The Ultimate Mattress Buying Guide: Best Types, Prices & Sleep Solutions in Australia

A great day starts with a great night’s sleep, and at the heart of that is a quality mattress. Whether you’re waking up with aches, tossing and turning through the night, or simply due for an upgrade, choosing the right mattress can be life-changing—literally. But with so many options available, how do you decide which mattress is the best?

At Ember Homewares, we believe sleep should be both restorative and affordable. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all your big questions—from “Which type of mattress is the best?” to “Are $1000 mattresses even worth it?” Plus, we’ll cover the top 10 mattresses in Australia, explore what’s used in hotels, and offer savvy alternatives like mattress toppers for budget-friendly comfort.

Let’s lay it all out.

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Which Is the Best Mattress to Buy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the best mattress is one that supports your sleep posture, matches your firmness preference, and suits your budget.

🛏 Key Considerations:

• Sleep Position (Side, back, stomach)

• Body Weight (Heavier sleepers may need firmer support)

• Health Needs (E.g., back pain, allergies, joint sensitivity)

• Material Preference (Foam vs spring vs hybrid)

• Partner Disturbance (Motion isolation is key for couples)

• Budget (From budget-friendly to luxury options)

🔑 Quick Pick:

• Best overall: Hybrid mattresses—they combine the bounce of springs with the contouring of foam for the best of both worlds.

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Which Type of Mattress Is the Best?

There are four main types of mattresses to consider. Here’s how they stack up:

1. Memory Foam

• Best for: Pressure relief and contouring

• Pros: Great motion isolation, hugs your body

• Cons: Can retain heat, may feel too “sinking” for some

2. Innerspring

• Best for: Traditional bounce and firm support

• Pros: Good airflow, responsive feel

• Cons: Can be noisy, less contouring

3. Hybrid (Foam + Coil)

• Best for: Balanced comfort and support

• Pros: Durable, cooling, great for couples

• Cons: Often pricier than single-material options

4. Latex

• Best for: Eco-conscious and allergy-prone sleepers

• Pros: Naturally hypoallergenic, durable

• Cons: Expensive, heavier to move

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Is a $1000 Mattress Worth It?

Absolutely—if you choose the right one. Spending around $1000 puts you in the sweet spot for a high-quality, mid-range mattress in Australia. Here’s what that typically gets you:

• A reputable brand with warranty and returns

• Durable construction (often hybrid or premium foam)

• Comfort layers designed for spinal alignment

• Better edge support and motion isolation

Compared to $300 budget mattresses (which may sag in a year), a $1000 investment often lasts 8–10 years, making it cost-effective over time.

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🏆 Ember Homewares Mattress Rankings

1. Resort Mattress

Best for: Luxury feel and hotel-style sleep

• Often mimics high-end hotel quality with plush pillow tops and advanced coil systems.

• Designed for premium comfort, breathability, and motion isolation.

• Strong aesthetic appeal, typically in neutral or luxurious tones.

• Why it’s #1: High perceived value, strong customer appeal, and excellent comfort ratings.

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2. Grandeur Mattress

Best for: Long-term support and elegance

• High-end build quality, often featuring multi-zone spring systems or hybrid layers.

• Designed to balance orthopaedic support with plush comfort.

• Great for master bedrooms or those wanting lasting comfort.

• Why it ranks high: Premium construction with a luxury price-to-value ratio.

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3. Boutique Mattress

Best for: Style-conscious sleepers and modern bedrooms

• Focuses on both visual appeal and functional comfort.

• Mid to high firmness with stylish design and premium finishes.

• Offers good edge support and minimal partner disturbance.

• Why it's strong: Combines designer flair with solid comfort features.

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4. Giselle Mattress

Best for: Versatile everyday comfort

• Widely known brand with various firmness levels (firm to plush).

• Great hybrid and foam models at accessible price points.

• Offers CertiPUR-US foam and pocket springs across many lines.

• Why it’s mid-tier: Great bang for buck and reliable brand recognition.

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5. Lara Hill Mattress

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers wanting decent quality

• Good mid-range option with balanced firmness and everyday support.

• Often includes quilted tops and medium-firm profiles.

• Attractive for first-time homebuyers or guest rooms.

• Why it’s here: Reliable but not quite as premium or plush as higher-end models.

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6. Palermo Mattress

Best for: Firm support and simplicity

• Budget-friendly and known for firmer profiles.

• Popular among those who need orthopaedic-style firmness.

• May lack premium finishes or multi-layered foam technologies.

• Why it falls lower: Basic comfort, less luxurious feel compared to others.

