Need a new mattress? Aldi is selling its bargain mattress-in-a-box range on Saturday 18 July as part of its Special Buys sale.

The prices are $149 for a single mattress, $179 for a king single, $199 for a double and $239 for a queen. The low cost is certainly enticing, especially when you consider that mattresses from other brands can stretch into the thousands. 

Aldi offers their bed-in-a-box mattresses up for sale about twice a year. Last year ����Vlog purchased a queen-sized mattress in the sale and tested it alongside other brands in our mattress reviews.

We can’t guarantee that the mattress we purchased last year is exactly the same as the models available this year, however our results give a good indication of what consumers can generally expect from this product range.

While our test results are available exclusively to ����Vlog members, we can reveal that the Aldi mattress was a standout performer in our review, which includes an expert round-up of 67 mattresses, including 29 mattress-in-a-box models.

“Last year’s Aldi mattress was one of the top scoring mattresses in our test,” ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny says about that mattress.

“And you can pick up onefor less than $250. The performance results alone are impressive; the fact that it’s so cheap is a very nice cherry on top.”

To help you decide whether you should queue for one of these Aldi buys, we speak to Peter about the pros and cons of mattress-in-a-box mattresses and how to weigh up Aldi’s offer compared to other brands on the market.

What’s to like about the Aldi mattress-in-a-box? 

So how does Aldi’s bed-in-a-box compare with other mattresses?

We put an Aldi mattress through a series of performance tests (the full results of which you can find in our detailed scoring of the Aldi ‘Estelle by Sohl’ mattress). Here are the some of the important takeouts about this mattress.

Price 

With the Aldi queen mattress-in-a-box coming in at just under $240, it’s one of the cheapest mattresses on the market. It also outperformed the next-cheapest bed-in-a-box we have tested (the Zinus Support iCoil Pocket Spring Eurotop, which is $349).

So, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s a tick. And no haggling with a salesperson required. 

60-day guarantee 

If you happen to get it home and you’re not happy with it, Aldi has a 60-day returns or refunds policy on Special Buy items. You must have your receipt though, and the original packaging is preferred, which is a bit of a problem with this one (see ‘What’s not to like’ below). 

Keep in mind that it takes at least a few nights to adjust to a new mattress. Most bed in a box retailers recommend trying a mattress for 30 days to determine if it’s right for you.

Comfort 

The Aldi mattresses has a medium firmness feel and combines a memory foam pillow top comfort layer with pocket springs. Some people prefer this over a spring mattress as it moulds to the body for added comfort. 

But comfort is obviously subjective and some people don’t like that “sinking in” sensation. The benefit of these types of bed-in-a-box mattresses that combine both spring and foam is that it can be said you’re getting the best of both worlds. 

Early mattress-in-a-box models were mostly made of foam. But these days, spring and hybrid models are widely available as well. Remember to double check the materials before you buy, to match your comfort preferences.

What’s not to like? 

Potentially limited availability

Snapping up one of these mattresses involves heading instore and hoping that your local Aldi has stock in the size you are after, and it’s often a case of first in, best dressed. 

You can’t try before you buy 

This is a big one as you can’t try it instore. You’ll have to save the “lie down and see how it feels” test for when you’ve already bought the mattress, taken it home and unpacked it. 

It’s bulky and heavy, and Aldi doesn’t deliver 

Though Aldi hasn’t specified the weight for the mattress in this Special Buy, previous models weighed around 38kg. It’s fair to assume that the new one will be the same, or very similar.

It’s a heavy boy, in other words, so you’ll need a friend to help you transport it, and an appropriate-sized car. The box does come with wheels and carry handles though. 

Returning it will be a pain 

The product is a compressed mattress that expands when unpacked so it can’t be repacked into the box, and you’d have to lug it back to the store yourself. Other online retailers such as Koala, Sleeping Duck and Eva will come and collect your unwanted mattress for no extra charge within the trial period. 

Limited one-year warranty 

When you consider the fact that many mattresses (admittedly at a much higher price point) usually have a minimum 10 years’ warranty, one year seems short, and could be an indication of the manufacturer’s faith in their own product.

Similar bed-in-a-box offerings have 10-, 15- or even 25-year warranties. 

What ����Vlog staff say about Aldi mattresses

We spoke to two of our staff who bought the supermarket’s discount mattress when it was on sale in previous years, and here’s what they say.

On getting the mattress home:

• “Getting the queen mattress home wasn’t too difficult. It was quite heavy, but nothing my partner and I couldn’t handle. It fitted nicely into the back of our small sedan once we put the seats down. Opening the mattress was kinda fun. We’d never bought a bed-in-a-box before, so it was quite remarkable that the manufacturer was able to pack a plush mattress into a much smaller box. Watch out for the rapid expansion and leave enough space, as the mattress becomes large and heavy surprisingly fast.” 
• “I’d organised to borrow a van to transport the mattress home in, but I didn’t consider how heavy it is. We got some help instore, thankfully, but definitely don’t try to buy this and get it home on your own.” 

On comfort:

• “We have it on our guest bed, so I’ve only slept on it a few times myself and I liked it. All my guests have thought it was comfortable, even one who stayed for three months (I made sure to check!).” 
• “I sleep on it every night and I never really think about it being uncomfortable. There are no lumps and it fits to the contour of my body. It feels plush and soft without being wishy-washy. I always get a good night’s sleep. I normally prefer harder mattresses but I like this one. Considering how little we paid for it, this is fantastic. My only small gripe is that the edges are quite soft, which can make moving around on the bed slightly more cumbersome over a mattress with hard edges.” 

Would you recommend it?

• “Definitely. For price, convenience and quality.”
• “Yes I would. Who knows what it’ll be like in a few years time, but for the price, it’s been perfect for our needs.” 

Mattresses-in-a-box vs traditional models: What you should know

Mattresses-in-a-box are deoxygenated – enclosed in vacuum-sealed packaging – making it possible for them be transported in a box, earning them their nickname. Here are some things we’ve noticed over the years we’ve been testing mattress-in-a-box products.

Price

This type of mattress first entered the market in response to the often eye-watering mark-ups made on traditional mattresses sold in bricks-and-mortar stores. 

But although they used to be cheaper than conventional mattresses, usually costing no more than a thousand dollars for a queen-size mattress, we have noticed that bed-in-a-box prices have crept up and even surpassed the RRP of some models sold by traditional retailers.

There are still some affordable products available, however, the Aldi mattresses are significantly cheaper than most of the models we’ve tested (the mattress-in-a-box products in our latest review range in price from $219 for the Aldi model up to over $2000 for ‘luxe’ models from Koala and Sleep Firm).

Performance

Back when we first started testing mattresses, our results found that old-school spring models were the way to go. Then mattress-in-a-box models came along and wiped the bedroom floor of traditional retailers with consistently higher scores. But now, both categories are fairly evenly matched.

Of the 26 mattresses we currently recommend, 10 are from bricks-and-mortar retailers and 16 are delivered or available roll-packed in a box. Some of the most well-known bed-in-a-box brands that we’ve tested include Koala, Macoda and Ecosa.

“This is great news for consumers,” says ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny. “There’s a great range of options of various types, materials, and builds such as foam or spring that are recommended by our experts, so you can really find a good-quality mattress that feels right for a solid sleep.”

“One person’s idea of the perfect comfy mattress may differ from another’s, but we’ve found that a mattress that costs $1000 or less can be just as comfortable, and perform just as well over its lifetime, as one priced at $3000–$5000.”

Convenience

One of the key advantages of buying a bed-in-a-box is being able to buy them online (without having to deal with a pushy salesperson instore) and trying them at home. 

