Mattress, Slumber Tips
Your complete guide to choosing a king size mattress
Define your needs, and discover a mattress that meets them
The mattress is a major investment. It’s not just about cost, either; you and your loved ones will be sleeping on that mattress for years, maybe even a decade. It’s vital you pick the right one. But there are so many factors to consider — the easiest part of mattress shopping is getting overwhelmed.
We’ll make things easy. Let’s go through some of the key considerations to picking the right king size mattress for you and yours.
What is a king size mattress, and why do you need one?
The basics: a king size mattress is 203 centimetres long by 183 centimetres wide.
To give you a quick comparison: A king is the same length as a queen mattress, which is great for couples. But the king mattress’ greater width allows more room for a child, or even a pet.
A king size mattress is perfect for couples who want more space to sleep comfortably. If you often find yourself cramped and sleeping on the edge, or if you feel like you’re not getting enough support, a king size mattress may be the solution for you.
When you should get a new king mattress and why it’s important to take care of your current one
Mattresses typically last 10 years before showing significant signs of wear. While a quality mattress can last longer with appropriate care, you should consider a new mattress after a decade sleeping on your current one.
You should also consider a new king mattress if you regularly wake up sore. That’s a sign your current mattress isn’t giving you the support you need. Poor support could be a matter of a worn out mattress, or you might have the wrong type of mattress entirely. We’ll talk about that below.
One of the most important things to do to take care of your king size mattress is to rotate it. We recommend that you rotate your mattress every few months. Some mattresses need to be flipped as well — Sleep Republic mattresses do not need to be flipped. Caring for a Sleep Republic mattress is actually quite easy.
How to choose the right king size mattress for your needs
When it comes to choosing the right king size mattress for your needs, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
1. Sleeping position
What position do you regularly sleep in? It’s important to know, since that will dictate the ideal feel of your king mattress.
Side sleepers
This position places stress on your hips and shoulders. A soft/medium feel would be ideal for side sleeping, since it would contour to your weight in this position.
Back sleepers
Sleeping on your back distributes your weight quite evenly. The goal here is to maximise support for your spine. A medium/firm mattress would be ideal for back sleepers.
Front sleepers
When you sleep on your front, your lower back and pelvis aren’t as supported as well as if they were flat against the mattress. So, they’ll start to sink, which over time can lead to lower backaches. You’ll need a medium/firm or firm mattress to give you that added support.
2. Materials
Now you know the feel you’re after for your king mattress. Let’s talk about the types of mattresses that are out there.
Latex mattresses
Latex makes for extremely soft mattresses. But the material is also famed for its ability to dissipate heat, and therefore keep your bed cool on hot nights. While a small percentage of people are allergic to latex, it is dust resistant, making it a good choice for anyone with other allergies.
Memory foam mattresses
Early versions of memory foam had a tendency to collect heat and trap it, making them rather uncomfortable. However, more recent developments have improved the material’s ability to breathe, reducing any heat buildup.
Memory foam mattresses are also known for their soft contouring feel that relieves pressure on the hips and shoulders, making them a very popular choice for side sleepers.
Innerspring mattresses
This is the most common type of mattress. The coil springs at the core of these mattresses allow for firm support, and absorb each sleepers’ weight to prevent them from disturbing each other.
Standard spring mattresses do have a tendency to wear out faster than other types. But you can avoid that problem by asking about the quality of the springs.
Gel memory foam mattresses
These mattresses are composed of the same materials as traditional memory foam, but also include gel, which helps to dissipate any heat that may build up during the night. This makes them especially good at keeping you cool in the Australian heat.
3. Hybrid mattresses
The best of both worlds, hybrid mattresses marry the support of innersprings with the comfort foam and the breathability of latex.
That’s the exact thinking behind the Sleep Republic hybrid mattress. We have also put great care into developing our mattress technology. If you’re after a breathable, comfortable and supporting king size mattress, we have just the one for you.
4. Space
Think about your bedroom space. A king size mattress may be spacious enough to give you a great night’s sleep, but you may have to compromise on the layout of the room.
This may seem like a question of whether you should go with a king size mattress at all — but compromise can open new opportunities for creativity. That’s especially true if you’re set on a king size mattress.
Consider alternative storage, like wall-mounted shelves, which also make great nightstands. You could also mount your TV to the wall, cutting the need for even a small entertainment unit.
5. Budget
Price is a major factor in every purchase, but it should be weighed against the benefits of the mattress you’re getting.
Take into account the make, materials and the feel of the mattress, as well as the craftsmanship and care that went into its build. Then you’ll understand whether your investment is worth it.
6. Warranty & Returns
Check the warranty information. As we mentioned earlier, the average mattress can serve you for 10 years or so. The more of that time your mattress is covered by warranty, the more confidence its manufacturers have in it.
The Sleep Republic mattress comes with a 12 year warranty.
7. King mattress reviews
If you’re struggling to decide whether a particular mattress is right for you, who better to trust than the people who actually sleep on it? Read as many reviews as you can, both from professional third-party experts, and from actual buyers.
Reviews highlight the pros and cons, but they can also reveal solutions and help you evaluate how relevant those pros and cons might be to you.
5 final tips on picking your king size mattress
Some of these tips may seem obvious, and some may seem small — but they are all important.
- You need to sleep on your new king size mattress for at least 30 days to be able to determine whether the mattress is supportive and comfortable enough.If the mattress was vacuum packed or rolled up for delivery, it may take at least a week to fully decompress into its optimum state.
- Buy a king size fitted sheet for hygiene and protection. Fitted mattress protectors and bed sheets will keep your bed hygienic and comfortable, and aid in keeping it clean.
- Don’t confuse thickness with support. Many people feel the thicker the mattress, the more supportive it will be — but that is not necessarily true.Ask for details on how the mattress has been constructed, so that you can understand if it can reliably deliver on its promises.
- Don’t be immediately swayed just because a mattress is inexpensive or on sale. You’re always better off going by the construction, and whether the details of the mattress match your needs.
- Despite all the details we’ve covered, try not to overthink it. With so much to consider, it’s easy to get paralysed by the choices. If a mattress meets your needs, it’s likely to be the right one. The only way you’ll know for sure is once you’ve tested it out.Remember, this is why it’s important to make sure your mattress comes with a healthy warranty and a clear returns policy.
The Sleep Republic hybrid king mattress is a multi-award winning mattress endorsed by the Australian Spinal Research Foundation.
