10 best cheap, affordable mattresses in Australia in 2024
Getting better sleep doesn’t mean you have to spend big, thanks to these best budget mattresses – including a popular option that 6k highly rate.
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The process of buying a new mattress can be an ordeal. You walk into a shop, lie on some beds for a few seconds and then awkwardly exit when you realise the one you actually felt the most comfortable on will set you back a few thousand dollars.
On one hand, you know investing in a high-quality mattress is the first step to improving your sleep quality and therefore, your overall health for the long term, since the average mattress is typically designed to last about ten years.
But on the other hand, a mattress isn’t the first item you truly want to be splashing a lot of cash on. So, do you settle for horrible sleep for almost a decade of your life or significantly dip into your hard-earned savings?
Well, thankfully, you don’t have to choose as there’s now a plethora of options available at affordable prices. Plus, thanks to companies like Emma, Ecosa, Koala and Origin, you can shop for a mattress online, avoid anxiety-inducing conversations with mattress sales associates and get the perfect mattress delivered straight to their door, neatly packaged in a box.
To help you find the best cheap mattress, we’ve thoroughly researched all the great cheap mattresses on the market and assessed which ones provide the best comfort, longevity and quality for a low cost.
We’ve found the best budget mattresses to suit every type of sleeper and budget, including the
the Emma Mattress loved by over 6000 people, it’s currently 45 per cent off – bringing it down to $852.50 (from $1550). Shoppers say it’s a “life changer” and “helped my quality of sleep”.
There’s also the Boutique Mattress Memory Foam + Pocket Spring mattress, which is currently 28 per cent off – reviewers say it offers “goldilocks comfort”.
*All prices reflect Queen-sized options, except where stated otherwise, so make sure to jump through the links for alternative sizes and pricing.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST ALL-ROUNDER AFFORDABLE MATTRESS
Emma Comfort Adapt Plus Mattress (Queen), $852.50 (down from $1550) at Emma
What You Need To Know
The Emma Comfort Adapt Pluss Mattress is made from high-quality memory foam that adjusts to your sleeping position, contours to your individual body shape and supports spinal alignment, all without disturbing your partner. It also regulates your body temperature so you can stay cool throughout the night and the hypo-allergenic cover reduces the build-up of allergens to keep you and your mattress fresh.
This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night risk-free trial, but judging from the 4.6 out of five-star average rating from over 8,500 reviews on ProductReview, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be unsatisfied after testing it out.
Shoppers have raved about this mattress, saying they’ve had “best night’s sleep in ages”.
“We bought this replacement mattress for our guest bedroom and the first guest who slept on it said, ‘Best night’s sleep I’ve had in ages’. He also said he had a newish mattress at home that was not nearly as comfortable. From our point of view, it was easy to order and we received the order very quickly.”
Another wrote: “I can tell you this is a life changer. It has provided more support for my back and has helped my quality of sleep.”
Boutique Mattress – Memory Foam + Pocket Spring, $579 (down from $809) at Mattress Crafters
What You Need To Know
The perfect combination of memory foam and pocket springs, this mattress is affordable luxury at its best. It has a 32cm height, a 2.2 coil spring system and seven zones for targeted support for different parts of the body. Plus, egg foam layers create enhanced breathability and cushioning.
It’s also one of Mattress Crafter’s bestsellers and currently has an average 4.9 stars with one reviewer declaring it the “best budget mattress” with “goldilocks comfort”
“This mattress is so comfy, just don’t want to get out of bed!” wrote one five-star review. Another said, “This was my first time purchasing a “mattress in a box” and I did a lot of research prior to taking the plunge. This mattress is amazing – incredible quality, very comfortable (more on the firm side), and so easy! I left it for two days once unwrapped prior to my daughter sleeping on it. The mattress has a nice depth and makes the linen/bedding look great.”
Others also rave about how “easy” this mattress in a box is. Many reviewers praise delivery, saying it is quick and that unboxing is a cinch, with many saying they simply left the mattress to unfold for a couple of days and voila, it was ready to go.
BEST AFFORDABLE ECO-FRIENDLY MATTRESS
The Koala SE Mattress (Queen), $950 at Koala
The Koala SE Mattress
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
One of the best value mattress-in-a-box on the market, this mattress is designed for not only the best sleep but also to save your wallet too.
