Bed in a box…why not?

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The internet has brought us many wonderful things in the past couple of decades: entertainment on demand, social networks that connect us with long lost friends, information at our fingertips, and more.

When it comes to Australian companies, the internet has made it easy for trusted brands to offer customers new ways to browse and buy from their product ranges anytime and from anywhere.

However, the internet has brought many disadvantages too: trolls, spam, misinformation, cyber crime and other nasties.

When it comes to the space that is closest to our hearts (making mattresses!), one of the consumer disadvantages we’ve been saddened to see is the sharp rise in pseudo Australian manufacturers that operate 100% online.

Clever marketing tactics would have you believe they are Australian, authentic, and just down the road. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case.

The classic example of this is the “bed in a box” product.

Once upon a time, these were the types of products you could only buy through direct mail advertisements tucked in with your junk mail. Now, bed in a box manufactures permeate your internet search with outrageous claims about the supposed quality and longevity the mattress can provide.

If you’ve ever contemplated a “bed in a box”, here are a few insights that may make you think twice before clicking the buy button…

They’re cheap because they’re cheap

 For a bed to be shipped in a box, it must be compressed. The only way to achieve this is to make it from almost 100% foam.

2 or 3 pieces of foam stuck together does not create a quality mattress that will properly support you or stand the test of time. In fact, this type of mattress can be compared to the type you may buy for a young child who is very light and will likely outgrow it in a couple of years.

They’re usually one-sided

Often manufacturers take shortcuts to keep their prices down – and this includes making mattresses that are only functional on one side.

If you see “half off” on a single sided mattress, consider that you’re actually getting half the life, half the comfort, and half the support.

They do not have edge supports

Mattress compression is only possible if there are no pesky inclusions (such as edge supports) to restrict it.

Edge supports are very important for mattresses, because they stop the mattress collapsing over time so you don’t end up sinking into the middle or feel like you are rolling off the side.

They’re usually imported

There are many ways to say a company or product is Australian when it’s not.

When a mattress comes in a box, it’s best to imagine it arriving in Australia in a shipping container where it collects dust in a local warehouse until you purchase it and get your “next day shipping”.

They’re often difficult to return

Don’t be fooled by claims about “no fuss returns”. Simply do your research to find hundreds of examples of disappointed customers that tried to return a bed in a box mattress only to find it costly, time consuming, or extremely difficult.

The only way to really trust a mattress is to try it before you buy it. A mattress is such a personal and significant addition to your home and well-being, it’s worth the time to test it out in store.

Read more here about our Natural Comfort Wool mattress. Similar price to the ‘bed-in-a-box’ market but with some many long lasting features like double-sided sleep surface, pocket spring support and quality comfort layers, backed by a store front so you have someone to speak to if you have any questions or need a little extra advice.

Makin Mattresses micro coil machine

What is a micro coil and why do we make them?

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Springs have been used in mattresses for well over a century, mainly due to their ability to “bounce back” and distribute weight evenly across a bed.

These days, most innerspring mattresses use either Bonnell springs or pocket springs. Bonnell springs are hourglass-shaped springs connected by metal. Pocket springs are individual springs encased in fabric.

Pocket springs are generally found in more premium mattresses because they are much more expensive to make. The individual casings prevent each spring from touching; allowing them to move independently to contour to your body and provide extra support.

We use both Bonnell and Pocket springs in our range of mattresses, to meet the comfort and budget needs of our diverse customers.

In 2015, we decided to take pocket spring technology a step further and developed a purpose-built micro coil machine. Used exclusively in our Bellissimo mattress range, our micro coils are no bigger than the size of a $1 coin and are inserted precisely into their own tiny fabric pockets during construction.

Makin Mattresses micro coil machine

Australia’s only micro coil machine

Located in our North Brisbane factory, our micro coil machine produces thousands of tiny micro coils which are sewn between two sheets of premium fabric in the top layers of the Bellissimo mattresses.

