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What is the best mattress-in-a-box in Australia?

Finder tested 7 different mattress manufacturers: Ecosa, Emma, Ergoflex, Koala, Sleep Firm, Yinahla and Sleep Republic.

Brands we tested

What is the best mattress-in-a-box in Australia? It's an important question for many of us. After all, we spend a third of our lives in bed, so maximising sleep and support is critical to vitality and mental health. And in recent years, the ease of delivery and quality of the mattress-in-a-box market has boomed.

You can compare the specifications of each brand and find all the vital details and prices below. But for this article, Finder has gone a step further. I've ordered, unboxed and slept on 7 of the biggest mattress-in-a-box brands in Australia so I can provide a first-hand comparison of what they offer. Then I have compared them all to a premium traditional mattress as well.

Mattress Ecosa Emma (Zero Gravity) Ergoflex Koala (Soul Mate) Macoda Sleep Firm Sleep Republic
Type Memory foam Hybrid (foam and springs) Memory foam Polyurethane Dunlop foam Hybrid (latex, foam, springs) Hybrid (foam, springs) Hybrid (latex, foam, springs)
Layers 4 6 4 5 6 5 5
Trial period (days) 100 100 30 365 100 100 100
Warranty (years) 15 10 10 10 10 15 12
Delivery Free Free Free Free Free Free Free
Made in China Germany China China China Australia China
Same-day delivery Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide metro, otherwise 2–7 days Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide metro, otherwise 1–3 days No, next day to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane metro Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide metro No, 2–10 days 5–21 days Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast metro, otherwise 2–5 days
Firmness Adjustable Medium-soft Soft Adjustable (firm, medium-firm) Adjustable (firm, medium, soft) Firm Medium-firm
OEKO-TEX S100 Certification Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No
CertiPur certification Yes No Soft Yes Yes No Yes
Pros • Very comfortable • Good mateirals and eco-friendly • Smartly packaged • Adjustable firmness • Great for warm climates and hot sleepers • Smart mix of springs and foam layers • Good for all sleeping positons • Durable mattress build with unique zero-gravity grid • Excellent for electronic beds • Side sleepers' dream • Keeps its shape well • Quality foam components • Good for all sleeping types • Very comfortable • Plush but firm feel • Long trial period • Very comfortable and deep • Affordable but feature rich • Hybrid design • Decent temperature regulation • Australian made • Amazing for bad backs and neck • Dense spring count • Long warranty • Great blend of components • Incredible spring count for durability and support • Excellent temperature control • Good box design
Cons • Not many comfort layers make it feel overly firm • Not as much bounceback as expected • Edge support not great • Relatively expensive • Poor box design • No single, king single or super king in Zero Gravity • Runs a bit hot • Lack of firmness • Edge support poor • Bit pricey given complexity • Bad unboxing experience • Zipper system is poor • Multi-box delivery a pain • No longer Australian made • Heavy and unwieldly to move • Softer in general regardless of setting • Cumbersome box design • Low spring count • Heavy people not well catered for • Small trial period • No firmness adjustment • Bit of partner disturbance • Long delivery time • Tall mattress can make it hard for some to get into • Doesn't tend to offer much in the way of discounts
Mattress Ecosa Emma (Zero Gravity) Ergoflex Koala (Soul Mate) Macoda Sleep Firm Sleep Republic
Single RRP $800 $3,730 $1,049 N/A $850 $799 $799
Weight (kg) 21 25 24 N/A 30 27 35
King single RRP $950 $4,175 $1,129 N/A $950 $899 $949
Weight (kg) 26 32 28 N/A 36 32 39
Double RRP $1,050 $4,575 $1,499 $2,490 $1,100 $1,199 $1,149
Weight (kg) 30 39 37 44 43 38 43
Queen RRP $1,150 $4,975 $1,699 $2,890 $1,200 $1,299 $1,399
Weight (kg) 35 47 39 50 50 45 49
King RRP $1,350 $5,595 $1,899 $2,990 $1,300 $1,449 $1,599
Weight (kg) 42 56 41 59 59 54 55
Super king RRP $1,650 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A $1,799
Weight (kg) 50 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 60
Height (cm) 25 25 23 29 29 26 31

