TYPES OF MATTRESSES: A COMPARISON Spring vs. Latex vs. Memory Foam Mattresses You would think picking a mattress would be so easy you could do it in your sleep — but anyone who has tried beds in a showroom knows it feels more like a confusing research project. Do you want something firm and supportive or fluffy as a cloud? Do you wake up in the middle of the night overheated? Choosing the right mattress material, and construction, can make all the difference in how you sleep. No matter your dream bed, you’ll be one step closer to a great night’s rest with this shopper's guide to mattress types. THE SKINNY ON SPRING MATTRESSES Spring mattresses are old school — people often inherit these mattresses from their parents, so they stay in the family for too long. The way they work is simple: springs press back against the weight applied to them, distributing weight and providing support. The internal metal coils can be different shapes, sizes, weights, and varieties, and are encased in upholstery or foam.
More modern spring mattresses have evolved to feature “micro-springs” and “gel-wrapped coils.” This may sound fancy, but they effectively work the same way. • Wear and tear becomes evident quickly, making them feel lumpy and uneven. This can negatively affect your sleep within the first couple years of owning the mattress. • Even the most innovative springs can develop uncomfortable pressure points since they apply the same amount of pressure to the heavier parts of your body as your more sensitive spots. • Isolating movement is nearly impossible, so you’ll always feel (and likely hear) your partner getting up in the middle of the night. • On the whole, spring mattresses often lack the even and balanced experience that something like foam can provide. • Consumers often find themselves purchasing an additional comfort layer for added softness only a couple years into owning the mattress. THE LOWDOWN ON LATEX MATTRESSES Latex — whether in gloves, mattresses, or other items — can be derived from natural, plant-based materials or a synthetic petroleum base.
Once the source is selected and processed into foam, mattresses are created by pouring the liquefied latex into sheets and applying different treatments to control durability, airflow, and rebound. As a mattress material, latex became popular as an alternative foam because its heat regulating properties help keep the bed cool, unlike memory foam. It is naturally resistant to mildew, mold, bed bugs, and dust mites. Mattresses made with latex are extremely durable, yet consistently springy, and offer a structurally sound sleep surface. • If it’s derived from natural materials, latex can contain allergens that cause latex allergies. It’s important to note that this isn’t generally a problem with synthetic latex. • By itself, the material can lack the support you’ll get in other foam beds. • It’s expensive to produce, especially naturally, so you may end up paying more. • It’s difficult to find an entirely latex mattress on the market.
SHOULD YOU COMMIT TO A MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS? When you can expertly balance a glass of red wine next to a bouncing bowling ball — you know you’re looking at a memory foam mattress. Memory foam is a dense, elastic polyurethane foam. These types of mattresses are made in a similar fashion as latex: liquified foam is poured into sheets, with different methods to control firmness and longevity. Memory foam mattresses contour to your body, creating support that feels tailored to you. • Overheating is the most common complaint with memory foam mattresses. Though the contouring effect is cozy at first, over the course of a night it traps heat. • The contouring feeling can quickly feel like you are sinking and make it hard to get out of the bed in the morning. • Not all memory foam is created equally comfortable, and there’s a lot of variations comes in a lot of densities. • The ingredients often cause an odor that makes many consumers wary.
In our design process, we experimented with hundreds of materials on the market and weighed the benefits and drawbacks of each. However, settling on one single option wouldn’t give us all the qualities we wanted in a mattress: amazing comfort and support, temperature stability, and long-term durability. Instead of using an imperfect material, Casper designed a mattress with a blend of materials to achieve the best of both worlds. The top comfort layer emulates the bounciness of the springs, while our memory foam layer underneath supports you through the night. Best of all, it keeps you cool while most foam mattresses sleep hot. Our final product feels unlike anything on the market — it’s both soft and cushy, while also providing excellent support and staying cool all night. Best of all, it’s built to last (and comes standard with 10-year warranty.) Latex foam mattresses were hard to find for a while, but seem to be having a bit of a resurgence. These mattresses are made from natural latex rubber, synthetic latex or a blend of the two.
Different manufacturing processes, typified by Dunlop latex and the more expensive, high-tech Talalay latex, can determine the individual characteristics of latex mattresses. Carefully consider the pros and cons of these mattresses before making a purchase. The right mattress is critical to a good night's sleep, and you could be living with your choice for a long time. Latex mattresses are breathable. They will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They retain their shape and provide better support when moving around during sleep. Latex mattresses exert less pressure against your body than innersprings and will not creak noisily. Users of pillowtop innerspring mattresses should be aware that latex mattresses have a very different "solid" feel that can take some getting used to. The flash-freeze vacuum-mold Talalay latex process creates a structure of even rubber cells. The older Dunlop process bakes the latex in a mold and results in a bottom-heavy mattress. Natural latex lasts 20 years or more and is biodegradable.
It is resistant to mold, mildew, dust mites and bacteria. Natural latex gives off no fumes in the way that some polyurethane or memory foam mattresses do. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to a protein found in natural latex. Symptoms include rashes, breathing problems, or even shock in extreme cases. If you are allergic to latex, always check with your doctor before trying a latex mattress. Owning a Latex Mattress The cost of a natural latex mattress is higher than any other type of mattress for a comparable size. On the other hand, a high quality natural latex mattress will last considerably longer than other mattresses. Another significant consideration is that latex mattresses are quite heavy. While this provides a very stable surface that doesn't shift, the mattresses are a little more difficult to pick up and move. Consumer Search: Foam Mattresses Savvy Rest: Dunlop or Talalay Latex Mattress? Medline Plus: Latex Allergy You May Also Like
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