“You are either in your bed or in your shoes, so it pays to invest in both”.
We couldn’t agree more.
Picking the right mattress for your specific needs is crucial for a good night’s sleep and therefore, equally as important for your overall wellbeing
Choosing from the wide selection of mattresses available today can be a struggle. You go into a mattress shop and are bombarded by an overenthusiastic employee encouraging you to lie down, jump, and practice-sleep on their vast selection of mattresses - some with more than extravagant price tags.
Cue this resource to make your mattress selection process a lot easier.
In this article, we will discuss the main categories of mattresses so you have a rough idea of which one would suit you best. It is important to note that there are many types of mattresses within each category; hence this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Let’s get cracking!
Innerspring
These mattresses are the most common type out there.
As the name suggests, they have springs (known as coils) at their base. These coils compress as you put weight on the mattress and then expand when you release the weight. This makes the bed ‘jumpy’ and gives it that bounce.
The coils are surrounded by soft materials, such as natural cotton fibres or foam for increased comfort.
Innerspring mattresses are ideal for those on a budget. However, they are cheap for a reason.
These mattresses wear out significantly faster than alternatives and need replacing sooner. Squeaky coils are also an issue and can potentially disturb your sleep.
Foam
For customers who want durability and comfort without compromising too much on price - foam mattresses can be an excellent option.
This mattress is made entirely of different forms of foam, giving it a soft, plush feel.
Within the realm of foam mattresses, there exist several different types. The most popular options among homeowners include foam mattresses composed of memory foam.
These are the most expensive type and come with their selection of pros and cons. The main advantage is that memory foam is extremely comfortable and moulds itself to your body. This makes it ideal for those who struggle to fall and stay asleep.
Compared to an innerspring mattress, it is significantly more durable, and the lack of coils means there is no risk of the mattress squeaking.
Considering the additional benefits, there's a price to pay. These mattresses are more expensive. They may also cause a sinking feeling when sleeping due to their softness and how memory foam takes up the shape of your body. In addition, memory foam is known to trap heat at night. As a result, your body can overheat and your sleep may be disturbed.
Waterbeds
This mattress can be a great novelty item, but is less of a practical solution for most of us.
However, it has some advantages that could make it the right mattress for you.
This type of bed (obviously!) has water stored within. This can be a fantastic benefit for those who struggle with joint pain, as this water can be heated and provide a soothing touch.
But its disadvantages stack up - here are three of the main drawbacks of waterbeds:
- Heavy: being water-filled means one bed can weigh over 1500kg.
- Requires maintenance: leaks are possible and expensive to repair.
- Complex initial set-up: transportation and assembly is complicated and can cost you a significant amount of time.
Adjustable Bed Mattresses
Adjustable bed frames are those that can prop up and down electronically. They can be an excellent option for those struggling with back pain and snoring issues - or for those who simply want a great night’s sleep.
The FlexiSpot EB01 Adjustable Bed Base is one option which allows you to prop up the head of the bed from 0 to 60 degrees. It can be an excellent alternative for those looking for an extra touch of quality.
It is vital to note that not all mattresses are suitable with adjustable bed frames. The mattress needs to be flexible and fit the frame sufficiently, so make sure you pick the right one for your adjustable bed.
Adjustable beds can also be expensive - but are an excellent long-term investment for your health.
Hybrid
These mattresses are last on the list for a reason. They are a combination of foam and innerspring mattresses, made up of layers of coil and foam.
You may be thinking, what’s the point?
To answer that question - the advantages of a hybrid mattress can be vast.
The foam and the coils mean you get the comfort element memory foam provides, without the sinking feeling due to the springs. It is also quieter than innerspring mattresses and regulates temperatures better than foam.
To save time comparing both: think of a hybrid mattress as the best of both worlds.
With the ramp-up in quality, there comes a ramp-up in price. Hybrid mattresses are expensive, but that is the price you pay for a better night’s sleep.
The Bottom Line
The above information should provide a basic overview of the main types of mattresses, with some clear advantages and disadvantages.
Hopefully, you now have a good idea of what each mattress brings to the table, and can gauge which category suits your needs most.
Best of luck making your choice!