The free trial period often lasts up to 100 nights, with some running to 120 and even 365 nights. If you don’t like the mattress, you can usually return it easily at no extra cost if you live in a metro area. (Unfortunately if you live in a rural area you may have to pay to return it.)

“Mattresses-in-a-box tend to use more foam and foam-like materials than spring mattresses, so they may not be for you if you prefer the feel of a traditional spring mattress. But that’s what the free trial period is for,” says Peter. 

“However, we’re seeing more and more spring mattresses from these manufacturers. You can no longer assume that a mattress-in-a-box is made of foam, which is why we include the core type and construction information in our test.”

Increasing competition

While the mattress-in-a-box market used to be dominated by just a handful of online-only brands, there is now much more competition in this category.  

The online-only mattresses-in-a-box retailers still have the advantage over instore retailers with their home trial offers. 

Many mattresses that are sold in bricks-and-mortar stores don’t offer a trial period or, if they do, it’s quite short: many are around 30 days.

And some mattresses-in-a-box offer adjustable firmness, allowing you to customise your mattress at home by adding or removing foam layers that are included in the box. 

We haven’t come across any retail models that have this level of customisation yet.

Become a ����Vlog member to access our full reviews and test results of mattresses-in-a-box brands and see who comes out on top. 

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But bricks-and-mortar stores stuck around. While these traditional retailers used to be more expensive than a bed-in-a-box, prices have gradually met in the middle. Our test results have been pretty comparable for some time as well.

So does a bed-in-a-box offer better value? In 2015, sure. In 2026? Things aren’t quite as clear cut. There are plenty of reasons to return to the shops or stick with online stores depending on how you like to shop and the kind of bed you prefer.

What’s best for sleep: A retail mattress or a bed-in-a-box?

Back in the day, bed-in-a-box mattresses were mostly made of foam while traditional mattresses from retailers tended to skew towards spring or hybrids (with a few exceptions). The different builds would often determine which type a shopper would opt for, as each has a very particular feel while you sleep.

But according to ����Vlog mattress expert Chris Barnes, things have changed and now all three types are available everywhere.

“Manufacturers even figured out how to put spring mattresses into a box without affecting build quality,” he adds.

“These days, main differences are in the shopping experience and after sales service.”

����Vlog’s expert testing of more than 60 mattresses hasn’t found a single clear indicator of whether brands from bed-in-a-box or traditional retailers are better quality, more supportive, or less bouncy. There’s a fairly even number of great, average and poor performers across both categories.

Of the 26 currently available models we recommend, 15 are from mattress-in-a-box manufacturers, ten are sold by traditional retailers and one is a full-sized spring mattress sold at an online-only store.

You should buy a bed-in-a-box if you…

Want to try a mattress at home

Since day one, mattress-in-a-box brands have set themselves apart from traditional retailers with their trial periods. “We’ll send you the mattress and if you don’t like it after 30 days, you can return the mattress for a full refund, risk free,” they often advertise, or something to that effect.

An at-home trial will give you a much better understanding of whether the mattress is right for you. You’re in your space, you’re comfortable and salespeople aren’t peering at you from across the room (hopefully).

“Just remember that it’s not really try before you buy,” warns Chris. “You still have to purchase the mattress, hand over your cash and then apply for a refund if it doesn’t suit your sleeping style.”

You may even need to cover a portion of the return costs, depending on the brand and where you live. Always double check the returns policy before committing.

Know which type of mattress you want – spring, foam or hybrid

Spring, foam and hybrid mattresses each have a distinct feel. Spring supports you at the top of the bed while foam lets you sink in a bit, with a sense of contouring around your body. Hybrid is somewhere in the middle.

“You need to know your preference before buying, which is where a showroom comes in handy,” suggests Chris. “Blindly buying a bed-in-a-box means you may be stuck with a style that doesn’t work for your body until the trial period is over.”

Want a different firmness on each side of the bed

A couple of bed-in-a-box mattresses have adjustable firmness zones for each side of the bed (excluding singles). Sleepers can add or remove foam sheets to set their section to a preferred firmness that doesn’t affect the other person.

“It’s a useful feature but one that seems to be limited to a few bed-in-a-box brands,” Chris explains. “We’re yet to come across a product like this from traditional retailers.”

Live in a city or major rural centre/large town

The bed-in-a-box trial period is largely geared towards more populated areas. Almost all brands can organise a free collection or arrange an easy drop-off for customers in cities, larger towns, regional centres and so on.

Things get a bit harder if you’re living in a more remote location. The onus may fall on you to sort out the return before getting a refund.

Need a bed pretty quickly

Mattress-in-a-box brands usually keep stock on hand, so your orders should arrive within a couple of weeks depending on where you live. Traditional retailers, however, mostly manufacture based on demand after you commit to the purchase. This can lead to long delivery times.

That’s not to say bed-in-a-box manufacturers don’t experience delays. But most will lay out the estimated delivery windows before buying, so be sure to check this before ordering if time is of the essence.

Don’t want to deal with a large range of products

Browsing aisle after aisle of display beds from over a dozen brands in a full-scale mattress showroom isn’t just time consuming, it’s overwhelming. Toss in a few pushy salespeople and you’ve got yourself a pretty uncomfortable day (or days) of shopping ahead. 

“Bed-in-a-box brands generally offer a much smaller selection that’s easier to browse and understand which product fits your needs,” says Chris. “And all the information is online.” Granted, there are a pretty substantial selection of brands but most make one to four beds, maximum.

Consider a traditional retailer if you…

Don’t know what you want in a bed

Not quite sure if you’re a foam fan, spring stan or hyping for hybrid? You can get a pretty good idea of your preference by trying a few mattresses in-store. That way you can avoid the returns process if a particular build isn’t right for you.

Don’t want to commit to a purchase

When you buy a mattress-in-a-box, you’re out of pocket during the trial period. A showroom may not be a real representation of your home but you don’t have to pay to get in.

Live in a remote or rural area

It’s uncommon for bed-in-a-box brands to collect mattresses from customers outside cities, large towns, regional centres etc. Instead, the terms and conditions usually put the process back on you, which can take time and cost money.

“You may have to organise a collection yourself or transport the mattress to a charity partner or drop-off location,” Chris explains. “In this case, online retailers don’t tend to specify whether you’ll receive a refund for extra expenses like petrol.”

That’s not to say that returning a mattress to a retailer is any easier. But trying mattresses in store gives you a better chance of finding the right one before buying.

Like a soft mattress

There aren’t many mattresses-in-boxes with a soft feel. Most, including adjustable beds, skew towards medium, medium-firm and firm with just a couple of soft and medium-soft alternatives.

Are happy to haggle

Slick negotiators can save even more money on a mattress by haggling with a salesperson. That’s an option you’re not going to get via an online-only bed-in-a-box brand.

The ticket price in showrooms has a lot of flexibility, even during sales periods. Plus, you can chip away even more by buying multiple items at once – like new pillows, mattress protectors, electric blankets and more.

Are shopping on a budget

Almost all of the cheapest mattresses in our test are sold by traditional retailers. Only a few bed-in-a-box models fall into the budget category, which really limits your options. Retailers, meanwhile, offer a larger selection including some of  top performers in ����Vlog testing.

Have money to burn

All that said, the super expensive mattresses are only available through traditional retailers. We’re talking over ten thousand dollars in some cases (no, we haven’t tested these).

If you enjoy splashing cash or firmly believe that price equals performance, head on down to your local bricks and mortar and bust out that gold card.

