Guide to Mattress Types: Materials and What to Consider

24 Jun.,2024

 

Guide to Mattress Types: Materials and What to Consider

How well you sleep can play a significant role in how the rest of your day and week goes. Sleep deprivation has been shown to cause or exacerbate several mental and physical health difficulties. With so much riding on how you sleep, it only makes sense to prioritize the right mattress for your best rest. Several key materials can impact how a mattress sleeps, whether considering innerspring, foam, hybrids or latex.

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What are the different mattress types?

Innerspring mattresses may still be what many imagine when thinking of a mattress. These types utilize coiled springs within the mattress to create supportive structure and responsiveness. Memory foam mattresses have become popular for their plush feel and ability to absorb more movement than other types. Latex mattresses offer a more balanced outcome, providing responsive support and comfort. Hybrid mattresses utilize a combination of these other materials to create different outcomes.

Innerspring mattress

Innerspring mattresses are not only the more traditional type but are also often more affordable than other styles of mattresses. These coil-based beds offer firm support and quick responsiveness to movement, making it easy to shift positions at night. That comes with the caveat that these mattresses tend to transfer motion more strongly than others. As a result, innerspring beds may be more disruptive for couples who don't want to feel each other shifting at night.

Read more: Best Innerspring Mattress

Due to their coiled design, innerspring mattresses provide firm support. Larger sleepers or those who prefer a firmer bed may find that these mattresses help keep them from sinking or feeling unable to move comfortably. The firmness and durability of these beds can be strongly affected by how many coils are used in the design and how thick they are. The more coils and the wider they are, the firmer and more durable the mattress will likely be.

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There are several pros and cons to consider when debating an innerspring mattress versus another type. On the upside, these mattresses offer good bounce and responsiveness, relatively high airflow and are generally more affordable than other types. Conversely, innerspring beds are also known for high motion transfer, considerable variability in durability and reduced comfort for some types of sleepers. Specifically, some sleepers have noted that these types of mattresses are worse at relieving pressure points than foam-based mattresses. For those who prefer plushness, innerspring can also present some discomfort.

Foam mattress 

Foam mattresses predominantly utilize memory foam, polyfoam and gel-infused layers to create a variety of sleep experiences. Memory foam is often touted for its usefulness in comfort layers. This material molds nicely to the body, helping to relieve pressure points and allowing a person to sink into plushness. That can be particularly beneficial for individuals with certain types of joint or back pain. Polyfoam, another type of foam, is mainly used in support layers, where it can increase responsiveness and durability. Gel-infused materials are often used in conjunction with other types of foam to help keep the mattress cool.

Read more: Best Memory Foam Mattress

Foam mattresses are built by combining different layers of foam to achieve an optimal sleep sensation. These mattresses represent a great deal of variety and customization regarding how they sleep. The base layer is generally made from a high-density polyfoam, creating a strong support. Memory foam is predominantly utilized in the comfort layers, where it offers plushness and movement absorption. Foam mattresses may also incorporate gel-infused foam in some layers to help with heat dissipation. The gel infusion helps absorb and transfer heat, allowing the sleeping surface to cool more quickly.

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The support within foam mattresses depends on the density and arrangement of foam layers. In general, the denser the foam, the more supportive and durable the mattress is. Couples often like these mattresses for their ability to isolate and reduce motion. How durable these mattresses are depends on the density of the foam used and the quality.

There are a few pros and cons to keep in mind regarding foam mattresses. Positive highlights are that these mattresses offer good pressure relief, high levels of motion isolation and highly customizable experiences. The negatives are that they often have higher heat retention, may off-gas a chemical odor at first and are higher in cost.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring and foam designs to create a unique sleep experience. These mattresses blend innerspring's strong responsiveness with foam's comfort and benefits. The comfort layers of foam offer cradling plushness and some movement isolation, while the innerspring serves as an underlying structure of bounce and responsiveness. The goal is a balance between plush comfort and a strong foundation that offers a perfect mix of sinking and ease of movement.