Ecosa Mattress

Best mattress-in-a-box for stomach sleepers

Ecosa Mattress
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Good materials and eco-friendly

Cons

  • Not many comfort layers make it feel overly firm
  • Edge support is not great

Verdict

I found the Ecosa mattress to be very comfortable. It really snugs into your body nicely and takes all the pressure off your body. It's got decent edge support and a lovely dimpled top that just feels luxe. Being waterproof is a great value-add. For those who want something genuinely firm out of the box, I'd look elsewhere. But you can adjust if you are up for it. It's not great at dealing with extremes of heat, but is well priced and with a market-leading warranty, Ecosa backs its product.

Deep dive

First impressions count and I was quite fond of the way the Ecosa mattress-in-a-box was delivered. It doesn't just roll the mattress, but folds it in half. This results in a squatter, wider box. The wheels on the box are solid and well built, and the plastic handle is easy on the palms. If you're likely going to need to move the mattress some distance after delivery, Ecosa makes it easy.

I reviewed the middle range of the 3 Ecosa mattress variants. It sits between the Vital mattress, which features springs, and the Pure mattress, which adds latex, a material that does a better job of dispersing heat.

Layers explained

The Ecosa mattresses have 4 layers of ergonomic memory foam, which offer support for your lower back, knees and shoulders. A zipper allows you to rearrange the foam layers, too, which in turn gives you the flexibility to shift from medium, to medium-firm and firm styles. It's a bit fiddly and the changes aren't that dramatic, but it does give you a chance to fine-tune the experience.

Depending on which arrangement you go for, you'll also move the 6cm G-7 gel layer further away from your body, which can impact temperature regulation. Something to note. At least it's on top when set to medium-firm, which I suspect is the sweet spot for most users.

All Ecosa's mattresses are made with recycled materials and packaging and are 100% carbon offset, which is a welcome effort in my opinion. They also have removable, washable covers and promise reduced allergy risks. Only the middle Ecosa mattress is waterproof. That's some claim for a memory foam mattress, which are near impossible to dry if soaked, and worth considering if you're buying for a child.

The Ecosa mattress sports a Tencel cover layer (it's actually only 40% Tencel, but that's still better than full polyester) that sits above the high-density G-7 gel memory foam layer designed to stabilise temperature. A thin ECO-Tex memory foam layer sits below that to provide some bounce, durability and breathability. A fourth larger ergonomic support foam layer closes out the experience, relieving pressure and minimising partner disturbance. Channels within this layer further help disperse heat.

Furniture

Ecosa also sells furniture, bases, pillows and more than can be bundled into your purchase. It's worth noting that it is one of the thinnest and lightest mattresses as well, making it good for smaller or less mobile people.

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Emma Zero Gravity Mattress

Best premium mattress-in-a-box

Emma Zero Gravity Mattress
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Great for warm climates and hot sleepers
  • Durable mattress build with unique zero gravity grid

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • No single, king single or super king in Zero Gravity

Verdict: Despite calling itself medium-soft, I found the Emma Zero Gravity mattress to have quite a firm feel to it. With so many layers crammed into a relatively small space, it is to an extent an illusion as the mattress moulds with your movements so quickly it feels like you're always on it. It's not a plush feeling, but it's one of comfortable support.

What you're really paying for here is its ability to receive memory foam conformity, with good heat regulation. That is where the Emma finds its sweet spot, making it a good fit for those who sleep hot or live in warm climates. Assuming you have the budget.

Deep dive

Emma varies from its competitors in that its mattresses are made in Germany, where the company was founded before it expanded globally. It now has 3 mattresses in its range. The base Comfort mattress, the middle-of-the-range Diamond Hybrid mattress and the new, top-of-the-range, Zero Gravity (which I had to review).

