t want a mattress that would restrict your movement during the night, so it might be a good idea to avoid memory foam.
Again, since firmness is subjective and the way you perceive it may depend on different factors, it wouldn’t hurt to get a mattress from a company that offers a long sleep trial. In most cases, the in-home trial can last for around 100 days. During this time, you can get used to your new mattress and figure out whether it can meet your expectations comfort- and support-wise. If not, you can get a full refund and test a different firmness level next.
Also Read: Best Firm Mattresses in Australia
Make Sure that Your Bed is Couple-Friendly
Sharing a bed with someone is awesome but this also means that you need to consider the sleeping style and preferences of your partner.
Thankfully, many modern mattress brands offer an adjustable firmness or even dual-firmness designs to address this issue. However, you also need to look for the following:
- Decent edge support. If your bedmate tends to sprawl across the bed, you need to have enough space for yourself. A mattress with sturdy edges will prevent you from rolling over and ensure that both of you will get enough space to sleep.
In my opinion, spring mattresses offer the best edge support for sleepers.
- Low motion transfer. Nighttime disturbances decrease your sleep quality, and if your partner moves a lot during sleep, you probably know the struggle. Mattresses with low motion transfer, such as those made of foam, can prevent your partner’s movements from coming to your side of the bed.
Pick the Mattress Type
Buying a mattress in a box can sometimes feel like gambling.
I mean, you don’t know what you get until you receive it. And even though there’s always the handy in-home trial period, it may seem scary to order a mattress without trying it first.
To feel more confident before choosing your mattress, it’s a good idea to learn about mattress material and how it behaves, especially concerning sleeper weight.
This way, you will have a general idea of what you may expect:
- Memory foam. This material is contouring and hugging. Sleeping on memory foam is often associated with cushioning comfort and proper weight distribution. Some users note that memory foam may feel restricting sometimes, so if you are an active sleeper, you might not like such a mattress. Plus, unless it’s infused with cooling particles or has an open-cell structure, memory foam can sleep hot. The best memory foam mattresses have a balanced mix of cradling and reactive foam, giving you that pressure-relieving feel without feeling ‘stuck.’
In my opinion, memory foam mattresses feel comfortable for most sleeper types.
- Polyfoam. This material is slightly more resilient than memory foam and doesn’t feel that restricting. At the same time, polyfoam can deliver close conforming and effective pressure relief, just like its “sibling”.
- Latex. Latex mattresses usually feel cushioning and resilient at the same time. They respond fast to applied pressure and don’t offer too much of a hug. With a latex mattress, you will sleep “on” it rather than “in” it (unlike with memory foam). At the same time, latex can adjust to the body’s shape, promoting proper weight redistribution and aiding pressure alleviation. Latex is also naturally temperature-neutral and quite durable. However, such mattresses belong to the pricier category.That being said, this mattress type is extremely durable. Therefore, an increased lifespan can justify a higher price point.
- Hybrid. Hybrid mattresses combine coils and foam (or sometimes latex, or even both, because why not?). They usually have a rather balanced feel - bouncy support with cradling comfort layers. The best hybrid mattresses in Australia typically belong to a pricier category, but they are ideal for shoppers seeking a great compromise between pressure relief and sturdy support.
I think hybrid mattresses offer better edge support than most mattress types on this list.
Extra Shopping Considerations When Looking for the Best Mattress in a Box in Australia
Now, a few details that may seem insignificant at first may affect one’s experience with their new mattress. Therefore, it might be a good idea to consider those details before purchasing a mattress in a box:
- Warranty. While most bed-in-a-box brands offer sleep trials, the warranty coverage is where things may become tricky. Longer warranty coverage can be a pretty good indication of the mattress’s quality, and not all manufacturers are ready to offer more than 10 years of customer protection. But the ones that do really stand behind their product. Therefore, choosing a mattress with a 15- or even a 20-year warranty could promise exceptional reliability in use.
- Size. Shoppers need to remember that larger mattresses cost more. Now, the most popular choice among couples is Queen (153 x 203 cm). King (183 x 203) offers a bit more space and is often used by families that enjoy co-sleeping. For solo users, a Single (92 x 190), a Single XL (92 x 203), and a Double (138 x 190) are usually enough. These traditional standard mattress sizes are used almost everywhere, so a Queen in Australia will typically be the same as in other countries.
