The Best Types of Mattresses for You
These days, shopping is a much more personalized experience. We are able to choose almost everything about a product from its color and type to its style. This is a great thing, as every product is truly ours. But the numerous options can make things much more overwhelming, especially when you need something essential right away.
Take shopping for a mattress for example. The big debate among people I know is whether or not to go for a firm or soft mattress. But, you're actually not just limited to those choices, as I'm sure you're aware of if you've seen a mattress store commercial recently. There are so many kinds, like the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, and if you're in the market for one, you may not know where to start. Don't fret. Read on to learn about the different mattress types you'll come across on your next shopping trip.
1) The Innerspring Mattress
The innerspring mattress is simply another name for the spring mattress we commonly have in our homes. They've been around since the early 1900s and are made with steel coils that compress when you put your weight on them. This mattress type is common because of its affordable price. However, they tend to wear out faster than other mattresses and can be prone to squeaking. When shopping for an innerspring mattress, keep the following in mind: the more coils it has, the higher quality and more supportive it is.
Innerspring mattresses also have different kinds of coils in them. Here are the kinds you may hear about when shopping.
- Continuous Coils: These coils use a single wire to form the mattress's entire support system. Its single, interlinked wire means you'll get a more durable mattress at an affordable price point.
- Bonnell Coils: These coils were the first ones to be invented and are still used in mattresses today. Originally made for buggy seat cushions in the 1800s, bonnell coils look like an hourglass and when they're all put together, they often resemble a helix. Mattresses with bonnell coils are considered to be a mid-priced option.
- Offset Coils: A mattress with these coils is what you need if you don't want squeaky springs. They have an hourglass shape like bonnell coils, but have flattened edges on the top and bottom. Because of this, offset coil mattresses are known to be sturdy, supportive, and most of all, quiet.
- Marshall Coils: Also known as pocketed coils, these are not wired together in a mattress like the other coils are. They instead work independently from each other. This results in a more supportive mattress, plus motion isolation, which helps when sleeping with your significant other. Marshall coils are made with a thin-gauge barrel-shaped design. When shopping for a mattress, you may come across the term coil gauge. A higher number represents a thinner gauge, and so on. The thinner the coil, the softer the mattress, and the thicker the coil, the firmer the mattress.
Pro tip: If you're willing to purchase a pricier mattress, consider looking into the pillowtop mattress. Also known as the Euro-top mattress, they have a layer of padding (hence the name pillowtop) up to several inches thick on top of the mattress. The material, which can be made of cotton, wool, foam, or latex, offers benefits such as cooling, more durability, bounciness, and extra comfort.
2) The Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam was first invented in by NASA in 1966 and today is used in a wide variety of products, including mattresses. Memory foam mattresses are popular because of the feeling people get of sinking into the mattress. They also conform well to your body. This is a big selling point if you have chronic pain that makes sleeping uncomfortable.
Much like innerspring mattresses, you have different types of memory foam mattresses to choose from. You can get a gel memory foam mattress, in which the gel helps to offset the heat in memory foam mattresses and keeps you cool at night. You can also get a latex memory foam mattress. The latex material in these mattresses is more bouncy than traditional memory foam, which can be a pro if that's what you like in a mattress. However, it has less of a sinking feeling than traditional memory foam does when you lay on it.
Pro tip: Memory foam isn't the only foam type you can have in a mattress. You can also get a polyfoam mattress, which won't warm up as quickly as memory foam. It also has less density than a memory foam mattress, which makes it much softer. However, if you want a firmer polyfoam mattress, you can get one at higher density levels.
3) The Hybrid Mattress
Can't decide between an innerspring mattress or a memory foam mattress? You're in luck! Because you can have the best of both mattress types mentioned above with the hybrid mattress. They're usually made with a layer of coiled springs on the bottom and one-to-three layers of memory foam or latex on top. Hybrid mattresses amount to a more custom sleeping experience, and looking around at what's out there, you should easily be able to find what you need for the perfect mattress.
4) The Waterbed Mattress
As a '90s kid, I grew up around many waterbeds. My parents had one in their bedroom for years and I had a childhood friend whose house had waterbeds in every bedroom. I loved how they felt so much that when I was in college, I got a waterbed of my own.
When one thinks of waterbeds, you likely think of those traditional ones with the hard sides. Those are still out there, but an even better waterbed option is one that has all the benefits of a waterbed in a traditional mattress form. These are known as softside waterbeds (and it's the kind of waterbed I own).
Like traditional waterbeds, you can choose between different water movements, like waveless, semi-waveless, and free flow, and also be able to adjust the water temperature to your liking. You also have the benefit of using traditional sheets instead of getting new sheets that specifically work for waterbeds.
While I love waterbeds, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. The mattresses themselves are heavy and they take time to set up. They also have a chance of leaking, which in some instances means draining the mattress altogether and buying a new one.
5) The Adjustable Mattress
When I say this, I'm not talking about those hospital beds you can adjust with a remote control. I'm talking about actual mattresses that are able to be adjusted. You've likely seen commercials for these already.
Adjustable mattresses allow you to recline and adjust your position to your liking. Some of them are even able to massage your back or legs. Adjustable mattresses are great for those who like to watch TV or read in bed.
They're also good for people with sinus problems because you're able to sleep sitting up without much trouble. Keep in mind that all these features come with a higher price point though. Especially since you're paying for not only the mattress, but also electrical parts, such as motors.
6) The Airbed Mattress
I can't believe I'm mentioning this option myself. Like me, you probably think of an airbed as something you set up really quick when company comes to visit or when you're staying at someone's house for a time; something temporary. But airbeds have come a long way from what they once were.
I see so many that look like actual mattresses now. Some are even made with foam layers and can be adjusted so you and your significant other can both be comfortable on your side of the bed. If you're looking for something out of your comfort zone, an airbed mattress might just be for you.
7) The Organic Mattress
If you're environmentally conscious, an organic mattress is something you should consider. Organic mattresses are made of materials such as natural latex, organic wool and cotton, and recycled steel support coils. Along with being good for the environment, organic mattresses help limit your exposure to various toxins and chemicals.
Pro tip: When shopping for an organic mattress, make sure it's GREENGUARD GOLD certified.
Where to go From Here?
Now that you know all the different types of mattresses out there, it's time to decide which of these types is best for you. You know my preference, but I know not everyone has the same preference as me.
We are all different people. The mattress that works best for you depends on what you're looking for, your budget, and how you like to sleep. With a lot of research now at your disposal, you're on your way to sweet dreams.
Resources— Sleep Advisor, SFGate Home Guides
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