Explore 8 Common Types of Mattresses on the Market

Mattresses come in a variety of materials, shapes, and firmness. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, some common types include:

1. 1. Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses feature a steel coil support system and are among the most popular mattresses on the market. They are affordable, easy to move, and come in a variety of firmness options. Innerspring mattresses help keep your body temperature cooler while you sleep during the night due to the air that flows through its coils. However, an innerspring mattress is prone to squeaking, needs to be flipped often, and can gradually become uncomfortable over time. Unless you invest in a higher quality innerspring mattress (the higher the number of coils, the better the body support and durability), it likely won’t stay comfortable for many years.
2. 2. Memory foam: Developed by NASA in the late 1960s, this viscoelastic, polyurethane foam is now used commercially to make memory foam mattresses. Memory foam is great for contouring the body while you sleep and eventually springs back into its original shape, increasing its longevity. Memory foam can help alleviate pressure, align your spine, and has a low-motion transfer, making it ideal for sleeping with a partner without worrying about disturbances. However, a memory foam mattress is dense, which doesn’t allow for air circulation. This density, along with its synthetic components, can trap a lot of body heat, making the sleeper too warm at night. High-quality memory foam mattresses can be costly and may become less effective at pressure point relief over time.
3. 3. Latex: Latex mattresses are often made with natural fibers using rubber tree sap (unless you choose a synthetic latex). Two processes can be used to make natural latex mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay. The Dunlop process involves pouring the material straight into a mold then baking it to form a dense bottom that softens towards the top layer of the mattress. The Talalay process uses a vacuum to suck out the air after pouring the mold, and then the material is frozen before baking. This technique creates a more consistent structure, resulting in higher air circulation and more breathability. The drawback of natural latex mattresses is that they are slightly springier than memory foam, which means the motion transfer rate is higher in comparison. Latex mattresses can also be expensive, heavy, and prone to compression, which means your mattress may develop a dent the longer you sleep in the same spot over time.
4. 4. Water: Waterbeds are good for circulating warmth, allowing for deeper sleep and muscle relaxation. Waterbed mattresses can help evenly distribute your weight, which can benefit those with chronic back pain. Unfortunately, waterbeds are very heavy and require an even heavier bedframe to contain the weight of the water and your body. They are difficult to move and may require draining and refilling to be transported elsewhere. Due to their limited demand, they can also be expensive—the investment may not be worth it for those searching for convenience.
5. 5. Air: Airbeds have become more sophisticated over the years and offer a breadth of options for those looking for a customizable bed. Air mattresses allow you to change the firmness levels often, making it a good choice for those who want to alleviate their aches and pains. A quality air mattress can be highly durable and last for many years before it needs replacement. However, airbeds can be noisy, both during setup and daily use. The adjustable firmness can also be a drawback for some sleepers, as they may find it hard to maintain a consistent comfort level.
6. 6. Pillow-top: Pillow-top mattresses have an extra padded layer on top of the mattress. Pillow-top mattresses are affordable, don’t retain heat, and can help evenly distribute your weight. Unfortunately, pillow-top mattresses can also be expensive or too soft for some sleepers and aren’t as durable as other mattress options.
7. 7. Bamboo: Bamboo mattresses are an organic option made from renewable materials. These mattresses are soft and breathable, hypoallergenic, and have moisture-wicking properties. A bamboo mattress can help you stay cool, is environmentally friendly, and naturally resistant to odors, allergens, and dust mites. However, like most quality mattresses, bamboo can be expensive. Additionally, some brands may not make them from 100 percent natural materials, so it’s important to do your research.
8. 8. Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses blend different types of mattress material and can offer the best functions of both worlds. Some combinations include latex foam mattresses (coil mattresses with a foam layer top) and copper-infused memory foam (memory foam that contains trace amounts of copper to help disperse heat).

Mattress firmness falls on a spectrum—the type you choose can affect the quality of your sleep. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

• They have different effects on your body. Firmer mattresses provide a stable sleeping surface that lets your bones absorb more pressure, lessening the strain on your muscles and improving your circulation. A soft mattress contours the body and can provide just the right compression for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.
• Certain types are better for different sleeping positions. Firmer mattresses are better at distributing body weight and are ideal for back sleepers or stomach sleepers. Softer mattresses are good for side sleepers, helping align the spine with extra cushioning for the hips and shoulders.
• Their physical support varies. Initially, firm mattresses can be uncomfortable for those used to sleeping on a softer material or cause discomfort for those who suffer from bone issues like scoliosis or arthritis. Soft mattresses are usually initially comfortable but often lose their shape over their lifespan, giving them less durability than firmer options.
• They determine movement. Firm mattresses are better at motion isolation. For those who share a bed with a partner, a soft mattress is prone to dipping, resulting in an unstable sleep surface.

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