Valmori Mattress review: Spring vs Latex vs Hybrid

Valmori has been in the bedding business since 1963, so it knows a thing or two about what makes a good mattress.

Originally based in Flevi, Italy, the brand has recently relaunched itself as a mattress-in-a-box service in Australia, similar to Koala and Emma Sleep.

It currently offers 3 mattress types to suit different kinds of sleepers - the Valmori Spring Mattress (for people who prefer a firm base), the Valmori Latex / S-Shape Foam Mattress (which provides a medium firmness) and the Valmori Hybrid Mattress Ⅱ (designed for side-sleepers with a slightly softer finish).

All Valmori mattresses are anti-bacterial and CertiPUR-US ratified, so they're free of chemicals such as formaldehyde.

Each mattress is similarly priced, so the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference instead of your budget.

I spent a fortnight sleeping on all 3 mattresses. Here's the Finder verdict.

The ordering process

The Valmori website does an excellent job of guiding you through its mattress range with a clean, uncluttered interface and dedicated sections for each product.

Indecisive shoppers are particularly well catered for via an interactive quiz that recommends a specific mattress based on the answers you give.

Valmori attempts to take the guesswork out of choosing a mattress.

Unlike most mattress-in-a-box companies, Valmori lets you try before you buy via an in-person showroom consultation. There's a significant catch, however - Seven Hills, Sydney is the only available testing location, which rules out most of the country.

In any event, all Valmori mattresses are covered by a 100-night, risk-free trial so testing prior to purchase isn't strictly necessary. They also come with a 15-year warranty.

Delivery is free, with the mattress arriving between 1 and 7 business days, depending on your location.

All in all, I was very impressed with the ordering process. Using its website was a breeze. The only downside is there is no live chat, but customers can contact Valmori directly on 1300 121 063 if they have any questions.

Setting up the mattress

The Valmori mattress range follows the same distribution method employed by other mattress-in-a-box companies.

This involves tightly rolling the mattress into a cylinder and shrink-wrapping it for delivery. The buyer is then tasked with removing the outer packaging and unrolling the mattress themselves. (Valmori recommends allowing it to rest and expand over 24 hours.)

Note that delivery does not include assembly - you'll need to do that yourself.

Lugging a mattress around is never easy, especially when it comes to larger sizes. The mattresses that I tested did not come in wheeled boxes, which is something to keep in mind if you're setting it up solo. They also lacked side handles for easy carrying.

Our tip is to unroll it directly onto your bed base to cut down on the amount of effort required.

One final caveat on the setup: the Valmori range leaves behind a lot of packaging that you will need to dispose of. Both our Otto bins were overflowing with reams of soft plastic and cardboard.

With that said, this is an issue that all mattress-in-a-box products suffer from, so we won't be docking any points here.

Latex vs Hybrid vs Spring

From left to right: the Latex/Foam, Hybrid and Spring mattress.

Valmori Spring Mattress

As its name suggests, the Valmori Spring Mattress utilises a traditional pocket spring design for added support and extra bounce. With its emphasis on optimal spine alignment, this is currently the firmest mattress in the Valmori range.

The Valmori Spring Mattress: firm yet fair.

If you're used to ultra-plush memory foam, the Valmori Spring Mattress might take some getting used to. The tightly packed pocket springs prevent you from sinking into the mattress. For many users, this will be a most welcome feature, particularly those who prefer feeling supported by a sturdy base and people who suffer from back pain.

The mattress is infused with a layer of gel memory foam that purports to regulate temperature more efficiently than other foams on the market. While it stayed cool during testing, I can't really say I noticed a marked difference.

I used the mattress over several nights and found it delivered an extremely satisfying sleep. The built-in pillow top prevented the base from being uncomfortably hard.

It also looks stylish if you care about that sort of thing. The level of craftsmanship is a cut above the average mattress-in-a-box, with intricate patterns worked into the stitching. It's almost a shame to cover it in a fitted sheet.

The Italian craftsmanship is a sight to behold.

The Valmori Spring Mattress starts at $950, with a Queen size selling for $1,250. We think this is a very reasonable price compared to other mattress-in-a-box brands. It's not the cheapest out there, but it's certainly not the most expensive either.