Read more: Best Hybrid Mattress

The innerspring coil system within these mattresses provides most of the support. While foam layers on top soften this some, hybrid mattresses offer a higher degree of support than pure foam mattresses, although less than a pure innerspring. How durable these mattresses are will depend primarily upon the number and strength of coils used and the quality and density of foam involved.

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The pros and cons of these mattresses can be diverse, depending on the type and quality of the hybrid. These mattresses have a broader range of sleeper types they can serve, offer strong support layered in plush comfort and help some with heat reduction and motion isolation. Conversely, hybrid mattresses are often more expensive, and the combination of materials can result in heavier mattresses.

Because these mattresses are so customizable, it can be more important to know what you want in a mattress and what type of sleeper you are. Different hybrid beds come with varied designs suited for different kinds of sleepers.

Latex mattress 

Latex can be derived from natural or synthetic sources, allowing for a range of purely natural mattresses to a combination of natural and artificial to a strictly synthetic latex mattress. People who prefer an environmentally focused product may find natural latex mattresses to be the boon they've been looking for. Still, it's important to note that natural latex materials tend to cost more than synthetics. Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, while synthetic latex is made from various petrochemicals.

Read more: Best Latex Mattress

Because of the unique material, latex mattresses can deliver high comfort and responsiveness. These mattresses are known for comforting body contouring without sacrificing responsiveness, thanks to latex's inherent resiliency and elasticity. A latex mattress feels somewhat like the body molding of foam but without the sinking sensation. Since this material adapts and supports, it can provide comfort even for people who shift positions regularly in their sleep. This responsiveness may be less than an innerspring system but is much quicker than foam mattresses while still providing much of the comfort of a foam mattress.

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Latex offers consistent support across the sleep surface and is well-known for its durability. These mattresses can be made with different firmness levels based on the density and structuring of the latex used. How firm it is will directly affect how supportive it is. Depending on the firmness used, these beds can be ideal for sleepers of different positions. Thanks to the durability of latex, these are often some of the longest-lasting types of mattresses.

Latex mattresses come with several pros and a couple of cons. They offer a natural material option, have high durability, provide a responsive sensation and can be hypoallergenic. The downside is that these mattresses tend to cost and weigh more than others.

How to choose the right mattress type 

When looking for a new mattress, there are several factors to consider. Depending on your preferences and sleep style, one or more mattresses may suit you.

Comfort

It's vital to understand your comfort preferences and consider that. Mattresses can range from very firm and not plush to very plush with a strong sinking feeling. Where your comfort zone lies on that spectrum can help inform what type of mattress could be best for you.

Support

Support can play into comfort, as well. How supportive a mattress is significantly impacts what it feels like when sleeping. If you have specific joints that tend to ache, you may want to consider that when determining support. For instance, people with regularly sore backs may want a mattress with strong spinal support.

Durability

The durability of your mattress will determine how long it lasts. If you don't mind replacing your mattress regularly, this factor may not be as important. Durability tends to go up with cost, so if budget is a primary concern, durability may be less of one.

Heat dissipation

How hot you sleep can be another critical factor to know about yourself and your preferences. Hot sleepers can benefit from mattresses with better airflow or cooling properties. Examples would be the increased airflow of innerspring mattresses or the heat dissipation advantages of gel foam.

Motion isolation

Couples often prefer mattresses with higher degrees of motion isolation. That reduces how much you feel each other moving in the night through the mattress. Foam mattresses tend to offer higher degrees of motion isolation.

Budget

Finally, budget is a crucial consideration for most mattress shoppers. Innerspring mattresses are the most affordable, followed by foam mattresses and latex.

Other types of mattresses

Air beds: These inflatable mattresses are convenient because they can be folded up and stored when not in use. They are lightweight and affordable and can be ideal for camping or hosting an unexpected guest. Although their comfort and support are limited, they can more than make up for that with convenience.

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Water beds: Water beds have water-filled chambers that offer a unique sleep sensation. These beds allow you to sink, potentially more than memory foam, and provide a high level of motion isolation, making them suitable for couples. They tend to be low on convenience and high in cost, however.