- Price. While mattresses in a box are typically much cheaper than the ones sold at physical stores, shoppers might still want to set a specific budget to avoid overspending. Now, mattress prices mostly depend on the size and the type. And as far as the latter goes, innerspring models are among the cheapest ones. Foam mattresses are also relatively affordable in most cases. Hybrid models are pricer, as they use multiple material types. As for latex mattresses, they belong to the most expensive category.
- Durability. While warranty can indicate the mattress’s durability (as it has been said before), users should also pay close attention to the materials used. For instance, high-density foams are always more durable than low-density ones. As for coils, lower gauge typically signifies thicker and longer-lasting metal.
F.A.Q.
Are mattresses that come in a box any good?
Yes, most mattress-in-a-box companies do not sacrifice quality or comfort for convenient portability. You can find a ton of great mattresses that are sold online only and can be delivered compressed in the box. Plus, most of them come with a sleep trial. You can test your new mattress at home and if it doesn’t work for you, return it for a full refund.
How long do bed-in-a-box mattresses last?
It would depend on the mattress type. However, on average, memory foam mattresses in a box last for around 8-10 years. Latex mattresses are more durable (15-20 years), and hybrid models typically have a slightly shorter lifespan (around 7-8 years). Of course, the numbers would also depend on how you use and take care of your mattress.
What happens if you sleep on a mattress in a box within the first 24 hours?
If the mattress hasn’t expanded fully yet (which takes around 24 hours on average), sleeping on it may affect the foam. Best case scenario, it will take longer to expand to its original form. Worst case scenario, it won’t expand fully.
Can I make a bed-in-a-box mattress expand faster?
Yes, leaving it in a warm, well-ventilated room may speed the process up a bit. So, you can crack your thermostat up or open the windows if it’s hot outside to help your new mattress expand faster.
How long can a memory foam mattress stay compressed in the box?
It would depend on the manufacturer, but usually, the number varies from 1 week to 2 months. However, while keeping the mattress in its box, you can potentially waste the in-home trial period.
Conclusion
There you have it, my top 4 best mattresses in a box in Australia. I also believe making a mattress choice is now easier with the guidelines I shared earlier in the article.
If I were to pick one of these mattresses, I would opt for the Emma Comfort mattress mostly because of the balance it offers to different types of sleepers. Even with this edge, other mattresses on this list are not far behind and deserve their spot.
Which mattress will you consider the best from my list? What matters most to you in a mattress? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
References
- Chris Jager(2015, September 22). Ask The Experts: How To Choose The Right Mattress For A Better Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2015/09/ask-the-experts-how-to-choose-the-right-mattress-for-a-better-sleep/
- Peter Zaluzny (n.d.) How to Buy the Best Mattress? Retrieved from https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/bedroom/mattresses/buying-guides/mattresses
Allana Wass is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief at Comfybeddy. She was trained at the Spencer Institute to become a Certified Sleep Science Coach and has been featured in VeryWellMind, U.S. News, and Bustle. She has tested over 50 sleep products, which include mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows. She has spent countless hours researching the mattress industry and learning about its cutting-edge technology for over four years, helping you improve your sleep. With her wealth of experience, she thoroughly reviews mattresses and other sleep products to give the best recommendations for each kind of sleeper.
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Mattresses Considered
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Sleep Experts Consulted
How does the return policy usually work for mattresses in a box? Is it hassle-free, or are there things people should be cautious about?
Returning a mattress in a box is usually hassle-free. Most brands offer a trial period where you can test the mattress at home, and if it doesn’t work out, you can initiate a return. However, it’s a good idea to check the specific terms of the return policy, like any potential restocking fees or return shipping costs. Overall, many brands aim to make the process smooth for customers.
What’s the typical lifespan of a mattress in a box, and are there any maintenance tips to keep it in great condition over time?
The typical lifespan of a mattress in a box can vary depending on factors such as usage, mattress quality, and maintenance. In general, these mattresses are designed to last approximately 7 to 10 years when well-cared for. To maintain its condition, it’s advisable to rotate the mattress regularly to ensure even wear. Using a quality mattress protector can help safeguard it against spills, stains, and allergens, extending its cleanliness and longevity. Additionally, providing proper support with a sturdy bed frame or platform is essential.
It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s specific care and maintenance instructions for your mattress model to maximize its lifespan and ensure that it continues to provide comfort and support over the years.
Just wondering if you have any idea about Sleepyhead, an Australian-made mattress which I’m planning to buy at Beds R Us. Any review or feedback about their products? Thank you!