Mattress guides
You may have noticed a few new mattresses if it’s been awhile since you last bought a mattress. Box springs and innerspring beds are not the only options. Consumers now have more options for better sleep thanks to the rise of the mattress industry.
We have listed the most popular mattress types to help you choose the right style for you.
Every mattress has different layers and materials. These determine the firmness, support and durability of each type. Different manufacturing techniques can also affect the feel of a material. This allows sleepers to find the right mattress for them.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is highly responsive and molds to the body when pressure and heat are applied. Many mattress materials have small gaps between the mattress’s surface and the body. Memory foam, however, hugges the body’s curves like an arm, cushioning and supporting every area.
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam. However, unlike other poly-foams it is more dense and viscose than most. This is why it is often called viscoelastic foam. Poly-foams have a slight bounce. However, memory foam responds to pressure by shaping rather than springing back. Memory foam is the ideal material for pressure relief and pain relief.
Different Types Of Memory Foam
Since its creation in 1960, memory foam has seen a lot of improvement. Memory foams of the past were known to retain heat and emit a strong chemical odor, off-gassing. Many mattress manufacturers have solved these problems and created comfortable and innovative new versions.
Plant-Based Memory Foam
Plant-based memory foams can be made by replacing some petroleum-based oils with plant oils (castor oil). The mattress is non-toxic and safer to sleep on. Plant-based memory foams are naturally breathable and won’t trap heat as traditional memory foam.
Gel Memory Foam
Many manufacturers use gel microbeads to reduce heat retention in standard memory foam.
These beads draw heat and moisture away form the bed’s surface, keeping you cooler.
Cooling Infusions
Some memory foam brands add minerals like graphite and copper to the gel. These materials are heat conductors and body heat can pass through them quickly without heating up the mattress.
Quality And Comfort
There are many firmness options for memory foam, from soft to firm. These mattresses are suitable for all types of sleepers and can be used in a variety of firmness options, including soft to firm. When choosing a memory foam mattress for you, take into account your body type and sleeping position. Side sleepers and light sleepers are more comfortable with a medium to soft memory foam mattress. Heavy sleepers and back sleepers prefer a firm to medium-firm memory foam mattress.
Latex Foam
Natural latex foam is similar to memory foam. It contours to the body and relieves pressure. Latex comes from the Hevea Brasiliensis sap, which is why it has natural buoyancy. Latex’s elastic properties keep sleepers elevated on the mattress and not cradled. Natural latex foams can last up to 12 years, depending on the case.
This foam is both sustainable and environmentally-friendly because rubber trees aren’t cut down during harvesting. It is possible to find organic latex products that are certified organic because rubber trees can be easily maintained without pesticides. Natural latex is hypoallergenic, antibacterial and resistant to molds and mildew.
Different Types Of Natural Latex
There are two types of latex that you can find in your local shops. Both are made from raw, natural latex. However, each type has a different construction process.
Dunlop Latex
For Dunlop foam, liquid lax is whipped, poured into molds, and then vulcanized or heated. This foam tends to settle at the bottom, and become lighter towards the top.
Dunlop can be denser than Talalay foam and more heavy, but density should not always be confused with firmness.
Dunlop can feel soft or firm depending on how it is made. Dunlop can only be certified organic due to the additions found in Talalay latex. But not all Dunlop latex can be certified organic.
Talalay Latex
Talalay foam is made in the same manner as Dunlop. Talalay foam is made with liquid latex, but the molds are not filled completely with it. The mold is still left empty, so a vacuum is used for explaining the liquid inside. Carbon dioxide is used to freeze foam once it has expanded to give it a gel-like appearance. The material is then heated to keep its shape, much like Dunlop.
Talalay latex, like Dunlop can be made both in soft and hard varieties. Talalay may contain polyurethane foam fillers in some cases to increase its softness.
Synthetic Latex
Synthetic latex, as its name implies, is made from combining different synthetic materials to create a material similar to natural latex. This foam is usually made from Styrene Butadiene Rubber, a synthetic rubber material that’s used in artificial outdoor areas like playgrounds and sports fields.
SBR is safe for human contact. However, this material can emit a strong chemical smell. SBR off-gassing can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Synthetic latex is not as buoyant or durable as natural latex.
Blended Latex
Latex foams can be made from a combination of synthetic and natural latex. This type is usually made up of 30% natural latex and 70% synthetic latex. Blended latex is less durable than synthetic latex and does not bounce like Dunlop or Talalay.
Quality And Comfort
All four latex-natural Dunlop, Talalay, and synthetic and blended varieties of Talalay can be made in different firmness levels. The foam’s feel can be affected by the manufacturing process.
