{"id":15848,"date":"2020-07-06T17:50:19","date_gmt":"2020-07-07T00:50:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepjunkie.com\/?p=15848"},"modified":"2024-02-05T15:30:52","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T22:30:52","slug":"types-of-mattresses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepjunkie.com\/types-of-mattresses\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Mattresses"},"content":{"rendered":"

If it has been a while since you’ve shopped for a new mattress, you may notice several new types you’re not familiar with. Innerspring beds and box springs are no longer the only options available. With the growth of the mattress industry, consumers now have more advanced materials and technologies to choose from when looking for a better night’s sleep.<\/p>\n

To help you determine which style is right for you, we outline the most common mattress types and what to look for as you shop.<\/p>\n

Types of Mattresses<\/h2>\n

Each type of mattress is made up of different layers and materials that determine its firmness, support, and durability. Additionally, different manufacturing methods can change the way a material feels. That way, sleepers can find a suitable option for their needs in any mattress type.<\/p>\n

\"Memory<\/p>\n

Memory Foam<\/h2>\n

Memory foam<\/a> is a highly responsive foam that contours closely to the body when heat and pressure are applied. Most mattress materials leave small gaps between the body and the surface of the bed. However, memory foam hugs the body’s curves like a glove, so each area is supported and cushioned.<\/p>\n

Memory foam is a polyurethane foam; however, unlike most traditional poly-foams, memory foam is denser and has more viscosity, which is why it’s often referred to as viscoelastic foam. Most poly-foams also have a slight bounce, but memory foam responds to pressure by contouring rather than springing back. This feature makes memory foam the perfect material for pain and pressure relief.<\/p>\n

Types of Memory Foam<\/h3>\n

The quality of memory foam has evolved since its invention in the 1960s. Traditional memory foams often retain heat and have a strong chemical smell, called off-gassing. However, many mattress brands have corrected these issues and have created new versions of this innovative and comfortable material.<\/p>\n

Plant-Based Memory Foam<\/h4>\n

Plant-based memory foams are created by replacing a portion of the petroleum-based oils with plant-based oils (castor oil). This process makes the mattress non-toxic and safer for us to rest on. Plus, plant-based memory foams have a natural breathability that won’t trap heat like traditional memory foam.<\/p>\n

Gel Memory Foam<\/h4>\n

To combat the heat retention of standard memory foam, many manufacturers infuse their foam with gel microbeads<\/a>. These beads pull heat and moisture away from the surface of the bed, so you sleeper cooler.<\/p>\n

Cooling Infusions<\/h4>\n

In addition to gel, some brands infuse their memory foam with minerals such as copper and graphite. Both of these materials are natural heat conductors, so body heat can quickly pass through them without warming up the bed.<\/p>\n

Quality and Comfort<\/h3>\n

Memory foam is available in several different firmness options\u2014from soft to firm. Therefore, these mattresses are versatile and suitable for most sleepers. However, when selecting a memory foam mattress<\/a>, consider your body type and sleep position. Side sleepers and lightweight sleepers tend to be most comfortable on a soft to medium memory foam bed. Back sleepers and heavy sleepers typically prefer a medium-firm to firm memory foam mattress.<\/p>\n

\"Latex<\/p>\n

Latex Foam<\/h2>\n

Natural latex foam feels similar to memory foam\u2014it contours to the body and relieves pressure. However, because latex is derived from the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree, this material has a natural buoyancy. The elastic properties of latex keep sleepers lifted on the mattress rather than cradled. Natural latex foams are also durable, lasting up to 12 years in some cases.<\/p>\n

Since rubber trees are not cut down during harvesting, this foam is sustainable and eco-friendly. Rubber trees are easily maintained without the use of pesticides, so it is easy to find certified organic options with latex. Natural latex is also hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and resistant to mold and mildew. If you need one of the best mattresses for allergies<\/a>, it’s difficult to beat latex.<\/p>\n

Types of Natural Latex<\/h3>\n

As you shop, you will come across two different types of latex. Both of these options are made with raw, natural latex, but the construction process varies with each type.<\/p>\n

Dunlop Latex<\/h4>\n

To produce Dunlop foam, liquid latex is whipping, poured into a mold, and vulcanized, or heated. As this foam settles, it tends to be dense near the bottom and lighter near the top.<\/p>\n

Although Dunlop is often denser and heavier than Talalay foam, density should not be confused with firmness. Dunlop can be made to feel both soft and firm, depending on the manufacturing process. Due to the additives typically found in Talalay latex, Dunlop is the only variety that can be certified organic. However, not all Dunlop latex is organic.<\/p>\n

