Many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep. Poor sleep health is a global issue with serious implications for our individual health and collective wellbeing. It’s estimated that one in three Australian’s suffer from mild insomnia, while one in ten Australian's has a sleep disorder that can substantially affect their wellbeing, safety and productivity.*

Establishing good sleep habits is key to maintaining healthy sleep. A calm and peaceful bedroom space where you can relax and unwind is a big part of the mix. Undoubtedly one of the most important factors in getting a good night's sleep is your choice of mattress.

Choosing your Mattress

Let’s start with some numbers. The average person buys a new mattress every seven to ten years. The average person also spends a third of their day sleeping. If you're lucky enough to get eight hours of sleep a night, that works out to roughly three and a half years spent in bed per mattress.

Since we all spend a significant amount of our time sleeping, it makes sense to invest in a mattress that will help you stay healthy and comfortable year after year.

When should you replace your mattress?

Here are two factors that will give you a good indication that it's time to upgrade your mattress.

Firstly, look at the warranty period. Warranties are typically based on material fatigue. In other words, your warranty period is generally calculated according to the manufacturer's estimation of when the mattress will no longer perform at its best.

Secondly, look at the physical condition of your mattress. Dipping in the mattress in the spot where you lay the most is a good indicator that the time has come to replace your mattress. An indentation of less than 20mm is considered normal after extended use.

Researching your mattress

Mattress technology has probably advanced significantly since your last purchase, so it pays to do your research. We all have different health needs and comfort considerations, but there are key considerations everyone should take in account.

1. Breathe easy
   Ensure the materials in the mattress are dermatologically tested and that the VOC emissions from materials and adhesives comply with safety standards.
   
   
2. Maximum pressure relief
   Look for a mattress that will distribute your weight evenly to ensure your body is supported, and you maintain good spinal alignment while you sleep. This also avoids pressure points or pins and needles. Generally, a thick top layer of quality foam is best.
   
   
3. Partner Disturbance
   Zoned firmness levels across your mattress help to minimise disturbance when one person moves.
   
   
4. Firmness
   This comes down to your preferred sleep position. A firm mattress is best for stomach sleepers as it keeps your spine aligned. Back sleepers suit a medium mattress that offers support for your back and neck. Side sleepers are best suited to a soft mattress as it offers contoured support.
   
   
5. Breathable
   Nothing interrupts a good night’s sleep like being too hot or too cold. Choosing a mattress that’s breathable will help to circulate air around your body as you sleep, keeping you comfortable in every season.
   
   
6. Flexibility
   We don’t generally think about flexibility when it comes to a mattress, but advanced comfort technology has made a mattress that adapts to your lifestyle a reality. Consider a modular mattress that allows you to customise the comfort on each side of the bed and easily adapts to changes in your lifestyle.
   
   

Understand the terminology

Quality mattresses are constructed from comfort layers made from different materials. It’s important to understand the materials that make up these layers so you can choose the combination that best suits you.

Foam Layers

Latex is a natural product that provides upward pressure support to relieve pressure points and joint pain. Memory foam contours to your body, evenly distributing your body weight and helping with blood circulation. Premium dense foam creates a solid supportive sleeping surface.

Springs

Springs have been used in mattresses for well over a century. There have been significant advances in how springs are integrated into mattresses, with different brands adopting their own patented technology.

As a rule of thumb, more springs offer more support. Individual coils minimise partner disturbance and allow for zoning across the mattress, so extra support is provided in specific places.

Introducing Sleep+

Sleep+ is a fully modular mattress system that allows you to customise comfort layers to suit the way you and your partner sleep. You can tailor the level of firmness on each side of your bed and customise according to season or changes in your lifestyle.

The Flex Base layer features zoned Kingcell® Pocket Coil Springs divided into soft and firm zones across the mattresses to intuitively respond to your body weight and shape for maximum support and pressure relief.

Above the Flex Base is the comfort layer. There are four different layers to choose from including, Hybrid Comfort, Latex Comfort, Memory Comfort and Premium Firm Comfort. Each comfort layer offers a different level of support. Hybrid Comfort features the support of high-density natural Latex on one side and softer luxurious Memory Foam on the other.

Interchangeable Fit Covers offer different levels of comfort. CoolFit draws heat away from your body. WarmFit comes with an internal electric blanket for colder months, while AirFit features air-circulating properties to ensure a perfect night’s rest. The covers are machine washable and unzip for easy cleaning and changeovers.

The final test

Once you've done your research, it's time to try the mattress out in person. Be sure to test out a range of mattresses so you can make an informed comparison. Lie down and really experience the comfort that each model offers. And finally, don't rush the process because the mattress you choose can make a big difference to your overall health and wellbeing.

Shop Sleep+

Shop Bedroom

Shop the King sofa sale

* Sleep Health Foundation Report: Rise and try to shine: the social and economic costs of sleep disorders.