67 models rated and ranked

A.H. Beard (5) Active Sleep (1) Art & Science (3) Avatar (0) Bedgear (0) Breeze (3) Brosa (0) Clark Rubber (3) Comfort Sleep (1) Deep Dream (0) Dusk & Dawn (1) Ecosa (4) Ergoflex (1) Estelle by Sohl (1) Eva (1) Fantastic (1) Home by Tempur (1) Ikea (9) Kmart (1) Koala (4) Macoda (1) Noa (0) OneBed (0) Origin (1) Original Mattress Factory (2) Peacelily (1) Sealy (4) Silent Partner (0) Sleep Firm (2) Sleep Republic (2) SleepMaker (2) Sleeping Duck (1) Sleeptailor (0) Sleeptight (1) Slumberland (3) Snooze (1) Sommuto (0) Suparest (1) Tempur (0) Tontine (0) Valmori Home Collection (2) Whiteheaven (0) Wonderest (0) Zeek (1) Zenna (1) Zinus (1)

Show more

A.H. Beard

King Koil Comfort Plus

A.H. Beard

King Koil Malibu Firm

A.H. Beard

King Koil Chiro Clarity

A.H. Beard

King Koil Chiro Resolve

A.H. Beard

King Koil Everyday Comfort MK2

Active Sleep

Control

Art & Science

Windsor (previously Silver)

Art & Science

Balmoral

Art & Science

Somerset

Breeze

Premium

Breeze

Medium Cool Gel Euro Top Pocket

Breeze

Signature Double-Sided Flippable

Clark Rubber

Comfort Platinum Latex

Clark Rubber

Comfort Premium

Clark Rubber

Comfort Deluxe (100mm)

Comfort Sleep

Verve Chiro Posture

Dusk & Dawn

Essential MK2

Ecosa

Pure (2023 model)

Ecosa

Essence

Ecosa

Mattress (2022 model)

Ecosa

Truefirm

Ergoflex

5G Memory Foam Mattress

Estelle by Sohl

Euro Top

Eva

Comfort Classic (2023 model)

Fantastic

White Haven

Home by Tempur

Mattress

Ikea

Vesteroy

Ikea

Anneland

Ikea

Afjall

Ikea

Valevag

Ikea

Vagstranda

Ikea

Arkehamn

Ikea

Vestmarka

Ikea

Vatnestrom

Ikea

Abygda

Kmart

Euro Top Pocket Spring

Koala

SE

Koala

Luxe

Koala

Plus

Koala

Mattress (2024 model)

Macoda

Mattress

Origin

Hybrid Mattress

Original Mattress Factory

Revivify

Original Mattress Factory

Refresh

Peacelily

Queen Mattress

Sealy

Posturepedic Exquisite Excellence

Sealy

Posturepedic Crown Jewels Reims Flex

Sealy

Posturepedic Acclaim Alpine

Sealy

Posturepedic Exquisite Aspen Chalet

Sleep Firm

Luxe

Sleep Firm

Mattress

Sleep Republic

Mattress

Sleep Republic

ES

Sleeping Duck

Mach II

SleepMaker

Elements Jordan

SleepMaker

Smart Rest

Sleeptight

Mattress

Slumberland

Sutton Pillowtop

Slumberland

Brighton

Slumberland

Soho

Snooze

Madison Times Square

Suparest

Affinity

Valmori Home Collection

Spring Mattress

Valmori Home Collection

Hybrid II

Zeek

Original

Zenna

Latex Mattress

Zinus

Support iCoil Pocket Spring Eurotop

Include discontinued models (92)

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We test many mattresses each year, assessing them for things like comfort, stability, sagging, comfort retention and firmness. We also test each mattress’s warmth: how warm or cool they are to sleep on. 

In previous tests, we’ve found that some supposedly ‘cool’ mattresses haven’t lived up to their names.

Although we have found a few ‘cool’ mattresses that genuinely are cool, most mattresses tend to run medium-warm or warm, which can be an issue if you’re a hot sleeper.

The good news is that some of the mattresses coming through our labs are now actually living up to their claims, so your dreams of a cool night’s sleep could well be in reach. 

“If you run hot, or you live in a warmer climate, look for mattresses with ‘cool’ insulation in our test results,” says ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny.

“We know they can help you sleep cool because we’ve measured them.”

However, there are still plenty that don’t deliver on their promise. Make sure you check our reviews before buying so you don’t get hot under the collar once you realise your mattress is warmer than advertised. 

We’ll talk you through what makes for a cool mattress, and for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal the best mattresses to keep you cool at night. 

If you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

Why buy a cool mattress?

Just like being too cold at night, being too hot can also disturb your sleep. If you overheat, you’ll probably spend the night tossing and turning, and wake up feeling tired. 

While you can adjust your bedroom temperature and bed linen, sometimes that’s just not enough. Buying a mattress that helps keep your body temperature lower is another way you can tweak your sleeping environment to help you rest better. 

“Mattress manufacturers often make claims about the warming or cooling capabilities of their products, but our tests found that it can be just marketing speak,” says Peter. 

However, we’re now seeing mattresses that actually do deliver a cooler surface temperature. We don’t report on manufacturers’ marketing claims, just the actual data, so when we say a mattress is cool, you can be sure that it really is. 

What makes a mattress cool or warm?

Mattress manufacturers aren’t always forthcoming about how their mattresses deliver a cool night’s sleep, using vague terms like ‘cooling gel’ and references to air flow. So it can be hard for the average consumer to determine whether a ‘cool’ mattress will live up to the hype. 

Mattresses come in a range of different constructions and materials. Depending on who you speak to, you might be told that a latex mattress is best, or that a spring mattress will breathe better. 

When we test the coolness of each mattress, we find that cool mattresses come in a range of different configurations – latex, foam and spring mattresses alike can be measured as cool. So, unfortunately, buying based on the mattress construction alone won’t guarantee you a cooler sleep. 

But if you check our reviews before you buy you can make sure you’re buying a mattress that will actually help keep you cool. You can also sort by price, construction and tested firmness. 

What are the coolest mattresses from our tests?

We independently test and review dozens of new mattresses each year, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed mattress reviews include information about each model’s comfort over time, stabilisation, sweat absorption and more  – all important factors to consider when purchasing a mattress.

Only ����Vlog members can access our detailed mattress testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews across a range of products and services, from fridges and vacuum cleaners to car, home and health insurance.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which mattresses will help keep you cool at night. 

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Some people think that shopping on a shoestring means settling for a mattress that’s wafer-thin, rock-hard or saggy, but our most recent mattress test well and truly debunks that myth.

“The results from our latest review are great news if you’re shopping for beds on a budget,” says ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny.

“Three of the top-scoring mattresses cost less than $500, ranking higher than mattresses costing two to four times as much. Another one that cost less than $250 came in equal fifth, alongside much more expensive options.”

And for slightly larger budgets, the good news continues.

“Over half of mattresses recommended by our experts cost less than $1000 – a win for both your back and your bank balance,” Peter says.

We’ll talk you through how to get a good deal. Plus, exclusively for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal the best affordable mattresses from our tests. 

If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump straight to the test results now.

How cheap is cheap?

When we choose which mattresses to test, we include products that fit the average consumer’s budget. Around two-thirds of the mattresses we test fall in the middle of this price spectrum – between $350 and $1500.

“We find that many models around this price point often strike a good balance between price, quality and performance,” says Peter.

“But we also test mattresses that cost more or less than this, to find top performing outliers, especially at the cheaper end.”

Looking to pay $300 or less?

While you can find some cheaper queen mattresses out there, you’re better off opting for a double if you’re really looking to save. We’ve tested a handful of mattresses in this size category that come in under $300 and some perform quite well. 

Aldi sells its popular ‘mattress in a box’ a couple of times each year, which costs about $250 for the queen-sized bed-in-a-box. But you will need to be patient and keep a close eye on Aldi Special Buys as the mattress comes and goes very quickly.

