Types of Mattresses Explained

Mattress types and top tips on how to choose the right mattress

It won’t be an overstatement to say that a mattress is the most important piece of furniture in your home. It has a huge impact on the quality of your sleep, so you want to get the mattress buying decision right!

This article is to help you choose the best mattress for you. Here you will find out what to consider before buying a mattress and what to expect from all main mattress types. 

 

What to look at when buying a mattress? 

Try it

First of all, try it out in the store if you can and stay on it for 10 – 15 minutes. Even if you are buying your mattress online, go to your local mattress shop to try the model you are interested in, or at least something similar. 

 

Don’t overpay for your mattress

Before I talk about how to choose the right mattress, I want to point out one thing. You may have heard before that the more expensive the mattress, the better it is. Is it true though? Well, not always. 

 

Many mattress companies sell you the dream of a perfect night’s sleep. Unfortunately, there are a lot of dishonest selling practices in this area, as you can’t check what’s inside the mattress… In fact, the mattresses which seem different may be the same inside, they can even be produced by the same manufacturer, and only sold under different brands.

 

Are more expensive mattresses better?

Some mattresses are priced really high promising their superiority. Are they worth it?

Not necessarily. A good mattress doesn’t have to be very expensive and the opposite is also true: a cheap mattress doesn’t mean bad. 

 

10 things to consider before buying a mattress

Here is your checklist of things to consider before buying a new mattress:
  1. Firmness and support 
  2. Construction type (sprung vs foam)
  3. Your sleeping position
  4. Durability
  5. Motion transfer, especially if you sleep with your partner 
  6. Edge support – extends the sleeping area
  7. Warranty
  8. Maximum weight load
  9. Weight of the mattress
  10. Does it require a box spring 

Some of the above are quite obvious, so I’ll leave them without explanation and only focus on the specifics of a few. Let’s start with the mattress firmness. 

 

Mattress firmness

The most important thing about a mattress is its firmness, meaning the support it provides. The right level of firmness determines whether the mattress is comfortable. 

You need a mattress with the right firmness for your body weight and sleeping position. Your sleep position will determine how much pressure you experience as well as which pressure points carry the most weight. 

If you have any special requirements such as allergies or back pain, you will need to consider those as well.

 

Make sure you have the correct support

What is the correct support for me? 

Correct support depends on your weight, height, build and your sleeping position. The mattress will feel comfortable when it moulds to the shape of your body while providing enough support. 

As a general rule, the heavier you are, the firmer the mattress you will need. However, you may need a softer bed if you have a bad back.

 

6 Types of mattresses 

  1. Innerspring mattresses
  2. Memory foam mattresses
  3. Latex mattresses
  4. Hybrid mattresses 
  5. Air mattresses
  6. Water mattresses 

 

1. Innerspring mattress

What is an innerspring mattress?

Innerspring mattress or sprung mattress is the most popular mattress type. They have spring coils in the centre and comfort layers on the bottom and top. In some higher quality models the coils are individually wrapped. 

What’s also worth mentioning is that there are two variants of innerspring mattresses depending on the spring structure.

Types of innerspring mattresses

  • Pocketed springs – conform more closely to your body
  • Continuous or connected coils
What’s the difference?

In the continuous spring mattress the springs are connected or made of one long wire, while in the other type there are separate shorter springs, often situated in separate pockets. 

The springing type has a huge impact on motion isolation. In continuous coil mattresses there is much more motion transfer, so you will feel your partner moving much more. That’s why this type of mattress may not be ideal for couples. 

However, continuous coil mattresses are good for back and stomach sleepers, as you won’t sink in too much. Where springs are not connected, pressure in one area of the mattress doesn’t impact the rest, so the surface stays more flat. 

 

Sprung mattress vs memory foam 

What’s the difference between a sprung mattress and a memory foam mattress? 

When compared to memory foam mattresses the spring ones are more breathable as they allow better airflow. They are also more bouncy, so it’s easier to change positions and you don’t sink in that much. Sprung mattresses are also firmer than memory foam. 

 

2. Memory foam mattress

Who are they for?

Memory foam mattresses are great for side sleepers and are a good option for those with back pain or joint pain issues.  

This type of mattress isolates movements of the other person sleeping in the bed, so you don’t disturb your partner. That’s why they are also a popular option for couples. 

Memory foam heats up to your body, so it’s an option for those who like to keep warm, but not for hot sleepers. 

Material such as memory foam should be placed on a flat surface. e.g. solid board divan bed. That’s why this type of mattress is not suitable for slatted bed frames as it would mould to the slats and become less comfortable. 

 

What to expect from a memory foam mattress?

You can can the following from a memory foam mattress: 

  • soft feel, slow sinking feel
  • no bounce – not so easy to roll over
  • it’s quiet
  • retains heat – Not for hot sleepers
  • better for side sleepers
  • reduces motion transfer – good for couples
  • cheaper than other mattress types

When choosing a memory foam mattress, pay attention to the foam density –  the higher density foam the better quality. If you are a hot sleeper and really enjoy the feel of a memory foam mattress, then some memory foam mattresses are topped with a gel layer or are infused with gel for cool sleeping – this might be your best choice. 

 

3. Latex mattresses

A lot of latex mattresses are made of natural latex, which is an eco-friendly material. Natural latex, as the name indicates, is a natural material which has good elastic properties. It also provides good support for the spine and provides pressure relief. 

 

What to expect from a latex mattress?

