Different types of mattresses explained
We all sleep differently, and the key to getting a good night’s sleep is choosing the perfect mattress. Choosing the right mattress for your sleep needs may be easier said than done though, so here’s a brief explanation of the most common mattress types, from materials, to firmness and temperature control, to help you decide what will work best for you.
Innerspring
A classic in the world of mattresses, and one of the most durable, the innerspring is still one of the world’s most popular mattresses. A standard innerspring is made from a network of steel coils topped with foam, fiberfill or a layer of smaller steel coils. The number of coils and their thickness, or gauge, will vary to give each mattress a different feel. A higher gauge will offer more support, ideal for back sleepers, while a higher coil count will give better weight distribution and take pressure off the joints of side sleepers.
Pocketed Coil
Similar to an innerspring in that it also uses coils for the main support system, pocketed coil mattresses differ in a few ways. Though the number, distribution and gauge of the coils will, like the innerspring, determine the lifespan, feel and firmness of your mattress, the coils are not interlinked. Each coil is individually encased, offering motion isolation. This means that, unlike a classic innerspring, movement on one side of the bed won’t affect the other, making it a great choice if one or both partners are restless sleepers.
Foam
Foam mattresses can be made from a variety of natural or synthetic materials. Two of the most common being latex and memory foam, both resistant to mould, bacteria and a number of allergens. Memory foam is popular because of its ability to respond to weight and temperature, conforming to your body shape and offering a great combination of support and comfort. This does, however, mean it retains heat, which is why you may want to opt for open-cell or gel-infused to better dissipate body heat.
Latex foam mattresses are made from natural materials and tend to offer better heat distribution than memory foam, with equal comfort. They also offer similar motion isolation and are more forgiving on achy joints than coil mattresses.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress, offers the benefits of more than one mattress type, using a combination of two or more materials. There are a number of benefits to a hybrid mattress, from supplemental support to simply being more durable or cost-effective. Before buying a hybrid mattress though, you should know what materials it uses, and which pros and cons each will contribute.
Once you know what you need from your mattress, and what type of mattress will fulfil those needs, you can sleep soundly knowing you’ve made the right choice.
Feel free to call us on 031 465 3235 or visit any of our stores and chat to a friendly sleep specialist to find out more and buy your perfect mattress.