At all levels, Emma is on the pricier end of the scale. In part this is likely due to the import costs from Germany, but there's also a lot here in terms of the science of its construction.

The box leaves a bit to be desired. It came with wheels, but they didn't have the strength to deal with the weight and effectively jammed. There was also no handle to pull it on the wheels anyway.

Layers explained

Despite the Emma Zero Gravity mattress housing a whopping 6 layers and a mix of memory foam and springs, it still sits at a svelte 25cm height. Up top, there is a soft and luxuriously patterned polyester breathable cover that you can remove and wash. Although I wasn't overly impressed by the quality of zipper you use to achieve that goal.

Below that you'll find 8cm-thick point-elastic Airgocool foam, which is all about absorbing and evaporating sweat and heat, keeping you cool. Plus, it's got more elasticity than traditional memory foam, bouncing back into shape as you move about. Breathability continues to take a central role in the next channel-heavy AirGrid layer, which also works on minimising partner disturbance.

It's the AirGrid technology that gives the mattress its floaty feel and the zero-gravity name. And there's no doubt it feels great.

Next is the Comfort HRX foam layer, ensuring pressure points are distributed evenly. Then we reach a bit of a differentiator in the AeroFlex pocket springs. You can't feel these from the outside of the mattress, but within its guts this layer further disperses heat while adding durability and zonal support. The final layer is a high-density HRX polyfoam that acts as the cement foundation to hold all above it together.

There's a lot going on in this mattress and unless you're really expecting to run hot, you may just want to look at the Diamond Hybrid or, for the kids, even the base Comfort model.

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Ergoflex

Best mattress-in-a-box for side sleepers

Ergoflex
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Excellent for electronic beds
  • Side sleepers' dream

Cons

  • Lack of firmness
  • Bit pricey given complexity

Verdict

Of all the mattresses I reviewed, the Ergoflex has the most unique feel. Despite calling itself medium-firm, I'd call it soft or even spongey. You really sink into this mattress and it doesn't have much resilience on the outer edge. This is likely due to it using true viscoelastic foam, as opposed to a hybrid memory foam of other mattresses that attempts to imitate the viscoelastic feel.

As someone with a bad back, I was immediately put off by the lack of support and felt a constant unease, despite the clear comfort. However, I can imagine people that suffer from pressure issues like hip complaints or circulation issues would love it. Those who run hot may long for the added cooling measures of the more layered beds, though.

It's also worth noting that the flexible nature of this mattress makes it a great option for people on electric beds as it changes shape easily.

Deep dive

There's a lovely little note on the Ergoflex website, where the company points out it's the only mattress-in-a-box manufacturer that's been around longer than its warranty period. I had a good chuckle at that well-aimed dig. Indeed, dating back to 2006, Ergoflex is the original in the space, even if it may have lost out the marketing battle to more recent brands.

The 5G you may see next to this mattress refers to the fact it's the company's fifth-generation effort, a fact that can't be ignored. Koala, by comparison, is only on its second-generation mattress. It only has one variant, too. All that knowledge and experience is therefore channelled into one option.

However, it hasn't been channelled into the box. With no wheels or handle, it's a lug to move around. And it had styrofoam in it, which at some point had been crushed by the mattress's weight, creating quite the mess. It also unravels facing the wrong way up.

Layers explained

Unlike its competitors, Ergoflex starts with a 100%, all-natural Tencel outer cover, which is lovely and can be removed and washed. It then has a bold first layer that's 9cm thick. It's built from high-density visco-elastic memory foam, giving it a lot of play for relieving pressure, shaping to your body and nullifying the movements of a partner.

Below that sits a 5cm cool-sleep airflow layer, with channels that funnel heat to the edges and into the night. A bottom 9cm-thick high-resilience layer holds the base together, which looks to add strength and durability.

