Need Advice for a King Size Mattress and Base

Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 00:07
Last edited 15/06/2024 - 00:17 by 1 other user

Hi OzBargainers,

My partner and I are in the market for a new king-size mattress and base, and we’d love your advice! 🛏️

We’re looking for a medium-firm mattress that suits front and side sleepers. Our budget is up to $4,000 including the bed base, and we hope it lasts +8 years. Good motion isolation is essential since my partner is a restless sleeper.

I weigh 65kg, and my partner is 55kg. We’ve been experiencing some back and hip pain with our current 7-year-old Fantastic Furniture set. We kind liked the Sealy Posturepedic Elevate entry line in stores ( know it is only less than 5 mins test though) but I'm also curious about the pocket spring and hybrid mattresses that everyone is raving about online, especially with the trial offers.

We’ve visited Harvey Norman, Freedom, Focus on Furniture, and Forty Winks, but the more we research, the harder it gets to decide. 😅

Our current contenders are:
- Sealy
- Sleeping Duck
- Ecosa
- Ausbeds (concerned about delivery cost to regional Victoria, 3 hours from Melbourne)

We’re considering the [Koala Brunswick Bed Base], but an ensemble could be an option if we go with Sealy or Ausbeds.

We’d love to hear your personal experiences with these or other brands, including pros and cons!

Thanks so much for your help! 😊

Home & Garden Bed Mattress

Comments

  • Hybroid on 15/06/2024 - 00:16
    +1

    Go to Beds n Dreams and try the Silentnight Chelsea Mattress. Made in Australia, 10 year guarantee and fantastically comfortable. YMMV as always with these things.

    • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 00:47

      Thanks hopefully I can manage sometime to give it a go

  • sumyungguy on 15/06/2024 - 00:18

    Did you try any Tempur?

    • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 00:36

      Yes in store, liked the feeling but way out of my budget.

      • sumyungguy on 15/06/2024 - 00:38

        Don’t they do king size well under $4K?

        • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 00:46

          No…. only if you are referring king single.

            • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 10:42

              @sumyungguy: Thanks for the info. tempting but still very pricey. What's your personal experience with Tempur ?

              • sumyungguy on 15/06/2024 - 11:03

                @Ecivon: Mine was a gift from a friend who was downsizing. It's absolutely fabulous. One of those brands where the owners become lifers. When I shopped for a new mattress for one of my offspring we went everywhere and tried pretty much everything. She chose an ex-floor stock Tempur from HN. We also have Koala and Emma Sleep in our house but the two Tempur are far superior.

              • tonester on 18/06/2024 - 18:25

                @Ecivon: if your budget is $4000, then with $1200-$1800 for base (e.g. Quokka), then you could still be under it, though i recommend that you consider a latex mattress instead, which are cheaper than Tempur :)

      • morse on 15/06/2024 - 04:07
        +1

        You can sometimes get tempur for around $2-3k on special in king size. David Jones currently has instore markdowns on tempur so might be worth looking. I just bought this https://www.ecosa.com.au/ecosa-mattress which is ecosa’s all foam mattress which I’m hoping is similar in feel but haven’t opened it so will let you know in a few days. King is $945 delivered at the moment and it has a 100day trial period.

        • jm7 on 30/07/2024 - 09:55

          What are your thoughts on the ecosa mattress?

          • morse on 30/07/2024 - 13:42
            +1

            @jm7: Didn’t like it and returned it. It was way firmer than expected even when I swapped the top layer around to be ‘medium’ feel. When I called for the refund they tried to talk me into an additional plush layer for free, which could also be returned with the mattress if not successful, but I’d already bought a tempur in the stocktake sale so didn’t try this. But I felt my body weight wasn’t enough to compress the springs, tried both my husband and I so 60-80kg and really felt like we we just sitting on a hard surface.

            It takes a lot longer than they advertise for the return too. They say they’ll get back to you with in 48hrs. I called after waiting for 10days and they still suggest on the phone to just email, but I waited for a person and explained I had already waited 10 days so she started the return process. It then took another week for salvos to contact me and pick up the mattress and the refund was finally processed a few days after that. The salvos guy said they are picking up mattresses from online trials everyday, and not many people like them.

            • jm7 on 30/07/2024 - 21:00

              @morse: Thanks for your feedback.

  • brifog on 15/06/2024 - 00:42
    +4

    Went through this recently, also king size. Got the Koala Brunswick Bed Base. Its good quality and was easy to assemble, arrived same day in Melbourne metro surprisingly. However, not sure I'd recommend their mattresses, have heard theyve gone down in quality since they moved from Australia made to China imports.

    For mattress, we first got a Sleep Republic due to the 100 night trial period. Ended up returning it due to back pain from it, am a back sleeper and found it uncomfortable and slightly too soft. If you're not too sure on a mattress then the bed in box with trial period ones might be a good choice since you can get a full refund if you dont like it, gets donated to charity.

