The built-in half-half option

A half-half mattress (also called a half and half mattress, dual firmness mattress, or split tension mattress) gives each partner their own firmness on the same bed. One side firm, the other softer. No gap in the middle, no separate mattresses.

Every Ausbeds mattress has a felt layer hidden between the springs and the comfort layers. The felt is split into two halves down the centre of the bed, so each side can be adjusted independently. By moving the felt to a different position on one side, you change how firm that side feels. That's the whole concept. No special model, no factory customisation, no extra cost.

Inside every Ausbeds mattress, the layers stack like this from top to bottom:

1. Zip-off cover
2. Comfort layers (latex and micro springs)
3. Felt layer
4. Pocket springs
5. Base

The felt layer is the one that moves. Where you put it relative to the springs changes how firm the bed feels.

Felt above the springs = firmer. The felt sits between the comfort layers and the springs. It creates a firm barrier, so you feel more support from the springs underneath. This is used when one side needs to feel firmer.

Felt below the springs = softer. Move the felt underneath the springs and the comfort layers sit directly on top of them. Less resistance, softer feel. The bed gives more under your body weight.

For a half-half setup, the mattress stays in its standard felt-below position and we add half-width felt above the springs on the side that needs to feel firmer. Same mattress, same cover, same sheets. No ridge or gap down the middle.

You do this yourself after delivery. Takes about 15 minutes.

1. Unzip the mattress cover on the side you want to change.
2. Lift out the comfort layers to expose the felt.
3. Move the felt from above the springs to below them (for softer) or from below to above (for firmer).
4. Put the comfort layers back and zip the cover up.

It's easier with two people but one person can do it. No tools needed.

You can change it back whenever you want. The felt moves in either direction, as many times as you like. No cost, no booking.

We use the heavier partner’s weight when selecting the spring unit, together with the chosen latex feel. Firm springs with soft latex are often a good shared starting point when partners differ substantially.

When the mattress arrives, both partners try it in the standard setup with the felt below the springs. If you're both happy, you're done.

If one partner wants their side to feel firmer, add the half-width felt above the springs on that side. The spring unit and latex still run across the full mattress.

A split-king is two separate mattresses pushed together inside one bed frame. A half-half is one mattress with the felt positioned differently on each side.

The main differences:

• Gap in the middle: Split-kings have one. Half-half doesn't.
• Sheets: Split-kings need two sets of fitted sheets. Half-half uses one.
• Cost: Split-king means buying two mattresses. Half-half is one mattress at the normal price.
• Adjustability: A half-half changes one side with felt. Two King Singles provide more separation when partners need substantially different complete setups.

The felt handles many couples, but it only provides a modest adjustment. A standard mattress still has one full-width spring unit and one latex feel.

If your support needs are very different, contact us before ordering. Two King Singles may be the better option because each mattress can have its own spring and latex setup.

During the 7-month trial, each mattress includes 2 free firmness swaps if the initial recommendation needs changing.