Each person needs a different mattress, so which one is best for you? Here’s a quick guide to the different types of mattresses so you can make your decision.
The average person spends a staggering 229,961 hours asleep in their lifetime. That’s approximately 26 years or a third of their life. Indeed, sleep is the one activity that everyone spends their life doing.
But why is a good night’s sleep so important? Well, the quality of your sleep has a direct effect on your physical and mental health. Sleep affects your emotional balance, immune system, brain and heart health, creativity, weight, vitality, and overall productivity.
The $7 billion US mattress manufacturing industry is churning out the best mattress types, so you enjoy the recommended eight hours of sleep every day. Of course, it’s not always easy to know which style, brand, and model of mattress will suit you, given the dozens of options available today.
In today’s comprehensive guide, we outline some of the different types of mattresses you can find in the market. We hope that by the time you’re done reading, you can make an informed decision on the best type of mattress for you.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most common type of mattresses sold in the US. These mattresses were introduced in the 19th century and have maintained their popularity ever since.
Innerspring mattresses feature steel coils that compress every time you exert weight on them. The coils vary in size, shape, and number. Generally, the more coils the mattress has, the higher its quality.
But what makes these mattresses so common in American homes? One reason is that these mattresses are quite affordable. These mattresses are also easy to find.
A common complaint about innerspring mattresses is that they wear out fast. Therefore, while you may enjoy the bounce, you should be ready to replace the mattress sooner than most other types of mattresses.
Memory Foam
This type of mattress came into the scene in 1966. NASA invented the foam to enhance the safety of aircraft cushions.
Since then, memory foam has found many applications in other industries, including the manufacture of mattresses, blankets, pillows, furniture, wheelchair seats, and shoes.
One of the reasons memory foam is so popular is its unique comfortability. The foam creates the sensation of being cradled. When you lay on the mattress, the foam takes on your shape and bounces back as soon as you remove your body weight.
The extra cushioning of memory foam makes it perfect for people who sleep on their side or have painful conditions. The mattress also works well with adjustable beds and is resistant to mites and allergens.
Gel Mattresses
Gel mattresses are an upgrade of memory foam mattresses. One of the top drawbacks of memory foam mattresses is that they trap heat. Since memory foam has to be sufficiently dense to support a person’s weight, it can limit airflow and cause a rise in temperature.
Gel is usually infused into the foam and is naturally cooler. The gel takes on the heat of the surrounding material, but at a much slower rate compared to memory foam. Therefore, you stay cool throughout the night and enjoy your sleep.
Latex Mattresses
Latex is regarded as a natural bedding option because the material is the byproduct of sap from rubber trees. It’s the best mattress solution for consumers who prefer natural bedding solutions.
Latex mattresses are like memory foam beds as they provide contouring and pressure relief. But while latex material won’t produce as much pressure relief as memory foam, it offers more bounce. A latex mattress also retains less heat.
Hybrid Mattresses
As the name suggests, a hybrid mattress combines the best of both worlds. They ensure that you enjoy the bounce and support of innerspring mattresses as well as the softness and comfort of memory foam or latex.
So, how are hybrid mattresses made? Typically, you’ll have one to three layers of foam or latex on top and a layer of coiled springs at the bottom.
A huge attraction of hybrid mattresses is that buyers can get a customized option. If you’d like more pressure point relief and a springy bounce, search for a mattress with memory foam on top and coils on the bottom. Add a layer of gel on top to stay cool all night.
Waterbeds
Waterbeds were invented to help people with bedsores. These beds have been around longer than all other types of mattresses in this guide.
Waterbeds give you the feeling of floating in water, which can be very soothing. You can even adjust the mattress and customize it, so the water reacts to your body weight the way you want it to. Some waterbeds have settings on either side, so you and your partner can customize the bed according to their preferences.
One of the drawbacks of waterbeds is that they’re considerably heavy, which makes moving them a challenge. Besides, these types of mattresses take time to set up.
Pillowtop Mattresses
Pillowtop mattresses, also known as euro-top mattresses, are among the most comfortable mattresses available. These mattresses typically feature a layer of padding on top of the mattress. The padding can be several inches thick.
The top layer of pillowtop beds can be made of foam, cotton, wool, or latex. Depending on the material used for the padding, euro-top materials can provide superior cooling, bouncing, durability, and comfort.
As you might expect, pillowtop mattresses tend to be pricy. However, the benefits they offer are well worth every dollar.
Polyfoam Mattresses
Polyfoam mattresses are made of synthetic, petroleum-based material. Other chemicals may be used in the manufacture of these mattresses. However, you needn’t be afraid as all materials are neutralized and harmless to your health.
These mattresses come in different density levels. The density of the mattress determines its durability in most cases.
Adjustable Beds
An adjustable mattress looks like a regular mattress, but with an added feature of being able to adjust, recline, and massage your back or legs. It’s the ideal type of mattress for you if you love to read or work in bed. Adjustable beds can also help people who have back pain, sinus pressure, or snore.
The bedtime bliss that comes with the ability to adjust your mattress means that you must pay extra. Adjustable mattresses tend to cost more than average. Additionally, you’ll need to pay maintenance fees since these beds have electrical parts.
Organic Mattresses
Organic mattresses are designed for clients who are big on eco-friendly practices. These mattresses usually use natural or recycled materials. Organic wool, natural latex, organic cotton, and recycled steel support coils are some of the materials used here.
Organic mattresses provide most of the benefits provided by other types of beds while using sustainable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic materials.
How Can You Tell It’s Time to Buy a New Mattress?
On average, a mattress should last about 10 years. Of course, there are many factors that could increase or decrease that lifespan, including the material, usage, and manufacturer. Once your mattress has reached the end of its life, continuing to sleep on it can affect your sleep quality and general health.
Before you consider replacing your mattress, make sure you’ve flipped it enough times, so you use both of its sides adequately. If you aren’t familiar with flipping, learn more here.
Age isn’t the only way you can tell that your mattress is due for a replacement. If you notice the following signs, it’s time to head to the market for a new bed.
Your Mattress Is Saggy
Visible dents in your mattress are clear signals that the mattress is clearly worn. Any kind of mattress except waterbeds can experience this problem. The sagging usually occurs under the sleeping area and the edges of the mattress.
If you use an innerspring mattress, the springs can break down or sag. A saggy mattress can be very uncomfortable, so you need to replace it as soon as possible.
You Feel Stiff and Sore in the Morning
Poor sleep quality can contribute to or worsen chronic back pain. If you’ve recently been waking up stiff and sore, chances are your mattress is the culprit. This is especially the case if your pain subsides the moment you get out of bed and stretch.
If you already suffer from chronic low-back pain, consider a new medium-firm mattress. Your mattress seller should allow you to test a few mattresses to see which feels comfortable for you.
Your Allergies or Asthma Are Worsening
The allergy season isn’t here, yet you notice an uptick in your asthma or allergy. If there’s no alternate explanation of why this could be happening, then it’s most likely that your mattress is the problem.
Try flipping, vacuuming, and steaming the mattress first. If these solutions don’t work, consider getting a new mattress.
There Are Many Types of Mattresses That Will Meet Your Needs
Shopping for a new mattress does not have to be challenging. With all the many types of mattresses available today, you should be able to get the perfect one for you. The trick is to arm yourself with ample information on the mattress types that will interest you.
Would you like to read more information on mattresses? Please keep visiting our blog.