9+ Best Mattresses In A Box For Aussies To Buy

So you want to know what the best mattress in a box actually is? Over the last few years we've tried and tested many different companies, each claiming to offer the best mattress.

Some brands simply rebrand a white-label product, while others craft and develop their own exclusive mattresses. With various prices from $500 - $1000 on average, they are perfect for new apartments, as they arrive in a box and inflate within minutes. 

Most companies offer mattresses sizes ranging from single, double, queen and king. Others offer special accessories to accompany your mattress including pillows, sheets, bed frames and cleaners.

Choosing the best mattress in a box can be a difficult task, so we've looked at the main features and factors to consider when buying one. These include the free trials, allowing you to test your mattress for a number of months and simply return it if you're not 100% feeling it. 

Getting a bad back from your new mattress? Fear not, a local charity will collect it and you'll get your money back, perfect for testing another brand. 

Most mattress in a box companies offer free delivery, either same day within main centres or next day to most of the country. With weights ranging from 20-70kg you may need a helping hand to get it up to the bedroom, but once there, the magic happens as your mattress inflates! 

The Best Mattresses In A Box

1. Emma Sleep

  • Trial: 100 nights
  • Warranty: 10 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K
  • Layers: 3 (25cm depth) 

The Emma Original has received numerous awards including a CHOICE award and various ones from Europe. It has received stellar reviews from the customers of Olivia Arezzolo, a sleep therapist.

This German engineered foam mattress is made out of environmentally-friendly materials and consists of 3 layers which are known to be incredibly breathable. These layers make humid nights a thing of the past.

There is a mix of polyether, hyper foam and point-elastic foam for the best functionality. All in all, the mattress is 25cm in depth.

The Emma Original is designed for a variety of body types, and suits both partners and single sleepers. This mattress accommodates the natural curve of the spine no matter the sleep position. The foam prevents back strains and evenly disperses pressure across the bed.

A purchase of this mattress comes with a 100-day trial where any complications that arise can result in a return. An Emma truck can come and pick up the product for free, ensuring peace of mind. 

This product is also inclusive of a 10-year warranty. It comes with a polyester mattress cover that can be cleaned in the washing machine.

The Emma Original comes in single, double, king single, queen and king sizes. Deliveries are completely free for any location.

Save Upto 25% ON EMMA SLEEP


2. Hugo Sleep

  • Trial: 90 nights
  • Warranty: 10 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K 
  • Layers: 4 (24.5cm depth) 

Hugo Sleep comes with a 3-month test period where any complaints can result in a full refund and free return. Despite that, it has been reported that 95% of purchasers decided to keep their mattresses.

This Australian-made product meets all the manufacturing standards in this country and comes with a 10-year warranty.

This bed is made up of 4 layers which differ in depth and function. At the base is a high-density memory foam which is durable and can accommodate various weights. On top of that layer is a transition foam followed by the memory foam.

The memory foam is designed to blend seamlessly with the curvatures of the body, providing utmost comfort. At the top is a natural latex layer which reduces humidity.

The latex is ideal for those with allergies and has an antimicrobial feature. These layers all add up to a short depth of 24.5cm.

This foam is designed to support bodies of all sizes. Kids and adults alike are free to bounce and have pillow fights due to the supportive base. The mattress can be placed on a bed frame or just on the floor.

This product is available in a range of sizes such as single, king single, double, queen and king. There is currently a $50 off coupon on the website.


3. Happy Sleep

  • Trial: 100 nights 
  • Warranty: 10 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K 
  • Layers: 3 (25cm depth)

There’s currently a coupon for $300 off mattresses from Happy Sleep! The classic Happy Sleep mattress comes with a 100-night trial run for you to test out this product. Any complaints and complications warrant a refund.

Additionally, there is a 10-year long warranty for long-term peace of mind. This mattress has received lots of certifications which show that it’s made from gentle materials that won’t harm the skin.

