On the exterior, a mattress seems like a simple product. And this makes some people assume that they are all the same. However, there are different types of mattresses in the market which makes buying a mattress difficult for some people. Every sleeper has their preference and need, no one type of mattress is the best in all cases. Different types of mattresses suit different sleep needs and concerns. And part of choosing a mattress involves assessing the different types in detail to understand their different benefits and drawbacks and determine which is best for you. Some of the popular types of mattresses are foam, innerspring, hybrid, air, and waterbed. This guide explains their pros and cons to help you decide which is best for you.
1. Foam Mattresses: Foam mattresses are one of the most popular types on the market. In these mattresses, every layer is made with foam, latex, or fabric; there are no coils involved in the construction. The different types of foam mattresses include memory, latex, poly, and gel foam. The most popular of them all is memory foam. Memory foam is made from something called viscoelastic foam. Memory foam mattresses conform closely to your body and slowly spring back into shape once you get up from the bed. Memory foam is popular because it’s good at distributing your body weight and easing pressure points. It is a good option for side sleepers and people who struggle with joint and body pain and it is also a good option for partners or people who toss and turn.
Pros:
- Supplies outstanding pain and pressure point relief.
- Releases little or no noise.
- Absorbs motion transfer.
- Resistant to allergens and dust mites.
Cons:
- Memory foam absorbs body heat.
- Petroleum-based memory foam is filled with harsh chemicals.
- Softness can cause sleepers to feel trapped.
- More expensive than other types.
2. Innerspring Mattresses: Innerspring is the oldest mattress. It has been in existence since the 1800s and is still popular today. The central feature of an innerspring is its coil-based construction. They contain a continuous steel coil support system. The coils compress when pressure is applied to them and then spring back quickly when that pressure is removed. In this way, innerspring proposes some capacity to acclimate body weight for both comfort and support. An innerspring mattress allows air to flow easily through the coils, which means it hardly absorbs heat. The absence of a meaningful comfort system means that pressure relief is lacking but the responsiveness of an innerspring makes them bouncy and generally good for sex. However, they sag quickly because of the coil layer. The coils transfer motion, making a partner’s movement palpable. Coils also make squeaky sounds when compressing, causing innerspring mattresses to be noisier than other types. Innerspring mattresses are common because they are affordable, but often do not last long.
Pros:
- A good option for back sleepers.
- Does not absorb body heat.
- Very responsive.
- Less expensive.
Cons:
- Springs emit squeaky sounds.
- Offers less pressure relief.
- Lots of motion transfer.
- Wears out more quickly.
3. Hybrid Mattresses: Hybrid mattresses incorporate the strong support of an innerspring mattress with the comfort and softness of a foam mattress. Hybrid mattresses stimulate a balanced feel that works to obtain the positives of different elements while minimizing their negatives. Hybrid mattresses are built with pocketed coils, unlike spring mattresses which contain continuous coils. The coils are connected, enabling better support, motion isolation, and good edge support. Hybrid mattresses are also built with comfort layers made from foam, which makes motion transfer less and relieves pain. The comfort system is made with numerous layers of memory, poly, and latex foam. Foams are more durable and won’t go flat or soft quickly. This makes hybrid mattresses heavier and more expensive than other types of mattresses. And it is often recommended for back and stomach sleepers or couples.
Pros:
- Encompasses the positive attributes of both innerspring and foam mattresses.
- Offers good support and pressure relief.
- The best choice for couples.
- Regulates temperature more than foam.
Cons:
- High price tag.
- Heavy and difficult to move.
- Shorter life-span.
- Does not absorb motion as well as foam.
4. Airbeds: Airbeds are blow-up mattresses. They are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags full of air. In airbeds, the support core is extremely adjustable. A pump can put air in or pull it out, making it possible to switch up the feel of the mattress at any given time. High-quality airbeds look no different from regular mattresses and some even contain foam layers for extra support. Airbeds became popular because they’re not difficult to transport or set up. While cheap airbeds are popular when traveling or hosting guests, not all airbeds are low-quality. A high-quality airbed can work well as an everyday mattress. Airbeds allows a person to set the firmness level to their choice with the pump. The pump is effortlessly regulated with a smartphone app or the controls are either attached or wireless. Airbeds are mostly recommended for couples or side sleepers.
Pros:
- Airbeds do not sag or grow soft.
- Very easy to adjust.
- A good option for travelers or guests.
- Not quite expensive.
Cons:
- Most airbeds are of low quality.
- Little or no pain relief.
- Not durable.
- Does not come with a warranty.
5. Waterbeds: Waterbeds were a hit in the 80s but gradually fell out of popularity due to their maintenance needs. The beds are heavy, prone to leakage, and difficult to fill. Water beds use a support core made of tubes filled with water, and the water moves in motion with the body, stimulating a float-like feel. Although they are no longer popular, they are still very beneficial. Waterbeds have heaters, so you can heat or cool water as required, and this is good for pain sufferers. Sleeping on a waterbed is highly therapeutic and pain-relieving.
Pros:
- A good option for pain sufferers.
- Regulates temperature.
- Supplies pressure-free sleeping experience.
- Modern types can be adjustable for firmness.
Cons:
- Can be very heavy.
- Can be prone to leakage.
- Very difficult to set up.
- Extremely hard to maintain.
All mattresses have distinctive features and specific components. Now that you know the different types and benefits, choosing the right one should no longer be difficult. The best mattress type for you depends on your budget, durability, and your sleep needs or conditions. There is a mattress for everyone. Get a mattress from us now!