Sales periods like end-of-financial-year (EOFY), Boxing Day and Black Friday are great times to pick up mattresses on the cheap, with many brands and retailers offering significant discounts. If you can put off buying your new bed until sales season, you may find more options within your budget. 

Why do some mattresses cost more than others?

Our expert testing hasn’t found any clear-cut answer to this question. More expensive mattresses definitely don’t always perform better than cheaper models.

Generally speaking, factors that influence price may include what the mattress is made from, where it’s made and the quality of its materials. 

Our experts caution against being too influenced by clever marketing – what tends to show in our testing is that however many bells and whistles a mattress claims to have, it doesn’t always lead to better comfort and support. 

The best way to save money on a new mattress

Want to pick up a good deal? Then forget everything you know about pricing. 

While prices for many other products are set in stone, mattress prices can be taken with a grain of salt. 

“You should never pay full price for a mattress, unless it’s one of the cheapest models in our test” Peter says.

“����Vlog has been buying mattresses for years for our tests and we’ve found many retailers have a lot of room to move when it comes to price. But very cheap ones, around $350 or less, rarely go on sale as they’re already pretty affordable.”

Don’t be afraid to haggle. While you probably can’t knock much more off an IKEA queen mattress that costs $349, it’s definitely possible to save hundreds elsewhere. 

“Online and instore sales are pretty frequent, so there’s really no reason to pay the recommended retail price for a mattress. If you’re confident and have done your research, you can usually shave a decent amount off the price tag. “

“Just ask them ‘what’s the best price you can do?’ and go from there.”

More tips for buying a mattress on a budget

• It’s sales season year-round these days, so if you’re eyeing a specific mattress but it’s just that bit too pricey, give it some time – if you’re patient you may snag a discount.
• Research, shop around and compare prices – it’s a competitive market. 
• Don’t just shop at traditional retailers or on the showroom floor. Consider buying a mattress-in-a-box – sometimes their prices can be cheaper because they don’t pay for overheads like showrooms or sales staff. And many mattress-in-a-box companies have generous trial periods too.
• Ask yourself whether you need to go large. If you’re buying for a spare room, a teenager or if you’re sleeping solo yourself, consider a double instead of a queen or king.
• Some retailers give discounts if you buy more than one mattress (maybe you could buy an extra for a guest room, or go in with a friend), or if you buy the mattress as part of a bedroom furniture package, or mattress-and-bed bundle deal.
• Check ����Vlog mattress reviews to see which cheap mattresses perform better in our testing.

How we test mattresses

We independently test and review dozens of mattresses each year in our accredited labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

����Vlog experts assessed 54 mattresses for our latest review, rating each one on factors such as firmness and how the comfort changes over time.

We also look at things such as how well they repel sweat, and how saggy or bouncy they are, to give each product a final ����Vlog Expert Rating (its overall score). Find out more about how we test mattresses. 

The good news is that our extensive expert testing shows you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a good mattress. In fact, many of the more expensive models are not necessarily worth forking out for. 

The best mattresses under $500

Our detailed mattress testing results are available exclusively to ����Vlog members. 

If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which budget-friendly mattresses are our experts’ top picks.

These five mattresses are all under $500 and all are recommended by our expert testers.

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With so many options, retailers and price tags to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Should you buy one of those mattress in a boxes online, or head into a store? How do you know if you’re really going to like it when you get it into your bedroom? 

“There’s a huge range of products, price points, materials and features on offer, which can really make your head spin,” says ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny.

“Given how important good sleep is to your health, it’s a decision you really want to get right.”

With so many brands and bed types on the market, Peter says it’s easy to make an error. So that you don’t experience mattress misery, here are the most common mistakes to avoid, plus Peter’s expert tips for finding the best mattress for your body and budget. 

1. Not testing a mattress properly instore

A mattress store salesperson told a ����Vlog staff member when they were looking to buy a new bed recently “some people spend hours testing mattresses in here”.

That may sound funny and awkward, but actually lying down on a mattress in a store is the best way to find out whether or not you’re going to be comfortable on it. 

“It’s really important to take your time and really give a mattress a proper test drive,” warns Peter. 

“Most people sleep seven to nine hours a night, so a few minutes in a shop won’t even come close to replicating this experience. Given mattresses are designed to last around eight years, lie down for as long as you need.”

He says it’s important to mimic exactly how you’d sleep at home. Lie down as you usually would, roll over and see how easily you can get in and out of bed (especially if you have limited mobility). Ask your partner to do the same beside you and see how much the mattress moves.

Also, check the bed base is similar to yours at home (for example, is it an ensemble or does it have slats), as this can affect how things feel.

If this all feels silly with the salesperson close by, ask them to leave for a bit so you can truly relax.

2. Shopping for a mattress when you’re tired

Like the sensible advice that tells you not to do your grocery shopping when you’re hungry, you should also avoid trying out mattresses when you’re feeling weary.

“All the mattresses will feel great if you’re already sleepy, so don’t try them out after a long day on your feet!” warns Peter.

If you’ve had a busy day or an interrupted sleep the night before, maybe skip the mattress shopping and choose a time to shop when you’re feeling brighter.

That mattress that felt great the day after a big night out might not feel so good when you aren’t so sleep-deprived!

3. Assuming more expensive is always better

The more you pay, the better the bed, right? Not so, says Peter, who’s quick to point out that spending more cash is never an automatic guarantee of a better night’s sleep.

“Our mattress testing regularly disproves the adage that you get what you pay for,” he explains. “In fact, some of the most expensive mattresses we reviewed – models that cost three to four grand – rated the lowest when it came to comfort and sagging, which is really alarming.”

The great news is ����Vlog testers also found much cheaper models that scored highly in our key tests, which means you can bag a better bed for far less. Find out which are the best mattresses on a budget.

4. Not checking the returns policy

If you get the mattress home and you have an issue with it, what then?

Take care before you buy – different companies have different rules on returning a mattress if it’s faulty or if you simply don’t like it after sleeping on it for a while.

It’s essential to check first or risk being stuck with a bed you don’t want.  

“It’s really important to understand a retailer’s returns policy before making a purchase,” says Peter.

“What are the conditions around refunds and exchanges? Is there a waiting period or additional fees? These are all questions you want to ask before doing a deal.” 

The same applies to shopping with online mattress-in-a-box retailers. In place of a showroom, most offer a “risk-free” trial period (that ranges between 30 and 120 days) and a refund if you’re not satisfied. Some will also send you extra removable foam layers to adjust the firmness during your trial. 

“The trial periods can be quite generous, but there are still some key questions to investigate before buying,” warns Peter. 

“Can you return it whenever or do you have to wait a certain amount of time? Do you have to pay for the mattress to be taken back? Most companies will pick it up for free, but some don’t, especially if you live in a regional area. 

“Be aware of all the fees you may be liable for if you want to return it after a ‘free’ trial period.”

5. Paying full price 

Let’s be honest – asking for a discount on any purchase can feel awkward and  nerve-wracking, but Peter says it’s definitely worth your while when it comes to mattresses.

“����Vlog has been buying mattresses for years for our tests and we’ve found many retailers have a lot of room to move when it comes to price,” he explains.

“Sales are pretty frequent too, so there’s really no reason to pay the recommended retail price for a mattress.

“If you’re confident and have done your research, you can usually shave a decent amount off the price tag by haggling. Just ask them ‘what’s the best you can do?’ and start from there.”

Of course, bargaining is much easier to do instore than on the internet. Online retailers usually have more fixed prices and a limited range of mattresses, so discounts will be harder to negotiate.

They do have sales occasionally, though, so if you have your heart set on a model that’s only sold online, keep your eyes peeled. 