At only 23cm thick, the Ergoflex mattress does have the benefit of staying lower to the ground, making it easier to get into for shorter sleepers or those with minimalised mobility. Back to top

Koala (Soul Mate)

Best mattress-in-a-box for comfort

Koala (Soul Mate)
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Good for all sleeping types
  • Very comfortable

Cons

  • Zipper system is poor
  • Multi-box delivery a pain

Verdict

The Koala mattresses differentiate themselves from the rest with their polyurethane foam layers and patented temperature-dispersal systems. They're a little pricier, especially the Soul Mate, but I can't deny they get the mix of plush comfort and a firm supported sleep is just about right. While the Soul Mate has its advantages, the middle-of-the-range Calm As is likely where most will find the best bang for buck. I've previously done a detailed review of all 3 Koala mattresses.

Deep dive

On the back of a strong marketing campaign, Koala quickly cemented itself as one of the big names in the mattress-in-a-box scene. Despite its Aussie-made beginnings, the current second-generation mattresses are made in China like most of Koala's competitors. It's a shame, but the quality of these mattresses is still strong.

The Soul Mate delivery (like the Calm As) is a real pain. They come quickly enough, but in 2 boxes, both without wheels or handles. The Kloudcell layer, which I will detail shortly, needs to be attached afterwards and it's a pain in the neck. At least it comes with a cuddly koala toy for the kids.

There are 3 variants in the Koala range. The base OG model (which comes in one box), the Calm As and then the Soul Mate. I have reviewed all 3 Koala mattresses previously, should you want a deeper analysis. The one I had on hand during this comparison was the Soul Mate, but if you read that article, you'll note that I think the Calm As is the real sweet spot for value. It also comes in all sizes.

Layers explained

But sticking with the Soul Mate, there is no doubt you notice the premium finish. The top layer is a polyester called Sensapole that is an active player in temperature management. It doesn't just disperse heat, for example, but adds cool using a phase-changing material called Viscosel. And vice versa. It's 2cm thick, too, giving a quilt-like or topper-like feel.

Below it is the Kloudcell comfort layer, which is a whopping 9cm thick, and is all about delivering a plush feel, as well as responsiveness and pressure relief. A charcoal-infused antimicrobial transition layer followers, filled with channels for airflow. Then you have the key support layer, which comes in the form of 5 zones of supportive polyester springs. So effectively foam in the form of springs.

It's held in place by a non-slip base that rises up the sides to offer some – but not exceptional – edge support.

Design

The top Kloudcell layer can be removed and flipped to switch between medium-firm and firm. I can't say I could really notice the difference too much. I do know that the cheap zipper makes it a pain to do and not worth trying for most. What I do love about the Koala Soul Mate mattress is that while it does feel comfortable and plush, it still feels very firm.

Part of Koala's appeal is that it feels like memory foam, but it's actually polyurethane foam that has a bouncier feel to it. It's a bit better with temperature regulation, too, although I did find – like most foam mattresses – it still runs a bit hot.

The Soul Mate comes with a whopping year-long return policy as the premium model in the range. But it's big and heavy to move. It's worth noting that at 31cm tall, it's a very high mattress as well and may be challenging to get into for kids or those with mobility issues.

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Macoda

Best mattress-in-a-box for guest room

Macoda
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Very comfortable and deep
  • Hyrbid design

Cons

  • Softer in general regardless of the setting
  • Cumbersome box design

Verdict

The Macoda makes smart use of the strengths of its materials to create a versatile one-and-done mattress. It's instantly comfortable, hugging you like a mother's embrace. If you sleep on your side, it will feel groovy and it does handle temperature well. But those seeking a lot of support for bad necks or backs, or who need something strong to climb in and out of, may find it lacking. Something that could have possibly been fixed by making more of its spring layer.

Deep dive

Keeping things nice and simple, Macoda has one mattress variant in its range. When you open the box, the plush-looking pillow top is immediately inviting. There's no doubt it has a luxurious look. It also has some internal complexity as the Macoda mattress looks to maximise the strengths of foam, springs and latex in the one design.

