Is it time to replace the mattress on your bed? Depending on the type you have, you could be due for an upgrade, especially if it’s 10 years old or more. Most mattresses don’t last much longer than that. You may also find that you’re waking up with aches and pains. A new mattress might be all you need.
Different Types of Mattresses
What kind of mattress do you have? I prefer memory foam mattresses but there are many different types of mattresses to choose from.
There are also many things to consider: Are you one of those hot sleepers? I am in that category no matter what type of weather is outside. What is your favorite position for sleeping? Side sleepers may want extra foam layers. Organic mattresses with natural materials are a sustainable option but can be more expensive.
There are lots of mattress types to consider when you’re in the market for a new bed or looking for mattresses online. As an interior designer, I find that mattress construction technology has come a long way in recent years. Now, you have different materials and mattress firmness ratings to choose from to maximize your comfort.
Here I will explore the different options available and discuss other considerations to help you make the best selection for your needs.
| Mattress Type | Benefit | Best For |
| Foam Mattress | Excellent contouring and pressure relief | Memory foam beds good for side sleepers, couples |
| Coil Innerspring Mattress | Affordable, widely available, good firmness and bounce | Combo sleepers who switch positions, hot sleepers |
| Hybrid Mattress | Good bounce, contouring and cooler than all-foam | Medium-firm supports most sleeping positions |
| Latex Mattress | Good bounce, cooling and durable material | Latex bed good for back and side sleepers |
| Adjustable Air Mattress | Versatility, excellent for mobility issues | Couples, pregnant women; has variable firmness options |
| Waterbed | Conforming, can be heated for more comfort | Back sleepers; not enough support for stomach or side |
| Futon | Affordable, lightweight | Not ideal for side sleepers |
| Organic Mattress | Sustainable, Hypoallergenic | People with allergies; good for the environment |
The eight most common types of mattresses are memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, adjustable air, waterbed, futon, and organic. Here, I will give you details on each one to help you weigh the pros and cons and pick which is the right fit for your bedroom.
Below you will find different types of bed mattresses along with mattress material types.
1. Foam
=> (Very Popular Foam Mattress)
- Made of viscoelastic foam.
- Molds to body shape.
- Provides pressure relief.
- Can retain heat (though newer versions can be cooler).
- Typically quieter than innersprings.
The days of hot, sweaty, non-breathable, sticky foam mattresses are over. There have been traditionally three types of foam used in mattresses: latex, memory and polyurethane foam. Most foam mattresses are made of the latter two materials, with polyurethane foam considered a less expensive and lower quality option. It’s more of a mattress topper and not intended for long-time use.
Memory foam is found abundantly in pillows and mattresses today, but it was actually invented back in the 1970s by NASA.
The original purpose was to provide better seat cushioning and crash protection for passengers and pilots on airplanes and is still used in that capacity today. The memory foam mattress might be the perfect bed padding for you for several reasons.
Also called Visco Elastic foam, it conforms to the curves of your body while dispersing your weight evenly over the surface. The foam mattresses offer pain relief for sleepers with achy joints.
Memory foam is also a heat-activated material, causing it to soften and contour in direct response to body temperature. The mattress typically has a comfort layer and a base layer.
If you’re someone who gets cold when sleeping, a memory foam mattress can help keep you warm. The same technology that makes it moldable when it touches your body can make the bed seem warmer.
If you are a warm sleeper, you may want to consider memory foam beds that feature recent technology innovations designed to keep you cooler, like gel-infused foam. Gel mattresses can help you sleep cooler, counteracting body heat.
The advances in gel mattresses improve air circulation through gel-infused foam layers that keep you cool when you sleep. Unlike traditional construction, memory foam is inherently resistant to bacteria and allergens. You won’t need to worry about mold, bed bugs, or dust mites with this type of bed.
Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $4000 for memory foam beds depending on the brand name and quality you select. The average cost of this type is around $1400.
This chiropractor recommends a memory foam mattress for back pain.
Memory Foam Layers Diagram
Inside of a gel foam mattress (diagram)
2. Coil
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- Made of steel coils.
- Offers good support.
- Variety of firmness levels.
- Can be durable but may sag over time.
- Often combined with other materials.
Innerspring mattresses have the oldest and most common design. They’ve come a long way from 1857, when they were first invented. Bonnell coils were first adapted for buggy seats in the 19th century. Unlike a pocket spring mattress, those made with Bonnell coils are not adjustable. Modern upgrades make them more comfortable and stable than ever before. Innerspring mattresses use a steel coil support system to provide support to the sleeper.
