3 Mattress Types on the Market - Pros, Cons, and Comparisons
Buying a new mattress is exciting, especially if it’s been a while since you last shopped for one. Science has come a long way in just the past few years, and new innovations can allow you to find just the product that will work best for your specific sleep needs.
However, it would be pretty costly to determine which is best for you based strictly on personal experience. There are many different mattress types available on the market, and you owe it to yourself to understand the differences in order to find the one that offers what you’re looking for. Here, we will analyze 15 of some of the most common to help you make a more educated purchasing decision.
#1. Innerspring
When you think of innerspring mattresses, you might imagine yourself as a little kid jumping on a squeaky bed that obviously had some type of metal inside. This would be the standard innerspring mattress, and it’s made using a steel coil support system. While you may very well remember sleeping on this type of mattress, you have less likely seen what they look like on the inside. These products use springs that are connected into a single unit, and, as the number of coils increases, the higher the quality of sleep.
Although the standard innerspring can seem primitive to those who have since moved on to take advantage of newer mattress technologies, the fact remains that they are still the most popular. And there are many good reasons why this is the case. Aside from the fact that they are incredibly consumer-friendly when it comes to affordability, they also:
· Have a variety of firmness options
· Are widely available
· Are easy to transport
However, it’s important to be aware that there are a few setbacks. You get what you pay for, and, while these types of mattresses are easy on the budget, they are known to lack quality when it comes to their ability to counteract pain and pressure points. You may also experience noise as the springs begin to wear, creating the classic squeaky bed when you roll over at night. Furthermore, standard innerspring mattresses are often more prone to wearing out quickly. Thus, while you save money on the initial purchase, you can easily lose in the long run when you have to go out and replace your mattress.
You may be interested in: Innerspring Mattress Buying Guide
Some Unfortunate Facts About Innerspring Mattresses
There are a number of reasons why you might make the decision to invest in a standard innerspring mattress. Whether a new mattress is necessary and you have a limited budget or you appreciate that they do offer considerable overall support at a low price, it can be the right choice for some.
Before you consider pursuing the purchase of this mattress type, there are a few potential cons that may be deal-breakers that are well worth taking into consideration including:
· Low overall owner satisfaction rating when used on a consistent basis
· Limited durability as sagging can begin to occur within just a few years in cheaper innerspring types
· Typically are one-sided and are therefore unable to be flipped
· Suggestions predict that products like memory foam may eventually replace innerspring mattresses
BEST INNERSPRING MATTRESSES
#2. Types Of Coils or Innerspring Mattresses
Coils, for the most part, are just what they sound like. But, just what is it about the properties of these cylindrical components that so strongly dictates the quality of your sleep? One of the main aspects that should be considered in a coil or innerspring mattress is the coil construction, and there are four primary types you’re likely to face as you shop. From least expensive to most expensive:
· Continuous coils
· Bonnell
· Offset
· Marshall Or Pocket Coil
Continuous Coils
Continuous coils are named such because they are made from one long wire. Furthermore, rather than coiling the metal, it’s instead S-shaped. This is a decent option if you are on a budget.
Bonnell Coils
The Bonnell coils are going to be the ones you’ll likely encounter the most frequently. If cost is your primary driving factor in your final decision, you may want to look for a product featuring the Bonnell coil system. However, offset coils feature a higher degree of quality and produce less noise.
Offset Coil
Offset coils are one of most conforming innerspring types next to the pocketed coil. They’re similar to Bonnell coils in which they have an hourglass shape. The difference being, they are constructed with a hinge-like squared top and bottom that is joined with the coil next to it. This produces a hinging effect that’ll flex under pressure.
Marshall Coil or Pocketed Coil
Marshal Coils are synonymous with Pocketed Coil, which we get more into just below.
Don’t Overlook Coil Gauge
It may seem as though you need to get a college degree in mattress materials in order to make the best choice. The truth is, the investment in time you dedicate to making an informed decision can pay off substantially, and just one more thing you should consider as you shop for a coil mattress is the coil gauge.
Lower numbers are typically indicative of a thicker coil, and a thicker coil means a firmer mattress. Therefore, if you want a bed you can sink into, you’d opt for one that features a coil gauge rating of 15 over 12.
