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An Overview of the Best Mattress Types
An Overview of the Best Mattress Types
There are different kinds of mattresses in the market that can be so overwhelming to navigate your options. There are various options you need to consider when picking the right mattress for you. These factors include;
- Your sleeping position
- The mattress firmness you need
- Your weight
- How old your current mattress is.
- Your budget.
- What kind of mattress you need.
What Type of Mattress Do You Need?
Below are some of the most common mattress options;
- Memory Foam. It is considered one of the softest mattresses, therefore not making it a good fit if you are looking for ultra-firmness.
- Hybrid mattress. It is made with top layers of foams with springs for extra pressure relief and support.
- Spring mattresses.
Each mattress type has its different features, pros, and cons that will be discussed below.
1. Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are designed primarily with memory foam. Memory foam is a denser polyurethane form, typical for its slow response to pressure and designed to assume the body's shape when heat or pressure is applied.
Memory foam mattresses are common for their ability to provide pressure relief to areas such as hips, lower back, and shoulders, increased motion separation and support.
They tend to trap and absorb lots of body heat. Therefore, current memory foam manufacturers are mitigating this problem by infusing their memory foam materials with cooling agents such as gel, copper, or graphite.
Pros
- Memory foam mattresses are perfect for couples who share a bed due to the low motion transfer. Since memory foam cradles an individual, it does not disturb the rest of the mattress when one is restless.
- Mattresses made from memory foam are mostly hypoallergenic and germ resistant. They have an open cell structure that makes them more breathable and protective against attracting dust mites and other insects or trapping moisture. This makes them a healthier option than others.
- Memory foam mattresses conform to your body. It hugs your natural body curves and provides an excellent pressure point relief.
Cons
- Memory foam's adaptive property may feel too soft for some individuals.
- Conforming to the body's natural shape can lead to the trapping of excess body heat in the mattress.
2. Hybrid Mattresses
Anything "hybrid" means it is a combination of two or more things. A hybrid mattress is not in its purest form; it is a mixture of memory foam mattress and innerspring mattress. It combines the best properties of memory foam and innerspring mattress to design the perfect hybrid mattress.
A hybrid mattress uses at least a couple of inches of memory foam together with pocketed coil base layers. This mixture offers sleepers the conforming and comfortable properties of a memory foam mattress with an innerspring mattress's support and strength.
Pros
- The combination offers sleepers different benefits that include;
- Increased air circulation. This mitigates the high-temperature issues that memory foam mattresses subject sleepers to. Memory foam mattresses are notorious for trapping and absorbing heat. However, a hybrid mattress features a gelling agent to keep the mattress cool.
- A hybrid mattress provides a balance of comfort and responsiveness. The coiled springs in the base grant adequate support to keep one comfortable, while the memory foam cradles a sleeper's body, making hybrid mattresses the perfect option to reduce body pain.
- Just like memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses are also quiet.
Cons
- A hybrid mattress is typically more expensive than other options in the market. This may be a buzzkill for a buyer, but it is still a worthy investment if you are looking for a better night's sleep.
- Hybrid mattresses can be a little heavy, especially if you are moving houses.
3. Spring Mattress
Simply put, a spring mattress is a mattress that contains springs. A mattress spring is also known as mattress coils. Mattress springs are mainly used in the inner core of an innerspring mattress. Unlike memory foam, these do not adjust to one's body heat. An exception to this is if the mattresses come topped with a layer of memory foam, just like any pocket spring mattress with a memory foam top.
The different spring types used in spring mattresses include;
- Continuous coils.
- Offset coils.
- Bonnell coils.
- Marshall coils are popularly known as pocket springs.
Pros
- They are reasonably priced. Your budget is an important consideration when purchasing a mattress. The price of the innerspring mattress has ridiculously fallen over the years due to increased users.
- Consumer familiarity. These mattresses have been in the market for a while. Consumers have a high chance of accepting any new technology introduced to spring mattresses than having to buy and experiment with newer mattress types.
- The proper construction ensures mattress durability.
- Spring mattresses have adequate spaces in between them, thus ensuring sufficient air circulation. Ventilation and easy circulation are essential for better sleep, especially in hot areas.
Cons
- They may be hard to set up. Also, they are heavy and will be tiresome moving them around.
- The underlying mattress layers could have been designed with wool and fiber, thus providing a friendly environment for allergens, such as dust mites to grow.
- Excess motion transfer, which can be incredibly challenging for couples.
Conclusion
Knowing what you want is the best way to land the best mattress type. Stick to what it is you really want to avoid regretting your purchase later on. If you live alone, you are the only one who knows what works for you.
Alternatively, if you live with your partner, it is good to discuss and agree on a common option before purchasing. Some options, for instance, the memory foam mattress is an excellent option if you are sharing beds with your partner.
Most importantly, ensure you have a budget that you will strictly adhere to. Take note that an expensive mattress does not always guarantee the best sleep you hoped for. Similarly, a cheaply-priced mattress does not also mean you will get insufficient sleep. The best idea is to invest whole-heartedly in the mattress type that works best for you, regardless of the price.