The steel coils in an innerspring mattress can be arranged in one of two ways, connected or individually wrapped. In a connected design, the coils all feed into a single unit, and innerspring beds have a bouncier feel. When you sleep on this firmer mattress, you might feel the movement of your partner because the coils will respond as one unit.
In an individually wrapped and pocketed design, the steel coils function independently from one another. When you’re in this bed, it’s possible that you won’t feel any bounce if your partner rolls over in the middle of the night.
The coil mattresses are covered by padding or a pillow-top mattress to provide comfort, softness, and additional support. Pillow-top mattresses can be used on any bed but work especially well as an additional comfort layer with coil models. The pillow-top layer is usually made of fiber or foam.
Generally, the more coils spring mattresses have, the more points of contact the bed has to the sleeper, and the greater support and counter it can provide.
Unlike memory foam, innerspring beds aren’t always hypoallergenic and can collect dust, mold, allergens, and even bed bugs over time. There are ways to combat these problems, including regularly washing bedding in hot water and using an electric blanket to reduce humidity.
Innerspring mattresses are some of the most affordable in the market. You’ll pay anywhere from $100 to $2000 for an innerspring bed, and the average purchase is less than $1000.
3. Hybrid
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- Combines innersprings and foam (memory or latex).
- Offers a blend of support and contouring.
- Reduced motion transfer.
- More breathable than all-foam mattresses.
Hybrid mattresses are an example of how the sleep industry has combined the best of both worlds into one comfortable product.
Most hybrid mattress options pair sophisticated memory foam technology with an advanced innerspring core to create a surface that offers excellent support, durability, and comfort. There are several advantages to a hybrid design.
First, by using the stand-alone pocketed coil technology, the sleeper experiences less motion transfer at night which results in a more restful sleep.
Finally, by combining the two technologies, hybrid mattresses retain the look and feel of a traditional sleep surface. If you like your bed to have a little bit of bounciness, this is a perk.
This option also has a traditional shape rather than the straight lines and low profile you see in strictly memory foam models. Because they are topped with foam, you’ll get all the hypoallergenic benefits of that type. Airflow through the mattress helps to keep down body heat. Your bed will be resistant to mold, bed bugs, allergens, and dust mites.
Cost-wise, this mattress type is one of the most expensive options. They can range from $550 to $4000 or more, and average around $2,200.
4. Latex
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- Made of natural or synthetic rubber.
- Responsive yet conforms to body.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Natural versions can be eco-friendly.
- Available in different firmness levels.
Latex mattresses were first invented in the 1930’s and went mainstream to consumers in the 1960s. Because of extremely high material and production costs, latex options were more expensive than their competitors and were far out of reach for the average person.
In the past 20 years, advances in technology have brought down the price of producing latex foam beds, and now they are a more affordable.
Made from plant or, in the case of synthetic latex, petroleum-based materials, latex is popular among eco-conscious consumers because there are environmentally friendly options. The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) ensures that processed natural materials meet rigorous standards for quality, safety, environmental impact, and social responsibility. At least 95% of a natural latex product must be certified organic raw material to receive GOLS approval.
Latex foam mattresses offer support similar to memory foam, providing a comfortable surface that keeps the pressure off areas like hips and shoulders and helps maintain proper alignment. The even distribution of body weight creates another comfort layer for the sleeper.
Latex foam beds are a popular choice among people looking for a solution to lower back pain. Talalay latex has an open cell structure, which reduces heat retention.
Latex beds are also a good choice if you sleep with someone who moves a lot at night. The mattresses tend to suppress motion, making it less likely you will feel it if they toss and turn, helping you both to get a more restful night of sleep.
5. Adjustable Air Mattress
=> Check Price
- Air chambers as main support.
- Adjustable firmness via adding or removing air.
- Can cater to individual sleep preferences.
- Durability varies; punctures can affect function.
Outdoor enthusiasts have long used air mattresses to improve the camping experience. Recent innovations in adjustable bed mattresses have brought air technology into the bedroom. Adjustable beds give you the option to fill the independent chambers of the air mattress to your desired firmness.
The air chamber in the adjustable bed is then covered by padding and upholstery materials, which might include things like memory foam or latex, to create a comfortable sleep surface.