Coil versus Foam Mattresses
#3. Pocketed Coil
If you’re not quite sure what a pocketed coil mattress is, the keyword is a coil. It’s synonymous with spring, which puts it in the same general family as the innerspring mattress. However, there are some qualities that set the pocketed coil mattresses apart that are good to be aware of while you shop.
For starters, these types of the mattress have a higher focus on minimizing motion transfer. Because of their general reputation for the bounciness, innerspring mattresses often disturb one sleeper when the other moves. However, pocketed coil mattresses are designed a little bit differently. Rather than being wired together with other coils, these are wrapped separately in fabric encasements.
An Investment Worth Making Over Innerspring If You Have a Sleeping Partner
Pocketed coil mattresses are the most expensive of innersprings, and they often make a great investment if you want to go beyond the standard innerspring mattress. While you may have to pay a higher price, they can provide you the additional rest you need that is often lost due to disturbances throughout the night.
Because of the fact that the springs in this product are individually wrapped, they are more readily allowed to work independently. This means, when pressure is applied to one spot, it will have a minimal effect on the surrounding springs. Even if you think you’re getting the sleep you need, the quality is compromised every time your restless sleeping partner tosses and turns throughout the night, and this option can minimize the problems that commonly result.
Considering the Qualities
There are two sides to every coin, and there are high-quality innerspring mattresses on the market well worth taking a look at. Your ideal next mattress may be comprised of innerspring technology, and there are a few signs that this may be a good option if you:
· Enjoy a bed that offers a high degree of bounce
· Don’t enjoy beds that have that sinking in feeling
· Appreciate the qualities that a bed with excellent edge support has to offer.
Making Your Shopping Easier and More Effective
Your investment in a new mattress is a reasonably sizable one. Just as you certainly wouldn’t want to buy a new car without first taking it for a test run, you don’t want to buy a mattress you’ll be entrusting your nocturnal well-being to without understanding a little more about its design and features. With so many different mattress types on the market, it can be easy to find yourself a little confused as you shop.
That’s why we’ve provided this helpful list. As you consider your options, use the few minutes it takes to compare the various types with your unique needs and preferences to best ensure you find just the product that will fit your lifestyle.
How to choose a mattress
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Many different types of mattress exist, and some may be more beneficial than others.
No guidelines exist for choosing a mattress, and most recommendations come from people’s own experiences.
Keep reading to learn more about how to choose a mattress.
Mattress types and their differences
Share on PinterestSome companies offer a trial period, allowing people to return the mattress if it does not suit them.
Mattresses are categorized in different ways, such as by size, material, and firmness. Mattress dimensions may vary from country to country.
Material
The type of material a mattress uses may also influence sleep comfort. Different mattress materials include:
To combine the benefits of individual mattress types, some manufacturers design hybrid mattresses that have both springs and memory foam or latex.
Firmness
Mattresses can be any of the following:
soft
medium-firm
firm
custom-inflated
One reviewTrusted Source found that a mattress that people identify as medium-firm or custom-inflated is optimal for comfort, sleep quality, and spinal alignment.
Comparisons
The following tables will compare various mattresses for different benefits.
For comfort
People define comfort in different ways. The most comfortable mattress for one person depends on their preferences.
Limited studiesTrusted Source suggest that medium-firm mattresses may be the most comfortable option for people with low back pain.
For pain relief
People with pain, particularly in the lower back, may have difficulty sleeping because of their mattress. No guidelines exist on how to choose a mattress to prevent or improve back pain, however.
For sex
Some important considerations to make when choosing a mattress for sex include bounciness, edge control, and noise.
Bounciness is more prominent in spring mattresses than foam mattresses. Latex mattresses may fall in the middle.
To minimize sounds coming from the mattress, it may be best to avoid spring mattresses.
Edge control helps prevent falling off the bed. Manufacturers provide edge support in the mattress with springs or ensure thicker memory foam at the bed’s edges.
For longevity
If a mattress is no longer comfortable, or if a person is experiencing body aches or difficulty sleeping, they may wish to consider changing their mattress.
