Innerspring mattresses are the most common type of bed, and for many people who have only used spring beds, considering a new mateiral like latex can seem a bit daunting. Several differences exist both in the mattresses’ construction and materials that can affect the shopping process and purchase satisfaction. To help you navigate through the terminology and make product research easier, we put together this guide. We begin by explaining how latex beds differ from from innersprings and then go over latex-specific terminology and other information prospective buyers should consider in order to shop smart.The differences in feel and durability between latex foam and spring beds arise from the inherently different materials and the way the beds are put together. Overall, spring mattresses tend to be cheaper and easier to find, but latex tends to last longer, prove more comfortable, and earns higher owner ratings (60-65% of spring owners satisfied versus 80-85% of latex owners).The feel of sleeping on latex versus that of an innerspring is difficult to adequately explain.
Innerspring beds, because they contain metal coils, can accurately be referred to as “springy” or “bouncy”. These types of mattresses have a layer of foam and/or fiber above the springs to provide cushion and the support level can range from extra-firm to soft. Models with greater amounts of foam tend to be better at contouring, while those with slim pillow-tops will have a limited ability to contour to the sleeper. The types of coils can also affect the overall feel, with individual/pocketed coils reducing motion transference compared to continuous coils.These mattresses should be all latex foam, and as such will not be “bouncy” like a spring bed. However, good-quality latex foam does have a resilience that may be described as springy since it bounces back to its original shape instantly (unlike polyurethane or memory foam which recover more slowly). With a mattress made of latex, the ILD number will reflect the firmness, with lower ILDs being softer and higher ILDs being firmer.
Both the firmness and the overall thickness of a latex bed can affect conformability, with thicker and softer materials conforming more readily than firmer, thinner beds.Innerspring mattresses vary somewhat by manufacturer, but in essence they consist of coils that are either independently pocketed, wired to a frame, or linked together. The coil support core is wrapped in foam and/or fiber padding. Some models have a cheaper recycled compressed fiber, while others may have poly foam, memory foam, or even latex foam incorporated into the pillow-top. The entire bed is then covered in fabric ticking, which can very significantly by brand. The primary indicators of quality with an innerspring bed are the type and count of coils used, and quality of the topper materials.All-latex beds contain a solid latex core for support, and this may or may not be topped with additional layers of latex. Some brands may also add other materials like wool or fiber quilting on top. The bed is then covered in a fabric encasement, which might be fixed or removable.
Depending on the brand, these mattresses may be customizable, meaning the layers are not glued and could be changed or replaced by the owner. The primary indicators of quality when it comes to latex are the type of latex (natural, synthetic or blended), and the quality of other materials used in the bed. Understanding the basics is important when shopping for a latex bed, and those new to the mattress type may be confused by all the new terms they encounter when they begin shopping.Whereas with an innerspring bed one might check coil count and pillowtop materials, the “checklist” for latex is a little more complicated. Here are the primary things to consider when comparing:Shopping for a mattress, especially all-natural latex, is not always an easy task. Unlike spring beds, they can be difficult to find in local showrooms, and can easily become overpriced. The best place to shop for 100% natural latex is online, due to the greater selection and more competitive pricing. Take your time to research the various factors and mattresses you find, and make sure there is a decent warranty and return period.
In a previous article, we compared a few leading brands of latex. While there are several brands out there, here is a comparison of a few to get your research started. paring latex mattresses to innerspring mattresses really can be like comparing apples to oranges, as you can see by the differences in construction and performance. Latex foam provides a spring-free support core with an emphasis on pain relief and more natural components, however innersprings have the advantage of being widely available and affordable. Overall, if you are looking for a bed that is more likely to hold up over time and less likely to cause pain, latex mattresses might offer the solution but will likely require a little more research when shopping. Innerspring/Coil Memory Foam Latex Waterbed Hybrid/Other OtherCorrect support is an essential ingredient for a healthy body. It is mainly delivered through the “core” of the mattress, which can be innerspring, foam, air or water. It is also delivered through the box spring or foundation under the mattress.
A good mattress and box spring will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with good standing posture. When trying a mattress, pay special attention to the heaviest parts of your body; your hips, shoulders and lower back. If there is inadequate support, you may develop back pain. However, if a mattress is too rigid, you may experience uncomfortable pressure. Innersprings are the most common type of support system used to make mattresses. These units are comprised of metal coils that are either pocketed or open and laced. Innersprings conform to and support your body by allowing your hips and shoulders to penetrate the surface while allowing the back to be supported in its proper position. When shopping for an innerspring mattress, there are a few things to consider: 1 - Coil Count: The number of coils in the unit. Counts are usually quoted in full or queen sizes. The number of coils alone has little bearing on the quality of the unit.
The coil design, wire gauge and number of turns must also be considered! 2 - Wire Gauge: The thickness of a wire. The lower the number, the thicker and more durable the wire. For example, a 12 ¾ gauge wire is thicker than a 15 gauge wire. CLICK HERE TO VIEW GAUGE DETAILS » 4 - Unit Size: An innerspring unit can be standard size or foam encased. In the former, the coils extend from edge to edge, providing uniform support. Some standard size units also have a border rod around the perimeter for additional edge support. In a foam encased unit, which is smaller in size, coils are removed and replaced with a foam edge. All innerspring units used by The Original Mattress Factory are standard size units with a border rod construction. 5 - Design of the Coil: There are five basic types of innerspring coil designs: Marshall, Bonnell, LFK, Offset and Continuous. Marshall Coil– A straight barrel, unknotted coil that is encased in fabric. It is sometimes made with non-tempered steel, which reduces the long term resiliency of the springs.
(Also known as a pocketed coil.) Tempering: Tempered innersprings are stronger, more resilient and therefore more durable. The tempering process, which involves heating the wire or innerspring unit to a high temperature, can be done electronically or in a tempering oven. The term “double tempered” or “twice tempered” is often used in the industry, but once a coil has been heated to the optimum temperature to achieve tempering, it cannot be tempered twice. All coils used by The Original Mattress Factory are tempered for maximum durability. Bonnell Coil - An hourglass shaped coil with a round, knotted head. It is made with tempered steel and is commonly used in most national brand entry level products as well as some promotional products. The Bonnell coil unit is used in The Original Mattress Factory’s Classic mattresses. LFK Coil - A straight barrel coil with an offset, squared and unknotted head. It is made with tempered steel and is a premium innerspring unit utilized in the flagship product lines of several brands.