There are essentially five major players on the market today when it comes to mattresses. Each one represents its own set of strengths and weaknesses. While you’re exploring your options, it’s a good idea to look at a few of the pros and cons of each mattress type so that you can make a more informed purchasing decision.Latex offers buyers a “green” mattress choice. The latex mattresses themselves are made from rubber tree sap. The mattresses offer firm support that is adjustable by adding or removing comfort layers from the mattresses to make them firmer or softer. It is even possible to make one side of the bed softer or firmer than the other. The 20+-year warranty and longevity of a natural latex mattresses make them the greener choice, and because they are biodegradable they aren’t taking up as much landfill space.With all the benefits that sleeping on a natural latex mattress, its no wonder that they can be more expensive than other mattresses on the market today. Latex mattress allergies are a concern to some as well, however direct contact with the latex isn’t likely (because of the mattress fire barrier and cover), and only those who have the most severe latex allergies should completely avoid a botanical latex mattress, as for the most part they are hypoallergenic.
You may remember the commercials hitting televisions everywhere when memory foam mattresses first entered the marketplace. They involved a lovely model walking on one side of the bed with a wine glass standing undisturbed on the other side. That absorption of movement is one memory foam’s largest claims to fame. The other is the firm support it provides the human body. The best memory foam mattresses contour to the shape of the human body in order to relieve pressure points while still providing adequate support.The downside to memory foam is that it that inferior memory foam mattresses are widely known for sleeping hot. Now that we’ve learned that cool environments are better for sleeping and the best temperature for sleep hovers in the range of 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s even more important to purchase a memory foam mattress that has a built in air flow control system that helps you sleep cooler.The adjustability of air mattresses is what sets them apart from many other mattresses on the market today.
It only takes the press of a button to adjust the mattress to almost any level of firmness or softness. If this is important to you, some models have two different levels of adjustability (one for each side of the mattress). These mattresses are also lightweight, making them easier to move than almost any other mattresses available. That’s an important concerned for military families and others who move frequently.One of the downsides of these mattresses is that they have mechanical parts that can, over the years, break. Additionally, after time, the air often begins to leak requiring repairs, replacements, or steady adjustments to maintain the appropriate sleep number. For these reasons, always purchase a high-quality digital air mattress that comes with a warranty.Water mattresses have been around for quite a while. Long ago, there were referred to as “waterbeds”. Today, buyers have a choice between the traditional free-flow waterbed mattresses that require frames to keep them in place and frame-free water mattresses.
They offer varying degrees of support according to the amount of water used in them while also offering maximum fluidity and comfort in the form of pressure point relief. Heat is never a complaint with water mattresses as the water cools the mattress.While the pros of waterbeds are significant, so are the potential cons. Most people find that waterbeds actually run cold and require a heater to warm them up. Also water is heavy, meaning that additional support is needed to support the weight of the bed and the mattress. Also, water is damaging in the event of leaks or if the bladder erupts altogether. Some rental or lease agreements expressly forbid waterbeds for these reasons.Innerspring mattresses have traditionally been a popular best selling mattress, although that is changing as the word gets out about the many benefits of sleeping on a natural latex mattress. Innerspring mattresses offer the widest range of price points, making them popular with consumers and abundant in showrooms across the country where people can go in and try them out before they buy.
While they provide solid sleep for many people, they simply do not have the same quality features consumers find in other mattress types. The biggest negative about innerspring mattresses is the fact that these mattresses are not friendly for the planet at all. They have a relatively short shelf-life, meaning that every six or seven years they’re bound for a landfill somewhere, and you’re out shopping for a new mattress. They’re also made with petrochemicals by-and-large, leaving some powerful off-gassing not found in latex mattresses.When compared with all the other options available, latex mattresses do more than hold their own. They show that they really are light-years ahead of the competition. Not only are they the greener choice, but the twenty-plus-year lifespan gives them a significant edge. See for yourself what the big deal about all natural latex mattresses are and what it can mean for your ability to enjoy truly restful sleep night after night.If you found this article useful and shareable, please copy and paste the following into the html code of your website or blog:
One important consideration people have when shopping for a new bed is the usable lifespan of the product. Memory foam mattresses tend to last longer than average, but there are several factors such as product quality, density and care that can impact lifespan. Keep reading to see how different bed types compare and how to choose the most durable memory foam mattress. Memory Foam Mattress Features & Lifespan The materials a mattress contains directly relate to durability. In memory foam beds, the density of the material and core are perhaps the biggest predictors of longevity, though understanding warranties also proves important when shopping. Foam density refers to the weight of one cubic foot of material. Denser foams have more tightly spaced cell structures that affect the feel and performance of the end product. Low density foams are those between 2.0 and 4.0 lbs; medium density is between 4.1 and 5.5 lbs; and high density foams are those over 5.5 lbs. Because there are more cells to conform to and support the sleeper’s weight, memory foam mattresses with higher density will typically last longer than their low density counterparts.