Sometimes, flipping or rotating the mattress once or twice per year can help distribute the wear and tear and prolong its life span. People should read the directions on their mattress, however, as some should not be flipped.
Depending on the material, the life span of mattresses differs. Manufacturers suggest that air and spring mattresses have the shortest life span, while mattresses containing latex have the longest.
Other considerations
Temperature control is another important consideration for getting better sleep. Currently, the available evidence regarding the appropriate temperature for a mattress is insufficient, but some experts recommendTrusted Source warmer temperatures.
Mattress maintenance and hygiene are other considerations to make when caring for a mattress. For example, dust mites can collect in mattresses because they provide the ideal temperature, food, and moisture for their growth and development.
One studyTrusted Source investigated the presence of dust mites in foam and spring mattresses. It found a higher percentage of mites in foam mattresses. The researchers suggest replacing foam mattresses with spring mattresses to reduce exposure to dust mite allergens.
Good mattress maintenance and hygiene are necessary for a healthy sleeping environment. People should refer to the instructions on their mattress for more information on maintenance.
Summary
Choosing the best mattress can be a daunting task, as different types have different benefits. Currently, no guidelines exist on the best mattress for each person’s needs. Some mattress types share benefits with others, as well.
There are several considerations to make when choosing a mattress, including comfort, pain relief, and temperature control. Choosing the best mattress may require several trial periods with different brands.
Different Types of Mattresses
Buying a mattress can be extremely stressful, since it’s a major investment and is one of the objects in the home that has the most influence on the quality of your daily and nightly life. Especially since there are so many different types of mattress, trying to narrow down your options by comfort, quality, and cost can feel overwhelming.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be — our guide is designed to simplify the process and make buying a mattress as comfortable as the sleep you’ll be having as soon as you bring it home.
How to Choose between Spring, Foam, or Hybrid
The first thing you need to determine is whether you want a spring mattress or a foam mattress (or both, also known as a hybrid mattress).
Here’s everything you need to know to decide between spring, foam, and hybrid:
Innerspring Mattresses
The most traditional type of mattress, the spring mattress is made up of a layer of coils surrounded by layers of comfort material that can consist of materials like latex, natural fibers, or foam. Different types of spring mattresses use different coil types and layouts to achieve different effects.
Advantages
Offer solid back support
Available in a wide range of firmnesses
Budget-friendly options available
Disadvantages
Can wear out more quickly than foam
Older springs can become noisy
Offer less pressure relief on joints
Spring mattresses are often the best choice for stomach and back sleepers, those with lower back pain, and heavier individuals who find foam mattresses don’t offer sufficient support.
Foam Mattresses
First popularized after NASA invented memory foam in the 1970s, foam mattresses rely on different combinations of different-density foams to provide softness and support. Though memory foam is the most well-known type of foam mattress, there are several different types that provide different benefits.
Advantages
Softer on side sleepers and those with joint pain
Absorbs motion of restless sleepers
Lack of springs eliminates noise
More durable than spring mattresses long-term
Disadvantages
Certain foams trap body heat
Softness can cause “sinking” feeling
Insufficient support for certain types of sleeper
More expensive than spring mattresses
Foam mattresses are often the best choice for side sleepers and those who experience joint pain and discomfort.
Hybrid Mattresses
Some mattresses offer a hybrid composition that includes layers of both springs and foam. Hybrid mattresses can be a great option for those whose preferences fall in the middle of what spring and foam mattresses can offer.
Advantages
Softer than springs without the “sinking” feeling of foam
Offers pressure point relief without compromising on back support
Typically quieter than spring mattress alternatives
Regulates temperature better than pure foam mattresses
Can work for couples with different firmness preferences
Disadvantages
Higher-quality hybrid mattresses can be expensive
Doesn’t absorb motion as well as foam
Hybrid mattresses are often the best choice for couplesand those who prefer the support of a spring mattress combined with the comfort of a softer option.
Casper offers a variety of hybrid mattresses: the Casper Original, the Nova Hybrid, and the Wave Hybrid.
The Nova Hybrid
For those who want a plush top layer without sacrificing support and cooling.
