Mattress types explained: a guide to help you choose the right one – Growing Family

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Are you looking to buy a new mattress, but feeling overwhelmed by all the different options?

There’s a huge range of mattresses out there, and finding the right one for your own unique set of requirements can feel like an impossible task. However, once you understand the different types of mattresses and their key features, the whole process starts to get a lot easier.

Mattress types explained

This article has an overview of each type of mattress, and explains their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Open coil mattress

Open coil mattresses are usually the cheapest option. These mattresses are made from multiple coiled springs with padding on the top and bottom.

Advantages: low cost, lightweight, two-sided, provides that traditional ‘bouncy bed’ feel

Disadvantages: poor support, can be uncomfortable (you may feel the springs), limited options to suit body weight and sleeping position, likely to need replacing often.

Pocket sprung mattress

A pocket sprung mattress is probably the most well-known type of mattress. They’ve been around for a long time, and are still very popular.

As the name suggests, the springs are housed in individual pockets and surrounded by fabric. A top and bottom layer of padding is then added to the whole network of pockets.

Advantages: good support, wide range of price points, range of firmness options, low movement transfer between sleepers, stays cooler, breathable, two-sided, long lifespan.

Disadvantages: can be bulky and heavy, natural fibre products are expensive, some products on the market bulk up spring count with ineffective springs so it can be confusing when choosing a product.

Pillow top mattress

A pillow top mattress has a padded topper attached to the main mattress. The mattress itself can be sprung or foam, while the toppers can be filled with synthetic padding, natural fibres, feathers or foam.

Advantages: soft, luxurious finish, plus the usual advantages of the main mattress format.

Disadvantages: one-sided so unable to turn which reduces lifespan, pillow top can become lumpy and uneven

Memory Foam mattress

Memory foam mattresses have grown in popularity over recent years, with a range of options now available to suit most budgets. They can be sold flat, but you’re probably also familiar with the convenient ‘mattress in a box’ concept such as the Emma mattress.

Memory foam is made from a synthetic material that moulds to your body. When use it a mattress it provides tailored support.

Advantages: good support and pressure relief, hypoallergenic properties, range of firmness options, low movement transfer between sleepers, good for people who want to stay in one position all night, boxed brands are easy to transport and install, mid-range price point.

Disadvantages: less breathable than other mattresses, memory foam mattresses are usually one-sided so will need replacing more often than a two-sided mattress, some people find memory foam mattresses too warm, synthetic foams can release chemicals when first installed.

Latex mattress

Latex mattresses offer a similar experience to memory foam, but tend to cost more – so why consider them as an alternative? The answer lies in the origin of the latex. If you choose a 100% natural latex you can avoid some of the drawbacks of memory foam while still getting the benefits in terms of support and comfort.

Advantages: very good support and pressure relief, low movement transfer between sleepers, breathable, easy to move around, two-sided, long lifespan.

Disadvantages: Expensive, very heavy, lots of synthetic latex products on the market so it can be confusing when choosing a product

Hybrid mattress

A hybrid mattress aims to provide the best features of memory foam and traditional pocket sprung mattresses.

The spring element is usually in the form of pocket springs, with a layer of memory foam on top.

Advantages: mid-range price point, good pressure relief and support, provides the ‘sinking into the bed’ experience, can be cooler and more breathable than memory foam mattresses.

Disadvantages: usually one-sided so will need replacing more often, synthetic foams can release chemicals when first installed, risk of uneven finish over time.

Choosing a new mattress: what you need to think about

Here’s a quick checklist of the key things you need to think about before deciding which type of mattress is best for you:

• Your budget
• The level of support and comfort you need
• Your preferred sleeping position
• Your preferences on natural vs. synthetic materials
• Practical considerations: how easy is it to get a new mattress into your bedroom, is a heavy mattress going to cause issues when you need to turn it, etc.

By working out your requirements, and understanding the pros and cons of each different type of mattress, you will be in a great position to choose the perfect mattress and benefit from a good night’s sleep for years to come.