You wouldn't expect as much when you receive delivery. While I appreciated the effort of putting wheels on the box and providing a handle, neither worked well. The box is tall and slim, making it topple easily. And the rope handle is hard on the hands. Once open the experience improves.

Layers explained

The top layer, which is removable and washable, is made from bamboo. It's both breathable and comfortable, which is a win for people who suffer from allergies due to its antibacterial properties. A 3cm premium Dunlop latex layer sits right below that, which offers cushioning and responsiveness, as well as superior temperature control.

Below that is a 5cm gel-infused memory foam, with the gel beads playing a further role in pulling heat from the layers above and dealing with it. That said, given you can flip the layers, the gel layer is only on top when set to the softest firmness as described above. This means firm and medium-firm sleepers will see a decrease in temperature regulation as the gel layer is buried deeper beneath the surface.

High-density support foam (3cm at 70kg/m3) turns up in layer 4, giving the mattress its firmness and durability, while absorbing movement. And below that you have 5 zones of pocket springs, which give the mattress durability and edge support, while helping it conform to your body shape. Indeed, as you move towards the edge, the springs shift from 1.8mm to 2.3mm gauge, which is great.

But overall, the pocket spring count is low compared to the Sleep Firm and the Sleep Republic. So, the springs are working harder to manage your weight. A base then sits below this layer, but it doesn't run far up the sides due to the pillow-top design. So, you don't get full edge support.

Feeling

One of the strengths of the Macoda is that it's quite easy, thanks to the solidly built zipper, to swap around the top 3 layers to change between soft, medium and firm layers. But when compared to the other mattresses, regardless of the layer, it's a softer feel overall. This is a mattress you really sink into, which may or may not be to your liking. Especially if you are a side sleeper.

It's definitely comfortable and cool. While the hexagonal-shaped topper makes it feel more like a traditional mattress to the touch. But with limited edge support, some may find it hard to get in and out of. And as much as I loved the comfort, if – like me – you're concerned about your back or neck, the Macoda may not give you the firm support you need. Back to top

Sleep Firm

Best mattress-in-a-box for back pain

Sleep Firm
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Australian made
  • Amazing for bad backs and neck

Cons

  • Small trial period
  • No firmness adjustment

Verdict

It's all in the name with this mattress-in-a-box. The firm in Sleep Firm absolutely talks to the feel of it under your body. If you're seeking a firm mattress, you can almost stop the fight. In my experience, perhaps only the Koala OG mattress competes in offering a firm night's sleep.

Despite the firmness, you can feel it conform to the shape of your body, but it's not what you would call plush or luxurious. I'm 100kg and I didn't sink into it much at all. But I wouldn't say it's uncomfortable either. If you know what hard-firm feels like and it's what you want, the mattress is great. If you're expecting a level of plushness, any level, you'll be disappointed.

Deep dive

On delivery the Sleep Firm mattress packaging is neither a wonder in easy movement, but nor is it a frustration. Right down the middle there. It does have the longest potential delivery time, with anywhere from 5 to 21 days expected depending on how rural you are.

Layers explained

The Sleep Firm mattress puts a lot of its eggs into its springs system. The mattress, of which there is only a single variant, uses a S+ Pro, 5-zone, independent spring system. Each spring is wrapped in N-100 medical-grade fabric, making them 42% stronger than the pocket springs you'll find in other mattresses on this page.

It's a dense spring count, too, with the king squeezing 1,326 springs across the 5 zones. Sitting above the springs is a polyurethane Dunlop foam that the company dubs Boomerang. It's high density, rebounding after each night to ensure the firmness of the mattress doesn't dissipate over time. This foam encases the entire spring layer, adding edge support.

But it's not devoid of comfort and follows many of the design decisions seen from Koala in its layers. The top layer uses BekaertDeslee's adaptive fabric, which plays an active role in managing temperature, helping to cool when hot and vice versa. A Quiltec foam layer doubles down on that, bringing airflow into the mattress. It's joined by a Coolmax polyester layer that transports moisture out of the mattress to add antibacterial properties.

