The Perfect Mattress Depends on Personal Preferences and Other Factors
- Motion transfer (not feeling your partner when they toss and turn)
- Firmness desired (Be aware that firm mattresses aren’t always better for your back)
- Durability (the ability for the mattress to retain its desirable features for a long time)
- Guarantee (comfort guarantee, trial period, warranty period, etc.)
- Weight of people sleeping on mattress Your sleep position (side, back, stomach)
Different mattress types have pros and cons, but ultimately it is up to the individual to decide which features they want. Hybrid mattresses include both an innerspring system and comfort layers within a single unit to provide the best of all worlds and are the most popular type of repeat mattress purchase. Hybrid mattresses are a good option for a wide range of body types because they’re responsive, supportive, and sleep cool. A modern innerspring base also allows for natural body movement and limits motion disturbance, which is excellent for people sleeping with a partner. They offer the most support and are the longest lasting (foam mattresses form dips where sleepers lay night after night). Also, great bounce, support, comfort, and cooling. A good all-around option for the majority of sleepers.
Hybrid Mattress Construction
Cover
Wool (especially cashmere) combined with cotton/poly quilted together (not glued or laminated) make the softest most breathable cover. 100% natural wool breathes more naturally than synthetic counterparts, is soft and quick drying, and wicks moisture away from the skin, allowing your body to get to a comfortable sleeping temperature quicker and maintain it through the night. 100% natural wool also serves as a natural, chemical free, fire retardant. Its high keratin protein and moisture content make it naturally resistant to burning.
Pillow Tops
Memory foam outperforms latex in all tests which measure comfort, like proper blood circulation. A memory foam layer offers your body a softer and more cushion comfort (contouring support). The best memory foam has a special construction for slow-recovery and cool sleeping. Pillow tops are ideal for side sleepers and lighter-weight individuals. Memory foam layer provides that feeling of melting into the mattress or floating on top of it (allows many sleepers to fully relax and fall into a deep, restful sleep). Memory foam has the benefit of good pressure relief. Each time you lie down, a chemical reaction between your body’s heat and the foam makes the mattress surface slowly contour to your shape.
Comfort Layers
Where you can really feel the difference in quality among innerspring mattresses is the comfort layer that’s used on top of the springs. The best comfort layer is made of high-technology quick-recovery high-density polyfoam (not latex), perforated for body heat release (cool for sleeping) with a consistent density for uniform firm support and superior resiliency, 100% recyclable, fire retardant (meets Cal. 117 & FMVSS 302) and is non-allergenic. This plush layer has superior compression rating (not only will it give you support, it will last for years). Firm mattresses only have one comfort layer and are recommended for stomach sleepers or anyone who prefers the feel of a very firm mattress. Comfort layers can make innerspring mattresses work better for side sleepers than foam mattresses.
Innerspring Coil Core
Bonnell-style coils, made from a continuous steel wire with coils shaped like an hourglass. Because they both flex and conform to the shape of your body, they offer a fair amount of motion isolation. They’re also the least expensive kind of springs. This unit generally has a strong steel edge on the frame to prevent sagging, increase life of mattress, and allow this unit to be used in reversible designs. This unit cannot be used with adjustable bases.
Pocketed coils are individually wrapped, which allow them to interact with the different parts of your body individually, rather than as an entire meshwork of springs. Each spring compresses independently and serves to help isolate motion in order to minimize transfer throughout the bed that would risk waking a partner. They contour to your body much better than open coils. Because they can move independently, they are also better at isolating motion from one side of the bed to the other, so you won’t feel your partner’s movement as much and they are more responsive and conducive for people struggling with pressure point relief. This unit can be used with adjustable bases.
Continuous Coils
One single piece of steel that is twisted into individual coils that are connected by helical lacing that runs from the head to the foot of the mattress. It provides added support in the center third of the mattress. d. Tied coil systems: individual coils that are connected by helical lacing. They don’t do the best job of reducing motion transfer, so those who sleep with a restless partner will feel movement on their side of the bed. Coil count refers to the number of coils in the mattress. Most queen innerspring mattresses have a coil count of 450-900 with 725 being about average. Mattresses with a higher coil count are more expensive than mattresses with a lower count, all other things being equal. While a higher gauge (i.e., a thinner coil) is better if you prefer a softer mattress, a lower gauge tends to last longer. In general, a coil gauge between 12 and 15 is a good range for comfort, support, and durability. Innerspring units never get that “hump” in the middle. If you like a bouncier feel, or sit on the edge of the bed a lot, innerspring is your option. The edge support is much better than foam or latex. Back sleepers tend to prefer innerspring and hybrid mattresses.
Other Types of Mattresses
All Foam Mattresses
Less expensive foam is less dense and won’t last as long as comparably priced innerspring beds. They will also sleep hot, unless they have perforations and a top gel layer. Foam mattresses are known for their great support, pressure relief, and body contouring. When you lie down on a foam mattress, every part of your body is, at least in theory, perfectly supported. For example, your shoulders aren’t taking any more pressure than your side. This makes memory foam ideal for people with joint or back pain, and you won’t ever have to worry too much about getting into a comfortable position. Foam mattresses are subject to developing body impressions with time. Moisture can deteriorate foam, weaken the adhesive that holds the mattress layers together, and lead to mold accumulation. 2. Latex Mattresses: Built exclusively from latex foam, these mattresses are known for their cooling properties and comfort. Latex is known for its great responsiveness, comfort, bounce, and cooling. Good for sleepers who want foam but want to stay away from the pronounced hug and contour that often comes with memory foam mattresses. The cellular structure of NATURAL latex foam is open. Air is infused into the latex compound to create latex foam’s open cell structure that provides a cooler sleep surface. However, synthetic latex or latex blends do not share this advantage. No dust mites, mildew, or mold. And you can’t feel your partner moving around.