Each Bellissimo mattress has thousands of micro coils which ensures:

  • proper air flow
  • pressure relief
  • even weight distribution
  • body temperature regulation
  • a more hygienic and cooler sleep environment

A cool mattress is important for a sound sleep, because a hot mattress can make you sweat which leads to a build-up of bacteria.

Micro coils also stretch easily in any direction and always bounce back to their original shape and weight which gives the mattress a longer life.

Makin mattresses micro coil machine

We are proud to have the only micro coil machine in Australia, with a mattress so comfortable it has become Australia’s #1 selling premium mattress.

To try our Bellissimo mattresses for yourself, pop into your local Makin Mattresses store.

High quality vs low quality mattress materials: can you spot the difference?

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Have you ever bought a mattress that lasted just a few years before it started to sag, fray, rip or dip?

This happens frequently with low quality mattresses because they are constructed using substandard materials. And while you may think the hefty price tag must reflect the quality, remember this is likely the result of big margins being added by distributors and retailers.

Because we manufacture locally and sell direct to customers at each of our stores, the prices of our mattresses directly reflect the high quality materials we use and the time it takes to produce each product.

Like achieving the perfect balance of ingredients when you make a delicious meal, every layer of a Makin Mattresses mattress incorporates a material that ultimately helps to provide a superior sleep experience…

Foam

We use several different types of foam in our mattresses to achieve the various comfort levels our customers desire (soft, medium and firm).

Supplied exclusively by Australian companies, our high quality foams are carefully selected and incorporated as luxury layers between the mattress’s support core and your body.

 

Latex

Similar to foam, there are many different types of latex – each with its own unique quality. We only use the highest quality latex because it is hypo-allergic, anti-microbial, and ultra-resilient.

Our most superior latex product is found in our Bellissimo Duo mattress. This features a 7-zone European latex core, where latex density is adjusted to meet the unique needs of each zone of your body as you sleep:

  • head and neck
  • shoulders and upper back
  • lumbar support
  • pelvic zone
  • knees
  • lower legs
  • feet and ankles

This offers a huge range of benefits such as correct spinal alignment, elimination of pressure points and the unnatural compression of disks, and reduced motion transfer across the mattress so your partner’s movements do not disturb you while you sleep.

European latex is also extremely durable and luxurious, which is why it is one of the most expensive latex products on the market.

 

Poly wool comfort layer

Poly wool is a sublime combination of polyester and wool that adds another level of comfort to our mattresses.

Our poly wool comfort layer also helps to keep the mattress cool in summer and warm in winter.

To experience the Bellissimo mattress, or any of our other high quality mattresses for yourself, visit your local Makin Mattresses store.

Makin Mattresses Latex
Makin Mattresses Latex Support
makin mattresses mattress store Newcastle

Why we love being Australian made and owned

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When quality matters, you can’t beat Australian made.

Since 1975, Makin Mattresses has remained uniquely Australian made and owned. In a world of global trade with a preference for cutting costs by manufacturing offshore, we’ve stayed true to our local promise for over 45 years.

There are many reasons why we have and always will make our mattresses locally, and here are just a few…

We control supply

The events of the past few months have definitely shown how fragile global trade can be. When supply chains are disrupted, products that are manufactured overseas can be incredibly hard to come by – leaving those who rely on them in the lurch.

We make our mattresses at 6 manufacturing sites across Australia, so our supply is never compromised by what’s happening overseas.

 

We want to work with people in our community

There’s something magical about supporting the innovation of local business, and celebrating the skills of craftsmen who are our friends and neighbours.

All the people who work at Makin Mattresses live in our local communities – from our management team to our frontline sales staff.

mattress manufacturer makin mattresses

Mattresses need to be compressed when they’re shipped

When you ship a mattress, you usually need to compress it. This means your mattress cannot have edge supports, which is one of the key features of a Makin Mattresses mattress.

We include edge supports on both our mattresses and pillow tops because they:

  • give you more mattress space
  • stop you feeling like you are rolling off the bed
  • support the weight of the mattress so it lasts longer.