The foam mattress also features a fixed quilted topper for that sought-after cloudlike feeling. And according to the news.com.au checkout editor Hannah Paine, it works just as well for stomach and side sleepers as it does back sleepers, too.
“I’m a side sleeper and found the mattress incredibly comfortable thanks to the ‘hugging’ sensation the Kloudcell layer provided.
“My partner sleeps on his back and also found it comfortable, saying it moulded well to his body for a good night’s sleep.”
It also incudes a tencel cover that works to keep your temperature regulated throughout the night. It helps absorb and release moisture, encouraging greater breathability for your body.
The three-zone support system was one factor that Hannah loved.
“While being soft and cushiony to the touch, Koala’s signature three-way support design meant my lower back and neck felt supported while I slept — again, it gives the mattress a hammock-like support feeling,” she said.
Koala’s Zero Disturbance Tech is designed to isolate motion so you won’t be woken up by your partner. Hannah said this was “by far the feature that made it the most comfortable”.
BEST MATTRESS FOR BACK PAIN ON A BUDGET
The Origin Hybrid Mattress (Queen), $703.20 (down from $879) at Origin
What You Need To Know
With a stack of awards and five-star reviews, Origin’s Hybrid Mattress is a no-brainer if you’re on the hunt for a great cheap mattress. Most importantly, this mattress has been approved by a team of international sleep experts and Olympic athletes, and was designed by orthopaedics to set a new standard for those who suffer from back pain. The beauty lies in Origin’s signature HexaGrid that keeps the mattress snugly and plush while cradling pressure points, which is combined with Tencel for unparalleled cooling comfort and healthy back support.
“I was having a lot of issues with our old mattress with my back, and we badly needed a new one,” one reviewer detailed. “Within a week of having the Origin Mattress, the issues started to fade. I have found that this is firm enough to give me a good night’s sleep without giving me back issues.”
Another person who used to suffer from bodily pain, wrote: “I have struggled with back pain for many years. With Origin, it’s like I am sleeping on a soft cloud, with no more back pain and I never feel any movement from my husband during the night.”
Original also manufactures all of its products with the environment in mind, donates all returned mattresses to the Salvation Army and collaborates with local Australian NGOs to help protect the environment.
And if you’re still not convinced, know Origin mattresses comes with free delivery, a 120-day trial period and a 15-year warranty.
BEST CUSTOMISABLE AFFORDABLE MATTRESS
Ecosa Mattress (Queen), $920 (down from $1150) at Ecosa
What You Need To Know
With prices starting from as little as $640 (on sale, at the time of writing) with the largest size (super king) being $1,320 (again, on sale), this Ecosa Mattress ticks off all our requirements. Why? Well, it features not one but three types of foam, which all serve a differing purposes to deliver one aim – giving you the best night’s rest. These layers can be switched around to suit your firmness preference, making it a completely customisable experience.
But the most unique feature that sets the Ecosa apart from the other selects in our roundup is the addition of the waterproof and washable protector. You can literally spill a glass of wine on it and the liquid will wipe right off. Perfect for a long-term investment, right?
We’re not the only ones who are convinced this is one of the best mattresses on the market in terms of affordability and quality — over 17,000 five-star reviews have vouched for this bestseller from Ecosa.
“Great to have the option to change the firmness by rotating layers. Works really well with the Ecosa Mattress Topper too. Easy to unpack and ‘inflates’ itself easily.Well priced and delivery was prompt.”
A second reviewer wrote: “We bought this as it was the most affordable foam mattress. Best decision ever. Although it rolled into a box, when opened it was a solid mattress … It’s perfect. Also doesn’t get warm at all!”
BEST CHEAP MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS
Eva Comfort Classic Mattress (Queen), $1200 at Eva
What You Need To Know
Hybrid mattresses, especially those with quality memory foam, tend to be on the pricier side so it’s relieving knowing the Eva Comfort Classic is a wallet-friendly option. As a budget hybrid mattress, it includes gel memory foam with cooling gel beads, premium latex foam, plush density foam, five-zone pocket springs and robust edge support, which makes it practically impossible to fall off your bed or sink down into it.
One reviewer compared it to their more expensive mattress, saying, “I have two mattresses/beds in my house and was previously sleeping on a $3000 mattress until I got the Eva, tried it, and swapped the Eva to my primary mattress.”