The Wave Hybrid
Our most advanced mattress. The Wave Hybrid has hyper-targeted support combined with active springs, allow for better airflow.
The Pillowtop Option
Pillow top mattresses are available in spring, foam, and hybrid constructions, and simply offer an additional layer of cushion material at the top of the mattress.
There are a few drawbacks to the pillow top mattress option. One is cost—the luxurious feel offered by the soft pillow top comes at an additional price. Another is that some pillow top mattresses are too tall to fit into standard fitted sheets, so they require special linens.
Spring Mattress Types
Different spring mattress constructions offer different comfort characteristics, and finding the correct type can really enhance sleep quality.
In addition to differences in construction, spring mattresses can vary by the thickness or gauge of the coil. The thickest available coil is the 12-gauge, which will feel the most firm.
Continuous Coil
Made up of rows of flat, connected, single-wire coils, the spring layer of a continuous coil mattress looks less like a series of coils and more like a latticework of metal supports.
Advantages
Can be flipped to extend mattress lifespan
Easy to transport
Disadvantages
Less individual pressure point support
Lower-quality feel
Bonnell
Also called open coils, Bonnell coils are the oldest version of the innerspring mattress. They’re built with hourglass-shaped coils which are placed evenly throughout the mattress and connected by smaller helical coils.
Advantages
Better localized support
Disadvantages
One of the least durable spring mattress types
Offset
Offset mattresses came about as an improved version of the Bonnell mattress and feature cylindrical coils which hold up more sustainably than their hourglass-shaped predecessors. The drawback to this option is that, in most cases, it is the most expensive spring mattress available.
Advantages
Offer individualized coil support
More durable than Bonnell spring mattresses
Disadvantages
Generally the most expensive type of spring mattress
Marshall/Pocketed Coil
These coils are unique because each individual spring is wrapped in a fabric “pocket,” which helps the the coil absorb pressure without needing to distribute it to the surrounding springs. As a result, the pocket coil mattress absorbs motion better than other types of spring construction.
Advantages
Absorbs motion of restless sleepers
Best spring mattress for contouring to pressure points
Disadvantages
Generally the most expensive type of spring mattress
Foam Mattress Types
Most foam mattresses combine two or more different types of foam, but generally each mattress is characterized by one dominant foam style. Different foam mattresses offer different pro’s and con’s.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is the type of mattress that most people are talking about when they talk about foam mattresses. Invented by NASA in the 1970s to make aircraft cushions safer and then adopted for use in hospital beds, memory foam has an advanced capacity for absorbing pressure and motion. This makes it a popular option for those with certain types of body pain.
Advantages
Offers gentler mattress support for painful joints
One of the best options for absorbing motion
Disadvantages
Least bounce back quality of the foam mattress types
Can trap body heat, causing discomfort
Generally more expensive than other mattress types
Though memory foam mattresses are usually more expensive, Casper has a memory foam option for every budget. The Element, our most affordable option, is made up of three different foam densities, offering necessary support without sacrificing soft comfort. The Casper Original, our most popular foam mattress, is made up of four layers of premium foam, offering zoned support and extra breathability.
Gel or Gel-Infused Foam
For those who like memory foam mattresses but find them too warm to be comfortable, gel foam regulates the temperature in the bed more capably and may be the perfect option.
Advantages
Gentle on hips and joints
Better temperature regulation than memory foam
Disadvantages
Usually more expensive than memory foam
Gel foam can also be incorporated into a hybrid mattress to achieve some of the same advantages.
Latex
Latex is turned into foam when it is aerated in order to trap bubbles within the material that provide soft and bouncy support evenly throughout the mattress. Latex foam is soft and offers the same pressure relief of other foam options, but unlike memory foam, latex mattresses rebound more quickly and lessen the sensation of sinking into the mattress.
Latex is also a popular material for use in hybrid mattresses, like the Wave. Incorporating a latex layer rather than opting for a fully latex foam mattress can be a great option to capture the advantages of latex without its drawbacks.