Specifications

Valmori Hybrid Mattress Ⅱ

The Valmori Hybrid Mattress Ⅱ attempts to offer the best of both worlds, combining memory foam and steel pocket spring coils inside a medium-firm mattress layered with latex.

We tested a single size mattress.

The mattress' springs have been designed to isolate motion; handy if your sleeping partner is a frequent tosser and turner. The mattress also features a removable machine-washable cover to ensure it stays clean and bacteria-free.

Valmori is specifically aiming the Hybrid Mattress Ⅱ at side sleepers, which happens to be my favoured sleeping position. During testing, I was impressed by the level of back support provided by this mattress. The foam is cool and breathable, while the steel springs prevent the mattress from feeling too spongy.

The ergonomic pocket springs integrated into the mattress provide excellent pressure relief, particularly in the areas of the lower back, neck and shoulders. They also give a good amount of bounce, which is something many memory foam mattresses lack.

Once again, Valmori's artisanship is on full display with this mattress - it features an elegant 2-tone finish that has a handcrafted feel.

The Valmori Hybrid Mattress will set you back $1,200 for a Queen size. Like the Valmori Spring Mattress the package also comes with free pillows (more on which later.)

Specifications

Valmori Latex / S-Shape Foam Mattress

The Latex Mattress (which is confusingly called the S-Shape Foam Mattress on Valmori's website), is a spring-free model constructed from memory foam and hypoallergenic latex.

We tested the Queen version of this mattress.

It shares many of the same features as the Spring and Hybrid mattresses, including a layer of gel-memory foam, an anti-slip bottom and motion isolation. But the star of this mattress is its thick layer of high-density support foam boosted by natural latex.

The foam layers are distributed unevenly to target different areas of the body. The soft layer targets the head and shoulders for added comfort, while the firm layer provides added support to the hips, waist and lower back.

It's worth noting that latex can be something of an acquired taste. The material does not contour to the body like a traditional mattress and the absence of springs results in less bounce.

Of the 3 mattresses I tested, this one was my least favourite. However, as I flagged at the beginning of the review, this really comes down to personal preference. Some people enjoy the natural buoyancy and airflow that latex affords.

When it comes to aesthetics, the Valmori Latex mattress is a little louder than its siblings, with an overstated white and orange finish.

Like the aforementioned Hybrid version, the Valmori Latex mattress comes with a removable, washable cover. If you're partial to snacking in bed or are buying the mattress for a messy kid, this is a worthy point of consideration.

With a starting price of $850, the Valmori Latex mattress is the cheapest option, but you're only saving between $50 and $100 compared to the other versions.

Specifications

Free pillows

Every Valmori mattress comes bundled with a free pillow set - and it's a goodun.

The Queen and King sizes net you 2 cylindrical bolster pillows and a pair of standard pillows at no extra change. (Single and King Single sizes get 1 of each.)

The pillows are tucked inside the box and require a bit of time to resume their shape after unpacking.

The Valmori pillows are a freebie you will actually use.

I was fully expecting these pillows to be perfunctory at best, but I am happy to report that Valmori did not skimp on quality.

The pillow upholstery is pure class, with elegant patterning and subtle 2-tone colouring. A pillow set of this calibre could easily set you back $100 or more.

The foam filler is both soft and cool. I'll definitely be using the standard pillow on an ongoing basis - it really is that good.

In terms of freebies, these pillows leave other mattress-in-a-box brands in the dust. Hopefully Valmori will force them to lift their game.

Which mattress should you buy?

For our money, the Valmori Spring Mattress is the overall winner. It is only slightly more expensive than its siblings despite having a considerably more deluxe feel. Of the 3 mattresses I tested, this one delivered the highest quality sleep.

On the other hand, if you prefer to sleep on a slightly softer base, the Valmori Hybrid Mattress is also a good bet.

Pricing and availability

Prices range from $850 to $1,350, depending on the size and mattress type. Be sure to keep an eye out for mattress sales on the Valmori website - you can sometimes score discounts of up to 40% off the RRP.

Price

RRP: $1,250.00

Where to buy

Check availability at eBay

Check availability at Amazon

Valmori

Images: Chris Jager / Valmori