Mattress Buying Guide: Find Your Perfect Fit

Your complete guide to better sleep, comfort, and support

We spend about a third of our lives in bed — so if your mattress isn’t pulling its weight, it might be time for a change.

The right mattress isn’t just about comfort. It’s about quality sleep, which impacts everything from your mood to your immune system. In fact, better sleep has been linked to:

• Lowered stress levels
• Improved memory and focus
• Better weight management
• Reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes
• Stronger immune response

If you're tossing and turning at night, waking up sore, or overheating under the covers, your mattress might be the culprit. But how do you pick the right one?

Let’s break it down.

What to Consider When Choosing a Mattress

Finding the perfect mattress starts with understanding your needs and preferences. Here's what to think about:

1. Budget

More expensive doesn't always mean better. There are quality options available for every price point. Decide on a range that feels right, then focus on features that matter most.

Tip: Always check if the mattress comes with a trial period or return policy — especially helpful when buying online.

2. Materials

Different materials suit different needs. Foam, latex, springs, and hybrid constructions all offer unique benefits in terms of support, durability, and feel.

According to the CHOICE mattress buying guide, understanding your material options is key to picking the right bed for your body type and sleep style.

3. Firmness

Mattress firmness is a mix of material density, construction, and your body weight. Lighter sleepers may prefer softer beds, while heavier individuals often benefit from firmer support.

Most brands rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10 — with 6 to 7 being "medium-firm," which tends to suit most people.

4. Pressure Relief

Do you wake up with sore shoulders, hips, or lower back? You’ll want a mattress that cushions pressure points and spreads your weight evenly.

This is particularly important for people with mobility limitations or who are at risk of pressure injuries.

5. Temperature Control

Some mattresses retain heat, especially solid foam options. Look for breathable covers, gel-infused layers, or hybrid constructions if you're a hot sleeper.

The Sleep Foundation recommends choosing a mattress with cooling technology or natural breathability to support uninterrupted sleep.

Types of Mattresses (and Who They’re Best For)

Let’s walk through the three most common types of mattresses, and who they suit best.

1. Spring Mattresses

Best for: People who want bounce, airflow, and classic comfort.

Spring mattresses (especially pocket spring designs) are ideal for support and breathability. Each spring moves independently, which helps reduce partner disturbance and improves weight distribution.

Try: ComfiMotion Pocket Spring Mattress

This zoned pocket spring mattress adjusts to your body’s natural contours, offering soft comfort with firm support where it’s needed most. Great for adjustable beds and hot sleepers.

2. Foam Mattresses

Best for: People needing pressure relief, motion isolation, or cushioned contouring.

Modern foam mattresses often combine layers of different-density foam for support and comfort. Memory foam cradles your body, while a firmer base layer keeps you aligned.

Try: Aspire Lifecomfort Foam Mattress

Designed to reduce friction and protect skin health, this mattress is a go-to for people managing mobility limitations or at risk of pressure injuries.

According to Sleepy's Mattress Buying Guide, foam mattresses are ideal for people who sleep on their side or are easily disturbed by a partner’s movements.

3. Air Mattresses (Medical Use)

Best for: Clinical care, pressure injury prevention, or specialist rehab settings.

Air mattresses are high-tech solutions for people with advanced support needs. They dynamically adjust firmness levels to protect against pressure injuries, often used in hospitals or palliative care.

Try: Aspire Active Air Mattress

Designed for at-home clinical care, this digital air mattress continuously regulates pressure for high-risk users. Ideal for spinal or neurological conditions.

For more details on the clinical applications of air mattresses, check out this guide by Onebed.

Matching Your Mattress to Your Sleep Style

Each sleep position puts different demands on your mattress:

• Side sleepers need cushioning at the shoulders and hips to avoid pressure build-up.
• Back sleepers require medium support to maintain spinal alignment.
• Stomach sleepers often benefit from a firmer surface to prevent dipping at the hips.

Not sure where you land? Most people move around at night — a medium-firm hybrid often provides the most versatile comfort.

Mattress Compatibility with Adjustable Beds

Not all mattresses are created equal — especially when it comes to adjustable bed bases.

Standard spring mattresses can’t flex properly and may break over time. Look for mattresses labelled as "adjustable bed compatible," like:

• ComfiMotion Pocket Spring – flexible and zoned for adjustable comfort
• Aspire Lifecomfort Foam – contours to bed angles while maintaining full support

Need more info? Check out this detailed breakdown from Sleep Doctor Pambula on pairing beds and bases.

Final Tips Before You Buy

• Always check return policies or trial periods.
• Ask about warranty coverage (especially for foam and motorised beds).
• Don't forget to pair your new mattress with a supportive bed base.
• Look into NDIS or aged care funding if the mattress is for health or mobility needs.

Ready to Sleep Better?

At Mobility Hub, we’re all about gear that improves quality of life. That means helping you find the right mattress — one that supports your body, your goals, and your sleep.

Need a hand? Our team is here to help with quotes, advice, and pressure care-friendly recommendations. Call us on 1300 60 44 99 or browse our mattress range online.