3 Best Mattresses for Bunk & Loft Beds in Australia [2025 Buyer's Guide]
In Australia, bunk beds and loft beds are becoming an increasingly popular choice, particularly for families with multiple children or young people living in small apartments who need to maximize space. Bunk and loft beds are truly the ideal solution for utilizing vertical space.
Functionally and in terms of size requirements, the bunk bed mattress and the loft bed mattress are essentially the same: they are both "low-profile" mattresses that require a low side height for safety. The main differences lie only in the type of frame they occupy and common usage habits.
In this article, we will detail the various factors you need to consider before purchasing the perfect bunk/loft bed mattress. We will also recommend three safe and comfortable mattresses for you to compare. Let's dive in!
In this article
What Factors Should You Consider When Buying a Memory Foam Mattress?
Buying a mattress for a loft or bunk bed isn’t just about comfort—you also need to think about height, weight, safety, and durability. Here’s what actually matters when choosing the best loft bed mattress.
1. Mattress Height (The Most Important Factor)
Most loft and bunk beds have guard rails designed to prevent falls, especially for kids. A mattress that’s too thick can sit above the guard rail and compromise safety. The recommended heights are:
- Loft beds: 15–20 cm
- Bunk beds: 14–18 cm
- Caravan bunk mattresses: 10–15 cm (depending on frame clearance)
This ensures the sleeper stays safely below the guard rail while still receiving proper cushioning and support.
2. Weight of the Mattress
Loft and bunk beds usually have lower weight limits, so a heavy mattress—like a thick hybrid with metal springs—can put unnecessary stress on the frame. Lightweight options work best:
- Lightweight memory foam
- High-density foam
- Gel foam (a cooler option for kids and teens)
Avoid heavy double-sided mattresses or anything weighing over 30–35 kg.
3. Mattress Sizes
While many people are looking for a single mattress for bunk bed setups, always double-check your frame’s exact dimensions to ensure a proper fit:
- Standard Bunk/Loft: Typically uses a Single mattress (92 x 188 cm in Australia).
- Caravan/Custom Bunks: Caravan bunk mattresses often have non-standard measurements, usually shorter or narrower.
Measure carefully before buying to avoid gaps or fit issues.
4. Edge Support and Getting In/Out
Edge support is a surprisingly important factor for a mattress for bunk bed setups, especially for top bunks or loft beds:
- Safety: Strong edges help prevent rolling off the mattress and create a stable surface when climbing in or out.
- Loft Beds: Firm edges give safer seating and better stability near the ladder entry point.
5. Material Choices
Innerspring Mattress
If you're after a traditional and budget-friendly option, an innerspring mattress is a great choice. It offers strong support and durability, making it ideal for growing kids who might be a bit rough with their beds.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam is one of the most popular materials for bunk beds thanks to its excellent pressure relief and body-contouring comfort. It reduces pressure points and minimises tossing and turning—helping improve sleep quality.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are known for their durability and responsive support. They offer a medium-firm feel that works well for bunk beds: supportive, but not too hard. Additionally, latex is a natural and eco-friendly material, making it a great choice for families seeking a more sustainable mattress option.
3 Best Mattresses for Loft/ Bunk Beds
Below are the best mattresses that work perfectly for loft beds, bunk beds, and compact sleeping setups.
2.1 Newentor Hesperis Memory Foam Mattress (Best Overall)
If you're looking for the best mattress for loft bed setups, the Newentor Hesperis is hard to beat. It’s lightweight, low-profile, breathable, and adjustable—allowing you to change firmness by rearranging layers.
- 7 Zone Body Support
- 4 Hardness Levels
- Coconut Fiber
- Can Be Used With Adjustable Bed, Loft Bed, Bunk Bed
- CertiPUR-US® Certified
- 120 Night Free Trial & 10-Year Warranty
Why it’s ideal for loft & bunk beds:
- Adjustable firmness: soft, medium, or firm.
- Height-friendly (around 18–22 cm depending on layer arrangement).
- Great for hot sleepers.
- Lightweight and easy to lift into upper bunks.
- CertiPUR-US® certified foam — safe for kids.
- Excellent motion absorption for shared rooms.
- Mattress-in-a-box for easy delivery and setup.
Perfect for: kids, teens, adults, and loft beds placed in warmer rooms.
2. Bunkers CoolGel Mattress
The Bunkers CoolGel Mattress is a comfortable option designed specifically with bunk beds and kids’ rooms in mind. With a practical 21 cm thickness, it fits most bunk frames while still offering ample cushioning and support for growing bodies. What makes this mattress stand out is its CoolGel-infused foam, engineered to regulate temperature throughout the night. This helps prevent heat build-up—an issue common in enclosed bunk spaces—so your child can sleep cooler and more comfortably.
The mattress combines responsive foam layers for balanced support, making it suitable for back, stomach, and side sleepers. It also minimizes motion transfer, ensuring a quieter and more restful sleep environment. Parents will appreciate its durability, easy maintenance, and lightweight structure, making setup and rotation hassle-free.
- Single: $430
- King Single: $513
- Double: $612
- Queen: $716
3. Zinus Green Tea Foam Mattress (Best Budget Loft/Bunk Option)
The Zinus Green Tea Foam Mattress is a perennial bestseller and stands out as the best budget option for bunk and loft beds in Australia. This mattress offers superb value without compromising on the comfort or safety required for low-profile beds. Infused with natural green tea extract and ActivCharcoal, it helps maintain freshness and naturally combats odors—a huge plus for enclosed bunk spaces. It comes efficiently compressed in a box, making it easy to carry up to any loft or top bunk frame.
FAQs about Bunk/Loft Bed Mattress
Do I need a special size mattress for a bunk bed?
Bunk and loft beds usually use standard mattress sizes, but it’s important to confirm the exact dimensions of your specific frame to ensure a perfect fit.
What types of mattresses are best for bunk beds?
- Memory Foam/Polyfoam: Lightweight, quiet, and supportive—great for low-profile needs (16–22 cm).
- Innerspring: Can be too bouncy or thick. Choose low-profile innerspring or hybrid designs if preferred.
- Latex: Supportive and durable but generally heavier and more expensive.
How firm should a bunk bed mattress be?
- Medium-firm to firm is ideal, especially for children.
- This firmness supports growing bodies and prevents excessive sinking, even with thinner mattresses.
- A firmer mattress also discourages bouncing on the top bunk, improving safety.
Do I need a box spring or bunkie board?
No. A box spring should never be used on bunk or loft beds because it adds too much height and compromises safety by reducing the guardrail’s effectiveness.
If slats are widely spaced, a bunkie board can be added for support without increasing height significantly.Most modern bunk and loft beds already have sufficient slat support, so a bunkie board is usually unnecessary.
Bottom Lines
The best single mattress for loft bed must be safe, supportive, breathable, and low-profile to fit securely within safety rails. Unlike regular mattresses, loft and bunk beds need lightweight designs that stay stable while still offering comfort.
Among all options, the Newentor Hesperis Mattress is the top pick. Its adjustable foam layers, 7-zone support, and excellent breathability make it perfect for kids, teens, adults, and even caravan bunks. While Ecosa and Zinus also work for elevated setups, Newentor Hesperis delivers the best balance of comfort, safety, and versatility for loft and bunk beds in Australia.