You cannot guarantee the same quality

Overseas manufacturers are not subject to the same quality standards as we are in Australia. This is why some internationally-manufactured mattresses have been proven to contain carcinogenic foam.

We would not want ourselves or our kids to breathe in carcinogens while we sleep. So we would never ask you to do the same!

 

Our products are always evolving and improving

Over the past 45 years, we have continued to improve our mattresses and bedding products to meet customer needs and feedback.

This process of continual improvement is not easy to achieve when you outsource manufacturing to a factory with its own set processes and techniques.

Makin mattresses mattress manufacturer Brisbane Melbourne Perth Adelaide

We love local

The care that goes into every layer and every stitch of a Makin Mattresses mattress exists because we truly treasure and respect the people in our communities.

From Victoria to Albury, Canberra to Newcastle, Queensland to Perth – our love for local is what has kept us going for nearly half a century.

To experience the magic of an Australian made and owned mattress, pop into your local Makin Mattresses store today.  

What’s in a mattress

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When it comes to getting a good nights sleep, it’s what’s inside your mattress that counts.

At Makin Mattresses we make all our mattresses at our six manufacturing sites. We are proud of the quality components we include in each of our mattresses that’s why we’ve prepared this mattress construction overview, designed to make the process of choosing the right mattress for you a little bit easier.

When comfort is your number one priority

You’ve told us that comfort is your number one reason for buying a new mattress, but you also want it to last, that’s why using quality components, resulting in long lasting comfort is our number one priority!

Comfort layers The comfort of a mattress come from the materials between you and the support unit. The different types and combinations of these comfort layers determine how much cushioning and the comfort feel the mattress is. These are found on the top (single sided) or on the top & bottom of the mattress (double sided).

Support Core of the mattress construction – determines the amount of support. With three main support units traditionally used 1) The traditional spring unit, known as the Bonnell spring, 2) Pocket Spring unit, that reduces partner disturbance and 3) Latex for true body contouring attributes.

Quilted Cover The final component and the one visible is the Quilted Cover. Each fabric is carefully selected to finish the mattress to give a luxurious feel. Each fabric is quilted with a final comfort layer to ensure comfort and breath-ability of the mattress resulting in a cooler nights sleep.

whats in a mattress makin mattresses

The illustration below demonstrates the components and materials utilised for the construction of the Indulgence Plus mattress.

So what does this all mean?

Below we outline good better best of what to look for when purchasing a new mattress:

MATTRESS SUPPORT UNIT ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Air Cheap Poor support, potential for leaks
Water Good support, comfortable, warm in winter and cool in summer Potential for leaks, hard to move
Polyurethane Foam Cheap, offer cushioning Poor support
Gel / Visco Foam Conforms to body to relieve pressure points Hot, air circulation, unhygienic, increased sweating, nightmares, collapses over time with use
Innerspring Excellent support, durable, good air circulation Cannot contour to the body
Zoned Innerspring Zoned support, extra longevity and greater back support Cannot contour to the body
Standard Latex Long lasting, resilient, offers excellent support contours to the profile of the body No zoning, heavy, expensive material, restricted air circulation
Bellissimo Seven Zone Latex Long lasting, resilient, has zoning for proper spinal alignment and telescopic hole design, gives differentiated firmness for different weight sleeping partners, air vents allow air circulation from top to bottom of the mattress Expensive to manufacture as it is exclusive European technology
COMFORT LAYERS ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Micro Coil Excellent air flow makes mattress cooler to sleep on and more hygienic Expensive production process requiring high technology machinery
Poly wool Warmer in winter and cool in the summer No support, flattens with use
Polyurethane Foam Cheap materials, different densities Low density foam will flatten over time. High density foam is long lasting but not as comfortable
Gel / Visco Foam Conforms to relieve pressure points

 

 Hot, air circulation, unhygienic, increased sweating, nightmares, collapses over time with use
Latex Long lasting, resilient can be soft and supportive at the same time Expensive material
Memo Latex Increased conform-ability compared to standard latex but still provides good support Expensive to manufacture as it is exclusive European technology

Benefits of a two piece, double sided mattress.

