Memory foam or innerspring? Latex or hybrid? When purchasing a new mattress, today’s shoppers have more types of mattresses than ever to choose from. Mattress manufacturers are continuously introducing innovations in materials and technology. As a result, it can be hard to keep up with all of the mattress types on the market.
Most sleepers are familiar with the traditional innerspring mattress. Some people even know about pocket coil mattress technology. However, most consumers aren’t aware of which type of mattress will be best for their unique sleeping needs. To bring you up to date, here are five different types of mattresses you never knew about – but should.
Memory-Foam Mattress
Memory foam was developed as part of a NASA contract in the 1970s. The goal was to improve seat cushioning and crash protection for airline pilots and passengers. The project proved to be very successful. Engineers and designers soon began using the unique material in a wide variety of commercial products, including mattresses. In a short time, memory foam mattresses have become one of the most popular designs on the market.
Memory foam has the unique ability to conform to your body while dispersing your weight evenly throughout the bed. This makes it ideal for achy joints, morning pains and restless sleepers. Memory foam also softens and conforms to the sleeper in response to body temperature and body weight. As a result, memory foam mattresses tend to sleep warmer than traditional innerspring mattresses. In response, mattress makers have created technologies to improve air circulation when sleeping on these mattresses. Innovations such as open-cell, gel-infused, and reticulated foam support layers all help keep the sleeper cool. Memory foam is also resistant to mold, bacteria, bed bugs, dust mites and many types of allergens.
Memory foam is a great mattress type for people who wakes up in pain and needs more support. Furthermore, it’s ideal for couples that wake each other up because of its ability to stop and separate motion. You really need to lay on a memory foam mattress to appreciate what sets it apart.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are the oldest and one of the most popular of modern mattress designs. Manufacturers use a variety of steel coil support systems, such as springs connected into a single unit or individually wrapped pocketed coils. These support systems help construct durable mattresses. Then they cover the innersprings with various types of padding or upholstery materials, which results in a surprisingly comfortable sleep. Advanced materials like foams, fibers, and smaller steel springs, make these types of mattresses stronger and more comfortable than ever. As one of the more affordable mattress types on the market, the innerspring remains a top seller around the world.
If you have not laid on a next-generation innerspring mattress, we encourage you to try one out in person. There is a misconception that innerspring mattresses are outdated and uncomfortable. However, the newest versions are vastly improved. The combination of high comfort and low cost makes this an appealing option for anyone who needs a better mattress.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses represent the culmination of decades of sleep technology innovations. These remarkable mattresses combine the comfort of memory foam with the support of innerspring mattresses.
The use of multiple sleep technologies in a hybrid mattress provides several advantages for sleepers. First, the pocketed coil technology reduces the motion transfer that can occur with tossing and turning. This results in a deeper, more restful sleep. The multiple layers of infused memory foam help to achieve a comfortable sleeping posture that relieves pressure on sensitive areas. In addition, the infused foam helps to control body temperatures by diffusing heat away from the body.
While the memory foam layers deliver comfort, the coil system helps to retain the “bounciness” of traditional innerspring mattresses. It also gives hybrids a traditional mattress shape, instead of the straight lines and low profile of memory foam mattresses. Hybrid mattresses are often less expensive than memory foam mattresses, making them a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Furthermore, they typically perform better than low-end memory foam mattresses.
Another advantage of hybrids is that they’re great for people who don’t have a single sleep style. Some people sleep on their stomach as much as their back, and like a combination of softness and support. These sleepers may have trouble getting comfortable on other types of mattresses. However, they may find that hybrids make it easy to relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Visit Sit ‘n Sleep to find out what it feels like.
Latex Mattress
You may be surprised to learn that latex mattresses were first introduced to consumers in the 1960’s. But for years the high cost of production led to high retail prices. As a result, the early latex mattresses weren’t accessible to the average sleeper. Fortunately, advances in technology have brought the price down significantly. You no longer have to break the bank in order to purchase one of these versatile mattresses.
Latex mattresses offer two big advantages. Latex supports sleepers without placing excess pressure on hips, shoulders and other area while supporting proper alignment. As a result, they help reduce and/or prevent paint in sensitive areas, including the lower back. Latex mattresses are also good at suppressing motion. If one sleeper tosses and turns a lot, it won’t have as much impact on their partner.
Parents often choose latex over other kinds of mattresses because the material is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. This makes it ideal for kids with allergies or respiratory problems. Latex can also channel heat away from the body, helping keep kids cool at night.
Luxury Mattress
Mattress manufacturers are constantly looking for new ways to improve their mattresses. One of the innovations has been finding ways to make the mattress more luxurious.
Manufacturers have started introducing higher quality fabrics and fibers to improve the feel of the mattress. Luxury mattresses typically include indulgent materials like natural joma wool, cashmere and/or responsibly sourced horse hair. These high-quality materials help make the mattress more breathable and comfortable to the touch. Furthermore, they can help transport away moisture and excess body heat providing optimal sleeping temperature.
Speak to a Sleep Consultant
As you can see, there’s a lot to learn about mattresses these days. Visit your nearest Sit ‘n Sleep location and speak to our experienced sleep consultants. We’ll give you a crash course in everything you need to know to get the best mattress for your sleep needs.
