Sleep plays an important role in our mental and physical well-being. So, one way to ensure a good night's sleep is by choosing the right mattress. But, with a plethora of options available, picking the right mattress can sometimes get overwhelming. So, in this article, we will guide you through the process of picking out the right mattress for you!
So let's dive in, shall we?
The two most common types are foam and spring mattresses.
So let's dive in, shall we?
The two most common types are foam and spring mattresses.
Foam mattress
What is a foam mattress? Foam has air trapped within the aerated substances that give it its bouncy nature. Made from polyurethane foam and other materials that give the foam its viscosity and density, the foam mattress retains the shape of your body for maximum comfort. Essentially the foam mattress is divided into three types:
What is a foam mattress? Foam has air trapped within the aerated substances that give it its bouncy nature. Made from polyurethane foam and other materials that give the foam its viscosity and density, the foam mattress retains the shape of your body for maximum comfort. Essentially the foam mattress is divided into three types:
- Polyurethane foam
This is the most common type of foam mattress. Made from a man-made material that's derived from petroleum, the polyfoam mattress is more bouncy and springy as compared to memory foam. Interestingly, polyurethane foam is also used to make the first layer for a foam mattress and the top layer of spring mattresses.
There are three types of polyfoam mattresses, regular, high-density and high-resiliency polyfoam. While the regular polyfoam is a standard mattress, the high-density and high-resiliency polyfoams are firmer. Additionally, high-resiliency polyfoam is also expensive in nature.
There are three types of polyfoam mattresses, regular, high-density and high-resiliency polyfoam. While the regular polyfoam is a standard mattress, the high-density and high-resiliency polyfoams are firmer. Additionally, high-resiliency polyfoam is also expensive in nature.
- Memory foam
This is similar to a foam mattress. However, in a memory foam mattress, the ‘memory’ refers to the mattresses’ ability to retain the shape of the sleeper to provide them with pressure relief and maximum comfort.
It also contributes to a healthy spinal alignment and even weight distribution during sleep. Since a memory foam mattress contours according to your body shape, it also traps your body heat. While some sleepers may prefer this, some others may not be in favour of the same.
Apart from the traditional ones, there are two more types of memory foam mattresses in the market, the gel-based and the plant-based ones. The gel-based memory foam mattress includes liquid gel beads that are infused within the foam.
Apart from the traditional ones, there are two more types of memory foam mattresses in the market, the gel-based and the plant-based ones. The gel-based memory foam mattress includes liquid gel beads that are infused within the foam.
This when combined with the open-cell design offers better airflow and cooling feel. While plant-based mattresses are infused with plant products to make the mattress cooler.
- Latex foam
This is a more recent invention but is consistently used along with foam mattresses. Latex is a rubbery material that is firm and gives a bouncy feel. Like foam, it confirms the shape of your body but is also durable and buoyant. Since latex comes from rubber plants, a healthy material, it is preferred by most eco-conscious sleepers.
Essentially, there are two types of latex foam Dunlop and Talalay. While Dunlop is more dense and firm in nature, Talalay is more flexible and airy and offers a softer feel.
Pros:
Provides a firm grip and offers pressure relief
Does not transfer motion
Retains the shape of the body
Comes in a variety of price range
Cons:
Can be expensive in nature
Traps body heat
Does not provide much bounce
Essentially, there are two types of latex foam Dunlop and Talalay. While Dunlop is more dense and firm in nature, Talalay is more flexible and airy and offers a softer feel.
Pros:
Provides a firm grip and offers pressure relief
Does not transfer motion
Retains the shape of the body
Comes in a variety of price range
Cons:
Can be expensive in nature
Traps body heat
Does not provide much bounce
Spring Mattress
Spring or innerspring mattresses are traditional kinds of mattresses. Here, the first layer is the comfort material and the next layer contains dozens of metal springs placed side by side to give sufficient support to the mattress.
Spring or innerspring mattresses are traditional kinds of mattresses. Here, the first layer is the comfort material and the next layer contains dozens of metal springs placed side by side to give sufficient support to the mattress.
Various factors contribute to the plushness, comfort and feel of the mattress such as the different types of foams, coils and springs.
The different types of spring mattresses are:
Bonnell coil mattress
These coils were used in the traditional spring mattresses and continue to be used today. The hourglass-shaped coils are economical and can be made soft or firm depending upon the requirement.