Design

The mattress does have a thick stitching around the outer layer top and bottom. For most people, that's of little concern. But for tall people like me, your toes can hit it, which is an annoyance. As a super firm mattress, there's more impact to a partner in this bed than some of the others on this list, too.

Extra kudos goes to Sleep Firm for being Australian made (by Chiropedic). And it backs itself in with a fantastic 15-year warranty. The Sleep Firm mattress is also very easy to get in and out of thanks to its best-in-class edge support and it does a great job in dealing with moisture in humid climates.

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Sleep Republic

Best mattress-in-a-box for heavy people

Sleep Republic
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Great blend of components
  • Incredible spring count for durability and support

Cons

  • Tall mattress can make it hard for some to get into
  • Doesn't tend to offer much in the way of discounts

Verdict

Everyone is different, but I found the mix of comfort and support in the Sleep Republic mattress just about perfect. It feels plush and comfortable, but moulds to your body and feels strong against the key parts of your skeleton. There's decent edge support, too, but the one-size-fits-all approach to firmness may leave some out in the cold. Speaking of which, it runs a bit warm, too, making it great for temperate and colder climates.

Deep dive

Sleep Republic puts all its eggs in one basket with a single mattress variant with a medium-firm feel. Although I'd argue it's more on the medium side, thanks to its plush feel. The Sleep Republic mattress combines foam, springs and latex into a hybrid mattress, looking to leverage all their strengths.

It's a positive experience from the off, thanks to a great box design. Good wheels and a solid handle make it easy to move. It also comes with a plastic cutting device inside.

Layers explained

For its top cover, Sleep Republic has gone for knitted Cashmere (40%) blended with polyester. It makes for a strong and warm topper, good for comfort and colder climates. It sits above a gel memory foam layer that's 3cm thick, which not only allows the mattress to conform to your body shape, but regulate temperature. It's a high-density layer, too, at 60kg/m3, giving the bed added durability.

A 3cm Dunlop latex layer sits below this. Again, this adds strength and support, but isn't the ideal form of latex for moving temperatures about, even if it's an eco-friendlier option and Sleep Republic have dotted it with ventilation holes.

Below this you'll find pocket springs, which are not only independent (stopping movements from disturbing a partner), but packed in. The queen has a whopping 1,850 and it rises to 2,500 for the super king. More springs means more weight distribution, offering better support and durability. And a best-in-class partner-disruption experience.

You get 5 zones of spring strength, with the high-tensile steel coils changing to best match a body's shape. It's worth noting that the spring gauge thickens from 1.8mm to 2.2mm near the edge, a nice design decision that adds to edge support. The entire bed is then wrapped in a 3D mesh spacer fabric layer, which further distributes heat.

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Mattress-in-a-box vs traditional or normal mattress

Many Australians are now choosing a mattress-in-a-box and having a great experience, but it can be hard to believe that there isn't some compromise when a mattress is delivered all squished up. I know that's what I first thought.

The benefits of a mattress-in-a-box are pretty clear. They are cheaper as they are easy to deliver and can be sold online. They're also easy to get into areas with difficult access, in particular flats. They all offer risk-free trials and there's a widening variety of options on the market.

Traditional mattresses also have their positives. They can be more complex with the layers and components, as they don't have to be squished up. They aren't as reliant on foams, which have been known to diffuse unwanted gasses. Plus, you can go into a store and try before you buy.

When the mattress-in-a-box phenomenon took off, the focus was on generic foams. Now there's a wide variety of foam forms, as well as latex and even springs to be found in these mattresses. None of these components are impacted by the vacuum-packing process either. The gap has certainly been closed.

But what about the actual comfort difference? Is it noticeable? In order to test this, I got in a traditional mattress to test out against the mattress-in-a-box options on the market.