“The firmness of the mattress is what I love the most, it’s firm and supportive without being hard. It feels absolutely luxurious with a softness around the support. I never feel like the mattress has lost its shape at all even after sleeping on it for a year.”
Another five-star reviewer was shocked at the supreme quality, despite its kinder price tag.
“For the price point, I am amazed at the perfect balance of supportive firmness yet comfortable softness to be able to sleep on both my back and side without aggravating or creating new next-morning lower back soreness.”
BEST CHEAP LATEX MATTRESS
Giselle Bedding Queen Mattress Euro Top Latex Layer 9 Zone, $279.95 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Latex foam mattresses are a great option for hot sleepers because they’re especially good at circulating airflow and regulating temperature compared to certain types of other foam mattresses, which can have a tendency to trap more heat. You can find this feature in this medium-firm mattress from Giselle Bedding, which features a mix of natural latex, enhanced six-turn coil, egg-shaped foam and premium Belgium knitted fabric to promote an optimal amount of airflow throughout the mattress.
“It is extremely comfortable, feels very full of padding, very supportive, soft but not squishy, firm but not hard,” a customer posted. “I would never have imagined that a bed in a box would feel this substantial and comfortable.”
BEST CHEAP MATTRESS IN A BOX
Casa Decor Pillowtop Bamboo Pocket Spring Mattress (King), $599.95 (down from $939) at Myer
What You Need To Know
OK, all of the mattresses in this roundup are packaged and delivered in a box but we couldn’t look past this one from Casa Decor because of its cheap price. It’s specially designed with a lower five-zone pocket spring formation to target the five most important areas of the body — the feet, knees, lower back, head and shoulders. This provides pressure relief and support by conforming to the contours of your body while also ensuring zero-partner disturbance by minimising all motion disturbance from tossing and turning.
“I sleep very different to my partner and this mattress I bought without ever feeling or laying on it,” one person wrote. “I love that I cannot feel my partner move, and the separate spring mechanisms let the other one sleep longer without being woken up by movement.”
A happy reviewer simply said, “So so comfortable, was a very fast delivery, very affordable.”
BEST CHEAP FIRM MATTRESS
Studio Home Firm Helena Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress (Queen), $299.99 at Temple & Webster
Studio Home Firm Helena Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
What You Need To Know
This affordable foam mattress by Studio Home provides full body support thanks to it’s combination of green tea memory foam and high-density foam. It offers antimicrobial properties which makes it an ideal choice for those with asthma or allergies, and comes conveniently packed in a box.
“I purchased this mattress last week for occasional use for guests. It arrived quickly, rolled up in a box. When removed from the box it quickly enlarges to it’s normal size. This mattress is very comfortable and soft but supportive. My guests said they enjoyed sleeping on it and were very thankful to have such a comfy and supportive mattress. I am very pleased I bought it as it is great value for money,” one wrote.
“Top quality mattress – the most comfortable bed I have slept in a very long time! I have ongoing trouble with my back and neck and this mattress provides the perfect support. Would definitely recommend,” another wrote.
BEST AFFORDABLE HYPO-ALLERGENIC MATTRESS
DeepDream Pocket Spring Mattress (Queen), $699 at Temple & Webster
DeepDream Pocket Spring Mattress (Queen)
What You Need To Know
Needing to find a mattress with supreme hypo-allergenic qualities can add another level of difficulty to the bed-hunting process but it’s essential if you’re trying to keep your allergies, asthma or any irritations at bay. Our pick is this one from DeepDream, which is infused with charcoal to fight against dust, dust mites, mould, bacteria, allergens and all the other nasties you don’t want to be sleeping on or have growing near your skin. Plus, the charcoal absorbs moisture and odours, keeping you and the entire mattress fresh, dry and clean. Hypo-allergenic qualities aside, it’s also incredibly comfortable to sleep on, according to a heap of five-star reviews.
“Great comfortable mattress,” one person wrote. “Made my husband stop snoring!!”
Countless users have commented on the quick delivery, too.
“I purchased this mattress at midnight when I was tortured by the bed that came with my new rentals,” a happy customer explained. “It arrives 3 days later. I would say it saved my life! It is definitely worth the price!”
