Did you know that the average human will spend around 26 years of their life sleeping? As a result, it’s easy to see why popular advice tells us to invest in a quality mattress since we’ll spend a great deal of time resting on it!
Of course, finding the right bed for your needs is easier said than done. This is especially true given the huge spectrum of different types of mattresses on the market today. From tried-and-tested spring mattresses to novel gel-infused foams, how can you tell the difference between them? And when searching for the best mattresses for side sleepers, how do you know what mattress to get? It’s important to consider factors like firmness, support, and pressure relief to find a mattress that suits your sleeping position and provides comfort throughout the night.
If you’re shopping around for the right mattress, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what to know about the different styles available today.
Innerspring Mattresses
As one of the more traditional mattress styles, innerspring options are what most people think of when they hear the word “mattress.”
As the name suggests, these mattresses contain a layer of coils inside the mattress itself. This helps add some extra give to the softer padding above and allows the mattress to contour to your body with pressure. These springs can come in a range of different patterns designed to provide more or less rigid support as needed. This means you can find an innerspring mattress with the perfect amount of firmness for your needs.
Often, the padded top of the mattress contains materials like foam, natural fibers, or latex.
Innerspring mattresses can be quick to wear out. They also tend to become noisier as they age, with older springs giving off a distinctive squeal or squeak with pressure.
However, if you’re looking for solid support on a budget, you can’t go wrong with these mattresses, which are often more budget-friendly than other options. For a closer look, be sure to shop these mattresses.
Foam Mattresses
If you’re hoping for a supportive foam mattress, you’ll have a wide selection available to you—including several sub-categories worth considering.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Ever since NASA invented memory foam in the 1970s, these mattresses have increased in popularity. Many advocates say they offer the best night’s sleep of any option on this list.
Consisting of dense polyurethane foam, these mattresses can conform to the shape and size of any body.
For partners who share a bed, this sturdy foam can be a great way to decrease the risk of disturbing each other with nighttime movements or waking. This is because there’s no noise from springs and the foam offers low motion transfer. In addition, people with back pain and joint pain may get better rest from this option, which offers extra support.
However, it’s worth noting that foam mattresses tend to trap body heat, though it’s possible to find cooling memory foam options. In addition, their premium construction often makes them pricier than innerspring mattresses and other options on this list.
Polyfoam Mattresses
Short for “polyurethane foam,” this option shares a few similarities to memory foam. However, it tends to offer more “spring.” In addition, its supportive structure helps users avoid feeling like they’re sinking into the bed—a common complaint with memory foam.
You’ll find a host of different polyurethane blends online, with many major brands offering their own proprietary blends. This can allow you to find the perfect makeup for you, whether you’re looking for better motion isolation or more pressure relief.
Gel-Infused Foam Mattresses
For people who prefer the memory foam experience with less heat buildup, gel-infused foam mattresses can be a great option. What’s more, these options can offer better support for the joints, back, and hips.
Hybrid Mattresses
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, the best mattresses to choose may be a hybrid option.
Incorporating both memory foam and springs, hybrid mattresses offer many of the key advantages sleepers need.
They tend to offer better temperature regulation than traditional memory foam mattresses. They can also be great for couples who want to compromise between the support of an innerspring and the pressure point relief of memory foam. That said, their motion-absorbing abilities don’t match those of traditional foam.
Because there’s a great deal of variety in hybrid mattresses, it’s often possible to create a custom experience based on your selection. Some of these mattresses offer a springy bounce, while others focus on breathability or premium pressure point relief.
Of course, the hybrid construction can make these mattresses expensive, especially higher-quality options.
Latex Mattresses
All-latex mattresses are made entirely from this natural rubber material, which is both firm and supportive. This allows the mattress to contour with your body, offering pressure point relief and helping with proper spinal alignment. Its contouring abilities aren’t as strong as those of certain foams like memory foam, which can be either an advantage or disadvantage depending on your sleep needs.
Because it offers great temperature regulation, latex is often a great choice for anyone who tends to feel warm when sleeping. Even better, these mattresses tend to be affordable and come from a natural resource.
Organic Mattresses
With more and more consumers becoming aware of their impact on the environment, it’s no surprise that organic mattresses are in demand. These beds also allow users to minimize their exposure to the chemicals that appear in many traditional mattresses.
Often, organic mattresses incorporate natural materials like wool or cotton as well as natural latex. Be sure to check for a USDA Organic seal.
Take a Closer Look at These Types of Mattresses
The types of mattresses we’ve listed above are among the most common options you’ll see on the market today—and for good reason. Though each has its pros and cons, they’ll offer a great night’s sleep and premium support for the right consumer. Taking your sleeping preferences into account, be sure to take a closer look at each of these styles, and consider shopping around online to see the endless variety in each category!
Want more key tips to help you make the most of your home purchases in the bedroom and beyond? Be sure to take a look at our other home and real estate guides for additional insights.
