Whether you’re setting up a spare room, heading out on a camping trip, hosting last-minute guests, or kitting out a bunk for the kids, a folding mattress is a clever purchase that earns its keep time and time again. Compact, versatile, and surprisingly comfortable, a good folding mattress can make all the difference when life calls for a flexible sleeping solution.
But if you’ve started searching around and found yourself wondering where to buy folding mattress options that are worth your hard-earned money, you’re not alone. The Australian market is full of choices, from big-box retailers to boutique online stores, and it can be tough to know where to start. This guide mentions all your options, what to look for, and how to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
What Is a Folding Mattress and Why Are Aussies Loving Them?
A folding mattress, sometimes called a tri-fold mattress, foldable floor mattress, or portable mattress is what it sounds like. It’s a mattress designed to fold up neatly for storage or transport, then unfold into a comfortable sleeping surface when you need it.
They come in a range of sizes, thicknesses, and materials, from basic foam options to higher-end memory foam and latex varieties. They’re not only for camping or emergencies, plenty of Australians use folding mattresses as permanent guest beds, yoga and exercise mats, kids’ slumber party staples, and even compact living solutions in smaller apartments or studios.
With housing costs through the roof in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, making the most of every square metre matters. A folding mattress tucks into a wardrobe or under a bed, ready to go when you need it and completely out of the way when you don’t. It’s practical, affordable, and genuinely useful.
Where to Buy Folding Mattress in Australia: Your Complete Guide
So, let’s discuss where to buy folding mattress options that suit your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to shop in Australia.
1. Online Marketplaces
If convenience is your priority, online shopping is hard to beat. Australian shoppers have access to several major online platforms where folding mattresses are widely available.
Amazon Australia is the most popular destination, offering a huge range of folding mattresses across all price points. You’ll find everything from budget tri-fold foam mattresses for under $100 to premium memory foam options with washable covers. The reviews are genuine and plentiful, which makes it easier to compare quality before committing.
eBay Australia is another solid option, if you’re hunting for a bargain or want to compare a wide variety of sellers. You can find new and near-new folding mattresses, and the competitive marketplace environment tends to keep prices honest.
Catch.com.au regularly features folding mattresses in its deals and specials. If you’re not in a rush and can wait for the right sale, Catch can offer some excellent value buys.
The main advantage of shopping online is the sheer volume of choice and the ability to read detailed customer reviews before purchasing. The downside? You can’t test the mattress before it arrives. Pay close attention to the return policy before you hit checkout.
2. Dedicated Mattress and Bedding Retailers
For Australians who prefer a more hands-on shopping experience, specialist bedding retailers are a fantastic option. These stores have knowledgeable staff who can guide you toward the right product for your specific needs.
Sleeping Duck, Koala, and Ecosa are among Australia’s most trusted online-first mattress brands. While they’re primarily known for full-size mattresses, some carry foldable or portable options, and their customer service and trial periods are among the best in the business.
Forty Winks and Bedshed are national chains with physical stores across Australia, and while their focus is on full-size mattresses and bedroom furniture, some locations carry folding and guest mattress options. It’s worth calling ahead to check availability.
Local bedding and linen stores are worth checking out in regional areas where the major chains may not have a presence.
3. Furniture and Home Goods Stores
Some best deals on folding mattresses can be found at large furniture and homewares retailers, those that carry a broad range of home essentials.
IKEA Australia stocks folding and guest mattresses that are affordable, well-made, and designed to work with their sofa and storage solutions. Their foam mattresses fold and roll for easy storage and are a popular choice for families and apartment dwellers. With stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, and Perth, IKEA is accessible to most Australians.
Kmart Australia is the most popular destination for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a folding mattress. Their range changes regularly, but they stock single and double folding foam mattresses at very competitive price points. The quality is modest but perfectly functional for occasional use.
Big W and Target Australia are similar in their approach, offering affordable folding mattress options that make sense for guests, camping, or kids’ rooms. Keep an eye on their online stores as well as in-store stock, as availability can vary by location.
Harvey Norman carries a broader range of bedding products and stocks higher-quality folding or portable mattress options. Their trained sleep consultants can be a great resource if you’re after something more substantial.
4. Camping and Outdoor Stores
If you’re after a folding mattress for camping, caravanning, or outdoor use, don’t overlook Australia’s camping and outdoor retailers.
Anaconda and BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing) carry a solid range of portable sleeping options including self-inflating mats, foam roll-up mattresses, and foldable camping mattresses. These are designed to withstand the rigours of outdoor use while being comfortable enough for a decent night’s kip.
Snowys Outdoors is a popular online destination for outdoor gear in Australia and carries a curated range of sleeping solutions for campers and hikers.
If your folding mattress needs to handle everything from the family camping trip to hosting mates after a footy game, an outdoor-grade option might be the most versatile pick.
5. Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace
For bargain hunters and eco-conscious shoppers, secondhand platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace can be gold mines. Many Australians sell barely-used folding mattresses for a fraction of the original price because they’ve upgraded, moved house, or found they didn’t need it as often as expected.
The key here is to inspect before you buy if at all possible, and ensure there’s no sign of moisture damage, mould, or pest issues. A quick once-over in person goes a long way. If picking up isn’t possible, ask for photos in natural light and check the condition carefully.
What to Look for When Buying a Folding Mattress
Now that you know where to buy folding mattress options across Australia, it’s worth knowing what to look for so you make a smart purchase.
