What Are the Common Types of Mattresses?
It’s safe to say that all mattresses aren’t created equal. There are various types of mattresses on the market. The good thing about there being so many beds is that there’s something to suit everyone.
Much like Goldilocks, everyone has to find a mattress that feels just right. With that said, take a look at the content below to discover the vast variety of mattress options.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are some of the most popular mattress types amongst consumers. They provide the benefits of softness and support. The top layer is the foam topper, followed by memory foam, support foam, and a bottom layer of high-density foam base.
The construction of a foam mattress is designed to offer high-quality softness without sacrificing support. This is the perfect mattress for individuals who have a hard time sleeping and suffer from painful joints.
Not only that, but foam mattresses help to eliminate noise due to their lack of springs, and it’s more adorable than a spring mattress. However, foam mattresses tend to trap body heat, and their extra softness creates a sinking feeling.
Also, if you’re trying to find a mattress on a budget, foam mattresses are usually more expensive than spring mattresses.
Spring Mattresses
For a long time, spring mattresses were the standard mattress type. They are made up of coils that are engulfed by layers of various materials. Usually, those materials are either natural fibers, latex, or foam.
But different spring mattresses have varying coil types and construction. This type of mattress is good for individuals who are stomach or back sleepers. It’s also beneficial for those with lower back pain or individuals that are heavier in size.
Innerspring mattresses are constructed with a top plush layer, followed by coil springs, and a high-density foam base. All of the coils are surrounded by cushion layers, so most of the time you don’t feel the springs.
The advantage of innerspring mattresses is that they provide full back support and come in a wide variety of firmness levels. Plus, they are budget-friendly.
On the other hand, spring mattresses tend to wear out faster than foam. Notably, one of the biggest disadvantages of spring mattresses is that they are noisy.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses provide the best of both worlds. They include layers of springs and foam. This bedding option is perfect for individuals who prefer the softness of foam and the stability of springs.
Hybrid mattresses are constructed with a foam topper, followed by a layer of memory foam, support foam, coil springs, and a high-density foam base. Hybrids are ideal for couples who have varying preferences for the types of mattresses they enjoy.
The good thing about hybrids is that they are softer than innerspring mattresses. However, they don’t give that sinking feeling like foam bedding.
They’re also quieter than traditional spring mattresses. Furthermore, this option regulates body temperature a lot better than all-foam mattresses, and it provides pressure point relief without minimizing back support.
On the downside, many hybrid mattresses are expensive. Plus, they don’t absorb motion as well as all-foam mattresses. Therefore, if you sleep in a bed with another person, you will feel them moving as they sleep.
The Various Categories of Mattresses
The options detailed above are the three main types of mattresses available. However, there are subcategories of mattresses that fall under those three types.
Here are a few other mattress options:
Pillow Top
Pillow top mattresses are actually quite popular. They include a top layer of soft pillowy cushion that can either cover foam, spring, or hybrid beds. Pillow tops simply provide an additional layer of cushion over the mattress.
They are generally pretty expensive—especially if you opt for a top-quality pillow mattress. Also, some pillow top beds are tall, so they don’t fit standard sheets.
Gel-infused Foam
Gel-infused mattresses are ideal for individuals who love the feeling of foam, but dislike how warm they are. Gel foam helps to regulate the temperature of the bed, making it the perfect solution.
Not only that, but it’s gentle on the hips and joints. The only downside is that this type of foam mattress is generally more expensive than standard foam mattresses.
Latex
Another option for foam is latex. It’s soft and provides pressure relief for joints. The main advantage that latex has over traditional foam is that it bounces back quicker and doesn’t give as much of a sinking feeling. Many consumers like to use latex over their hybrid mattresses as well.
This option is great because it can be produced with natural materials, but sometimes latex feels spongy. And unfortunately, individuals with latex allergies aren’t able to enjoy this option.
Water Beds
Water beds were very popular in the ’80s and ’90s, but there are individuals who still like to sleep in them. They’re not just for fun, the aquatic feeling produced by waterbeds offers many advantages.
They provide pressure relief from painful areas of the body, and the water can be heated to give therapeutic relief. Unfortunately, waterbeds are difficult to transport and have the potential for leaks.
If you need help making your bed more comfortable, check out this adjustable bed guide.
Choosing from the Different Types of Mattresses
Thankfully, there are various types of mattresses on the market that you have plenty to choose from. No matter if you like a hard bed, memory foam, or pillow top, there’s something out there for you. Out of all of the options available, which mattress types do you think are your favorite?
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Samantha Gaines wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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