Let’s take a look at the Allure mattress model.

1. Pillow tops offer luxuriant cushioning for tired bodies. Being removable means that this comfort is still a practical feature. Removable pillow tops have air flow technology and can be flipped and turned so that they wear evenly.

2. Poly Wool comfort layer in the quilting makes the mattress cool in summer and warm in winter.

3. The European Latex layer has a plush, spongy feeling for ultimate comfort.

4. The visco memory foam layer moulds and contours to the whole body providing pressure point relief.

5. The mattress spring unit provides maximum back care, with a heavier gauge spring in the middle of the unit where support is needed most.

6. The mattress includes a resilient comfort edge that increases the sleeping surface of the mattress.

7. The timber frame base includes four drawers which provide convenient storage space for blankets, extra pillows etc.

whats in a mattress makin mattresses

Support systems – the differences

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Makin mattresses mattress manufacturer Brisbane Melbourne Perth Adelaide

A mattress is just like a box of chocolates, the packaging might look good but it’s what’s inside that counts.

Technology comes and goes but honest long lasting quality will always weather the trends. At Makin Mattresses we have always resisted following the pack of trends and simply stayed true by designing our mattresses to have longer lasting comfort.

Our three main mattress support units have evolved over the years but mostly we have stuck to three kinds to make the choice easier for the customer. Discovering what you need from a mattress is our priority and then matching you to the right support unit. Below we discover the support units we use and their main differences.

Innerspring Spring or Bonnell spring as it is sometimes referred to. The Innerspring mattress is the classic mattress design made from round hourglass shaped springs which are connected to form the base support of the mattress. The key feature to this mattress support unit standing the test of time is that it can come in a variety of comfort levels. Additionally, as all the springs are connected it moves as one unit and therefore can cause some partner disturbance. This is a basic mattress support unit and is best for the budget conscious, first beds or guest rooms.

Pocket Spring is a spring support system made of individually wrapped coils/springs that move independent of each other. Key feature is that a pocket spring will minimise partner disturbance. A pocket spring support unit is lightweight and durable and promotes air circulation ensuring a cooler nights sleep.

European Latex at Makin Mattresses we have sourced the highest quality European latex to create our most superior mattress Bellissimo Duo. Latex is known for its excellent natural air circulation that ensures a hygienic healthy nights sleep. Hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial and anti-dust mite properties. The natural latex conforms to the body and supports the spine evenly.

Latex mattress natural makin mattresses store
Makin mattresses mattress store

Avoid single sided, attached pillow-top mattresses

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Hint: they won’t last, inherently defective.

Many re-sellers will tell you that the attached pillow-top, single sided mattress is ‘new technology’. This is part of their sales pitch, using ‘buzz words’ like new technology.

Ultimately, there mattresses are inherently defective and designed to fail necessitating early replacement.

An attached pillow-top can look plush in-store but after a few months (yes, months!), years at best, when the pillow-top section fails the whole mattress needs replacing.

With the comfort and support sections being one unit, the whole mattress fails due to body impressions forming in the comfort foam layers.

Makin Mattresses manufacture a two sided mattress. Twice the life, twice the comfort and support. 

Buyer Beware mattress

Don’t settle for less, a Double Sided Mattress is best

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Buyer Beware mattress

Cheap manufacturing method. Half the life, half the support and comfort.

Most mattress retailers sell single sided mattresses, this is a cheaper way to manufacture a mattress.

A single sided mattress has half the life, half the support and comfort of a double sided mattress.

Intentionally designed for early failure, necessitating early replacement.

At Makin Mattresses we believe you deserve value for money so ALL our mattresses are designed DOUBLE SIDED. They can be rotated and flipped creating a new sleep surface. Twice the life, twice the support & comfort.