Mattress sizes in Australia: a complete guide to the 7 options and tips for choosing the right one

It might be safe to say that many of us consider mattress firmness and mattress thickness determine how comfortable your bed is, but did you know that the mattress size also dictates comfort?

A sleep surface that's too narrow or not long enough will make it tough for you to get cosy — especially if you share a bed with someone. There's no better feeling than finding the best mattress in Australia for your sleep needs — and that includes choosing the right size to comfortably support you and your bedmate(s). Naturally, the larger the bed the more money you'll pay, but you can take a look at our regularly updated page on the best mattress sales in Australia where we list top offers on the three most commonly purchases sizes.

There are more than three though: in Australia, there are a total of seven sizes to choose from, but most brands and retailers only offer five of those. So what are these seven sizes and how to do you choose between them? Read on to find out.

Mattress sizes and dimensions in Australia

As you've just found out, there are a total of seven sizes in Australia, but finding a brand that lists all of them on their site is difficult. Each mattress maker typically offers only five of the most commonly purchased options, but Sleeping Duck and Ergoflex offer six. Ecosa is a rare brand to offer all seven, plus the cot mattress for cribs, although not all Ecosa mattresses come in all seven sizes.

Below is a list of all seven mattress sizes in Australia, along with their dimensions and who each is best suited to.

Of the seven sizes listed above, the most common ones are:
• Single
• King single
• Double
• Queen
• King

Of these, the popular size is queen, with double and king following closely.

What is a split king?

A split king is two king single mattress placed side by side on a king-sized bed to make one cohesive sleep surface.

In Australia, you won't find brands specifically selling split king mattresses (or bed frames), but purchasing a king-sized frame and adding two king single mattress will give you this size.

There are certain advantages to using a split king bed. It allows couples with different preferences and schedules to sleep together comfortably as the two separate mattresses eliminated (not just minimise) motion transfer. Split king beds can have different firmness levels on either side to suit both partners.

What is a cot mattress?

Cot mattresses are specifically designed for babies and toddlers, to be used for newborns till the age of two or three.

When purchasing a cot mattress in Australia, there are some mandatory product safety standards that need to be met, and it lists the recommended mattress size and thickness for different frames.

Cot mattresses can be foam or hybrid, but they all be firm for babies as soft surfaces post a serious risk when they roll over and their face sinks into the pillowy bed.

Ecosa is one Australia-based company that makes cot mattresses as well as other boxed options.

How to choose the right mattress size

If you're unsure of which mattress size to shop for, consider the following questions to find the right fit:

Do you share a bed or sleep alone?

Although single and king single mattresses are geared toward children and teenagers, smaller-framed adults who sleep alone may find them sufficient. Taller but slim-framed adults will find a long single suitable, but a king single would also work as they both share the same 203cm length and the latter is also easier to purchase.

Queen and double beds will suit couples who share a bed, as well as solo sleepers who like to sprawl. Meanwhile, king-sized mattresses will accommodate families who co-sleep with younger children and pets.

How big is your bedroom?

Most couples will fare well with a queen or a double, but those with palatial bedrooms can go for a king or super king.

If you're a solo sleeper, you'll want to stick to a smaller mattress size if you live in cramped quarters. However, you can upgrade to a queen/double if your space allows.

While you may want your bed to serve as a focal point for your bedroom, you don't want it to overtake your space either. Strive for at least 60cm / 24 inches of clearance on at least one side of your bed so you have plenty of room to get up and walk around. Don't forget to account for other furniture in your room.

How tall are you (and your partner)? 

You'll want to avoid having your feet hang over the edge of your bed. Solo sleepers who are north of six feet can choose a king single if they're tight on space, which has the longest length of any bed standard bed size (203cm).

In Australia, queen and king-sized beds also have the same length (203cm), so couples with at least one tall partner should opt for one of the larger sizes. If you have the additional room, the super king will also be a good option if either one of you like to sprawl.

How much are you willing to spend?

Obviously, the bigger the bed, the more you'll have to pay for it. If you don't have the means to splurge, stick to a smaller size. That said, these days there are excellent budget foam and hybrid mattresses that won't burn a massive hole in your pocket even with the larger sizes. For example, you can read our Origin Hybrid Pro review to see if it would suit you, and a queen can usually be found below the one-grand mark. Even the Valmori Hybrid Mattress II review could be worth checking out for a budget option with a softer sleep surface.

Also, consider your intended use — you don't need to overspend for a guest bed or for student accommodation. Of course, browsing regular mattress sales in Australia will ensure you find a good deal for something comfortable.

Key differences between common mattress sizes

Most people find themselves torn between two mattress sizes. Here are the most common size match-ups and the ways to determine the best one for you:

Single vs double size mattress 

A single-sized mattress is the cheapest available. At 92cm x 190cm, it's perfect for kids and younger teenagers, as well as for bunk and trundle beds. Smaller-framed adults can get by with a single if they sleep alone and don't have a lot of bedroom space to work with.

However, for most adults and older teenagers, a double (137cm x 190cm) will be the better choice as there's a bit more room. It's not so large that it will overwhelm a smaller-sized bedroom (as a queen or king would) and it's also a great size for a guest bedroom. A double is even great to share with a partner, but some people might find it a tight squeeze.

Double vs queen size mattress 

A queen mattress measures 153cm x 203cm. It's both wider and taller than a double, so is better suited for couples and taller individuals. Of course, solo sleepers will find a lot more room to sprawl on a queen bed, but if you have a small bedroom, consider the double instead.

Price-wise, expect to pay around AU$550 for a double mattress when discounted compared to about AU$900 for a queen on sale, although at full price, a queen can be well over AU1,000. Queen is the most popular mattress size in Australia, so the variety of bedding and accessories on offer are more varied and easier to come by than a double.

Queen vs king size mattress

A king mattress size is the widest of all the standard sizes at 183cm, but it is the same length as a queen (203cm). If you and/or your partner have a larger build, a king will afford both of you more space to spread out. A king mattress can accommodate more people than a queen, so it's great for families who bedshare. On the other hand, if you don't have a spacious room, stick with a queen.

A discounted queen mattress will set you back around AU$900, while a king mattress in the same class and similar sale price will cost you closer to AU$1,200. Keep in mind the materials, brand and mattress type will also influence the price. Since king is the second most popular mattress size behind queen, you'll have no issue shopping for accessories.

How to choose the right bed frame for your mattress

The size of your bed frame corresponds with the size of your mattress — that's simple enough. However, a bed frame will be roughly 5-12cm (2-5 inches) larger than the mattress it'll be holding (although this will vary by model).

Measure your bedroom plus the amount of space you have allotted for your sleeping area. Remember to reserve at least two feet (or half a metre) of clearance on the side where you normally get out of bed.

Here's what else you need to know when shopping for the right bed frame:

• Height: You should be able to sit at the edge of your bed with your feet flat on the ground and your knees at a 90º angle. A frame that's too tall could make it harder for you to safely get out of bed.
• Support: Your bed frame should be sturdy enough to hold you and your mattress — along with a partner, your kids, and/or your pets, if applicable. This will likely be a foundation with slats or a solid wooden board.
• Style: Platform (basic) bed frames are popular for their minimalist aesthetic and you may find one with built-in storage. If you have very limited space, consider a trundle or a bunk bed. If you want to make more of a statement, add a headboard and/or a footboard, or go for a lavish four-post bed.