6. Ignoring brands you don’t know

When you’re spending a lot of money on a mattress, it’s tempting to play it safe and stick to the brands you know.

But with more mattress makers on the market than ever before, Peter says it’s worth keeping an open mind and exploring all your options – especially in light of some of the test results ����Vlog has seen recently. 

“In the last few years, we’ve seen an influx of new mattress-in-a-box products, as well as recently released house brands from retailers,” he explains. 

“In our latest tests, some of these lesser-known products rated very highly and even outperformed brands that have been around for ages and advertise a lot. Many of them cost less, too, which is great for shoppers.”

We found similar results when we surveyed consumers about their satisfaction with their mattress and their perception of its reliability, with some of the newer brands outperforming or matching more traditional options.

While relative late-comer Sleeping Duck earned a customer satisfaction score of 90%, the more established brand, Sealy, earned just 73%. The top scorer for reliability, Tempur, earned 93%, but the newer brand, Ecosa, wasn’t far behind with a score of 92%.

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We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s essential to find the right mattress for the best night’s sleep. But be careful – buy a middling mattress, and it could turn into a nightmare. 

Choosing a mattress instore or online can be confusing and downright stressful, with so many types, builds, firmnesses, features and amazing “new technology” claims being touted. Not to mention prices soaring into the thousands of dollars for some models. It’s enough to warrant a serious lie-down!

To help you choose, ����Vlog has been testing popular mattresses for years – and no, it’s not just some lucky staff member sleeping on them all day. (We wish.)

Instead, our lab partners in Europe scientifically test the most important factors, including body support for petite and large builds, stability, sagging resistance, breathability and more. 

We’ve also looked at aspects relating to the sustainability and environmental impact of each mattress, including what materials it’s made from and how easy it is to clean and recycle. 

Members can view ratings for all these factors in our ‘Compare all’ table in our mattress reviews (though sustainability and environmental results don’t yet contribute to the overall performance scores).

Why we don’t test Emma mattresses

While Emma products have previously performed well in our testing, we no longer include them. 

In light of ongoing member complaints and , we’ve decided to remove Emma mattress reviews from our website. We may revisit this decision in the future. 

We remain committed to providing unbiased and impartial product reviews to our members and Australian consumers.

Six poor-performing mattresses to avoid

Here are six mattresses that did not perform well in our independent testing.

1. Original Mattress Factory Refresh

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 62%
• Support when new: 54%
• Support after eight years: 62%
• RRP: $2798 (Queen)

This mattress, which came in last overall in our tests, is proof of the fact that you can’t always trust advertising.

It markets itself as a ‘firm’ mattress, but scored a low 56% for resistance to sagging, which doesn’t bode well for how long it would maintain its firmness.

To assess longevity, we measure height and firmness (among other things) straight out of the box when the mattress is new, then again after a test that simulates eight years of use to note any differences. Mattresses with a higher score show less sagging over time, while lower-scoring mattresses show increased sagging.

Original Mattress Factory also charges a fee for returns and exchanges – and this even applies during the 30-day trial period. These costs are on top of any shipping expenses you may incur to replace the mattress during the free trial period.

And while some brands will provide a free pick-up of the mattress you want to return, don’t expect such luxury with this product: the cost of a pick-up will come out of your own pocket.

On other criteria, such as stability, this mattress was on par with others reviewed by our testers, but did not perform noticeably well in any areas.

Read our full Original Mattress Factory Refresh review.

2. Sealy Exquisite Aspen Chalet

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 65%
• Support when new: 52%
• Support after eight years: 88%
• RRP: $7599 (double)

With a recommended retail price of over $7500, this is the second most expensive mattress in our test. For the cost of this mattress you’d expect exquisite comfort and the best night’s sleep of your life.

But the price doesn’t reflect its performance, as it falls short of the cosy conditions implied in its name. A sleepy chalet this is not.

Most of the Exquisite Aspen Chalet’s test scores are pretty average, though stability is poor. This will likely lead to a pretty bouncy night’s sleep if you, or your partner, tend to toss and turn.

You have to wonder whether the sale price ($3799 at the time of writing) is a better reflection of its quality. But even then, almost $4000 is a lot of money for a mattress that’s so ordinary.

Read the full Sealy Exquisite Aspen Chalet review.

3. Slumberland Soho

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 65%
• Support when new: 54%
• Support after eight years: 94%
• RRP: $579 (Double)

The Soho may be cheap, but it’s definitely not cheerful: you’ll wake up feeling grouchy after a night sleeping on it.

It’s uncomfortable from the get-go, and it’ll stay that way, even after 8 years’ use. At least it’s consistent, right?

What you’ll save in money you’ll lose in poor sleep: it scored just 12% for stability – the lowest of all the mattresses in our review. That means you’ll feel every single movement your partner makes while they’re asleep.

It’s also likely to sag over time, so you’ll be stuck with a bed that’s uncomfortable, saggy and bouncy. 

That’s not the kind of Slumberland that anyone would want to visit.

Read the full Slumberland Soho review.

4. Art & Science Somerset

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Support when new: 49%
• Support after eight years: 82%
• RRP: $1439 (double)

Art & Science is a bit of a mind-boggling brand. On the one hand, it’s made some good quality mattresses for the price, including one that’s among our top performers.

But for every winner, there’s another model that’s only OK.

The Somerset falls into the latter category, mainly because it’s not very comfortable from day one. These borderline results are far too low to recommend this mattress at any price.

Signs of sagging are pretty substantial as well. The Somerset will lose quite a bit of firmness over time.

In a way, you can always rely on Art & Science to be consistently inconsistent. Check out our test results for their models that we do recommend and avoid this new release.

Read the full Art & Science Somerset review.

5. Sealy Posturepedic Acclaim Alpine

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Support when new: 66%
• Support after eight years: 89%
• RRP: $3249 (double)

Mattresses are so overrated. Why sleep in a supportive bed when you can rest your weary head on the indoor equivalent of a bouncy castle? That sounds fun, right?

For the second time ever, we have a mattress with a stability score of zero. Just one other mattress has achieved this infamous accolade – Sealy’s Posturepedic Aspire Revive.

It takes a long time for the mattress to settle if you, or someone adjacent, moves around. Imagine being bounced about at two o’clock in the morning because your better half dared to roll onto their back.

Otherwise, the Acclaim Alpine is generally OK. Unfortunately, it’s got far too much spring in its step to guarantee a good rest, even for the most solid sleepers.

Read the full Sealy Posturepedic Acclaim Alpine review.

6. Suparest Affinity

• ����Vlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Support when new: 53%
• Support after eight years: 88%
• RRP: $599 (double)

You’re unlikely to get a super rest on this Suparest.

It’s uncomfortable, very bouncy and will soak up sweat over the years, leaving it smelly and damaged. (Not exactly a recipe for sweet dreams.)

Aside from the Soho above, it has the lowest stability score of the mattresses in our test, so you’ll be in your partner’s bad books if you’re a restless sleeper.

At 22kg it’s nice and lightweight, so it’ll be easier to make the bed – and to move it out of your room once you’re fed up with it.

While it’s affordable, there are plenty of other mattresses around this price and even cheaper that are far more comfortable – check our detailed mattress reviews to find the best for your budget.

Read the full Suparest Affinity review.

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It’s often done using a strikethrough displaying a percentage discount (such as “50% off”) or indicating that the sale price represents a specific dollar savings to the consumer (such as “Save as much as $3531”). Woolworths and Coles are notorious for this.

The Germany-based bedding retailer Emma Sleep did both of these things, and it also employed another standard dodgy sales tactic – a countdown clock urging you to hurry up and commit to the deal before it’s off the table.

