When it comes to shopping for a new mattress, all the different types that are available to choose from can be quite overwhelming. Of course, each manufacturer will claim that theirs will give you the best night’s rest you have ever had. But with such a large investment and something that you will spend a large portion of your life on, you want to be sure to get it right. This article explains each type of mattress available along with the pros and cons of each. So stop losing sleep over your next mattress purchase and read on.
The first thing you need to know about mattresses is that there are three types of mattress construction: innerspring, memory foam, and latex foam. Each has different support properties, lifespan, price point, and maintenance required.
Innerspring
This is the standard, tried-and-true mattress construction. The main mattress support is provided by metal springs that are contained inside the mattress. These springs spread your weight over the surface of the mattress to provide support. There are many variations of spring design and firmnesses but they all use this same basic principal. A properly cared for quality innerspring mattress should last between seven and ten years
Pros
Least expensive mattress option
Many brands and constructions to choose from
Lightest type of mattress
A memory foam pad can be added to get the feel of a more expensive memory foam mattress
Cons
May require periodic rotation and/or flipping
Coils may break or poke through the mattress as it ages
Mattress may begin to sag in the middle or wear unevenly as it ages
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a high-density visco-elastic polyurethane foam that was developed by NASA as a cushioning material. Memory foam gets its name from its ability to mold to pressure applied to it and then return to its original form once the pressure is removed. The foam responds to body heat by giving way to cradle the sleeper’s body. A properly cared for memory foam mattress should last between ten and twenty years.
Pros
Conforms to body shape to provide support
Lasts up to twenty years
More resistant to bed bugs and dust mites that innerspring mattresses
Reduced motion transfer across the mattress
Cons
Expensive compared to innerspring mattresses
Holds heat and may make the sleeper uncomfortably hot
Eventually loses some spring-back as it becomes compressed over time
Mattresses are very heavy
May give off an odor when new
Latex Foam
Latex foam mattresses use a latex foam core for support. Latex foam is created by whipping latex with air to create a open cell foam that is durable and supportive. There are two latex foam manufacturing processes: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop is the older process and features a firmer support with increasing rigidity from top to bottom. Talalay is the newest process, which is slightly softer, more durable, has an even consistency throughout, and is more expensive than Dunlop mattresses. A properly cared for latex foam mattress will last between ten and twenty years.
Pros
Up to three times more durable than memory foam
Open cell construction allows airflow and prevents heat build up
Dust mite resistant, hypoallergenic, and naturally mold and mildew proof
Cons
Latex foam mattresses are the most expensive option
Mattresses are very heavy
Less conforming than memory foam mattresses
May give off an odor when new
Conclusion
So keep all this in mind when deciding which type of mattress is right for you and your budget. The best way to determine the best mattress for you is to test it out. Also, many retailers will let you return a mattress after several weeks if you end up not liking it. So shop with confidence and you will be sleeping better before you know it.
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This is a guest post written by Michelle Gordon:
Bio: +Michelle Gordon is a sleep expert who researches and writes about sleep, and is an online publisher for Latexmattress.org
-- Important: The Sleep Blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, this website provides general information for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider if you have questions or concerns regarding any medical condition or treatment.