However, the highest densities may not be comfortable for a majority of sleepers due to their increased viscosity. The “goldilocks” range for most people falls between 4.0-5.3 lbs, medium density foams which provide exceptional comfort and durability. On average low-density foam tend to last about 4-6 years, while medium and high density foams last upwards of 8-10 years or more on average, depending on use and care. The second component of a memory foam mattress is the core or support foam layer which rests beneath the actual memory foam. This is the part responsible for supporting your body, and low-quality cores can affect mattress longevity. High-resilience foams are considered ideal, and quality beds will have core densities over 2.0 lb (usually between 2 and 2.5 lb). Low-density cores, those under 2.0 lb, will be quicker to break down, soften and compress - compromising support and longevity. It is often thought that a mattress’s warranty is indicative of its longevity, however this is often not the case.
While there is certainly a distinction to be made between a company offering a 1 year warranty and one offering 20 years, the most important factors to consider are the full coverage lengths and stipulations. Most mattress warranties are limited, meaning a portion of the coverage is prorated or limited to certain aspects of the product. A good quality memory foam mattress should have a minimum of 10 years of full coverage, since this is seen as the actual average lifespan. The main issue that can arise with foam beds is compression, so the degree of coverage here is also an important predictor of expectations. Warranties should cover sagging at 1” or less, as impressions over this depth can affect comfort. Read more about Amerisleep’s mattress warranty. Memory Foam Mattress Lifespan The two factors to consider when assessing longevity and cost of ownership include both the overall lifespan and the durability of the product. Innerspring beds have the shortest lifespan as well as poor durability as padding layers tend to compress fairly early and non-replaceable springs lose support.
Waterbeds and air beds both have good overall lifespans, but poor durability since both have parts that may require replacement during the product lifespan. Latex and memory foam mattresses both have similar life spans as well as good durability since quality materials hold up well and there are no parts to replace. Memory foam (4.0lbs +) Getting the Most Out of Your Mattress In addition to choosing a bed with quality foam density and materials, product care can also shorten or extend the lifespan of a mattress. Exactly where a specific mattress falls within the range of life expectancy depends on the amount and type of use – and abuse – it receives. Those who take even marginal care to protect and maintain the mattress will enjoy years more satisfaction. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most for your money: Use a Mattress Cover Water resistant and waterproof covers extend the life of your bed by protecting it from spills and dust. Even if you think you are careful as can be when it comes to food and drinks, you never know when an accident will occur.
Liquids and solvents can affect the performance of memory foam, in addition to presenting concerns of odors and mildew. The average person also sheds an estimated 30,000 or more skin cells per hour, in addition to sweating. Without a washable mattress cover, all of that can go into your bed which can create an unhealthy environment. Plus, several manufacturers may actually require a mattress cover to preserve the warranty, and stains can void returns and warranty claims. How your mattress is supported can also affect its lifespan. A memory foam mattress needs solid, firm support such as a platform bed or solid wood foundation. Using a box spring or slats spaced too widely apart can lead to quicker deterioration. As with mattress covers, some manufacturers may have specific foundation requirements stated in the warranty terms. Rotate Your Bed Occasionally Memory foam beds should not be flipped, but occasional rotation can help ensure even wear. Every six months or so, simply rotate the bed 180 degrees to extend it’s life span.