Adjustable beds: Generally electronic, these days, adjustable beds can have the head and foot locations shifted to be at different heights and angles. These can be useful for creating unique sleeping positions to help with physical discomforts or other issues like snoring and acid reflux.

Pillowtop beds: These mattresses can be represented in most types of beds already discussed. What makes this type is the addition of padding sewn onto the mattress, creating a plush and comfortable surface. The added comfort layer is often made from foam.

5 Types of Mattresses Explained (And How to Choose One)

Don&#;t lose sleep over choosing a new mattress. Our easy mattress buying guide explains the types of mattresses and helps you find your perfect match.

Choosing a mattress shouldn&#;t feel like rocket science. This guide makes mattress buying easy. We&#;ll unpack the most popular mattress types, their features, and how to choose your perfect sleep companion.

Ready to turn restless nights into peaceful slumbers. Let&#;s dive right in!

What Are the Different Types of Mattresses?

Each mattress type has a unique personality, comfort levels, and benefits, from the buoyant innerspring to the plush memory foam. But which is right for you?

Don&#;t fret. We&#;ve stripped back the fluff to provide a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of the five main mattress types.

1. Innerspring Mattress

An innerspring mattress is a traditional type with a steel coil support system. Known for its firmness and bounce, it offers excellent support and ventilation.

If you like that classic springy feel, these mattresses could be your perfect match.

Best For: Side and back sleepers, people with lower back pain, and restless sleepers.

The Pros:

  • Great Support: The coil system provides solid, evenly-distributed support. Beneficial for those with back problems.
  • Ventilation: The open structure promotes airflow, keeping you cool all night.
  • Bouncy Feel: If you enjoy a responsive, springy surface, innerspring mattresses deliver.

The Cons:

  • Durability: They may sag or lose support over time, requiring more frequent replacement.
  • Motion Transfer: You might feel your partner moving during the night, potentially disturbing your sleep quality.
  • Pressure Points: Some find them less comfortable, as they can create pressure points without a sufficient top layer.

Shop Innerspring Mattresses

2. Memory Foam Mattress

A memory foam mattress is crafted from high-density foam that molds to your body&#;s heat and weight. Known for its exceptional comfort and pressure relief, it offers a plush, contouring sleep experience.

Best For: Side sleepers, restless sleepers, and people with joint pain.

The Pros:

  • Pressure Relief: The foam contours to your body, relieving pressure points and offering excellent comfort.
  • Motion Isolation: The material absorbs movement, meaning you&#;re less likely to disturb your sleeping partner when tossing or turning.
  • Durability: These mattresses are long-lasting, maintaining their shape and comfort for many years.

The Cons:

  • Heat Retention: Memory foam tends to trap heat, which might cause discomfort for hot sleepers.
  • Limited Bounce: Some people find the sinking sensation restrictive, making it slightly harder to move around.
  • Price: Memory foam mattresses often cost more than the least expensive innerspring beds.

https://www.shopbedmart.com/mattresses/?t:type=type-memory-foamhttps://www.shopbedmart.com/mattresses/?t:type=type-innersrping&#;>Shop Memory Foam Mattresses

3. Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are made of natural or synthetic rubber, combining comfort with resilience. Known for responsiveness and bounce, they offer a cushioned yet supportive sleep.

A latex mattress is worth considering if you love a balance of softness and support.

Best For: Eco-conscious shoppers, hot sleepers, restless sleepers, and people with back or joint pain.

The Pros:

  • Comfort and Support: Latex mattresses offer the pressure relief of memory foam without the feeling of sinking into your bed.
  • Durability: They&#;re known for longevity, often outlasting other mattress types.
  • Natural Option: If made from natural latex, they&#;re an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic choice resistant to dust mites.

The Cons:

  • Price: High-quality latex mattresses can be expensive, especially those made from natural latex.
  • Weight: These mattresses can be heavy, making them difficult to move or flip.
  • Latex Allergy: Some people are allergic to natural latex, and these mattresses can cause allergic reactions.

4. Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress is the best of both worlds, combining innerspring support with memory foam or latex comfort layers. Designed for balance, it offers both bounce and contouring.

