In the past, buying a mattress was a straightforward affair. Walk into a store, lie down on a few beds, pick one that feels right, and you're done. 

Fast forward to 2023, and the landscape has dramatically changed. Mattresses have evolved from mere sleeping surfaces to sophisticated sleep systems designed for optimum comfort, health, and longevity. But how have they developed in such a short period of time?

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Emergence of Sleep Science

With growing awareness of the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being, manufacturers have delved deeper into sleep science. This has led to innovations tailored to specific sleep needs, much like how car manufacturers study aerodynamics and human behaviour to enhance driving experiences.

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Customisations

Just as you can now customise almost every feature in a car, from its finish to its onboard technologies, mattresses offer a myriad of personalisation options. From adjustable firmness levels to zoned support tailored to different body parts, the choices are vast.

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Price Range Expansion

From budget-friendly to luxury options, the price spectrum for mattresses has broadened immensely. Just as you can opt for a basic sedan or splurge on a luxury sports car, there's a mattress out there for every budget and preference.

The evolution of the mattress industry, with its rapid technological and design innovations, has introduced a myriad of new terms that can be confusing to the average consumer. But Factory Buys is here to help you navigate through the mattress jargon!

Let’s start with sizes. Choosing the right bed size is a key component of ensuring restful sleep and maximising bedroom space. 

In Australia, we have a range of standard bed sizes tailored to meet diverse sleeping needs, from individuals to couples and families. Whether you're furnishing a cosy guest room or a spacious master bedroom, understanding these sizes is pivotal. Below is a glossary of the standard bed sizes in Australia to help guide your decision.

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Bed Size Glossary (Australian Standards)

Single 

Suitable for one person, the Single sizes are often used for children's bedrooms or guest rooms.

Dimensions (approx.): 90 cm wide x 190 cm long

King Single

A bit larger than the standard single, the King Single offers extra space in both width and length, accommodating taller teenagers and adults.

Dimensions (approx.): 107 cm wide x 204 cm long

Double

Ideal for single adults or two individuals who don't mind a cosy fit. Doubles are a good choice for rooms that can't accommodate a queen-sized bed.

Dimensions (approx.): 138 cm wide x 188 cm long

Queen

The most popular size for couples or individuals who like extra space to sprawl out. The Queen size offers a good balance between size and comfort.

Dimensions (approx.): 153 cm wide x 204 cm long

King

Offering luxurious space, the King is suitable for couples who like maximum personal sleeping space or families with kids joining them in bed on lazy mornings.

Dimensions (approx.): 183 cm wide x 204 cm long

Super King

As the name suggests, this is the largest standard bed size in Australia. It offers ample space and is often found in luxury suites and homes with spacious bedrooms.

Dimensions (approx.): 203 cm wide x 204 cm long

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Softness

Another basic choice when choosing your mattress is the softness. Here’s a breakdown of what we offer at Factory Buys: 

Plush or Ultra Soft 

These mattresses are incredibly soft and cushiony, allowing the sleeper to sink deeply into the bed. They typically have thick comfort layers of soft foam or plush tops.

Best for: Side sleepers or those who prefer a hugging sensation from their mattress.

Soft

Still on the softer end of the scale but provides a bit more support than ultra-soft mattresses. The Soft mattress sleeper will experience contouring, but not as deep a sink.

Best for: Side sleepers who need pressure relief for shoulders and hips.

Medium

A universal comfort level, medium mattresses strike a balance between softness and firmness. They offer adequate contouring while ensuring good support.

Best for: Most sleepers, including back, side, and combination sleepers.

Firm

Firm mattresses have minimal cushioning on top, leading to a sturdier feel. Sleepers won't sink much into these mattresses.

Best for: Stomach sleepers, back sleepers, or individuals with back pain who require a stable surface.

Extra Firm or Ultra Firm   

These are the firmest standard mattresses available. They provide a solid, rigid sleeping surface with very minimal give.

Best for: Those who need or prefer an extremely solid sleeping surface, such as some back pain sufferers.

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Mattress Innovations

Memory Foam  

This isn't your typical foam. It's designed to contour to your body, providing targeted support. But within this category, you have terms like open-cell memory foam, gel-infused memory foam, and high-density memory foam, each with its own unique benefits.

Latex 

Beyond just being a type of foam, latex can be "natural" (sourced from rubber trees) or "synthetic." There's also "Dunlop" versus "Talalay" latex, referring to different manufacturing processes.

Cooling Technologies  

Terms like "phase change material," "gel beads," and "titanium-infused foam" refer to materials designed to regulate mattress temperature.

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Design & Structure

Zoned Support  

Some mattresses have different levels of firmness in different zones, like more support for your hips and less for your head.

Hybrid  

This doesn't just mean a mix. In mattress terms, it typically refers to beds that combine traditional coils with layers of foam or latex.

Pillow Top vs. Euro Top  

While they might sound similar, they refer to different designs of added cushioning layers on the mattress surface.

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Eco & Health Terms

Organic and Green 

These aren't just buzzwords! They refer to mattresses certified thanks to environmentally friendly practices and materials without harmful chemicals.

Hypoallergenic  

Refers to materials designed to reduce allergen buildup and be resistant to dust mites and mould.

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Buying Experience

Bed-in-a-Box  

This new business model, where mattresses are compressed, rolled, and shipped in a box, has led to terms like "off-gassing" (the release of a certain smell when the compressed mattress is first opened).

Edge Support  

This term indicates how well the perimeter of the mattress supports weight, crucial for those who sit on the edge or sleep close to it.

Coil Gauge 

This refers to the thickness of the coil wire in innerspring mattresses.

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Still stumped? 

For more information, feel free to get in touch with one of our customer experts today. We also offer bedding and bedroom furniture packages. 

Find your ideal mattress and order with Factory Buys for free delivery on your order! 

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