This mattress is made up of 3 layers which offer a wonderful mix of support and optimal comfort. At the very bottom is a high-density surface which ensures longevity, no matter the weights placed upon it.

There is an air memory foam layer which is evenly distributes pressure throughout the mattress for reduced back pain. This layer also serves to ensure both partners are sleeping comfortably, no matter the positioning.

At the very top is a latex layer which provides comfort and coziness. Covering the layers is a Tencel material which is known to reduce bacteria growth and offer cooling throughout the night.

The Happy Sleep mattress can be placed on the ground or on a flat frame. The sizes available are single, double and queen. This bed comes in a turquoise colour for all sizes and a special edition grey colour.


4. Sommuto

  • Trial: 100 nights 
  • Warranty: 10 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K 
  • Layers: 4 

Products from Sommuto are 100% manufactured in Australia and adhere to the strict regulations set in place. Materials are also sourced from Australia from sustainable brands and names.

The mattress is inclusive of a 100-day trial run where if the promise of quality sleep isn’t delivered, a full refund is provided. A purchase of this product comes with 100% free delivery and returns as well. Additionally, there’s a 10-year warranty to fix up any tears or other issues that may arise.

The Sommuto mattress is made up of 4 layers which prioritise comfort and support over anything else. The first layer is a MEMair Breeze memory foam which naturally cools down the body whilst taking away any strains and aches.

Layer 2 consists of an intricately twisted interior which evenly distributes airflow throughout the mattress. Layer 3 is designed to appropriately bear weight and ensure the entire body is supported.

Covering the mattress is a wrap which can easily be washed and has temperature-regulating features.

Sommuto also has memory foam pillows in twin packs to compliment the mattress. The mattress comes in single, king single, double, queen and king measurements.

There is currently a $150 off coupon for mattresses, no matter the size. It can be placed on a standard bed frame or any other flat surface. 


5. Noa Mattress

  • Trial: 100 nights 
  • Warranty: 15 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K 
  • Layers: 3 

There’s a $300 off coupon for any mattress or bed at Noa Mattress. The team at this company truly cares about quality sleep, which is why there is a free session with professionals to help choose the right products.

There’s a 100-night free trial, in addition to free shipping and returns. To top it off, there’s a long 15-year warranty to fix any issues.

In terms of mattresses, there are 3 types which are manufactured from Portugal. The Lite is budget friendly and made out of memory foam and pocket strings. The foam is topped with gel, ideal for hot nights.

There is a Tencel poly-knit wrap surrounding the foam which is hypoallergenic and reduces wear. Like other types, the Lite comes in single, king single, double, queen and king.

The Noa Mattress is the most frequently purchased, with a rating of 5 stars from 15,000 reviews. It is an upgraded version of the light with latex, memory foam and pocket springs. The high-quality latex provides unparalleled comfort whilst reducing humidity.

The Luxe is designed out of environmentally-friendly products. It consists of bamboo charcoal fabric and foam layers which have received European accreditations.

The micro-coils provide both support and allow bounce, no matter the weight placed upon it. Thanks to the memory foam, bodies are kept cool and protected from unnecessary strains.


6. Macoda

  • Trial: 100 nights 
  • Warranty: 10 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K 
  • Layers: 3 (Adjustable) 

The Macoda is recognised as Australia’s Most Comfortable Bed by BedBuyer for 2019 and 2020. There’s a trial that runs for 100 nights where any complaints can lead to a full refund, at no return charge.

Every mattress comes with a 10-year warranty to fix any rips or other issues. There’s also free shipping for all of Australia, including Tasmania.

The design of the Macoda Mattress is one-of-a-kind as it allows the sleeper to flip over the first layer to adjust firmness. It is made up of memory and springs for maximum comfort and support. The detachable layer is made out of bamboo which cools down the body.

Underneath is a latex layer which allows bounce. The latex covers the memory foam which has gel lining to reduce humidity on the body during warm nights. Underneath the memory foam is a high-density foam which is designed to provide structure and support.