Advantages
Higher bounce back capacity than other foam options, lessening “sinking” feeling
Can be produced using natural materials
Disadvantages
Can feel “spongy”
More expensive than many other foam types
Not an option for those with latex allergies
Polyfoam
Polyfoam, short for polyurethane foam, is very similar in material to memory foam and is in fact often used as one of the layers that encases the coils of a spring mattress. There are three types of polyfoam, two of which are only used in polyfoam layers of spring mattresses. The third type, called high resiliency foam, is firmer and more supportive and therefore can be used alone.
The Wave mattress also includes a layer of high resilience polyfoam, which works in combination with the resilient innerspring base, supportive latex layer, and soft memory foam layer to achieve the maximum benefits of a hybrid mattress.
Advantages
Similar to memory foam in feel
Higher bounce back capacity than memory foam, lessening “sinking” feeling
Disadvantages
High resiliency foam is expensive to manufacture, which increases cost
Alternative Mattress Types
Adjustable Bed Mattresses
Adjustable beds allow the sleeper to prop up the head or foot of the mattress to enhance circulation, increase comfort, and customize their sleep experience. However, it’s essential to note that not all mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds.
If you have or are considering buying an adjustable bed, your best option is to purchase your mattress and adjustable bed from the same company. (For instance, Casper makes an adjustable bed frame that is compatible with all three of its mattress models.)
Usually Compatible:
Memory foam
Latex foam
Sometimes Compatible:
Hybrid mattresses
Rarely Compatible:
Innerspring mattresses unless specifically manufactured for use with adjustable bed
Futon
Futon mattress technology has come a long way in recent years, and you may be surprised at the quality of futon mattress available.
The benefits of a futon are obvious: the dual-purpose couch-bed combo makes the maximum use out of minimal space, making it perfect for small rooms or apartments. When picking out a futon, it’s smart to stick to a thickness of six inches or greater to ensure sufficient comfort and support. Futons are available with or without innersprings; if your futon is going to be used frequently for sleep, an innerspring mattress is the way to go.
Waterbed
Many people think of waterbeds as being a thing of the ‘80s, but in fact people have been using water-filled mattresses since as early as 3600 BCE. While they are less popular now than they were in the 20th century, many still prefer the unique advantages that the aquatic alternative offers.
Advantages
Relieve pressure on painful body parts
Water can be heated to therapeutic effect
Disadvantages
Difficult to set up and transport
Can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds when full
Potential for leaks
Absorb very little motion
Air Mattress
Air mattresses are often thought of as being short-term options for camping, travel, and brief overnight stays. While that is largely the case, there are still certain features available that can make air mattresses more pleasant to sleep on.
Standard air mattresses are rarely taller than a few inches, while double-high air mattresses keep sleepers further from the ground. Air mattresses with built-in inflation devices also allow the sleeper to adjust the firmness of the mattress with the touch of a button.
For camping, it’s important to choose an air mattress that’s compatible with a battery-powered pump; don’t get stuck in the wilderness with an air mattress that can only be inflated with a wall outlet!
What about Mattress Toppers?
With every mattress, you also have the option of adding a mattress topper. Think of a mattress topper as a pillow top that isn’t sewn into the mattress. Whereas mattress materials should be chosen for their combination of comfort and support, mattress toppers are designed to enhance comfort only.
You can find foam mattress toppers in the same varieties you can find foam mattresses (polyfoam, memory foam, latex, gel, etc.) as well as cotton, down, or fiberfill. In cases where budget is a primary factor in choosing a mattress, combining a more affordable mattress with a high-end mattress topper can help achieve the comfort effect you seek at a fraction of the cost of a high-end mattress.
While having a comprehensive knowledge of mattress basics is essential to make an informed decision while buying a mattress, there’s no substitute for expert knowledge. A mattress professional can listen to your individual comfort and cost needs and make individualized recommendations based on what matters to you most.
It’s also a great idea to test out a mattress before committing to it long-term. Trying out mattresses in-store can be helpful for determining basics like whether you prefer spring or foam, but the only way to know for sure whether a mattress is for you is to sleep on it. Look for mattresses with liberal return policies or a risk-free trial period that will give you the freedom to let your body make the final call on your perfect mattress.