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Yinahla mattress review – Premier Luxe

Best mattress-in-a-box alternative

Yinahla mattress review – Premier Luxe
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Good for all sleeping positions and temperatures
  • Complex layering and zonal support

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky compared to mattress-in-a-box
  • On the expensive side

Verdict

When compared to a mattress-in-a-box, the Yinahla range is certainly expensive, but you can't argue with the quality of the back support and comfort layering you get for the extra money. Yet it's not a slam dunk. The Yinahla Premier Luxe is difficult to move into place, takes a while to manage temperature and despite being a pillow top, has an annoying thick seam on the edge that hits the toes of tall timbers like me.

With my bad back and tossing and turning, I absolutely appreciate the added support a traditional mattress can deliver. But I wouldn't say I found it more comfortable or even had a better sleep than I did on my previous mattress, the Koala Soul Mate. My point being, double the money doesn't get you twice the experience. But it does get you something incrementally better.

Deep dive

There is no doubt that the delivery experience with a traditional mattress is a clunky one. The weight and size of these mattresses, especially the top-of-the-range Premier Luxe model that is 37cm thick, requires some effort to go up a staircase and even get onto a frame. It was a stark reminder of how much easier delivery of a mattress-in-a-box is.

Although to be fair, there was far less packaging to dispose of afterwards. And I do love that Yinahla is Australian made.

When you see the complexity of what a traditional mattress can offer, it's hard not to be impressed. The Premier Luxe model I reviewed has 10 layers, dwarfing the mattress-in-a-box options. I was surprised by how many of these layers transcend both types of mattresses. And indeed, still uses memory foam.

Layers explained

The Yinahla Premier Luxe mattress leads with a premium knitted fabric layer with the adaptive technology that plays an active role in temperature measurement. There are then 7 (yes, 7!) comfort layers consisting of different foams. This includes a gel memory foam layer for dispersing heat, high-density foam for support and durability, hypersoft Dunlop foam and Quiltec foam.

However, there aren't as many ventilation layers and I did find the mattress slow to warm, then slow to cool.

In addition, there are 2 separate layers of springs. There's an initial micro-pocket spring layer, which is followed by an ultra-coil pocket spring layer that's broken into 9 zones. That 9-zone support system is across the whole Yinahla mattress range, by the way.

So, the partner disruption and back support here is exceptional as you're just getting a lot more support the whole way through the mattress. But it doesn't quite envelop you like the softer mattress-in-a-box foam feel.

Bonus

I was surprised to find that Yinahla offers a 100-night trial period, which matches what we see in the mattress-in-a-box options. And the 20-year warranty is astounding. You're definitely getting a lot more security there, especially as it can be bought in bricks-and-mortar establishments that aren't suddenly about to disappear off the web.

But you also pay for it. These mattresses are around double the price of the same size premium mattress-in-a-box options. Are you getting more for your money? Yes. Twice as much? I would argue no and they're not twice as comfortable either. So, when you weigh up value for money here, it's a pretty closely run race.

Koala mattress review

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How did we pick this list

20
Products researched
100+
Hours testing
7
Products tested

Why you can trust our picks

We know just how much difference a quality mattress can make to a good night's sleep, so we took the task of finding the best mattresses in Australia very seriously. So how did we choose the winners?

For real! We got each of the mattresses together in the one space and our expert (and his family) slept on them over the course of 6 weeks. They were rotated onto different bases and slept on at different ambient temperatures.

We also compared these top-rated mattresses against other products in the same category, taking into account factors such as:

  • Price
  • Firmness (including whether the mattress is available with multiple firmness levels)
  • Design and construction
  • Trial periods (for mattress-in-a-box options)

What to look for when buying a mattress-in-a-box

There's a lot of individuality and subjectivity in deciding on a mattress. What's right for you may not be right for someone else. And what's "right" can often also come down to price. But over the course of this article, I'll do my best to convey the strengths of each mattress and the kind of sleeper they are best suited to.