The problem, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), was that the higher strikethrough prices never existed for 58 of the 74 products advertised, and for the other 16 products these higher prices only existed for a very short time. Most of the products were available for the so-called “sale” price all along.

The countdown clock was also leading shoppers down the garden path. It featured phrases such as “ending soon”, but the products continued to be advertised at the same price after the clock ran out.

$15 million fine a fraction of the sales revenue

The Federal Court recently found that senior management at Emma Sleep was aware of this marketing strategy and ordered the company to pay $15 million in penalties for making false or misleading representations.

The Court also ordered Emma Sleep to publish corrective notices letting customers know about the misleading pricing practices and to implement a compliance program within the company.

“When marketing their products, companies and their executives must ensure they do so honestly, responsibly and in compliance with the law,” says ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward, adding that Emma Sleep’s tactics may have pressured customers “into making a rushed purchase decision”.

The run-of-the-mill marketing tricks took place between June 2020 and March 2023, during which time Emma Sleep’s website was visited more than 4.9 million times and its social media posts had more than 10 million views.

Over the nearly three years that the company was engaging in the deceptive tactics, it sold 243,000 products and brought in $134 million in revenue. So perhaps the $15 million is a small price to pay.

Get the inside story on our investigations into consumer rip-offs and bad business practices.

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Perhaps because it’s known for its cheap prices, many of us wouldn’t consider shopping at Ikea if we’re looking for a quality mattress. 

Ikea mattresses tend to be among the more affordable options in our mattress test – the nine queen- and double-sized models we’ve reviewed all cost under $1400.

But since our testing regularly reveals that cheaper products often match or outperform more expensive ones, it raises the question: should Ikea be at the top of your list for mattress shopping?

We’ll talk you through all things Ikea mattresses, plus, exclusively for ����Vlog members, we’ll reveal which ones are our top picks. 

If you just want to get straight to the best Ikea mattresses, you can jump to the results now.

Are Ikea mattresses worth it? The ����Vlog verdict

Ikea mattresses are definitely worth considering – some more than others. Just make sure you’re buying the best that the Swedish retailer has to offer. 

“Ikea typically makes middle-of-the-road mattresses – most aren’t the best on the market, but some do rank among our top performers,” says ����Vlog mattress expert Peter Zaluzny. 

“The rest aren’t bad for the price though, so depending on what you’re looking for, an Ikea mattress can be a solid choice.

“But for some of the more expensive Ikea mattresses, you can probably find a better product for the same price from a different brand.”

What to know before buying a mattress from Ikea

Here are some of the things you’ll need to keep in mind if you’re thinking of buying a mattress from Ikea. 

Trial period and guarantee

If you’re lucky enough to be getting in eight hours’ sleep every night, then you’ll spend around a third of your life in bed – so finding your perfect mattress match will make a huge difference to your wellbeing. 

But lying on a mattress for two minutes while a sales assistant hovers nearby won’t exactly give you the best idea of how you’ll feel about it night after night. 

In recognition of this, many mattress retailers now offer trial periods so you can make sure you’re in love with your new mattress before you commit to it for the next 10 years or so of your life. And Ikea’s trial period is incredibly generous: 365 days. They also offer a solid warranty period.

“Ikea’s trial period of a year is over three times longer than Koala’s or Sleeping Duck’s. Plus, their guarantee for many mattresses lasts for 10–25 years,” says Peter. 

But if you do decide to exchange your mattress, there are a few things you need to know.

• Ikea doesn’t have free delivery, and they don’t pick up if you want to exchange it. 
• You can’t get a refund during the trial period. You can only exchange your mattress for another Ikea model.
• You’re only eligible for one exchange under the trial period (so choose wisely).

Instore shopping

In an era of online bed-in-a-box shopping, there’s still something appealing about trying out a mattress before you buy one.

“The benefit of buying from a bricks-and-mortar store like Ikea is that it’s easy to try each mattress instore before entering the free trial period. Plus, they have quite a few models to choose from,” says Peter.

Of course, the drawback is that there are limited Ikea stores across the country and, if you do have one near you, you’ll need to navigate the maze-like layout from which you may never return.

Not to mention the tendency we all have to go wild buying all the things because they’re so cheap. So, perhaps you should factor the time and extra money into your mattress shopping budget!

Getting it home

If you already know what you want and you’re trying to avoid the Ikea maze and associated shopping spree, you can order through the Ikea website, either for delivery (for a fee) or for click and collect from the store, which is free.

While these options are all helpful if you live in an urban area, your Ikea mattress could end up costing you considerably more if you live outside a major city.

For a rural area, for instance, you might have to pay up to $1199 for delivery! That’s a substantial cost increase to factor in.

Note: We used a Broken Hill postcode (2880) for this example. We also checked delivery to Townsville (4810), which was quoted at $299.

For delivery from Sydney’s Tempe store to a Sydney metro address (2130), we were quoted $29 for delivery of a queen mattress to the door but $49 if we wanted the delivery person to bring the mattress into our home into a room of our choice. 

Getting rid of your old mattress

Ikea has partnered with  in NSW, ACT, Victoria and WA to provide a , and in SA.

Collection costs range from $59–$109 per mattress with Soft Landing, depending on your location, and $45 with Bounce Back. You can book a collection from IKEA while purchasing a new mattress, or via Soft Landing and Bounce Back at any time.

However, like delivery, these services may not be available in your area, or they could be prohibitively expensive.

How we choose which Ikea mattresses to test

With a vast array of mattresses available on the market, we have to be selective about what we test so that we can provide the most useful information to the largest number of people. 

So, based on feedback from members, we test firm mattresses where available, and we buy double- or queen-sized mattresses, as that’s what most people shop for.

These are the currently available Ikea models in our test:

• Afjall
• Ǻ���ⲵ�岹
• Å�����󲹳���
• Å�ԲԱ�����Ի�
• Vagstranda
• �ղ�����å��
• �ղ��ٲԱ���ٰ�ö��
• Vesteroy
• Vestmarka

The Ikea mattress to avoid

In previous years, Ikea’s Hokkåsen mattress was routinely on our list of mattresses to avoid, scoring just 61%. However, Ikea has since discontinued this particular mattress. 

Now the title of the lowest scoring Ikea mattress has been passed onto Ǻ���ⲵ�岹. With a score of 67%, it’s definitely ahead of the Hokkåsen, but at $699 it’s still not a great buy. 

The Vestmarka and �ղ��ٲԱ���ٰ�ö�� both received ����Vlog Expert Ratings of 69%. But the �ղ��ٲԱ���ٰ�ö�� is the most expensive Ikea mattress in our tests at $1399, so it definitely doesn’t represent good value for money.

How to interpret our test results

Because we’re a diligent bunch here at ����Vlog, you’ll note that there are many, many scores in our mattress reviews – even more than in our other reviews, which are already very detailed. 

That’s because buying a mattress can be complicated. And since we spend a third of our lives in bed, it’s especially important to make the right choice. 

Here’s what we test for and how much each component contributes to the overall score:

• Support when new (30%)
• Support over time* (30%)
• Stability (15%)
• Sagging resistance (10%)
• Breathability (10%)
• Resistance to wear (5%).

*The support over time score is a measure of how much the mattress’s comfort has changed after eight years’ use. We assess this by rolling a cask-shaped roller over each mattress for 30,000 cycles to simulate approximately eight years of use. The higher the score, the closer the mattress will feel to how it did when it was brand new. 

What does it all mean?

So you don’t become overwhelmed by all the numbers, here’s what to make of them. 

Because all bodies are different, the perfect cloud-like mattress for one person can feel like a bed of nails for another. While we stand by our support when new scores, you should find something that’s comfortable for you. 