Thickness and comfort: Thicker mattresses (10cm and above) offer more support and are better suited for regular or long-term use. Thinner options (5–8cm) work fine for occasional use or for children.
Material: Memory foam provides excellent pressure relief and is great for guests or regular sleepers. High-density foam is more durable and supportive. Latex foam is hypoallergenic and breathable, a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Cover quality: Look for a removable, washable cover. Life happens, and being able to throw the cover in the wash makes maintenance much easier.
Size: Folding mattresses come in single, king single, double, and even queen sizes. Measure your available storage space before purchasing, not only the sleeping area.
Folding mechanism: Tri-fold mattresses fold into thirds and are compact or easy to store. Bi-fold options are simpler but bulkier when stored. Roll-up mattresses are the most compact but can take longer to return to their full shape.
Weight: If portability is important, consider the weight carefully. Some thicker foam mattresses can be heavy, which can make moving them awkward.
Budget: Set a realistic budget before you start browsing. For occasional guest use, $80–$150 is a reasonable range. For something more regular or higher quality, expect to spend $200–$500 or more.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
Getting a great deal on a folding mattress in Australia doesn’t have to be a matter of luck. Here are a few strategies worth trying:
Timing your purchase around major sales events can save you a significant amount. End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales, Black Friday, Boxing Day, and back-to-school periods are all prime times to find folding mattresses discounted at major retailers online and in-store.
Sign up for newsletters from your preferred retailers. Kmart, IKEA, Amazon Australia, and Harvey Norman all offer exclusive deals and early access to sales for subscribers.
Compare prices across multiple platforms before committing. A mattress listed at one store may be available cheaper at another, and the difference can be substantial on higher-end models.
Don’t forget to factor in delivery costs when shopping online. Some retailers offer free delivery, while others charge based on size and weight, and a large foam mattress can attract a hefty shipping fee.
Caring for Your Folding Mattress
Once you’ve found and purchased the perfect folding mattress, a little ongoing care will help it last much longer.
Always use a mattress protector or fitted sheet to protect the foam from moisture and dirt. If the cover is removable, wash it regularly according to the care instructions. Air the mattress out in a well-ventilated space every few months to prevent moisture build-up. When storing, fold or roll it as designed and avoid placing heavy items on top that could compress the foam permanently.
With proper care, a good-quality folding mattress can last five to ten years or more, making it a genuinely worthwhile investment.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right folding mattress in Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re shopping online at Amazon or eBay, heading into your local Kmart or IKEA, or browsing the aisles at a specialist bedding retailer, there’s a folding mattress out there that’s perfectly suited to your needs and budget.
The key is knowing what you’re looking for, the right size, the right thickness, and the right material for how you’ll use it, and shopping around to ensure you’re getting the best deal available. Armed with the information in this guide, you’re well on your way to finding what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where is the best place to buy a folding mattress in Australia?
A: The best place depends on your priorities. For the widest range and competitive prices, Amazon Australia and eBay Australia are hard to beat. For budget-friendly options you can inspect in person, Kmart, IKEA, and Big W are excellent choices. For higher-end products with expert advice, visit a specialist bedding retailer like Forty Winks or Harvey Norman.
Q: How much does a folding mattress cost in Australia?
A: Prices vary widely based on size, thickness, and material. Budget options at Kmart or Big W can start from around $60–$100 for a single size. Mid-range memory foam options fall in the $150–$350 range, while premium latex or high-density foam models can cost $400–$800 or more.
Q: Can I buy a folding mattress online and have it delivered to a regional area?
A: Yes, most major Australian online retailers including Amazon Australia, Catch, and brand websites deliver to regional and rural areas. Delivery times and costs may vary depending on your location, so always check at checkout before purchasing.
Q: Are folding mattresses comfortable enough for regular use?
A: It depends on the quality of the mattress. Thicker, high-density memory foam or latex folding mattresses (10cm or more) can be very comfortable for regular use. Thinner foam options are better suited to occasional use. Always check the density rating of the foam, higher density means better support and durability.
Q: What size folding mattress should I buy?
A: This depends on who will be using it and how much storage space you have. A single (92cm x 188cm) is the most common and easiest to store. A double (138cm x 188cm) is more comfortable for adult guests but takes up more storage space. Always measure your storage area first.
Q: Can folding mattresses be used for camping?
A: Some folding mattresses are suitable for camping, self-inflating or roll-up foam styles. If camping is your main use, look for lightweight, moisture-resistant options available at outdoor retailers like Anaconda or BCF. Standard home folding mattresses are not designed for outdoor conditions.
Q: How do I clean a folding mattress?
A: If the mattress has a removable cover, wash it according to the care label, most are machine washable. For the foam itself, spot clean with a mild detergent and warm water, then allow it to dry completely before folding and storing. Never soak the foam or put it in a washing machine.
Q: What is the difference between a tri-fold and bi-fold mattress?
A: A tri-fold mattress folds into three equal sections, making it more compact for storage. A bi-fold mattress folds in half, which is simpler but results in a larger folded size. Tri-fold is the more popular option for home use due to its compact storage footprint.
Q: Do folding mattresses come with a warranty in Australia?
A: Many do, particularly those purchased from reputable retailers or specialist bedding brands. Warranty periods vary from one to five years depending on the brand. Always check the warranty terms before purchasing, and keep your receipt or proof of purchase.
