When you prepare to shop for a new mattress you will no doubt be inundated with a litany of different mattress types and choices. There is no “best” type of mattress. Each type will offer a unique feel, and its own set of pros and cons. Your situation, sleep preferences, and other needs will help you determine which mattress type is best suited for you. Continue reading for our mattress types guide below. Or you need a more comprehensive guide on the shopping process check out our mattress buying guide. Innerspring mattresses are the traditional type of mattress. Chances are you probably slept on one growing up, and may even be now. These mattresses use one or more layers of metal coils to provide support and comfort. The coils are generally crafted from steel for durability. The coils within an innerspring mattress can be wrapped with foam for enhanced comfort. Coil count can vary, but generally a higher coil count will result in more even support and greater pressure relief.
“Foam” is a rather broad category. By some definitions it would also include memory foam and latex foam, however, I think it makes sense to think of the three as distinct and separate groups. This type of foam mattress include poly foams (basic, custom, proprietary, responsive, advanced, etc.) and also include mattresses that use a combination of different foams, for examples a layer of responsive poly foam + a layer of memory foam. Memory foam was developed by NASA in the 1960s and became fully commercialized in the sleep industry by the mid 1990s. Memory foam mattresses are known for their amazing support and pressure relief. However, they are also known for absorbing heat, which can mean they become uncomfortably warm during the night. Memory foam mattresses allow you to sink into the foam, contouring to your body. They have a slower response time, meaning once it has conformed to your shape it will take longer to change shape if you move. Example: Loom & Leaf Latex foam mattresses offer great support, comfort, and cooling.
They are very breathable and do not absorb as much heat as memory foam, making them a better option for reducing heat build up for many sleepers. Additionally, latex has a much faster response time than memory foam. As you move during your sleep the latex foam is constantly and quickly changing to your new shape and position. Example: Plushbeds Botanical Bliss As the name suggests, hybrid mattresses blend different mattress types to create a “best of both worlds” scenario. Latex and memory foam hybrids are among the most popular hybrid types, as they combine the great comfort, cooling, and responsiveness of latex with the support and pressure relief of memory foam. Other hybrid mattress types exist that combine traditional innerspring coils with varying foams. Example: Nest Bedding Alexander Hybrid Adjustable beds allow you to change the elevation and shape of the mattress in various places. Generally the back inclines and the feet elevate. This position puts your body in an optimal sleep position, allowing for better breathing, blood flow, and reduced back pain.
Many foam mattresses can be placed on top of an adjustable foundation. However, you should check with the mattress manufacturer to ensure that mattress is compatible with an adjustable foundation. Example: Classic Brands (note: this is just the foundation, you’ll still need a mattress) Pillow top mattresses can come in varying forms. The defining characteristic is the plush pillow top covering on top of the mattress. The pillow top is generally sewn into the top layer of the mattress. Pillow tops help to add extra support and cushion. You’ll find pillow tops atop innerspring, memory foam, latex, hybrids, adjustable beds, and more mattress types. Air mattresses utilize air instead of coils or foam to provide support and comfort. You’ll find air mattresses of varying quality levels, from inexpensive and easily storable for vacation or guests, to high-end models that resemble traditional mattresses. The greatest benefit of the air mattress is the level of customization.
You can easily adjust the inflation levels to zero in on an exact firmness level that best suits your body. Example: Serta Raised Air Mattress Waterbeds have been around since the 1970s, but have made major improvements over the last 40 years. As the name suggestions, waterbeds use liquid (generally water) to provide support and comfort. Higher end water beds now more closely resemble traditional mattresses in support and comfort. While lower end waterbeds can still be difficult to maintain, newer models have resolved many of the historic problems of the waterbed (leaks, maintenance, etc.)Platform beds continue gaining popularity with minimalist and modern decor styles, but since these beds use different support systems, different considerations go into finding the best mattress. From weight to function, see what you need to know about buying the best mattress for a platform bed. First, here are our top picks below if you just want to get straight to the point. Read on to get into the details about what makes some beds better than others for platform frames.
With clean lines and the ability to create sleek appearance, a platform bed makes a small space look much more open or modern. Some styles also create added storage, helpful for tight spaces. A key feature of platform beds is that they do not require box springs or foundations; in fact using box springs can make a platform bed too high or unstable. The “platform” can be composed of a solid wood base, wood or bamboo slats spaced closely together, or metal slats. They do not require the use of a standard metal frame either, as the mattress is designed to sit right on the bed’s slats or platform. Because of these unique differences, many people have trouble deciding what would be the best mattress for a platform bed. In this guide, we look at the pros on cons of different types. There are six primary types of mattresses you can buy: innerspring, memory foam, latex, soft side waterbeds, hard side waterbeds, and futon-style mattresses. Each type has distinct pros and cons for comfort and satisfaction, and for use on a platform bed.
Here are the top things you should to consider when looking for a platform bed mattress: Taking the above factors into consideration, some mattress types will perform better than others. We will go over the pros and cons for each category below to help you determine which might be the best mattress for your needs. Memory foam beds are composed of poly foam cores with layers of memory foam and/or gel foam on top. Memory foam mattresses work well on platform beds, as they too are designed to work with solid support foundations. Slats should be wide, sturdy and spaced closely together or the platform should be solid. Sturdy slats prove preferable as they allow plenty of airflow to prevent moisture buildup and overheating. Denser memory foam mattresses can be on the heavier side, so always check weight limits. Latex mattresses are composed of latex cores, with additional layers of latex and possibly wool or cotton. Some brands may use poly foams as well to reduce costs. They are meant to work with firm, solid foundations, making them a good option for platform frames.
The latex cores offer solid support, meaning you are unlikely to feel slats through the bed. Since latex beds can be heavy, it is important to check the weight limit of your bed’s platform or slats. Hardside waterbeds are composed of a vinyl bladder, and can only be used on wood waterbed frames that surround the bladder on five sides. Softside beds are composed of vinyl water chambers set within a fabric and foam cover, often with layers of quilting or foam on top. Softside waterbeds can be used on regular platform beds, but require solid flat support. The water filled chambers become quiet heavy, so weight limits are an important consideration if you wish to use this type of mattress. Innerspring mattresses are composed of interconnected or pocketed coils topped with layers of foam and fiber. They typically sell in sets with the top mattress and supporting box spring designed to flex and work with the mattress top. Innerspring beds usually are not recommended for platform beds, since they are designed to be used in conjunction with box springs.
Some still might work with solid, flat platform bases but the bed may feel firmer than usual and the two parts may not feel stable due to increased height on the platform. Futon mattresses are simple beds with foam and fiber layers designed to fold for use on futon frames. They are usually lightweight and fairly thin. They can be accommodated by most platform frames. Several types of mattresses can work with a platform base, with the main differentiator being what type feels most comfortable to you. Latex and memory foam mattresses are perhaps the best mattress options for platform beds since they are compatible with solid support foundations, though some types of spring, water and futon mattresses can also work as well. If you are unsure which type would be the best mattress for you, weigh the pros and cons and try out a variety of beds. As with any big purchase, it is wise to thoroughly research before buying. Know what’s in the bed, seek out reviews, and compare different brand and retailers, including online.