What matters most here is the mattress’s support over time – if it’s comfortable for you from day one, then a mattress that scores highly on our support over time test will still be comfortable for you eight years later.

“You also want to look out for the stability score, especially if you share a bed with someone,” says Peter. 

“This is basically a bounce test that looks at how movement affects the other sleeper. If you roll over in the night and that makes the other person bounce, then the bed isn’t stable.

“The higher the score in this test, the more stable the mattress.”

Want to know more? Here’s extra info about how we test mattresses.

The best scoring Ikea mattresses from our tests

We independently test and review dozens of new home products each year in our accredited labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed mattress testing data is available exclusively for ����Vlog members. 

If you’re not yet a member, join ����Vlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and washing machines through to TVs, health insurance and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which Ikea mattresses will give you the best night’s sleep.

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On this page:

• How often should you clean your mattress?
• How to clean a mattress – what you need
• How to give your mattress a regular clean
• How to clean light to moderate mattress stains
• How to remove urine, vomit and blood stains from your mattress
• Do you need to flip or rotate your mattress to keep it clean?
• Should you put your mattress on the floor?

Did you know that the average lifespan of a mattress is eight to ten years? That’s over 3000 nights’ worth of hair, skin and other bodily things building up on top of, and inside, the mattress. You may remember to shower every day, but when was the last time you gave your mattress a good clean?

An occasional scrub with typical household items will extend the longevity of your mattress and remove unpleasant odours. Deeper cleans can help deal with stains that have developed over time.

In this article, we take you through the best methods for cleaning your mattress, look at how often you need to do it, plus some other tips for keeping it in tip-top shape.

How often should you clean your mattress?

Mattresses need to be cleaned twice a year, regardless of the material. A thorough clean can take up to 24 hours and the mattress can also benefit from some time in the sun. So, check the weather forecast, try to do the job on a warm sunny day, and make sure you have another place to sleep that night.

To keep your mattress at its best, try to remove liquids, dirt, grime and bodily fluids as quickly as possible – your chances of completely removing the stain decrease the longer you put it off.

How to clean a mattress – what you need

These are the regular household or over-the-counter items you may need to clean your mattress. The best product for the job largely depends on whether the mattress just needs a little tidy or if there are significant stains to deal with.

Pet owners, keep your four-legged and feathered friends away from the mattress during this process. The last thing you want is a fresh layer of fur on your nicely cleaned bed.

How to give your mattress a regular clean

Simple cleaning only requires a washing machine, vacuum cleaner, bicarbonate soda and the sun – though you can skip the sunlight exposure if it’s overcast. Take the opportunity to air out your pillow as well.

1. Wash the bed linen

Even though you’re probably washing your doona cover, fitted sheets and pillow slips on a regular basis, it’s easy to forget about the topper/protector or cover if you have a foam mattress. Before you start, strip the bed and wash your sheets, along with any mattress toppers or protectors you have on the bed.

2. Vacuum the mattress surface

Pop on your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment, switch it to the relevant cleaning mode (models vary) and vacuum the top and sides of the mattress. If your bed is on a base, tilt it to the side and clean in there too. This will help get rid of any dust mites.

Use the nozzle fitting on your vacuum if your mattress has a thick pillow top or pattern with lots of grooves and indentations. The upholstery attachment can’t get into all those nooks and crannies effectively.

Avoid the regular turbo head that’s used to clean your carpet. It isn’t very effective on upholstery and may damage the mattress.

3. Deodorise the mattress

This will help clear up any odours. You’d be amazed by how much stink is absorbed, especially during a particularly sweaty summer.

First, move the mattress outside into direct sunlight to take advantage of those sweet UV rays. Leave it there for a few hours, because the UV can help sanitise your mattress, not unlike hanging clothes on the line.

Using the sun isn’t essential and may not be an option depending on your living situation. But if you have enough room on your balcony or in the yard, it’s well worth doing. Just keep an eye out for bad weather or animals that might feel like a nap.

You could also try moving the mattress next to a large window that lets in lots of natural light, though this method won’t be nearly as effective. Windows are designed to partially filter out UV rays – which is why you don’t cop sunburn sitting on the couch in the middle of the day.

Now move it back into the bedroom and sprinkle a hefty helping of bicarbonate soda across the surface. Leave it to rest for 24 hours so the bicarb can do its thing.

4. Vacuum the mattress again

Vacuum the mattress one more time to suck up the bicarb and any latent fuzz that may have floated in. Then pop your freshly washed mattress protector and sheets back on.

How to clean light to moderate mattress stains

Drool, sweat, food and gunk from dirty or muddy clothes, tend to be the main culprits behind light to moderate stains. You can sort these types of stains out with one of these cleaners that are likely already in your home:

• A small squirt of mild dishwashing liquid diluted in one cup of water.
• Distilled white vinegar diluted with equal parts water.
• Upholstery or enzyme cleaners.

It’s best to clean the affected area as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to lift the stains and they may become permanent.

Spray or dab a small amount of cleaner directly onto the stain then gently blot the liquid away from the mattress. Repeat this step until the stain lifts and then begin again on the next stain.

It’s important to keep the mattress as dry as possible, especially foam mattresses. Don’t force liquids into the material and don’t let the moisture linger. If the stain won’t lift, try a different cleaner or move onto one of the more heavy-duty options below.

How to remove urine, vomit and blood stains from your mattress

These fluids require a bit more attention as they become quite unhygienic if left unattended (and they can also smell awful). You need to deal with these stains immediately because the more they linger, the greater the risk of bacteria and unwelcome smells sticking around.

First, grab a bucket, towel and a pair of gloves and gently scoop up any excess fluid, solids and so on. Soak up the remaining liquid with the towel without using too much force as this will just push the liquids deeper into the mattress.

Now it’s time to clean. Start by trying the household items above. If they don’t work, combine small amount of dishwashing liquid and a few drops of vinegar with a cup of water, dampen a cloth and gently blot the area.

When you’re done, dampen a fresh cloth with clean water and gently flush the area then apply bicarb soda and leave it to rest.

If the stain doesn’t lift, mix bicarb and cold water into a paste, apply it to the affected areas and leave for 30 minutes. Remove the paste with a damp cloth and repeat this step a few times for very stubborn stains.

Hydrogen peroxide is another popular option for removing heavy stains (particularly blood) but it can cause damage to the mattress if applied improperly. A 3% 10vol solution is ideal and you can buy it over the counter from supermarkets and pharmacies.

To use peroxide, apply a small amount to the stain, let it bubble away for a bit then remove it with a lightly damp cloth. You’ll likely need to repeat this step a few times.

Do you need to flip or rotate your mattress to keep it clean?

Most manufacturers agree that you should rotate your mattress at least every three to six months for spring (coil and pocket) mattresses, and every six months for foam, memory foam, hybrid and latex mattresses.

This extends the life of the mattress as it evens out wear and tear. It can also help keep your body aligned while you sleep as it stops a single sagging point from forming over time.

But flipping? That’s become a thing of the past. Pretty well all modern mattresses have a distinct top and bottom, with a pillowtop on one side and other layers specifically designed for base support.

Foam, spring, hybrid and latex mattresses with a pillowtop don’t need to be flipped. However, there are still some that don’t use a pillowtop, like some mattress-in-a-box models, and these may benefit from being turned over. If you’re unsure, check the manufacturer’s website.

Should you put your mattress on the floor?

As far as sleep quality is concerned, putting your mattress on the floor is unlikely to cause you any physical problems unless you have pre-existing conditions. In this case, you should speak to your doctor before trying it, as the hard surface may put more pressure on your body compared to a bed base.

