Upon walking into a mattress showroom, a salesperson will most likely follow you around, asking you to buy the most expensive one on the floor. They might suggest you lie down and try all the revitalizing benefits that a mattress has.
But, lying down in public while there’s a watchful eye observing you isn’t going to give you an accurate impression of what the mattress will feel like in the long run. With countless manufacturers and material configurations, it is overwhelming to know where you should start looking.
Here is a basic rundown on the different types of mattresses, alongside some of their benefits and disadvantages. This short guide can help you narrow down your choices when shopping in stores, both offline and online.
Memory Foam Mattress
These types of mattresses are predominantly built with memory foam, a material known for having a slower response to deep contouring hug and pressure. This can provide a significant amount of pressure relief to some of your sensitive spots like shoulders, lower back, and hips.
One caution when opting for memory foam is that it usually keeps in and absorbs body heat. Having such heat in a mattress can be uncomfortable for those who live in a tropical area. But, some brands circumvent this specific problem by infusing cooling agents like gel, copper, or graphite. You may check Newsweek’s review on the best mattress 2021 has to offer, to see which fits your needs.
- Advantages
Memory foam mattresses are best for individuals who prefer to be more “in” rather than being “on top” of the mattress. This type of mattress can benefit side sleepers as its material can provide an excellent contouring hug while lying on the fabric.
- Disadvantages
Memory foams have excellent soft material, making the mattress not firm enough for people who lie on their stomachs. So if you prefer to sleep on a firmer mattress, you might have to disregard the section where memory foams are displayed.
Innerspring Mattress
Probably one of the widely used and the most popular mattress types, innerspring offers sleepers a bouncier, firmer, and more supportive feel when sleeping. This type of mattress features tall sections made from steel coils, working best for those who are after a more traditional vibe.
- Advantages
Innerspring mattresses are highly recommended for people who need major support, like heavier sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers. This type of mattress can also work for those who like an impeccably bouncy structure.
- Disadvantages
Innerspring mattresses cannot give much to people who require pressure relief when lying down. So if you are someone who is dealing with shoulder, back, or hip pain, you might have to consider shopping for another type of mattress.
Latex Foam Mattress
Latex foam mattresses have a quicker reaction to pressure, giving them a bouncier and livelier feel when lying down on them. This type of mattress has an organic material fit for eco-conscious sleepers. It is also naturally cooling, making it a better option for people who are hot sleepers.
- Advantages
Latex foam mattresses work well for a vast array of sleepers, but they function best with people who sleep in many positions. These individuals tend to move around, so the mattress’s natural bounce can cater to their sleeping habits. Eco-conscious sleepers can also enjoy latex foam’s natural composition.
- Disadvantages
If you seek deep pressure relief on your shoulders and hips, latex foams aren’t the best option for your needs. It has a softer and cozier material, but it cannot provide you with the level of deep contouring hug your body desires.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses have topmost layers of foam combined with springs or coils for the best support and pressure relief that the body needs. This type of mattress may be different from innerspring types for having a more equalized feel on it.
- Advantages
Hybrid mattresses work the best for a vast array of sleeping positions. But, this type of mattress is highly recommended for people who sleep on their back or sleep in several positions. Thanks to their additional bounce, support, and mobility, many people are now starting to appreciate hybrid mattresses.
- Disadvantages
As there are several types and brands of hybrid mattresses available, no one can say that they are specifically disadvantageous for anyone. You only have to keep in mind which type of foam is used for the top layer. If you like sleeping on your side, the one with a memory foam will suit you best. But if you prefer laying on your back, you may want one with latex on top.
Organic Mattress
If you want to limit everyday exposure to toxins and chemicals, organic mattresses are best for you. This type of mattress uses eco-friendly materials like organic wool, natural latex, organic cotton, and recycled steel support coils.
Takeaway
There is no scarcity with your mattress choices. You only have to think of your needs when shopping for one. But if you still can’t figure that out, the guide presented above can help you decide on what type of mattress will meet your preference.