Pocket coil mattress
The innerspring in the coil mattresses are individually wrapped in fabric and allow the coil to move independently. The individual wrapping around the coil isolates motion transfer and provides pressure relief. These mattresses are expensive as compared to the rest of the spring mattresses.
Offset coil mattress
The offset coils are connected and are placed very close to one and other. Although these are quite durable, they compress on slight pressure and offer a bouncy feel. Since the offset coils do not isolate motion transfer, they are generally not preferred by duos/couples sharing a bed.
The different types of spring mattresses are:
Bonnell coil mattress
These coils were used in the traditional spring mattresses and continue to be used today. The hourglass-shaped coils are economical and can be made soft or firm depending upon the requirement.
Pocket coil mattress
The innerspring in the coil mattresses are individually wrapped in fabric and allow the coil to move independently. The individual wrapping around the coil isolates motion transfer and provides pressure relief. These mattresses are expensive as compared to the rest of the spring mattresses.
Offset coil mattress
The offset coils are connected and are placed very close to one and other. Although these are quite durable, they compress on slight pressure and offer a bouncy feel. Since the offset coils do not isolate motion transfer, they are generally not preferred by duos/couples sharing a bed.
Continuous coil mattress
In this type of mattress, multiple coils are made using a single wire. Since the wires are closely connected it offers motion transfer. However, the design is quite firm and offers comfort.
Pros:
Affordable and economical price range
Gives firm support
Durable but offers a bounce
Great airflow and cooler in nature
Suitable for sleepers who are on the heavier side
Cons:
The springs make noise
May sag after a couple of years
Transfers motion
Durability depends on the quality of the mattress
Hybrid mattress
Hybrid mattresses are created for those sleepers who may have faced issues with both spring and foam mattresses. These combine the features of a spring and foam mattress. They may include a support layer of latex or foam to retain the body shape along with spring coils for enhanced support. They are durable and offer firmness for better comfort and feel.
What Are The Differences Between Memory Foam and Spring Mattress?
Body type
Based on the body type, foam mattress suits average sleepers and spring mattresses suit heavy sleepers.
Pain-relieving
When it comes to relieving pain a foam mattress takes the shape of the body and helps alleviate body pains and provides better support.
Spring mattresses are firm and do not uniformly support the entire body. They may press into already existing pain points.
Spring mattresses are firm and do not uniformly support the entire body. They may press into already existing pain points.
Durability
Foam mattresses are considered to be more durable as they do not contain coils and hence there is no possibility of sagging.
When used extensively, the coils from the spring mattress may sag and pop out.
How Can One Choose the Best Mattress?
Despite having a multitude of options, choosing the right mattress ultimately depends on you. The question is not about spring mattress vs foam mattress, but what kind of mattress suits your needs. Sleepers need to decide whether you like having or not having the bounce or whether you are comfortable with the heat trap created by the memory foam or not. Sleepers who are heavy or prefer to sleep on their stomachs may prefer a spring mattress while petite sleepers or those who prefer to sleep on their sides may go ahead with a foam mattress.
However, it is always better to try out multiple mattresses before finalizing one and it might take a while until you pick up the right mattress for you.
Frequently Asked questions:
1. Is there an issue of off-gassing with spring mattresses?
Off-gassing refers to a chemical smell that is released by new mattresses. This is more prevalent in foam mattresses rather than spring ones. The new mattress needs to be aired before use to get the smell off.
2. Are hybrid beds good for all body types and all kinds of sleepers?
Hybrid mattresses contain features of both spring and foam. They are firm, breathable and bouncy. If you intend to go ahead with a hybrid mattress, choose the level of firmness depending upon your sleeping pattern.
3. Are foam mattresses hot?
Foam mattress contour as per the shape of your body. This leads to the mattress trapping some of your body heat. If you are someone who prefers warmth and then a foam mattress would be your likely choice.
4. What mattress is better for back pain?
A foam mattress is considered better for pressure relief and allows for a neutral spine alignment.
5. Do foam or spring mattresses last longer?
Generally, spring mattresses have a shorter lifespan as compared to foam mattresses. This is because the spring can break down easily and sag.
Conclusion
Foam and spring mattresses are the most commonly used mattresses. And if you are still wondering if a spring mattress is good and which one should you pick, here’s what you need to know. While spring coil is the traditional way to go about and provides good airflow and offers buoyancy, a foam mattress provides pressure relief and is more recent as compared to a spring coil mattress.
All types of mattresses mentioned above have their sets of pros and cons, hence it is recommended to make a choice depending on your needs and requirements.
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