Hygiene, however, is a different story. 

Over time, floors tend to gather a delightful potpourri of dirt, fluff, grime and dead insects – not to mention the hair, skin and sweat that falls off your body overnight. 

There’s very little ventilation for these things to float away or dry when you leave your mattress on the floor. Instead, they build-up over time and eventually you’re looking at an increased risk of mould, visits from creepy crawlies, and possibly bacteria growth, depending on the environment.

Not only does this put your health at risk, it will also damage the mattress. If you really need to keep your mattress on the floor, regularly lift it up and vacuum underneath.

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So, how can you decide between these two well-known brands? Here’s what you need to know to make a decision that’ll help you sleep well at night.

On this page:

• Buying from Ikea vs buying from Koala
• Which is best for shoppers?
• Which brand is best: Ikea vs Koala?
• Which Ikea and Koala mattresses has ����Vlog tested?
• Common FAQs

Buying from Ikea vs buying from Koala

Ikea mattresses tend to be among the more affordable options in our mattress test, with eight of the nine models we’ve tested priced at less than $1000. The Ikea website lists 14 queen-sized mattresses, which cost from $129 through to $1399.

Koala queen-size mattresses start at $950 and run as high as $2390. 

But choosing where to buy can be just as important as choosing what to buy, and Ikea and Koala have different levels of service when it comes to delivery, trial periods, returns and warranties.

Which is best for shoppers?

As far as shopping experiences go, Ikea offers a much more consumer-friendly model. Why?

• The free trial period is three times longer than Koala’s.
• The warranty on some models lasts a whopping 25 years.
• Ikea has a number of stores around Australia, so you can try each mattress instore before entering the free trial period. This is an easy opportunity to quickly find models that don’t feel right before committing to buy.
• There are more models to choose from at varying price points.

But bear these points in mind:

• Ikea doesn’t have free delivery and this can get particularly pricey if you live outside a major city.
• They don’t pick up if you want to exchange the mattress.
• You can’t get a refund during the free trial period. You can only exchange your mattress for another Ikea model.
• You’re only eligible for one exchange under the free trial period (so choose wisely).

Which brand is best: Ikea vs Koala?

We recently surveyed more than 1700 Australians about their mattresses to gather important feedback about how these products perform over time in the real world. 

This, alongside our detailed test results, can help you identify which mattress brands have the most satisfied customers and the best performing, most reliable products.

Our survey covers a number of manufacturers, including Ikea and Koala. 

As far as these two brands are concerned, Koala ranked higher for the overall best mattress brand 2025 score (75% vs 69%), which is based on average test scores, brand reliability, customer satisfaction and the percentage of mattresses we test that are recommended by our experts.

Koala had the edge over Ikea for reliability (86% vs 75%), but Ikea was ahead for customer satisfaction (81% vs 75%).

Which Ikea and Koala mattresses has ����Vlog tested?

Unfortunately our experts can’t test every single mattress under the sun (or rather the stars), so our priority is to test what you’ll find in the shops.

We check current market figures to see what’s popular and focus on the big-brand mattresses that sell the most in Australia.

We also include models that you’ve requested – if a lot of members want it, we’re going to test it.

You’ll find ����Vlog Expert Ratings, as well as comfort scores for when the mattress is brand new and then after eight years of use, for the following Koala and Ikea mattresses in our latest mattress reviews.

Koala mattresses

These are the Koala mattresses that we’ve tested in our labs. They’re listed from cheapest to most expensive.

Koala SE

• RRP: $950 (queen); $850 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Foam
• Claimed firmness: Medium-firm

Koala Mattress (2024 model)

• RRP: $1249 (queen); $1150 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Foam
• Claimed firmness: Adjustable (tested in firm configuration)

Koala Plus

• RRP: $1650 (queen); $1450 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Foam
• Claimed firmness: Adjustable (tested in firm configuration)

Koala Luxe

• RRP: $2390 (queen); $2090 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Foam
• Claimed firmness: Soft

Ikea mattresses:

These are the Ikea mattresses that we’ve tested in our labs. They’re listed from cheapest to most expensive.

Ikea Åfjäll

• RRP: $249 (queen); $199 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Foam
• Claimed firmness: Firm

Ikea Vestmarka

• RRP: $299 (queen); $249 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Spring
• Claimed firmness: Firm

Ikea Vesteröy

• RRP: $349 (queen); $299 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Spring
• Claimed firmness: Firm

Ikea �ղ�����å��

• RRP: $399 (queen); $349 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Spring
• Claimed firmness: Extra firm

Ikea Åbygda

• RRP: $699 (queen); $499 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Foam
• Claimed firmness: Firm

Ikea Vågstranda

• RRP: $799 (queen); $649 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Foam
• Claimed firmness: Firm

Ikea Å�����󲹳���

• RRP: $899 (queen); $799 (double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Foam
• Claimed firmness: Firm

Ikea Å�ԲԱ�����Ի�

• RRP: $999 (queen); $899(double)
• Type: Mattress-in-a-box
• Material: Spring
• Claimed firmness: Firm

Ikea �ղ��ٲԱ���ٰ�ö��

• RRP: $1399 (queen); $1199 (double)
• Type: Instore retail
• Material: Spring
• Claimed firmness: Firm

We recommend two of these nine mattresses. Sign up to ����Vlog to see the full results of our annual mattress test and find out which ones we rate.

Our review covers more than 60 mattresses from brands such as Sealy, Sleeping Duck, Snooze, A.H. Beard and more.

What’s in the full review?

Our test results will tell you:

• How comfortable the mattress is when it’s brand new.
• How comfortable the mattress will be after eight years of use.
• How resistant the mattress is to sagging.
• Whether the mattress is actually as firm as the manufacturer claims.
• How much the mattress moves when your bedmate turns over.
• How warm it gets.
• How good its breathability is.
• Good and bad points for each mattress.

Read more in our full mattress review.

Common FAQs

Do Ikea mattresses come in a box?

No, though Ikea does roll-pack some mattresses in plastic, which are designed to expand when opened not unlike a mattress in a box. Cardboard is used to pack, reinforce and protect mattresses that can’t be compacted, then they’re wrapped in plastic as well.

Do Ikea mattresses match standard Australian sizes?

Ikea is one of a handful of companies in our test that sells mattresses all over the world. However, there are no global size standards and the queen mattress doesn’t even exist in Europe and the UK. So people often ask if the mattresses Ikea sells in Australia are the right size and the answer is yes – well, almost.

Queen mattresses in Australia are 203cm long and 153cm wide, while thickness varies between models. Ikea ‘queen’ mattresses are 202cm long by 152cm wide according to the . Double mattresses in Australia are generally 137 x 187cm. Ikea’s double mattresses are 135 x 189cm.

The single centimetre or so of difference on each side is unlikely to affect placement on mattress bases or the fit for sheets, electric blankets and mattress protectors. There’s a small chance that sheets may feel marginally loose if you prefer an ultra-snug fit.

Can you wash the mattress cover?

Not usually. The documentation supplied with the three Koala mattresses in our test does not specify if the covers are washable. The cover on an Ikea mattress can be washed if it can be removed.

Can you roll up a mattress before returning it?

No. You can’t roll up the mattresses once they’re out of the box.

Is a good mattress expensive?

Koala and Ikea have some of the cheapest mattresses that we review. But despite the wide price range for mattresses (between $199 and $8599 in our latest test), many have more similarities than you’d think.

Our tests and investigations have found that a higher price tag on a mattress doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality. In fact, that higher price tag is often nothing more than a big mark-up from retailers. 

Consider signing up to ����Vlog to access our comprehensive reviews. It’s the best way to find the right mattress for your budget and avoid duds.

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