Let’s face it, mattress shopping can be overwhelming and confusing. There are so many different types of mattresses and new vernacular you are exposed to when exploring your options that you may not know what exactly you are looking at. Let’s take a look at the different verbiage you may come across and understand the pros and cons.
Common Types of Mattresses
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Hybrid:
This type of mattress is newer to the market with a little bit of traditional technology mixed with new, giving you the best of both worlds. It uses classic mattress elements such as coils or innersprings but adds a modern twist by adding a layer of foam for comfort above the coils.
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Memory Foam:
Memory foam is a mattress that is made up of a material called viscoelastic. NASA originally created this substance to improve aircraft seating comfort. This material makes up the mattress in entirety which provides a contouring sensation. Because the entire mattress pad is made up of foam, there are no coils or springs inside for added support.
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Innerspring/Coil:
One of the most classic and original mattresses brought to market in the early 1900s, the innerspring mattress is made of metal coils that compress when weight is added to it.
Hybrid Mattresses
If you are not as familiar with the term hybrid mattress as you are memory foam or innerspring mattresses, don’t be fooled! Hybrid mattresses are crafted with a more recent type of technology brought to market.
Key Points:
- Temperature Control: Hybrid mattresses generally allow you to sleep much cooler than memory foam. By having pocketed coils with a comfort layer on top, it allows air to travel freely throughout the mattress, rather than getting trapped in the dense material of memory foam.
- Comfort: By having traditional coil layers topped with a foam layer, you are getting the ultimate comfort! Your body weight is being distributed evenly between the coils relieving pressure while experiencing the softness of the foam.
- Support: Because hybrid mattresses use both coils and foam, the mattress is constantly adjusting to your sleep position with ease throughout the night. As you change positions, the coils support your weight and continue to relieve pressure in any sleep position.
- Durability: The inner coils of a hybrid mattress not only support you throughout the night, but the coils help to support the foam layer. The added support allows the foam to maintain its shape and prevent any drooping over time.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Although memory foam is a very common type of mattress on the market today with some desirable features, there are also cons to consider when looking to buy.
Key Points:
- Soft and Contouring: Memory foam is most popular for the sensation of being hugged or having the mattress contour to you throughout the night. Keep in mind, the contouring sensation can have some drawbacks. If you shift throughout the night, it can feel like you have sunk into the bed making it harder to turn over or get up in the morning.
- Sleep Warm: Because memory foam is made up of only one dense material, it can trap body heat throughout the night causing you to sleep warmer.
- Durability: Without having added support of innersprings or coils, memory foam mattresses may need to be replaced more frequently than a hybrid mattress. As the memory foam continues to support all of your body weight with no inner support or structure system, the foam can droop over time causing a permanent dip in the mattress, even when no weight is present.
Innerspring/Coil Mattresses
Innerspring and coil mattresses are one of the longest running mattress types available. Their springs provide support for your body and are an affordable option when shopping on a budget. However, as technology increases, this classic mattress may not have the qualities you are looking for in a modern mattress.
Key Points:
- Affordability: Innerspring mattresses are favorable when shopping for a mattress on a budget, however, they may not offer the needed comfort or posture for sleeping without adding stress to your body
- Durability: Over time, innerspring mattresses start to wear leading to a lumpy, bouncy mattress with squeaky coils
Overall
When shopping for your next mattress, it is important for you to understand your options. You will see the common innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses on your quest for a perfect night’s sleep.
Buying a mattress that is best for you is crucial. The hybrid mattress offers something for everyone. It is the perfect balance of an innerspring and memory foam mattress, offering you a supportive and comfortable night of sleep. Sleeping on a hybrid mattress is cool. (Literally).