Talalay Latex<\/h4>\n

Talalay is produced in much the same way as Dunlop. However, with Talalay foam, the mold is not completely filled with liquid latex. Space is left in the mold, and a vacuum is used to explain the liquid within the mold. Once the liquid expands, carbon dioxide is used to freeze the foam to give it a gel-like quality. Next, the material is heated, similar to Dunlop, to retain its shape.<\/p>\n

Like Dunlop, Talalay latex can be made in both soft and firm varieties. In some cases, Talalay is made with polyurethane foam fillers to increase softness.<\/p>\n

Synthetic Latex<\/h3>\n

As its name suggests, synthetic latex is made by combining various synthetic materials to create a material that feels similar to natural latex. This foam is typically made with Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), a synthetic rubber material used in artificial outdoor areas such as playgrounds and sports fields.<\/p>\n

SBR is considered safe for human contact, but this material can have a strong chemical odor. Off-gassing from SBR may cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. Also, synthetic latex doesn’t have the same buoyancy or durability as natural latex.<\/p>\n

Blended Latex<\/h3>\n

Some latex foams may be a blend of both natural latex and synthetic latex. This variety is typically 30 percent natural latex and 70 percent synthetic latex or polyurethane fillers. Like synthetic latex, blended types are less durable and do not have a bounce of Dunlop or Talalay.<\/p>\n

Quality and Comfort<\/h3>\n

All four types of latex\u2014natural Dunlop and Talalay latex<\/a>, or synthetic and blended varieties\u2014can be made in various firmness levels. The manufacturing process used can determine the feel of the foam. However, natural latex has an elastic quality that helps prevent sinkage. Synthetic types may not have this same ability.<\/p>\n

Heavy sleepers often sink too far into a foam mattress, forcing the spine out of alignment with the shoulders and resulting in muscle tension. A latex mattress<\/a> is perfect for keeping these sleepers lifted so their spine can rest in a safe, neutral position.<\/p>\n

Since latex is hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, these beds work well for those with allergies and other sensitivities. However, they are not recommended for those with latex allergies.<\/p>\n

If you are considering a latex mattress, be sure to select either natural Dunlop or Talalay varieties. These foams will have minimal off-gassing<\/a> when brought into your home. Plus, they are softer, more buoyant, and last longer than synthetic or blended latex.<\/p>\n

\"Hybrid<\/p>\n

Hybrid<\/h2>\n

Hybrids<\/a> are a combination of foam, often latex or memory foam, and a steel coil support system. Hybrid mattresses are designed to give sleepers the pressure point relief of foam and the bounce of a spring coil bed.<\/p>\n

The support layer of a hybrid is typically higher quality than those used in traditional innerspring mattresses. Hybrid coils are often pocketed, which means they move independently of each other to provide adequate contouring. These coils also have less motion transfer, which is perfect for couples with different sleep schedules and lighter sleepers.<\/p>\n

Quality and Comfort<\/h3>\n

Hybrid mattresses<\/a> are available in a variety of firmness levels. These beds typically have a comfort layer of at least 2 to 3 inches of foam. Depending on the type of foam used, the mattress can be made to feel either medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, or firm.<\/p>\n

\"Types<\/p>\n

Depending on your sleep style and body type, you can select a firmness that meets your needs. Since hybrids contour more effectively than innerspring beds, they are ideal for those who prefer the bounce that comes from metal coils, but also want the pressure relief of foam. The wrappings around the coils also create mattresses for motion isolation<\/a> that keep couples from jarring each other out of sleep as they move.<\/p>\n

When shopping for a hybrid mattress, be sure the foam in the top layer is a high-quality memory foam or natural latex foam<\/a>. One with a pocketed spring coil base will also be more comfortable and supportive.<\/p>\n

\"Innerspring<\/p>\n

Innerspring<\/h2>\n

Innerspring mattresses<\/a> have a steel coil support base with a thin comfort layer made of either foam, cotton, or wool. Traditionally, these beds were paired with a box spring also made of spring coils. The two layers were designed to press against each other to absorb pressure from above.<\/p>\n

However, box springs are no longer constructed this way. Newer versions are made of a rectangular wood frame covered in fabric. Box springs can be used to add height to the bed, but they no longer add support.<\/p>\n

Types of Coil Springs<\/h3>\n

The type of springs used can affect the firmness of the mattress. Below, we outline the most common coil types.<\/p>\n