And to give you even more peace of mind, DeepDream is OEKO-Tex certified, which guarantees it’s free from harmful substances and CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring it’s made without harmful chemicals and materials. All that for a few hundred dollars? What a steal.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A MATTRESS
Below are some factors you should consider when purchasing the perfect mattress for your body, sleep needs and budget.
Breathability: According to The Sleep Health Foundation, research has found the ideal sleeping temperature is around 17 to 19 degrees Celsius. This range creates a perfect environment that works alongside the patterns our core body temperature experiences throughout any given night. Depending on the build and material of a mattress, air circulates at different rates so keep in mind whether you’re a hot or cool sleeper.
Sleeping positions: The firmness of a mattress correlates to your preferred sleeping position so, do you sleep on your stomach, back or side? A firm mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers, a medium mattress will provide optimal support for stomach and back sleepers and a soft mattress will contour the body’s curves for side sleepers.
Durability: As we’ve mentioned above, a durable mattress doesn’t mean you have to drop thousands of dollars just because it’s marketed as “the highest quality”. All mattresses in this roundup are both durable and affordable. Of course, you can extend your mattress’ lifespan even further by giving it a regular vacuum and cleaning, as well as using a mattress protector.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best affordable mattress, our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by considering the price, consumer reviews, and quality.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATTRESSES?
There are four key types of mattresses: foam, innerspring, hybrid and latex.
Foam: These are best for side sleepers and great for pressure relief and joint support. The biggest downside is that the dense layers can generate heat quickly, which isn’t ideal for hot sleepers.
Innerspring: These are best cheap mattresses for side and black sleepers, especially those who suffer from backache. Innerspring mattresses feel bouncy and responsive as they contain a support core made from steel coils, topped with a layer of foam. However, they can be too firm for some sleepers.
Hybrid: This type of mattress is perfect for any sleeper and perfect for those who share a bed with someone who has different sleep needs or moves around at night because of its minimal motion transfer feature. Hybrids typically tend to be on the more expensive side due to the hi-tech features but you can definitely find more affordable options on the market like the Eva Comfort Classic Mattress.
Latex: This eco-conscious mattress type is extremely long-lasting and durable, and provides a great balance between bounce and cushion. They’re also ideal for those who suffer from allergies since natural latex repels dust.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR MATTRESS?
According to Koala’s Vice President of Product Design James Whitta, you should start shopping around for a new mattress if you’ve been sleeping on one that’s more than a decade old.
“The lifespan of a mattress can vary depending on the type, quality and usage,
but generally, mattresses should be replaced every seven to 10 years,” Whitta tells news.com.au. “However, this time frame is not set in stone and can be affected by factors such as the mattress material, how well it’s been cared for and individual sleep patterns.”
SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW MATTRESS
Aside from time, there are other things to keep in mind when using a mattress.
“A common complaint I see are people who wake up regularly with aches, pains and stiffness. This definitely is a telltale sign to switch to a new mattress,” explained sleep expert Dr Mark Enriquez D.C.
Here are several other signs:
- Regularly wake up with a sore body, muscle tension or generalised low back stiffness.
- It’s more comfortable to sleep somewhere else, such as the couch or spare bed.
- Middle of the mattress sags more than the outer parts of the bed.
- Mattress makes squeaky sounds whenever there is movement.
- No longer feel refreshed when you wake up.
- Constantly wake up during the night and struggle to fall asleep.
- Experience more allergy or asthma symptoms.
“What you sleep on matters,” Dr Mark said.
“Poor mattresses often cause a lot of discomfort and difficulty falling asleep or getting good quality sleep, which in turn affects your physical and mental health,” he explained. Aside from the usual aches and pains, Dr Mark mentioned poor sleep quality can lead to a variety of concerns such as a weakened immunity or poor recovery, an increased risk of developing health issues including heart disease and diabetes, forgetfulness and reduced concentration.
Also keep in mind that finding a suitable pillow is just as important as getting the right mattress for your body.
MATTRESS VS FLOOR: WHICH IS BETTER?
Sleeping on a mattress is prevalent throughout Western countries, with many people citing ample cushioning; elevation from floor bacteria and dust; and the warmth afforded bodies during colder months as definitive reasons for opting for mattresses over sleeping on the floor.
However, there are many households the world over that will choose a mat on the ground over a mattress on a bed frame. Anecdotal benefits refer to optimum support of the spine and the increased mobility that is permitted when one is not hugged by a plush mattress.
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