If you walk into a mattress store, you may be overwhelmed by the wide array of mattresses available. Not only will you see different types of mattresses – of all shapes, sizes, and colors, but also of several different materials on the inside.
So how will you choose which one to buy? Don’t worry; here we will talk about the types of mattresses and their pros and cons, and how to find the one that will be a fit for your needs. Let’s examine each material:
What are the Different Types of Mattresses
1. Innerspring
- These are probably the most commonly sold mattresses, and have been available since the 1900s.
- They are basically made of steel coils that get compressed under weight or pressure.
- The number, size, and even shape of coils may differ – and usually, the more the coils, the better the support the mattress provides.
- They are also among the least expensive type of mattresses, but have a shorter life as well.
- Another disadvantage of this type of mattress is the squeaking sounds made as you move on the bed.
Different Types of Spring Mattresses:
Continuous Coils
This is a single continuous wire that supports the whole bed, in an S shape. These beds are more durable and affordable as it’s made of one wire that is interlinked.
Bonnell
Made originally for the cushions of buggy seats in the 1800s, these springs resemble an hourglass or helix structure (like the DNA) when they are put together in a mattress. Bonnell spring mattresses are mid-range.
Offset
These coils are also in an hourglass shape, but are flat edged at the top and the bottom, creating a hinging effect.
This creates a snugger fit to your body’s contours, and are sturdy and durable, and importantly, are quiet.
Marshall or Pocketed Coil
Also called pocketed coils, these are wrapped coils that work independently of one another as they are not wired together.
These offer good support for the body, as well as motion isolation.
The coils are made of thin gauge, and shaped like barrels.
The mattress will be softer and offer less support, and is likely to wear out faster as the steel coil is of a thin gauge.
This mattress may not be suitable for someone with back pain or other problems.
Disadvantages of Spring Mattresses Include:
- Being one-sided, they cannot be flipped
- Lower durability, need quicker replacement
- Noisy, and can be embarrassing
2. Memory Foam
Memory foam was invented by NASA to make aircraft cushions safer; now it is immensely popular in commercial and domestic use for mattresses, pillows, furniture, shoes, wheelchair seats and so on.
Today it’s probably one of the most popular and best type of mattress in vogue.
Memory foam gives the user a feel of ‘sinking’ into it – whether it’s a mattress, pillow, or seat cushion.
The mattress takes your shape when you lie down on it, and slowly gets back into its original shape when you get up.
Memory foam has an additional layer of cushioning that provides excellent support, and is especially recommended for those with aches and pains in the back, neck, etc.
A Memory Foam Mattress Offers:
- Provides pressure point relief
- Capable of fitting adjustable beds
- Helps in correct spinal alignment
- Motion isolation or minimal motion transfer
- Resists dust mites and allergens
- Works with adjustable beds
The major disadvantage with memory foam mattress is that it gets very hot; as it needs to pack in a lot of foam to be able to provide the support your body needs, it is dense and hampers the flow of air, trapping heat inside.
Memory foam mattresses can also be on the more expensive side.
3. Gel
A gel mattress counterbalances the heat of a memory foam mattress. It stays cool, as the gel is infused into the foam.
All through the night, the gel will absorb the temperature of the material surrounding it, but it’s a slow process, avoiding mattress heating, and offering comfortable sleep.
This type of mattress features hollow columns inside that enable airflow more easily, allowing the mattress to stay fresh longer.
It also bounces back to its original shape almost instantly, unlike a memory foam mattress.
4. Latex
A byproduct of the sap of a rubber tree, latex can be considered a natural option for mattresses. It also offers some degree of body contouring and pressure relief, though not as much as memory foam – but then it is bouncier.
Basically, choose memory foam for high degree of support and relief, and latex if you want a cooler, bouncier mattress.
Latex beds are of two types :
Dunlop – where the bed is soft on top and dense at the bottom as the latex is poured in one go into the mold.
Talalay – here the mold is filled and a vacuum sucks out all trapped air; the material is then frozen to achieve overall stability, and more consistency than Dunlop.
Latex mattresses don’t need to be flipped or rotated, and feature minimal off-gassing.
5. Hybrid
These are made from a type of bed mattress that is a mix of spring and latex or memory foam; this means you get bounciness, support, comfort and softness.
These mattresses feature a layer of steel coils at the bottom, with anything from 1 to 3 layers of either memory foam or latex on the top.
The major benefit of such a mattress is the customized experience you get: there are hybrid mattresses that also have gel, or open cell foam to make it more breathable – there are loads of options.
So you can have a springy, cool mattress that offers anti-microbial features, advanced contouring and pressure relief!
6. Polyfoam
These types of mattresses are made of proprietary blends of foam by the manufacturers, and offer bespoke solutions for you at affordable prices.
Made of a petroleum based synthetic, they are processed to neutralize the effects of the chemicals present in it.
Make sure it is certified and free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, and ozone depleting substances.
There are a lot of different types of foam on the market, and one of them is called “polyfoam.”
Several online bedding companies develop their own proprietary blends of foam, which allows you to find a custom solution that works for you at a reasonable price.
If you want a durable mattress, look for a high density one.
7. Pillowtop
Pillowtop or Euro-top mattress include a padded layer that’s a few inches thick, on top of the bed.
This additional layer can offer bounce, durability, and greater comfort depending on what material is inside.
The usual materials used are wool, latex, foam or cotton.
These are among the more expensively priced options, and definitely not for someone with a tight budget.
8. Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds are types of mattresses that can be adjusted and reclined; some models also have a built-in massager for the back and legs.
This is a great solution for those who love to laze around in bed watching TV or working on their laptop or for those who have health conditions like backache, sinus pressure, or snore loudly.
You can simply adjust your bed to find the sweet spot that offers the most comfort. These mattresses are also priced on the higher side, and need more maintenance as they feature moving parts.
9. Organic
If you are environmentally conscious, then this is the best type of mattress for you.
Made from recycles steel coil, organic wool or cotton, or natural latex, these mattresses comprise sustainable and eco-friendly materials and are free of harmful chemicals.
10. Airbeds
No, its not the same as the simple air bed you used in your college dorm.
Today’s airbeds are types of mattresses that are less bulky, high in quality, and can be adjusted on both sides to offer personalized sleep experiences to two people sleeping on it.
Made of foam layers, it looks like a conventional mattress – but it doesn’t sag over time.
Top Sum Up
In addition to the materials used inside, you also need to choose the thickness of the mattress; anything from 5 to 10 inches.
The thicker the mattress, the more comfort it is likely to provide, but it will also push up the cost.
There is literally something for everyone – so don’t worry; you will certainly be able to find one that suits your needs and your budget.
Ideally, you need to weigh price versus durability; a more expensive mattress today will last longer than the cheapest one – which you will need to replace soon, which is additional expenditure.
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