How do you compare to other mattress brands?
We're different in three main ways: modularity, materials, and spring engineering.
Modularity: We are a buy-for-life mattress. Our mattresses are completely modular - you can upgrade or replace any component without buying a whole new mattress. All mattresses are compatible. You can even upgrade from the Cooper to the Cloud by changing a few components. When parts fail (and they do on all mattresses over time), you simply buy the part you need to replace.
Materials: Most brands use foam comfort layers that break down in 5-7 years. We use the highest quality natural latex that lasts 3-4x longer.
Spring engineering: We use 30% more springs than most brands (986 vs the typical 768 in a Queen) in a honeycomb layout. More springs = better support. It's that simple.
How do your mattresses compare to Sealy?
Sealy mattresses use foam for the comfort layer. They also use a standard spring layout.
In comparison, we prefer to use natural latex because of its durability and comfort. Natural latex sleeps cooler than memory foam, too. We also use a honeycomb pattern to maximise spring count (986 vs typical 768). It costs us more, but it's more comfy.
Technicalities aside, the value of an Ausbeds mattress comes from its modularity and adjustability. All layers of the mattress can be changed and replaced. It's a buy-for-life mattress. If the comfort layer sinks after a few years (and believe me, all mattresses do), you simply need to replace the component.
Are these mattresses in a box?
No, our mattresses aren't bed-in-a-box. We make our mattresses to order in our Marrickville warehouse and deliver them to you full-size. The reason? Compression.
Bed-in-a-box mattresses typically use foam edges that compress easily. We prefer to use wire for edge support, which doesn't compress. We do this to have springs all the way to the edge of the mattress to increase air flow and reduce moisture buildup.
Given the price, am I better off buying a mattress from Koala or Ecosa?
If you're young or light-weight and you aren't too fussy about getting the perfect comfort level, then Ecosa or Koala are perfectly fine mattresses! The reason why you would go Ausbeds over a Koala or Ecosa:
We're a buy-for-life mattress. Adjust, switch and upgrade parts at any time. In the long term, you will save money.
Adjustability and modularity. We get the comfort just right for your body and sleeping preference.
High-quality parts and manufacturing: We use 30% more springs with our honeycomb spring layout (986 vs typical 768), wire edges (vs foam) and high-quality natural latexes.
Keep in mind, Koala mattresses have a foam core. That means they sleep hotter than a pocket spring mattress. In my 15 years of experience making mattresses, foam is always the first layer to go. That means you'll be replacing the whole mattress after a few years vs getting a replacement component with an Ausbeds mattress.
Are there other good mattress makers in Australia?
Yep. You can check out our guide to trusted mattress factories in Australia here: https://ausbeds.com.au/guides/whats-the-best-mattress-in-australia.
What's your opinion on Sleeping Duck mattresses?
To me, the biggest problem with the Sleeping Duck Mach II mattress is that it has quite a firm spring unit. It's firmer than the spring unit I use for over 90kg customers. Then they use 10.5cm of plastic foam on top of the springs. The foam gets crushed between the bodyweight and the firm springs, and it's usually too far gone within about five years, sometimes much less.
What's your opinion on memory foam?
The short answer is: memory foam dips the quickest, and latex lasts the longest. Polyfoam sits in the middle.
What's called "memory foam" could be one of a thousand formulations and densities. There is, of course, high-quality memory foam. It's just far too difficult to recommend without writing an encyclopedia on it.
From what I can tell, Tempur have the highest density memory foams, so I think if people like the feel of memory foam and they have some extra cash, Tempur would be an option for them, especially for people who are woken easily at night. Memory foam is the champ when it comes to partner disturbance.