    But my recommendation is to actually get a mattress from a mattress factory where they make them in house, youll get a high quality mattress for great prices. We went with Melbourne Mattress Factory in Dandenong and got the Bamboo Vitality Pocket Spring. It has a zipper system so the comfort layer can be swapped out easily, and theres a 365 night free comfort swap guarantee. Also has a lifetime warranty. You could also try Mattress Builders Melbourne in Cheltenham, however, we decided against them as it was an extra $1200 or so to get the same zipper system as Melbourne Mattress Factory

    • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 01:01

      Thank you so much for sharing your detailed experience with buying a bed base and mattress. It's really helpful to get firsthand accounts like this from someone who has gone through the research and purchase process recently. Getting insight into from real customer experiences can really help guide purchasing decisions, especially for a significant investment like new bed and mattress. I'm glad you were ultimately able to find a quality mattress suited for your needs!!

    • ylin257 on 18/06/2024 - 16:14

      Hey, I'm currently deciding between the mattress you bought (bamboo vitality) versus the same construction with the cotton quilt cover. What made you choose the bamboo? How has it been so far?

      • brifog on 18/06/2024 - 18:03

        We went with the bamboo over the cotton since it textually felt nicer/higher quality and has a wool layer. Also supposedly a bit more breathable/cooler for summer time. Up to you whether the increased price is worth it. Note, the one you linked has the 2x50mm foams, which allows more variation softness/firmness in the comfort layer. The bamboo vitality is a single 100mm layer, whilst you need to then go up to the Bamboo by Nature to get the 2x50mm. Was unclear to me online, but explained in store.

        We've had the mattress for a bit over 2 weeks now, so unfortunately cant give you a long term review. But I can say that the mattress itself feels very high quality. The first couple nights, it actually felt really firm. We ordered the medium and thought for a second they had accidentally given us a firm. But it's settled in now and feels perfect actually.

        I also highly recommend going to the store and trying out the different options, feel the quilt covers for yourself. Scott, the owner is very friendly and will help you out.

        • ylin257 on 18/06/2024 - 19:05

          Thanks for the detailed response! Glad to hear that it's working well for you so far. It sounds like other than variation it's better value to stick with the 1x100mm foam.
          I'll definitely have to check them out.

  • tonester on 15/06/2024 - 00:50

    latex mattresses are best + more :)

    • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 00:54

      Thanks, Did you have any personal experience?

      • tonester on 15/06/2024 - 00:55

        yes - check links :)

      • Karl from ausbeds on 15/06/2024 - 13:51

        I own ausbeds, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me directly, always happy to answer any mattress questions :) Karl from ausbeds

      • Karl from ausbeds on 15/06/2024 - 17:52
        +1

        Hello! Karl from ausbeds here, I only just read that you were in regional Victoria. Depending on where it is I may be able to give you a nice ozbargain shipping discount if I can. Where do you live? Karl, owner at ausbeds :)

        • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 19:14

          Thanks for reaching out! I appreciate the offer. I'm currently located in Wodonga, Victoria. Let me know if a shipping discount is possible for this area.

          • Karl from ausbeds on 16/06/2024 - 15:21

            @Ecivon: $120 I can ship it to you for, delivery is usually once a week, next one is most likely the coming saturday. Although that isn't confirmed just yet. I'd have to double check. I use the same guys every time. I don't use couriers as they are so difficult to deal with. Delivering large items can be a real pain but these guys make it simple. They are on time and communicative.

            Also the mattress weighs approx' 70kgs, however what we do is we package the maing spring and cover in one package of 35kgs ish, and the other package is all of the microsprings/latex etc' (another 35kgs). The the driver will help assemble in the room. We've made it pretty simple by now.

            • Ecivon on 16/06/2024 - 18:37

              @Karl from ausbeds: Thanks for your offer. I am also wondering if the Koala Brunswick Bed Base will be suitable and keep the mattress in good condition, or if I should consider getting an ensemble instead. I've never owned an ensemble before, and my partner really likes that the bed base comes with a bedhead.

              • Karl from ausbeds on 17/06/2024 - 00:05

                @Ecivon: I can't tell if those slats have any flex in them. They look too thin to me. The number one thing by far when it comes to choosing a base is that the slats have to be completely rigid. This means zero flex. If there is any flex, those slats will just get saggier every time you lay down, or move.

                To give you an idea of just how bad of a problem this is, we rate bed frames with flexible slats the number one issue with mattresses. People see a nice looking bed frame online, and they buy it based on the pictures. It looks awesome, problem is, it's a functionally terrible foundation. So they buy this nice looking bed frame, put a mattress on it, they think the mattress has sagged, so they buy another one, put it on the same base, mattress sags again. I see this all of the time.