Natural latex is elastic, which helps to prevent sinkage. This ability may not be available in synthetic latex.
A foam mattress can cause muscle tension in heavy sleepers who sink too deep into it. These sleepers will benefit from a latex mattress to keep their spines in a neutral, safe position.
These beds are hypoallergenic and resistive to mold and can be used by people with allergies or other sensitivities. They are not recommended for people with latex allergies.
You can choose from natural Dunlop or Talalay latex mattresses. These foams are very low in off-gassing and can be brought into your home with minimal disruption. They are also more buoyant than synthetic latex and last longer.
Hybrid
Hybrids combine foam, usually latex or memory foam with a support system of steel coils. Hybrid mattresses provide sleepers with the comfort of foam but the bounce and support of spring coil beds.
Hybrids have a support layer that is usually of higher quality than traditional innerspring mattresses. Hybrid coils can be pocketed which allows them to move independently from each other for adequate contouring. This coil also has less motion transfer which is great for couples who have different sleeping patterns and are lighter sleepers.
Quality And Comfort
There are many firmness levels available for hybrid mattresses. The comfort layer for hybrid mattresses is typically between 2-8 cm. The mattress can feel firm, medium, medium or soft depending on the foam type.
You can choose the firmness that suits your body and sleep style based on what you like to do. Hybrids contour better than innerspring beds and are therefore ideal for people who want both the bounce of metal coils and the relief from foam.
If you are looking for a hybrid mattress to buy, make sure that the top layer of the foam is either a high-quality memory or natural latex foam.
A spring coil base with pockets will be more supportive and comfortable.
Innerspring
The steel coil base supports innerspring mattresses and is topped with a thin comfort layer of cotton, wool, or foam. These beds were traditionally paired with a boxspring made of spring coils. To absorb pressure from the top, the two layers were meant to press against one another.
Box springs are not made this way anymore. The newer models are made from a rectangular frame of wood covered with fabric. Although box springs can add height to the bed they do not provide support.
Types Of Coil Springs
The firmness of a mattress can be affected by the type of springs used. We have listed the most popular coil types below.
- BonnellThese coils have a spiral shape and are thicker at the ends than they are in the middle. Bonnells have been designed to provide a balance between firmness and compression.
- Compensation:The offset coils are a hourglass-shaped with a squared off coil head. To provide greater uniformity, these coils can be linked together. Each coil has an edge connected to a hinge which allows it to conform to the body.
- Continue:One single piece of wire is enough to create a continuous coil base. Every spring made from wire has an scurve structure that contracts when pressure applied. This is a process that makes the coils more stable as they can draw support from surrounding springs.
- PocketedMost hybrid mattresses use pocketed coils, but innersprings may also have these springs. Pocketed coils can be wrapped individually and move independently from one another. They can react to different areas of the body, providing sleepers with better contouring.
Wire Gauge And Number Of Coils
The gauge measures the thickness of the coil in micrometers. The coil will be thinner if the gauge is higher than the coil. The thickest coils are those measuring 12mm, and those measuring 18mm are the smallest. The coils that are thicker tend to feel firmer, while the coils that are thinner have a softer feel. The coils should measure between 12 and 15mm in most cases.
The coil count is the number of coils within the bed. This number can vary from 500 to 1,000 depending upon the size of your bed. Twin-sized mattresses have fewer coils than king-sized mattresses.
You should consider the gauge and count of innerspring mattresses when looking for high-quality ones. A bed should have at least 500 coils of low gauge.
Quality And Comfort
Infinspring beds are generally less expensive than memory foam or latex mattresses, as well as hybrid mattresses. These beds don’t provide the same level of motion isolation or pressure relief as foam mattresses. Innerspring mattresses are more susceptible to rapid disintegration. These mattresses last for about six years. However, more advanced models like latex, memory foam and hybrids can last between 8 and 12 years.
Innerspring beds are more breathable that most foam types. Because there is more space between the coils, air can flow freely. Over time, however, dust, dirt and other contaminants can buildup in the bed. This can lead to allergies and congestion.
Innerspring beds are firm regardless of the type of coils they’re made from. Innerspring mattresses have a thinner comfort coating, which can cause some sleepers to feel the hard coils below. Side sleepers can feel this pain especially as springs can reach sensitive areas such as the hips, shoulders, and hips.
Pillow top mattresses are a type innerspring mattress that has a layer of foam attached to the top. If the layer is at least 5cm thick, it can relieve pressure points. It can be difficult to find the right balance between cushioning and support in an innerspring mattress.