From my experience testing the various mattress-in-a-box brands here in Australia, here are some key components you want to think about:

Firm vs medium vs soft mattress

Do you predominantly sleep on your back, stomach or side? For back and stomach, a firmer mattress is going to offer better support. For side sleepers, a softer mattress is likely a better fit. If you're a mix, well, medium to medium-firm is possibly a good middle ground.

But it also depends on your weight (how far you sink into the mattress) and if you have specific medical pains to navigate (in particular back or neck issues). If you don't weigh much, you can get away with softer, all-foam mattresses as you don't get too engulfed. If you have back or neck pain, multi-zone support and firmness (especially over time) may be more critical.

Components

The most likely components you will find in your mattresses are springs, memory foam and latex. Or some combination between them.

  • Springs offer plenty of bounce and support, but don't mould to your body shape as effectively as foam and can sag over time. It's easier for air to pass through springs, which helps with temperature regulation. These mattresses are usually cheaper.
  • Foam mattresses conform to your body and are very stable, but also trap heat, which can be a concern in Australian climates. It's now also common to have multiple layers of different foams and foam densities, each delivering on goals like support, temperature regulation and comfort. These mattresses are usually middle of the range in cost.
  • Latex mattresses also offer good bounce and support, but are far more durable than springs. They're also a lot better at temperature regulation.
  • More and more we are seeing hybrid mattresses that mix 2 or all of the above, looking to get the best out of their strengths.

Partner movement

If disturbing your partner is a big part of your decision making, beds with a focus on memory foam or pocket springs will be the most effective. These absorb movement. With pocket springs, each spring is independent, so compressing one does not impact its neighbours.

Trial and warranty

As you'll see from the table, most manufacturers offer a healthy warranty and trial period, so there's not too much variance there to worry about. But obviously, the longer the trial period and warranty, the more confident the manufacturer is in its product.

Zones

Numerous mattress manufacturers will refer to their zone support, which is a separate feature to layers. Zones are usually found in a deeper part of the mattress, often in pocket spring form. The idea is that the strength of the springs varies depending on where they are in the mattress, providing cushioning in different ways depending on the body part above it. Hips sink lower than legs, for example, when lying sideways. As such, more zones means there's more ability for the mattress to conform to body shape.

Edge support

If you have mobility issues or rooms where you may often use the side of your bed as a seat, edge support is a key aspect to note. This can be notoriously bad in memory foam mattresses. It can also be a concern when 2 people sleep on small sizes like a double, as you lose support on the extremes.

CertiPUR certification

Being petroleum-based, memory foam can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to health if not built correctly. A CertiPUR certification states that a third party has confirmed that the mattress does not have a risky level of VOCs. The lack of this certification simply means you're relying on the mattress maker's own assertions.

OEKO-TEX S100 certification

This confirms that the mattress has been tested for harmful chemicals in non-foam layers. Again, this is third-party proof of what the mattress maker is already declaring, providing peace of mind.

Customer satisfaction rating breakdown

The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards is an annual national survey conducted in partnership with research firm Dynata. With over 30,000 real shoppers participating, the awards serve as a reliable reflection of Australian consumers' preferences and opinions.

Here are the scores for mattress brands from 2024.

Brand Comfort Durability Overall Support Value for money Recommended Total Score
Sealy 4.6 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.3 98% 4.58
Makin Mattresses 4.5 4.6 4.6 4.4 4.4 95% 4.54
Latex Mattress Australia 4.4 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.2 96% 4.43333
Snooze 4.4 4.3 4.4 4.4 4.3 96% 4.43333
Ecosa 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.3 93% 4.425
Fantastic 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.2 4.5 94% 4.4
Tempur 4.4 4.4 4.3 4.4 4.2 89% 4.36
SleepMaker 4.2 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.3 91% 4.34
IKEA 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.2 4.3 93% 4.33
Koala 4.4 4.2 4.4 4.2 4.2 92% 4.33
Slumberland 4.4 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 94% 4.32
Original Mattress Factory 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.1 82% 4.17
Sleeping Duck 4.3 4.1 4.3 4.1 4 84% 4.17
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2023, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

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