A hybrid could be your answer if you want a mix of traditional support and modern comfort.

Best For: Couples, restless sleepers, heavier individuals, and hot sleepers.

The Pros:

  • Balanced Feel: The blend of springs and foam/latex layers offers a balanced feel, combining support with pressure relief.
  • Good Airflow: The coil layer enhances breathability, making them cooler than all-foam models.
  • Less Motion Transfer: The foam or latex layer minimizes motion transfer, improving sleep for couples.

The Cons:

  • Price: High-quality hybrid mattresses can be pricey due to their complex construction.
  • Weight: They are typically heavy and often difficult to move or flip.
  • Durability: Some hybrid mattresses may not last as long as all-foam or all-latex models due to potential coil degradation.

Shop Hybrid Mattresses

5. Gel Memory Foam Mattress

A gel memory foam mattress is a twist on the classic memory foam, with cooling gel infused into the foam. This design offers the contouring comfort of memory foam while mitigating heat retention.

This option is perfect for those who love memory foam but sleep hot.

Best For: Couples, hot sleepers, side sleepers, and people with pain issues.

The Pros:

  • Cooler Sleep: The infused gel helps disperse heat, offering a cooler sleep than traditional memory foam.
  • Pressure Relief: Like regular memory foam, it contours to the body and relieves pressure points.
  • Motion Isolation: It absorbs movement, minimizing disruptions from your partner&#;s tossing and turning.

The Cons:

  • Synthetic Materials: Gel mattresses contain synthetic materials, which may be a drawback for people who value organic mattresses.
  • Weight: These mattresses can be heavy, making them hard to move or flip.
  • Durability: While generally long-lasting, they may eventually develop impressions or sag over time.

Types of Spring Mattress

Not all coils are made equal. From Bonnell to pocket spring mattresses, each type boasts a distinct design and feel.

Understanding these differences can make your mattress hunt much easier. Ready to spring into action?

  • Continuous Coil: The coils are made from a single piece of wire looped into springs, providing robust support and durability. It&#;s an economical choice known for its firm feel.
  • Bonnell Coil: These are the most common coil and least expensive. Bonnell coils are hourglass-shaped, offering bouncy and durable support.
  • Offset Coil: Similar to Bonnell coils but with a squared-off top. Offset coils contour better to the body, providing a balance of support, strength, and comfort.
  • Pocketed Coil: Each coil is individually wrapped in fabric, offering superior motion isolation and contouring support. Ideal for partners with different sleep habits.

Types of Foam Mattress

Foam mattresses come in various types, including memory foam, gel-infused foam, and latex foam.

Each type delivers unique comfort levels, heat retention properties, and support features.

  • Memory Foam: This high-density foam conforms to your body, providing unrivaled pressure relief and comfort. Excellent for those seeking a plush, hugging feel.
  • Gel Foam: Memory foam infused with cooling gel offers the contouring benefits of memory foam while reducing heat retention. Ideal for hot sleepers.
  • Latex Foam: Natural or synthetic rubber foam offers a balance of support and comfort, with more bounce than memory foam. Great for eco-conscious shoppers or those who prefer a bit of springiness.
  • Polyfoam: Lighter and less dense than memory foam. Polyfoam offers a soft feel but tends to degrade faster. Suitable for those on a tight budget.

Types of Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses offer a blend of comfort, bounce, and eco-friendliness. Each of the following types comes with distinct characteristics and benefits.

  • Organic: Made from rubber tree sap and processed without harmful chemicals. They&#;re eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and excellent for those prioritizing green living.
  • Natural: Natural latex is also made from rubber trees but may contain additional non-synthetic fillers. They may not be as durable or responsive as organic.
  • Synthetic: Made from artificial petroleum materials mimicking natural latex. These mattresses are more affordable but may lack the longevity and feel of their natural counterparts. However, they&#;re a better option for people with latex allergies.

Types of Mattress Firmness

Choosing the right mattress firmness is crucial for your comfort and spinal alignment. Each level serves different sleep styles, body weights, and comfort preferences.

Knowing these nuances, you&#;ll be one step closer to finding the right mattress.