While adjustable beds are designed to look like conventional models, most air mattresses come with a remote control that will allow you to adjust the firmness.
Because they have numerous air chambers in their construction, you can usually adjust each side of the foam bed separately, providing a customized sleep experience for couples who prefer different sleep settings. You might think that, since they’re made of air, these adjustable mattresses would be an affordable choice.
Unfortunately, with adjustable air beds, you pay for the technology. Adjustable beds are one of the most expensive options, with entry-level models starting in the high $500s and then going all the way up to as much as $10-$15k. The average adjustable bed in this category sells for around $2200.
6. Waterbed
- Water-filled chambers.
- Provides unique contouring support.
- Heat can be adjustable in some models.
- Can be free-flowing or have wave-reducing features.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, the waterbed wasn’t only popular; it was considered sexy. While they lost popularity in the 1990s, you can still purchase one if the structure and design appeal to you.
They provide support through a water chamber system and come in either a hard-sided or soft-sided design.
Hard-sided waterbeds have their water chamber housed inside a rectangular wood frame, while the soft-sided option stores theirs inside a rectangular rigid foam frame that is then zipped inside a fabric casing.
In both types, the water chamber is then covered with upholstery materials and paddings like foam and fiber. They then rest on top of a platform.
If you like the idea of the motion of the ocean, you can choose a free flow chamber system where nothing will obstruct the movement of the water.
If you prefer a little less rock in your boat, you can pick a waveless model that reduces the ability of the water to flow through the chambers. Waterbeds are generally inexpensive, ranging from $50 to $1800, with the average one costing around $200.
The biggest drawback with these types of mattresses is they may develop a leak over time. Keep a close eye on the bed, and be sure to check underneath and behind it regularly for puddles to make sure that it’s in good condition.
7. Futon Mattress
=> Check Price
- Traditional Japanese bedding.
- Flexible and can be folded or rolled up.
- Used on the floor or on a wooden frame.
If you have a futon, you need a futon mattress that doubles as a sofa cushion when the futon is converted into a sofa (from a bed).
Many people, especially in small living areas, use a futon for a bed which doubles as a sofa. This type of mattress is another option in studio apartments.
Futon mattresses are fairly firm and comfortable but are made to fold to accommodate the sofa configuration.
What are futon mattresses made of?
Here’s a diagram courtesy of Futonland.
As you can see, futon mattresses are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, foam, polyester, and springs. Many are combinations.
8. Organic Mattress
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- Made with organic or natural materials.
- Eco-friendly and sustainable.
- Free from harmful chemicals and off-gassing.
- Often comes in latex or innerspring variants.
Organic mattresses are eco-friendly. The organic cotton and wool used in organic mattresses meet the Global Organic Textile Standard. Vegan mattresses are PETA-approved.
The price range is big, from a tad over $1,000 to $3,400. If organic is important to you, Avocado mattresses are for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of mattresses are best?
The “best” type of mattress depends on individual preferences, needs, and specific sleeping habits. The different types of mattresses offer various benefits. I personally recommend for pressure relief to try memory foam or hybrid mattresses.
For back pain, try medium-firm mattresses, hybrids, or an adjustable bed. For temperature control, go for latex, hybrid, or innerspring mattresses with cooling technologies.
For couples, memory foam or hybrid for motion isolation, or air mattresses for individualized firmness settings. Organic or natural latex mattresses are best for sustainability and health.
Which mattress is better for sleeping on?
A mattress is a key part of your bed, and the best mattress for sleeping largely depends on individual preferences, body type, and specific needs. For example, innerspring mattresses or pocketed coils provide excellent air circulation, making them good options for hot sleepers.
Sleeping position, body weight, temperature regulation, pressure points, allergies, and budget all need to be considered when choosing a mattress for sleep quality.
Which type of mattress is more comfortable?
There isn’t a single “most comfortable” mattress type for everyone. The best approach is to think about your own preferences and needs. Side sleepers might prefer something with good pressure relief, like a memory foam mattress. Back or stomach sleepers might want a firm mattress. If you sleep hot, you might want to avoid traditional memory foam and opt for latex or innerspring mattress types.
Conclusion
I’ve presented the main features, as well as the pros and cons of eight types of mattresses that are currently popular. When looking for a new mattress, consider factors such as your sleeping position, mattress firmness, and budget. Trying out mattresses in-store can help you find the best fit for your needs.