                The reason this is happening is because the minimum slat quality you need is pine slats without knots in them. If there are knots they break. These aren't cheap. What is cheap however is imported engineered wood, probably chinese in most cases. This engineered wood can be made of very low quality wood. They can make it very thin so it takes up less volume in the shipping containers. When they make these slats like this, they make them so they flex instead of snap. When they flex, they stuff up your mattress and your back. In short, this is happening for companies to make more profit.

                Rigid pine slats. Quokka beds use rigid pine slats, australian ensemble bases use rigid pine slats. There are a few companies that make all of the ensemble base frames. All the base makers buy these base interiors from these companies. they just add a few finishing bits, then wrap there fabric around them. But they are all rigid pine slats.

                If you were going to spend $855 on a koala bed base, i think you're money would be better spent on a quokka. For $180 extra you would be moving from a chinese engineered wood bed frame made from the ground up to look good on a website, and made from the cheapest materials they can get away with, to a completely solid tasmanian oak bed frame with proper rigid pine slats made in australia with australian wood.. To me this is a no brainer, ignore the pretty pictures, buy quality materials. Quokka are currently the best in australia in my opinion. However I'm working on my own so they might have a bit of competition coming.

                Or if you want you can get an ensemble from me, mine aren't better or worse than any other ensembles made in australia. In fact the guy at melbourne mattress factory would be making bases really well as he completes the process on site so he's more likely to not cut corners. I buy from a base maker and I think they could make them better. Although they are still pretty good. This is the reason I'll be making my own soon, If you want to sell something perfect in this industry, you gotta make it yourself.

                • tonester on 17/06/2024 - 16:17

                  @Karl from ausbeds:

                  The number one thing by far when it comes to choosing a base is that the slats have to be completely rigid. This means zero flex. If there is any flex, those slats will just get saggier every time you lay down, or move.

                  you don't like flexible slats?

                  all my beds are latex mattresses (no synthetics nor springs), but some have bases with rigid slats, others flexible ones, and i've had no issues with either for over twenty years - the latter are beechwood

                  • Karl from ausbeds on 17/06/2024 - 23:38

                    @tonester: I'm not saying that every flexible slat is bad. I usually try to give advice that is fairly simple and usable. What ive noticed is that not all flexible slats are the same quality. In-fact, I very rarely come across a quality flexible slat.

                    High quality ones will be ok. What was common 20 years ago and now is very different. Engineered woods built for the purpose of being as cheap as possible are everywhere now. My advice is that its easier to stick to rigid slats as trying to determine the amount of flex a slat has, and also trying to determine if the slat will sag, (which i also see all the time) is impossible.

                    My advice remians the same, rigid slats made of substantial pieces of pine from a reputable maker if you want it to last, and you want to take the guesswork out.

                    There really is so much trash out there, I'd really like people to avoid buying something that will wreck mattresses, wreck backs, wreck wallets. I see it far too often.

  • AustriaBargain on 15/06/2024 - 01:43

    I weigh 65kg, and my partner is 55kg

    My god, I think half my family weighs more than you and your partner combined. I wonder if someone weighs twice as much does a mattress feel twice as soft, or whatever? Twice as much mass on the springs.

    • morse on 15/06/2024 - 04:12

      Yep for light people a lot of spring mattresses are not suitable as they are not heavy enough to compress the springs, especially box springs (better for no partner disturbance). Then you’re really just relying on the foam layer for comfort but it will compress over time.

      • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 10:46

        Oh that's really good to know. Can you give us a bit more insights and advice ?

    • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 10:44

      Haha 😄 yes we are lean and short

  • kiwijunglist on 15/06/2024 - 11:03

    From my reading BC you are light i imagine you want to go with a softer mattress. Maybe a latex with soft springs +- a latex plush topper.

    I'm in a similar situation and have been looking through the options. Haven't bought yet.

  • Jos on 15/06/2024 - 12:35

    About 12 months ago we bought a Sleeping Duck mattress and base. I really regret not doing this sooner. The base is so well made I think it will last my lifetime - probably longer. The mattress is the most comfortable I've ever slept on.

  • Benoffie on 15/06/2024 - 16:46

    Consider going to the source for the base. Recently purchased a bed and got the base from one of the same suppliers that does the big chain stores.

    Chain stores wanted $2k+ for 4 drawer storage base.

    Direct I got it in my choice of Warwick fabrics delivered for $950.

    Have a look on FB - youll find wholesalers advertising cashies on there 😉

    • Ecivon on 15/06/2024 - 19:18

      That’s a great tip! It's amazing how much you can save by going directly to the source. Will definitely check out FB for wholesalers offering similar deals. Thanks for sharing!

  • TChalla on 16/06/2024 - 10:09

    Try Koala (just saw post they're having a decent sale) and return if you don't like it.

  • gfjh567gh3 on 17/06/2024 - 22:21

    I bought my first fancy mattress the other day - ended up with a mid range Sleepmaker in firm. Very happy, it's holding up great. Bought from Snooze at an eofy deal

  • Wiadro on 14/07/2024 - 20:51

    i have a sealy king and queen

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