Air Beds
Air beds are very different to the inflatable air mattresses you might use for camping. Air beds are more complex. Air beds have a layer of air which can be inflated or deflated to adjust their firmness. The monitor is powered by a water chamber. Users can adjust the comfort level of the bed with a remote control. This allows sleepers to adjust the comfort level to suit their needs.
An all-foam or hybrid air bed can be used. The air layer is usually placed below the surface of the bed, or above the support layer.
Quality And Comfort
If you like to control the firmness of your mattress every night, air beds are an excellent choice. These beds have a limited lifespan. These beds are susceptible to motor failures and airflow channels breaking, which can lead to expensive repairs. It can also be a hassle to adjust the bed every night. Air beds can also be expensive. Air beds can be expensive so make sure you get a long warranty on the mattress as well as the pump.
Waterbeds
In the 70s and 80s waterbeds were very popular and still are. This bed is made up of a water-filled mattress or bag that has been placed in a soft-sided frame to protect it from punctures and holes. Waterbeds conform to the body much like foam, and distribute body weight evenly so that the spine remains in a natural alignment.
Different Types Of Waterbeds
The comfort level of a waterbed mattress may be altered by adding additional materials.
- Free-flow:A free-flowing waterbed does not contain any additional materials. These beds have the highest motion transfer.
- Semi-WavelessA semi-waveless waterbed is controlled by built-in baffles. This allows for sleepers to experience the benefits of a waterbed that moves less during sleep.
- WavelessThis type has more baffles to stop movement. Waveless waterbeds will allow for minimal motion transfer, similar to standard mattresses.
Quality And Comfort
Waterbeds have a shorter life expectancy. Leakages in mattresses can occur through small holes, which can prove difficult to fix. Leakage can cause mold and mildew to develop in the mattress if it is a regular problem. These beds can also be heavy and cumbersome so they must be drained before being moved. Waterbeds can be comfortable but over time they can be difficult to maintain.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of mattresses?
There are usually four to five types of mattress discussed: memory foam, latex and innerspring. Sometimes, there will be adjustable air beds. Waterbeds are an under-recognized type of mattress.
These categories also have subsets. Hybrid mattresses include memory foam hybrids as well as latex and polyfoam combinations.
How can you tell if you require a firm mattress or a soft one?
Your body type and preferred sleeping position will determine the mattress firmness that’s right for you.
Sleep position
- Side sleepers:The hips and shoulders carry the majority of body weight, along with sleeping. The comfort level should be soft to moderate. This will cushion the joints, and prevent pressure from forming around these sensitive areas.
- Back SleepersWhen you are back sleeping, your torso can sink. Back sleepers require a firmer mattress in order to lift the torso and keep the spine neutral.
For back sleepers, we recommend a firm to medium-firm mattress.
Type of body:
- Sleepers who are lighter than 59kg:To get adequate contouring, light-weight sleepers require a soft mattress. We recommend soft to medium comfort levels.
- Average Weight of Sleepers (130-104kg):For people with average body weight, a medium comfort level is ideal.
- Heavy sleepers (104kg or more):You will need a firmer mattress if you are looking for the best mattress to support heavy sleepers. This group tends to sink deeper into the mattress. Sinking too much can cause the spine to bow and cause discomfort. Comfort levels ranging from medium-firm to very firm will support the joints and keep the spine neutral.
What Should I Spend On A Particular Type Of Mattress?
Cost of a mattress will vary depending on its style and the materials used.
- A memory foam mattress of high quality will cost you between and while latex foam can be a bit more expensive, usually around and
- Latex foam that has been certified organic tends have a higher cost.
- The type of comfort layer used in hybrid mattresses will affect the price. Latex foam mattresses are more expensive than memory foam.
- These beds are considered the most expensive. They are more expensive than innerspring beds, which are typically between and
Which Mattress Is Best For Side Sleepers And What Type Of Mattress?
Side sleepers love soft, conforming mattresses. Side sleepers should choose memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses that have soft to medium feel. Side sleepers shouldn’t choose traditional innerspring mattresses as they can create a firm surface due to their lack of padding.
Which Type Of Mattress Is The Best?
Because everyone is different, there is no best mattress.
Budget limitations should also be considered as certain types of products can be more expensive than others.
Memory foam mattresses are very popular due to their availability in a variety of firmnesses at surprisingly low prices. Latex mattresses are great for eco-conscious shoppers. The hybrid and innerspring mattresses have a bouncey, top-of-the-mattress feel.
Which Type Of Mattress Is Best To Relieve Back Pain?
Foam beds that conform to the body’s curves are the most effective at relieving pressure and pain. All mattresses are excellent for relieving back pain, including memory foam, latex, or hybrid beds.
A medium-firm mattress is recommended for back pain. Side sleepers might be more comfortable with a mattress that is medium-firm.
