What type of mattress do you need
Apr 10, 2017 2:53 AM
Joined: Feb 21, 2017
Points: 22
The type of mattress each person needs varies upon personal preference. With so many variations of mattress types, often times this can be the hardest choice to make. Not to worry, below I have broken down the most common mattress types to help make your research and selection a little easier.

1. Hybrids
Constructed from a combination of latex, memory, polyurethane foams, coils, and/or other materials, these mattresses usually are designed to maximize certain benefits, while also minimizing certain cons. For example, a latex + memory foam hybrid is able to deliver great bounce, cooling, and responsiveness via the latex, but also provide great pressure relief and support from the memory foam.
Best for: Sleepers who want the best of all worlds. Great bounce, support, comfort, and cooling. A good all around option that is a very good choice for the majority of sleepers.
Example: Leesa mattress (Avena + memory foam hybrid)
Hybrid mattress example - 1.5" latex, 1.5" memory foam, 7" support foam
Hybrid mattress example – 1.5? latex, 1.5? memory foam, 7? support foam

2. Latex
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.
Best For: Sleepers who want great bounce, cooling, and responsiveness. Additionally, good for sleepers who want foam, but want to stay away from the pronounced hug and contour that often comes with memory foam mattresses.
Example: Brooklyn Bedding mattress
Latex mattress example - 4" latex, 6" support foam
Latex mattress example – 4? latex, 6? support foam

3. Memory Foam
Just like it sounds, these mattresses only consist of memory foam. Memory foam mattresses are known for their great support, pressure relief, and body contouring. Historically, memory foam has had a bad reputation as “sleeping hot”. However, many newer more advanced memory foams have been designed with superior cooling properties, creating a much cooler mattress than traditional memory foams.
Best For: Sleepers who want a great hug, body shaping, contour, pressure relief, and support. There is a wide spectrum of forms classified as “memory foam” and not all memory foams are created equal. A good option for sleepers who want a more pronounced hug than many hybrid or latex mattresses offer.
Example: Loom & Leaf mattress
Memory foam mattress example - 6.5" memory foam, 5.5" support foam
Memory foam mattress example – 6.5? memory foam, 5.5? support foam

4. Coils
One of the most popular and widely used mattress types. Coil (aka innerspring) mattresses have one or more layers of spring coils (generally steel) that provide the support and comfort. As technology advances, the number, types, and layers of coils change. A larger number of coils typically means better comfort and support.
Best For Sleepers who want a more traditional coil/spring feel, great bounce, cooling, and strong edge support.
Example: Honest Bed mattress
Coil mattress example - 4" pocketed coils, 8" support coils
Coil mattress example – 4? pocketed coils, 8? support coils

5. Pillow-top
Falling into an array of categories (coil, latex, memory, hybrid, etc.), pillow-top mattresses have a layer of soft material either stuffed or sewn into the cover. This works to add extra comfort and cushion for the sleeper.
Best For: Sleepers who prefer a softer and more cushion comfort. If you enjoy a cloud-like type of support and comfort most pillow tops will offer the best sleeping surface for you.
Example: Saatva mattress
Pillow top mattress example - 1.5" pillow top, 4" pocketed coils, 8" support coils
Pillow top mattress example – 1.5? pillow top, 4? pocketed coils, 8? support coils

6. Adjustable
As the name suggests, these beds offer the ability to change the sleeping position of the mattress, usually by elevating the feet and inclining the back. Some of these even possess the ability to vibrate, heat, and/or massage the sleeper.
Best For: Sleepers who have specific needs that would allow them to benefit from an adjustable foundation. These needs typically come from certain medical conditions, older sleepers, snorers, chronic lower back pain, among other scenarios.
Example: Leggett & Platt adjustable base, note that this is just an example of an adjustable foundation, you’ll need to also purchase a mattress that is adjustable. Most foam mattresses are compatible with adjustable foundations.

Recent Posts