Latex mattresses are:

  • supportive
  • breathable
  • more responsive than memory foam
  • a bit bouncy – this makes them easy to move and roll over
  • firmer than memory foam
  • heavy
  • more expensive than other mattress types
  • more durable out of all the mattress types

 

Who is a latex mattress for?
Latex mattresses are good for:
  • Couples
    They are good for couples because latex reduces motion transfer between the partners.
  • Hot sleepers
    Latex has a cooling effect, so it’s a preferred option for hot sleepers. 
  • Those who are looking for a durable mattress
    Latex is a durable material, so those mattresses tend to last for many years.
 
Who is it not for? 

Latex mattresses are not great for those with mobility issues or with back or joint pain as they are not great for pressure relief. Also, if you have a latex allergy it may not be for you. You may want to ask for a sample first to see if you have a reaction before buying a latex mattress.

In this article I talk about the different grades of mattress firmness and you may find it helpful for choosing your perfect mattress:

 

4. Hybrid mattresses

What are hybrid mattresses?

Hybrid mattresses are half coil, half foam mattresses with spring coils inside and a foam on top. 

What to expect from a hybrid mattress?

From hybrid mattresses you can expect: 

  • cooler sleeping
  • they are heavier and more difficult to move 
  • motion transfer – you will feel when your partner is moving
  • higher price
 
Who are hybrid mattresses for?

Hybrid mattresses are good for all sleeping positions, for combination sleepers and pretty much everyone will feel fairly comfortable sleeping on them. They aim to meet all the needs somewhere in the middle. Also, as they provide a strong support, they are suitable for heavier sleepers. 

 

5. Adjustable air mattress

What are adjustable air mattresses?

Adjustable air mattresses usually have one or two air chambers inside where you can regulate the amount of air inside. 

What’s special about air mattresses?

You can control the firmness 

The unique feature of an adjustable air mattress is the possibility to choose the amount of air inside the bed chambers and the softness of the mattress. Adding more air makes the mattress firmer and deflating it makes it softer. 

 

6. Water mattresses

What is a water mattress?

A water mattress is simply a mattress filled with water. Water mattresses are very comfortable as they minimise pressure and help relax the muscles surrounding the spine. People suffering from back pain can manage pain by using this type of bed. Moreover, they can come as heated waterbeds, where you can regulate the temperature.

 

Questions about mattresses answered

 
Which is firmer memory foam or latex mattress?

Latex mattress is firmer than memory foam mattress. 

 
Which sleeps cooler: memory foam or latex mattress?

Latex mattress sleeps cooler than memory foam mattress. 

 
What’s the best mattress for hot sleepers?

 

Best mattress for cooling

Latex and innerspring mattress with natural or gel top layer. 

On the other hand, the worst mattress type for hot sleepers is memory foam as this material warms up and retains the temperature from your body. 

 
What is a pillow top mattress?
Pillow top mattress

Most pillow top mattresses are one sided mattresses with comfort layers on one side only. It’s constructed from springs in the centre and some type of soft padding on top. The downside of such a mattress is that you won’t be able to turn it over and this type of mattress may not last as long as double-sided mattresses. 

And finally, the most important question: 

 

What mattress is right for me? 

The right mattress needs to provide the appropriate support. Generally, the heavier you are, the more support you need and the firmer your mattress should be. 

 

The best mattress depending on your sleeping position:
  • Back sleepers – medium form
  • Side sleepers –  medium soft
  • Stomach sleepers – very firm (not to bow)

 

Which bed mattress to choose? 

Choosing a mattress will come down to deciding between these two categories:

  • Sprung mattress or non-sprung mattress
 
Spring mattress vs non-spring mattress 

What’s the difference between mattresses with or without springs? 

Innerspring mattresses provide good spine support and are great for side sleepers. As spring mattresses provide more support, they are also better for heavier sleepers or simply for those who prefer a firmer mattress. They also maintain good air circulation, which makes them suitable for those looking for a cooling effect. 

Non-spring mattresses, made from foam, are quieter and more durable. Foam mattresses also prevent the transfer of movement and reduce the disturbance from the partner moving at night, this makes them a good option for couples. And finally, foam mattresses give softness which can reduce joint pain. 

If you go for a non-sprung mattress, there are many types of foams, but the most popular materials you can choose from are:

  • Memory foam mattress
  • Latex mattress

Top tips for buying a mattress

  • Choose the firmest mattress that is still comfortable
  • Try turning and switching to different positions. Is it easy to turn? 
  • Try it out with a pillow
  • When you’re lying on your back, the mattress should touch the curve of your lower back.
  • When you’re lying on your side, your hips and shoulders shouldn’t feel too much pressure or sink in too much. 
  • Test the mattress for 15 minutes and see if you feel any pain. If you feel pain at your heaviest points – the mattress is too firm. If you feel numbness, aches or tingling – the mattress is too soft. 

How important is the mattress I sleep on?

The mattresses we sleep on are so important because of the amount of time we spend in bed. In an average lifetime, we spend 27 years in bed, 25 of them actually asleep. In addition, a third of our childhood and adolescent growth takes place in bed while we are asleep. So it is really worth taking some time to select the right mattress. 

Mattresses are designed to cushion your movements while you sleep. 

A new generation of mattresses by Silentnight provides a unique feature called no roll together. Thanks to this feature you won’t disturb each other and you won’t roll together.

Another leading mattress manufacturer is Sealy.

Summary

 

I hope all this information helps you decide which mattress is right for you. What is your favourite type of mattress and why? What do you currently sleep on? Share in the comments below!