The base is made up of a pocket string collection to bear any type of weight. The pocket strings evenly distribute pressure throughout the mattress, making it great for partners.

This product can be purchased in single, king single, double, queen and king dimensions. It can be placed on a traditional bed frame or right on the floor.


7. Ergoflex

  • Trial: 30 nights 
  • Warranty: 10 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K 
  • Layers: 5 

The Ergoflex 5G Memory Foam Mattress has received numerous accolades over the span of 10 years from Product Review and Which? Best Buy. There’s a 30-night trial run to scan for any issues that may prevent the promise of countless restful slumbers

 Free returns are available with the trial. Shipping covers most regions in Australia as well. There’s also a 10-year warranty for every mattress.

This product is made from 5 layers which curate optimal comfort. At the base of the mattress is a highly dense foam layer which is designed to bear weight and last for years to come.

Above the foam is a cool-sleep airflow system which allows maintenance of optimal temperature for the most restful sleep.  At the very top is a visco-elastic memory foam which accommodates the natural contours of the spine at any position whilst preventing body pain.

There are inner and outer wrappings made out of TENCEL fabric which can be placed in the washing machine. The materials of this mattress are gentle, with hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties which keep away bed bugs.

This mattress has received praise from experts, such as Dr Mark Craig who has suggested it to clients with osteoarthritis. This British-made product has also been used by professional athletes around the globe.


8. Koala Mattress

  • Trial: 100 nights 
  • Warranty: 10 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K 
  • Layers: 2 

Koala brand mattresses in a box incorporate this manufacturer’s ‘Kloudcell’ design comfort foam which is an open-cell breathable texture for the ultimate layer of comfort and support in this mattress brand.

They describe it as being ‘tailored to give the lush feel of memory foam and latex with breath-ability and bounce’.

This manufacturer claims to have mastered the ‘just right’ feel – not too firm yet not too soft.

There are fewer layers in the design than other mattresses have – only two in fact – with an open-cell structure and channels within the memory foam which creates breath-ability and freshness and an escape for body heat.

The Kloudcell comfort layer on the top of the mattress is 6cm of soft ventilated foam, and under that is the 16cm Ecofoam support layer of firmer, resilient foam which provides the base.

The mattress has a removable cover which can be washed, always a bonus feature for any mattress or pillow. But they do recommend the use of a mattress protector as well, just to be sure.

The Koala mattress is available in all sizes up to King. The brand is Australian made for 70+ years and its customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Delivery in major metro areas is free and can be as quick as 4 hours. The product comes with a 120-day trial and 10-year warranty with free returns.

Afterpay and Zippay interest-free finance options are available.


9. Eva Mattress

  • Trial: 120 nights 
  • Warranty: 12 years 
  • Sizes: S,KS,D,Q,K
  • Layers: 6 with springs 

The Eva mattress in a box is a 6-layer hybrid mix of memory foam and latex with micro coil and pocket springs.

The top layer is a gel memory foam of millions of gel beads which provide both temperature control and body-contoured pressure relief.

Below that is a natural latex layer which has flexibility and breathability as well as dust-mite and microbial resistance.

Then a layer of patented micro springs which form a protective shield around the body as you sleep, moving with you through the night to reduce pressure build-up.

Underneath these is a thicker layer of denser memory foam for firmness and support and longevity. And finally the two zones of pocket springs: one which forms the solid base of the mattress and provides the partner disturbance protection we all look for in a mattress.

The other being larger springs along the edge to provide a long-lasting firm wall to the mattress which won’t sink over time.

The Eva mattress is a firmer mattress than many, and the manufacturers believe that the use of springs is a superior way of achieving effective ventilation for cooler sleep, especially in Australian summers.

The Eva mattress is available in all sizes. Delivery is free and generally takes only 24 hours in metro areas, but significantly longer in other locations.

There is a 120-night risk-free trial period.

