How to Choose the Right Mattress in Australia (Complete Buying Guide)

How do you choose the right mattress in Australia without wasting money or buying the wrong firmness?
This mattress buying guide explains firmness, Queen vs King sizing, pocket spring vs foam vs hybrid mattresses, and when to replace your bed.

Buying a new mattress shouldn’t feel overwhelming, but for most people, it does.

Every day in our Campbelltown, Warrawong and Prospect showrooms, we get the same five questions. And they’re good ones. Because choosing the right mattress isn’t about chasing the “best mattress 2026”, it’s about choosing the right mattress for you.

In this episode of Between the Sheets, we break down the five questions customers ask us every single day, so you can choose with confidence.

If you’ve been putting off replacing your mattress because the decision feels confusing, this is a good place to start.

1️⃣ How firm should a mattress be?

This is the most misunderstood part of buying a mattress.

Many people think:

• Firm = better for your back

• Soft = more comfortable

It’s not that simple.

The real answer:

The right firmness depends on:

• Your sleeping position

• Your body weight

• Your pressure points

• Whether you sleep alone or with a partner

General firmness guide:

• Side sleepers → Medium to medium-soft (pressure relief for shoulders and hips)

• Back sleepers → Medium to medium-firm (balanced support)

• Stomach sleepers → Medium-firm to firm (prevent hips sinking)

Too firm and you get shoulder and hip pain.
Too soft and you lose spinal alignment.

The goal isn’t “hard”, it’s supported and neutral.

If you're waking up sore but your mattress isn't sagging, it may not need replacing, it could simply be the wrong feel. Here’s how to tell if your mattress is too firm or too soft before making the decision.

👉 Read: Is Your Mattress Too Firm or Too Soft?

2️⃣ When should you replace your mattress?

Most mattresses last 7–10 years but lifespan depends on quality and usage.

You may need to replace yours if you notice:

• Waking up sore or stiff

• Visible sagging or body impressions

• Rolling toward the centre

• Sleeping better elsewhere (hotel test)

• It’s over 8 years old

If you’re constantly adjusting pillows or adding toppers to fix discomfort, that’s usually a sign the core support is gone.

Replacing your mattress at the right time can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce back pain.

3️⃣ What size mattress should you buy? (Queen vs King guide)

This is where many couples regret their decision later.

Queen Mattress (153 x 203cm)

• Most popular size in Australia

• Fits most bedrooms

• Suitable for couples

• More affordable than King

King Mattress (183 x 203cm)

• 30cm wider than a Queen

• Better for restless sleepers

• Ideal if you share with kids or pets

• Requires larger room space

If your bedroom allows it, we almost always recommend going larger.
You never regret more space, but many people regret not upgrading.

If you're torn between sizes, we’ve broken down the full pros and cons in our detailed Queen vs King mattress comparison guide for Australian couples.

👉 Read: Queen vs King Mattress Size Comparison - Pros, Cons & Best Choice

4️⃣ Pocket spring vs foam vs hybrid mattress explained

Understanding mattress construction helps avoid expensive mistakes.

Pocket Spring Mattress

• Individual springs move independently

• Good airflow

• Strong support

• Better for hot sleepers

Foam Mattress

• Contours closely to the body

• Good pressure relief

• Motion isolation

• Can retain heat (depending on quality)

Hybrid Mattress

• Combines pocket springs + foam layers

• Balanced support + comfort

• Popular modern choice

• Often best for couples

There’s no universally “best” type - only the best for your body, sleep style and budget.

5️⃣ Do you need a new bed base with a new mattress?

Often overlooked but important.

Your mattress is only as good as the support underneath it.

You may need a new base if:

• Slats are bowed or broken

• Gaps are wider than recommended

• The frame is unstable or creaking

• You’re upgrading to a heavier mattress

Incorrect support can void warranty and affect comfort.

Common mattress buying mistakes to avoid

❌ Choosing firmness based on what a friend bought
❌ Buying the cheapest option without considering lifespan
❌ Not measuring your room before upgrading size
❌ Ignoring your sleeping position
❌ Keeping an old base under a new mattress

The right mattress is an investment in sleep quality and sleep affects everything.

Final mattress buying advice

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, simplify it:

1. Choose the right size for your space and lifestyle

2. Match firmness to your sleep position

3. Pick construction based on comfort preference

4. Make sure your base is supportive

5. Don’t overthink it - test and trust how it feels

We help Australian families choose the right bed, not just sell one.

Related mattress buying guides

• How to Tell if Your Mattress Is Too Firm or Too Soft
• Queen vs King Mattress Size Comparison for Couples
• Single or King Single? Which is the Best Size for Kids?

If this guide helped, watch the full Between the Sheets series for more mattress buying advice.

🔗 Browse our mattress range: https://bestinbeds.com.au
📍 Visit us in-store: Campbelltown | Warrawong | Prospect
📺 Subscribe for honest comparisons and practical bedroom advice.

Frequently asked questions

What firmness mattress is best for back pain?

Medium to medium-firm is generally best for back pain, as it supports spinal alignment while relieving pressure points.

Is a King mattress worth it over a Queen?

If your bedroom allows it, a King provides 30cm more width and significantly improves partner disturbance and overall comfort.

How long should a mattress last in Australia?

Most quality mattresses last between 7–10 years depending on construction and usage.

Are hybrid mattresses better than foam?

Hybrid mattresses combine pocket springs and foam, offering better airflow and support balance which is often ideal for couples.

Should I replace my bed base with a new mattress?

If your base is sagging, bowed or unstable, replacing it can improve mattress performance and longevity.

What is the biggest mistake when buying a mattress?

Choosing firmness incorrectly or buying too small for your space and lifestyle.

Video Highlights

00:00 How to Choose a Mattress (Top 5 Questions Explained)

00:33 How Firm Should a Mattress Be? (Mattress Firmness Guide)

01:25 When Should You Replace Your Mattress?

02:10 What Size Mattress Should You Buy? (Queen vs King Guide)

02:58 Pocket Spring vs Foam vs Hybrid Mattress Explained

03:57 Do You Need a New Bed Base with a New Mattress?

04:38 Common Mattress Buying Mistakes to Avoid

05:07 Final Mattress Buying Advice & Recap We help Australian families choose the right bed, not just sell one.