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7. Feather Comfort Mattress

Best for: Softness and a plush top feel

• Ideal for soft-sleep preference or topping an existing firm mattress.

• May lack long-term structural support or sag-resistant base layers.

• Perfect for temporary setups or light sleepers.

• Why it’s low: Comfort-focused but lacks balance in support and durability.

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8. Value Sleeper Mattress

Best for: Guest rooms, kids’ rooms, or short-term setups

• Extremely budget-friendly with basic coil or foam support.

• Offers practical function but often without long-term resilience.

• Good for occasional use but not everyday primary sleep.

• Why it's last: Purely functional and affordable, but minimal luxury or advanced features.

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Summary Table

 

At Ember Homewares, we stock a rotating range of customer-loved mattresses and offer convenient delivery across Australia.

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Which Mattress Is Better: Spring or Foam?

This is a common question, and the answer depends on your sleep style and comfort preference.

🌀 Spring Mattresses:

• Pros: Bouncier, better airflow, often firmer

• Cons: More motion transfer, can wear unevenly

🌙 Foam Mattresses:

• Pros: Great for side sleepers, absorbs movement

• Cons: Can feel too soft or warm for some

✅ Our Verdict:

• Choose spring if you like a traditional, firmer feel and sleep hot.

• Choose foam if you want body contouring and minimal partner disturbance.

• Or… go hybrid and enjoy both benefits in one!

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Which Mattress Is Used in Hotels?

Ever slept in a hotel bed and thought, I need this mattress at home?

Most luxury hotels use medium-firm innerspring or hybrid mattresses designed for durability, comfort and universal support.

Commonly used hotel mattress brands:

• Sealy Posturepedic

• Serta

• Simmons Beautyrest

• Tempur

Hotels often pair these with high-quality mattress toppers to add an extra plush layer. At Ember Homewares, you can recreate the same 5-star sleep experience with our range of hybrid mattresses and plush toppers—without the hotel price tag.

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Which Mattress Is Best for Back Pain?

If you suffer from back pain, your mattress can make or break your comfort.

🧠 Things to Look For:

• Medium-firm support to keep your spine aligned

• Zoned support (firmer in the middle, softer at head/foot)

• Good pressure relief on shoulders and hips

• Minimal sinkage to avoid poor posture

🛏 Top Picks for Back Pain:

• Emma Comfort – Medium-firm and adaptive foam

• Ecosa Mattress – Adjustable firmness, orthopaedic support

• Sleeping Duck – Custom zones for personalised support

• Sealy Elevate Ultra – Classic support and pressure relief

Don’t underestimate the power of the right pillow too—your spine needs support from both ends!

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Mattress Toppers: A Budget-Friendly Sleep Upgrade

If your current mattress is too firm, sagging, or just not quite right—but you're not ready for a full replacement—a mattress topper is your best friend.

🌟 Why We Love Toppers:

• Affordable alternative to a new mattress

• Instant comfort boost (adds plushness or firmness)

• Extends mattress lifespan

• Removable and washable

At Ember Homewares, we stock a range of memory foam, cooling gel, and down-alternative toppers to help customise your comfort without breaking the bank.

💸 Pro Tip:

Instead of replacing your entire mattress, try a high-quality topper and see if it transforms your sleep. You might save hundreds—and sleep better too!

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Quick Mattress Shopping Tips

Before we wrap up, here are a few final tips to make your mattress shopping easier:

✔️ Test the Firmness:

Most online brands offer 100-night sleep trials. Take advantage of this!

✔️ Know Your Sleep Type:

• Side sleeper? Go for softer or zoned foam.

• Back or stomach sleeper? Try medium-firm to firm support.

• Couples? Look for motion isolation and strong edge support.

✔️ Look for Certifications:

Opt for CertiPUR-US® or OEKO-TEX® certified foams to avoid harmful chemicals.

✔️ Don’t Forget the Base:

Your bed frame or base affects how your mattress performs. Slatted bases, platform beds, and adjustable bases each create a different feel.

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Sleep Better with Ember Homewares

At Ember Homewares, we’re more than just a furniture store—we’re your partner in creating a home that feels good. Our curated range of mattresses, toppers, bed frames and bedroom accessories are chosen for quality, comfort, and affordability.

Whether you're seeking luxury sleep or budget-friendly comfort, we’ve got the perfect solution to help you rest easy.

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Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect mattress doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right information and guidance, you can choose a bed that supports your health, your habits, and your budget. Whether it’s a top-rated hybrid, a $1000 all-foam option, or just a plush topper to give your bed new life, Ember Homewares is here to help you sleep better, every night.

Ready to find your dream mattress?
Explore our collection of top-rated mattresses and bedroom essentials today.