  • Soft: Soft mattresses provide a cloud-like feel, contouring closely to your body. Ideal for lightweight individuals, side sleepers, and those with back pain.
  • Medium Soft: Medium-soft mattresses offer a balance of support and conforming. They&#;re great for side sleepers and those who change positions frequently.
  • Medium: Medium mattresses strike a balance between firm support and plush comfort. Suitable for most sleeping styles and body weights.
  • Firm: A firm mattress provides a solid surface for support. They&#;re ideal for back or stomach sleepers and heavier individuals who require extra support.
  • Extra Firm: Extra firm mattresses offer the highest level of support. Best for stomach sleepers, heavier individuals, or those with certain back conditions.

Find Your Comfort Level

What to Look for When Buying a Mattress

The quest for a perfect mattress involves more than choosing a type or firmness. Crucial factors like lifespan, temperature regulation, and motion isolation also come into play.

Understanding what to look for when buying a mattress can be the difference between sweet dreams and restless nights.

Consider the following factors to ensure you&#;re well-equipped to find the best mattress for your sleep needs.

Type of Mattress

Start your mattress hunt by identifying your preferred type. Different mattresses include innerspring, memory foam, latex, hybrid, and gel. Each has varying materials, firmness, support, durability, and other factors.

Armed with the knowledge in this guide, you should know which suits your preferences and needs best.

Mattress Size

Consider a mattress size that fits your bed frame, room dimensions, sleeping position, and needs. For example, ensure ample space if you share a bed with a partner.

Mattress Firmness

Mattress firmness is a critical factor. Consider your sleeping position, weight, and personal comfort to decide the firmness level.

If your mattress is too firm, you may wake up feeling sore in the joints and pressure points due to the lack of cushioning. Too soft, however, and you may experience pain from a lack of support.

For example, a side sleeper may prefer softer mattresses. In comparison, stomach or heavier sleepers might opt for firmer ones.

Mattress Material

The material of a mattress is a significant factor to consider because it directly influences your sleep experience, including:

  • Comfort and Feel: Different materials provide distinct softness, firmness, and responsiveness.
  • Support and Alignment: The material also affects how well the mattress supports your body and keeps your spine aligned.
  • Durability and Lifespan: High-quality materials tend to last longer and maintain their shape and support, which means better value for your investment.
  • Temperature Regulation: Certain materials, like memory foam, can retain heat. In contrast, latex or gel-infused memory foam has better cooling properties.
  • Motion Isolation: Materials like memory foam and latex absorb movement, making them excellent options for couples.
    Health and Allergies: Some materials are hypoallergenic and resist dust mites, mold, and mildew, which can benefit those with allergies.

Sleeping Position and Body Weight

Side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers all need different levels of support to stay comfortable.

For example, side sleepers might prefer the body-conforming properties of memory foam. Conversely, back or stomach sleepers may opt for the firmer support of an innerspring or hybrid mattress.

Mattress Durability and Lifespan

How a mattress is built impacts its comfort, support, and durability.

For example, innerspring beds may not last as long as latex or memory foam because the coils wear.

Note: BedMart offers a 120-night sleep trial and warranty. This can give you peace of mind and allow you to test the mattress in your home.

Your Budget

Finally, your budget is crucial. Determine what you&#;re willing to spend and find the best mattress within your price range.

However, high-quality mattresses like hybrid beds might cost more upfront but will last longer, providing better value over time.

Shop Mattresses for Every Lifestyle at BedMart

Now that you&#;re armed with all the knowledge to choose your perfect mattress, it&#;s time to make that choice. A great night&#;s sleep is no longer a dream; it&#;s a mattress away.

At BedMart, we have a selection of mattresses for every lifestyle. We believe in your comfort and unique sleeping needs. That&#;s why we&#;re dedicated to helping you find the mattress that fits your life, not just your bed frame.

So, why wait? Try our 120-day sleep trial period to ensure you find a mattress that provides long-lasting comfort and pain relief.

Wake up on the right side of the bed every morning!

Visit BedMart

 

The company is the world’s best Mattress Bed supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.