If you’re just starting to look for a new mattress, you’ve probably noticed that the number of options available is huge. A good way to get your bearings is to start by thinking about the type of mattress.
Almost all mattresses can be identified as one of five types – foam, spring, hybrid, latex or air mattress. The most popular are spring mattresses. However, in recent years, other types of mattresses have also gained popularity.
Other types of mattresses have gained popularity due primarily to their more dynamic performance. They have also become more affordable.
To decide whether to buy a mattress, you need to know the specifications of each of these five types.
Foam mattress
These mattresses are made entirely of foam and without coils. They tend to conform to the contours of the body, relieving pressure and isolating movement, making them well suited for side sleepers and couples. Among the foams that are used in these mattresses, “memory foam” is the most well-known.
Spring mattress
A spring mattress has a coil-based support system and several other layers. While coils offer some support, innersprings are often unable to relieve the pressure on the mattress. Their surface is more resilient and has limited motion isolation. Because of their low price, they are popular with budget buyers.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrids have two central components: an innerspring support core and a firm foam system for comfort. Comfort layers can include foam or latex, and sometimes even a shorter layer of coils (known as micro coils). These mattresses provide resilience and adaptation to the body, with low heat retention, and can be a good option for sleepers in any position, depending on how they are built.
Latex Mattress
It provides excellent resilience and firmness with moderate conformation to the body. Made of natural and organic latex, they are the best choice for environmentally conscious people.
Air mattress
In Air Mattresses, the support core is an air chamber. A pump – controlled by a smartphone or remote control – is built into the mattress, adding or removing air at the touch of a button for maximum flexibility. Air beds are great for couples, as each side can be set to a different firmness level.