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Different types of mattresses

To help in your decision, Bedbuyer has summarised the main types of mattresses to hopefully assist you in your selection process.

Last updated: March 7, 2025

You may have noticed by now, that there is a huge number of mattresses available today. With so many products to choose from, deciding on the right ‘type’ of mattress may be a good starting point.

To help in your decision, Bedbuyer has summarised the main types of mattresses that are available in Australia. This should provide a good understanding as to the differences between these mattress types, and will hopefully assist you in your final selection.

The main types of mattresses available in Australia today are:

  1. Innerspring mattresses
  2. Foam mattresses
  3. Latex mattresses
  4. Hybrid mattresses
  5. Mattress in a box

Let’s explore these different types of mattresses to see what’s best for you!


1. Innerspring Mattresses

Yinahla Natural Latex

‘Innerspring mattresses’ are the most common type of mattresses on the market today. As the name suggests, these mattresses use a ‘spring system’ – a network of metal coils that forms the main structure of the mattress.

The spring system of a mattress will typically have a layer (or layers) of foam placed on top. This foam layer is commonly referred to as a’ comfort layer’. When this comfort layer is particularly thick, it is referred to as a ‘pillow top’.

It’s important to note that there are many different types of spring systems, with a wide range in quality. One of the most common types of spring systems is a pocket spring system. 

Pocket spring system

The main purpose of a spring system is to provide correct spinal support. It is also designed to absorb body weight comfortably, and to accommodate normal sleep movements (e.g. rolling over). Innerspring mattresses have a characteristic ‘bounce’ to them, allowing us to jump up and down on the bed like a trampoline.

A good quality spring system should last many years – it is usually the foam components of a mattress (not the springs) that will degrade over time. Innerspring mattresses also tend to be have better ventilation than foam or latex mattresses, due to the ability of air to circulate through the springs.

Different types of mattressesSilent Night Onyx

Some of the best innerspring mattresses that we have tested include the Yinahla Classic Comfort, the Dusk&Dawn Mattress, and the Sleep Republic Mattress.


2. Foam Mattresses

Different types of mattressesHappySleep Mattress

‘Foam mattresses’, as the name suggests, refer to mattresses made entirely of foam. A foam mattress will typically use two or three layers of different foams to create a balance of comfort and support.

Foam mattresses have become more popular in the last few years, particularly with the explosion of the online ‘mattress in a box‘ market.

As with innerspring mattresses, there is a wide range of quality between products, with ‘higher density’ foams generally being more durable. There are also different types of foams used in mattresses, such as basic polyurethane foam and memory foam. 

Emma Mattress

Foam mattresses typically have a distinct ‘spongy’ feel, somewhat different to the bouncy feel of an innerspring mattress. Nevertheless, many foam mattresses still offer a nice level of comfort and back support.

Foam mattresses often have less partner disturbance as foam doesn’t tend to transfer motion as much as some spring units. Foam mattress can get hot though due to the lack of ventilation. With that said, some foams have special cooling materials integrated into them.

Some of the best foam mattresses we have tested include the Emma Mattress and the Zeek Original Mattress.


3. Latex Mattresses

Peace Lily Mattress

As much as there are a number of latex mattresses on the market today, they are far less common than innerspring and foam mattresses. It’s worth noting though that latex mattresses do have some advantages and still remain fairly desirable.

Latex is known to be durable and resilient, so a latex mattress should last for many years. Latex is also a natural substance (obtained from rubber trees), so latex mattresses are popular with customers who value their health and the environment.

Latex is also resistant to bacteria and dust mites, so it can help to minimise asthma and allergies. Latex mattresses have a bouncy and ‘rubbery’ feel to them, and generally offer good support and comfort.

A few good latex mattresses available in Australia, are the Peace lily Mattress and the Zenna Mattress.


4. Hybrid Mattresses

Onebed X Mattress

A ‘hybrid mattress’ is a unique type of mattress that combines foam and springs in one cohesive unit, without a distinguishable pillow top.

The term ‘hybrid mattress’ is often attributed to any mattress that uses foam and springs. This is technically incorrect, and can create confusion for bed shoppers. Virtually all ‘innerspring mattresses’ use foam and springs, so it’s important to be aware of this distinction.

For example, the Zeek Hybrid Mattress is a true hybrid mattress. It uses foam and springs, but the mattress does not present with any indication as to the depth or location of the (top) comfort layer. 

Different types of mattressesZeek Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses have many of the same qualities as innerspring mattresses, and often do look more ‘sleek’ and modern than a typical innerspring mattress.

A few of the best hybrid mattresses that we have tested include the Zeek Hybrid Mattress and the Onebed X Mattress.


5. Mattress in a box

Different types of mattressesSleep Republic Mattress

A ‘mattress in a box’ is simply a mattress that has been compressed (by machinery) to fit into a cardboard box. This allows for more economical storage and transport, and makes it easier to place it into your home.

Mattress in a box products form a category of their own, not based on design (e.g. innerspring, foam etc.) but by the purchasing and delivery method. They can be conveniently ordered online, and will arrive at your door in a compact box. Some companies even do ‘same day delivery’!

Sleeping Duck Mattress

The mattress in a box market has exploded in Australia over the past 5 years with brands like Sleeping Duck and Koala becoming household names. They typically offer good value, convenience, and the advantage of a ‘free trial period’.

As we alluded to earlier, mattress in a box products vary in their construction. A mattress in a box can be innerspring, foam, latex, or hybrid. We have discussed these products in a seperate category in context of their unique purchase and delivery methods.

Ecosa Mattress

A few of the best mattress in a box products that we have tested include the Sleep Republic Mattress and the Noa Luxe Mattress.


So there you have it, a summary of the different types of mattresses in Australia today. The question is, what type of mattress is best for you? Do you like the idea of a good spring system, or do you like the distinct feel of latex? Or, will you consider a mattress in a box?

Whatever you are leaning towards, the Bedbuyer team is always here to assist. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.


Bedbuyer is Australia’s largest bedding website and leading independent mattress review group. To read our disclosure and disclaimer statement, click here.

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