Returns are also free in most locations (rural areas might n be an exception). Interest-free financing is available on application, through Zippay or Afterpay.

Lastly the company also has online offers from time to time.


How to choose best mattress in a box?

When it comes to choosing a mattress in a box, there's a few factors you'll want to consider. Most of them are actually memory foam, which doesn't suit every persons backs, you may find you get a sore back, so you may need a springed mattress. 

Most of the providers we mentioned above don't come with springs, however brands such as Eva Mattress do offer a combined memory foam and springed mattress. 

You'll also want to consider the following factors:

  • Length of free trial
  • Warranty years
  • Number of layers
  • Material of construction
  • Can you change the firmness? 
  • How much does shipping cost?
  • Is the mattress highly rated online?

Can you change the firmness on a mattress in a box?

Some models allow you to change the firmness of the mattress by unzipping the top cover and then either moving around the layers, or buying different blocks that fit inside. An example here is the Sleeping Duck mattress that lets you do this. 

Other mattresses mentioned above such as the Macoda mattress allow you to change the layers to tailor a custom sleep for your needs. 

You will find most mattresses don't offer the ability to change the firmness which can result in a lot of customers using the trial period to return the mattress if they aren't satisfied. 

Are mattress in a box any good?

We all know just how very important our mattresses are to the quality of our sleep, and perhaps more significantly to our general feeling of wellness during the day. And finding and affording the right one for you can be difficult.

The ‘bed in a box’ phenomenon is a creation of the online marketing world. The manufacturers sell directly to you the consumer.

Sounds good – the retailer margin disappears so prices are reduced. But no longer do you get to go into a shop and try them out for comfort etc before you buy.

The mattress in a box craze

They arrive compressed into a box and once opened slowly expand to full size. This sounds counter-intuitive to the mattress being firm and comfortable.

And it does mean that most mattresses in a box are made of foam (top quality advanced memory foam) and you are relying 100% on the advertised product descriptions and specifications before committing to the purchase.

But most of the more reputable manufacturers offer a trial period of around 90 – 120 days with a ‘no questions asked’ return policy.

Given that even when you’ve had an opportunity to lie on a mattress in-store you can’t really test it out properly, this could be seen as an advantage over that way of shopping.

Other post-sale concerns about mattresses in a box such as warranty claims are no different than they are with in-store mattress purchases.

Mattresses bought, either way, will generally come with what appears to be an excellent warranty period (often 10-25 years) but the fine print is exhaustive and precludes many claims.

But looking at the reviews of beds in a box it seems that there are a great many very happy customers out there who have found them to be just as comfortable as those bought in-store.

And if you look around there are some excellent deals to be had and plenty of choice at your fingertips. It’s certainly a very easy way to buy a bed!

Can I put a memory foam mattress on top of a box spring?

As long as the surface underneath the foam mattress is solid it will be a good support for the foam. Foam and latex mattresses are very heavy and therefore need a lot of support, with no more than about an inch of give.

So yes, a memory foam mattress can be placed on top of a number of different surfaces: a solid box spring, a foundation bunk board, a closely-set slat base, a traditional box spring or a solid wooden or other platform bed frame.

You can even put a foam mattress on top of another mattress as long as it’s not too old. Even the floor will do if necessary.

And you could even consider a fold-away metal platform base with a memory foam mattress for that spare guest bed that needs to be put away after use.

There are other types of adjustable bed bases on the market that would also suit your needs, some of them with surprisingly advanced features like remote or manual controls.

Another idea is a bunkie board is another option as a mattress base – simply a cut-to-shape piece of plywood or particleboard put on top of say an old bed base or mattress or some other surface which needs a more solid surface immediately underneath the foam mattress.

So, there are many options to think about – many of which will cost you next to nothing if anything at all. 

You now know what we think are the best mattress in a box companies in Australia, why not checkout these related guides: 


Caleb McLaughlin

Last Updated: January 26, 2021 by Rhys

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