For more, watch our interactive video. You can skip to chapters on the different types of mattresses, tips for test driving a mattress, and more. Common claims that haven’t held up in our tests: Foam Layers Make a Better Bed More innerspring mattresses now include foam on top. But the foam is often too thin to make a difference on some of the hybrid models. Hybrid innerspring models that scored well in our tests had a foam layer several inches thick, though performance still varied. More Coils, the Better The better innerspring models we tested had 600 to 1,000 coils. But even if one mattress has more coils than another, the coils could be made of thinner-gauge metal. You’ll also hear about coil variations such as Bonnell (hourglass type), continuous wire, and individually pocketed springs. None of those is inherently superior. Gel Provides a Cooler Sleep Some mattresses (noted in our Ratings) have a layer of gel-infused foam that’s supposed to provide a cooling effect.
But that layer is buried beneath other layers. While our tests have shown that innerspring mattresses containing gel did tend to sleep slightly cooler, the reverse was true with gel-infused foam beds. Extra Lumbar Support Helps Back Sleepers A special lumbar-support zone is one of many ways manufacturers try to differentiate their product lines. But there’s no guarantee that it makes any real difference, and it hasn’t shown significant benefits in our tests. Forget About Comparison Shopping If you like a mattress at one store and ask elsewhere for something similar, you're likely to be steered toward a same-brand mattress claimed to have the same construction, components, and firmness. But they’re probably not the same. Mattress makers offer some lines nationally, but when those brands are sold through major chains such as Macy's, Sears, and Sleepy’s, they're for lines exclusive to those chains. And manufacturers don't publish a directory of comparable mattresses.
When we went to three bedding chains and asked for mattresses similar to those we’d bought at three department stores, five of the six were way off the mark. So use our Ratings as a guide, and insist on the precise make and model that scored well in our tests. Also check our Ratings of mattress brands and stores, based on subscriber surveys. If possible, lie on any mattress that you’re considering. Wear loose clothes and shoes you can slip off. Make yourself comfortable, and shoo away the salesperson if you’re feeling pressured. Salespeople should expect you to take your time. Spend at least five or ten minutes on each side and on your back (your stomach, too, if that's a preferred sleeping position). Panelists who took beds home for a month-long trial rarely changed the opinion they formed after the first night. Shopping online or at a warehouse club? Tryouts aren’t usually an option, so checking return policies before you buy is extra important. Make sure the store offers a full refund or credit toward another mattress.
Return periods, often called “comfort guarantees,” range from a couple of weeks to 120 days. Some retailers, including Macy’s and Sears, charge a 15-percent restocking fee. Costco and some online sellers provide free pickup if you want a refund or exchange, but otherwise, you’ll have to pay for it—or cart the mattress to the store. And you’ll be responsible for any damage. Once you’ve settled on a model, try to bring the price down. Many businesses, such as warehouse clubs, have fixed prices and won’t budge. But for retailers that do negotiate—particularly specialty chains—huge markups allow them to lower prices by 50 percent or more during their frequent sales. Our recommendation: Any time of year, insist on a sale price you’ve seen for the mattress you know you want, and don’t be afraid to walk out if you feel you’re getting a raw deal. Don’t Be Bullied Into Buying a Box Spring You might not need it. For an innerspring mattress, the box spring (also called a “foundation”) is a wood frame enclosing stiff wire and covered with fabric to match the mattress.
For foam or adjustable-air mattresses, it’s a box several inches high. If you're switching to a foam or adjustable-air bed from an innerspring, you'll need a boxy foundation that lacks springs and wire. Otherwise, if your box spring isn't broken and is still structurally sound, consider keeping it and saving money (roughly $150 to $300 for a queen-size). One caveat: Some brands require you to buy their box spring to receive full warranty coverage. It can range from 10 to 25 years and covers only manufacturing defects such as sagging and loose or broken coil wires. Coverage is frequently prorated, meaning that it decreases over time. Never accept delivery without inspecting the mattress (and the box spring, if you buy one) for stains and other damage. Also be sure that the mattress has a label that states “all-new material” before you send the driver on his way. If it’s not there, refuse delivery. And keep it on afterward in case you do have to file a warranty claim in the future.
Good quality memory foam mattresses distribute body weight evenly, like having billions of little springs supporting you. Pressure points are significantly reduced, up to whopping 80%, which only memory foam can provide. Fast Fact: The lowest mmHg on the market is provided by Essentia memory foam mattresses at 12.43mmHg @ 200lbs.If a quick glance at the chart above wasn’t enough, you can read on to see all the pros and cons of spring mattresses and memory foam mattresses. 1) Low Cost - Given that spring mattresses don’t cost much to manufacture; you can find spring mattresses at bottom dollar prices. The only time you’ll pay less is probably a futon or a hand-me-down.2) Durability - A spring mattress can last between 7 and 10 years.1) Loss of Support - Spring mattresses usually begin to sag after 1-2 years. In fact, they lose 16% of their support in the 1st year alone.2) Sketchy Warranties - Spring mattress warranties allow up to 1.5 inches of normal body impression.
However, it is normal for your mattress to get a body impression, as it can mean the “comfort layer” is conforming to your body. Be sure to find out the exact terms of your warranty before purchasing, and the steps that will need to be taken to qualify your possible issue as warrantable. 3) Poor Back Support - Innersprings do not offer proper back support and do not address spinal alignment.4) Painful -Spring mattresses do not distribute your body weight evenly. Because each spring pushes back with the same force, pressure points are inevitable.5) Not Hypoallergenic - The fluffy polyester top and the empty space in-between the springs creates a perfect nesting ground for dust mites.1) The Low Cost - You can still get a durable memory foam mattress for under $950.2) Pressure Distribution - It relieves pressure better than any other type of mattress.3) No Motion Transfer - No jiggle or bounce means no transfer of movement or waking up your partner when someone needs to make a midnight bathroom run.4) Hypoallergenic - A solid block of foam means dust mites can only live on the surface and not inside.1) Price - Top memory foam mattresses can be expensive depending on quality and brand name.
Cost is typically directly associated with quality because the materials are costly, not the labor.2) Quicksand Like Feel - Because a memory foam mattress adjusts to the contours of your body, the foam can take longer to contour to your body as well as bounce back to its original shape. This can leave some feeling like they are stuck in the mattress or like they are sinking into quicksand.3) Temperature Sensitive - Most memory foams rely on your body temperature to be able to contour to you, the problem arises as with the lack of air flow through traditional memory foam mattresses. You can wake up a sweaty mess. 4) The Smell - Some memory foam mattresses are made with poor quality foams and may have a pungent, unpleasant smell when new.A deciding factor for many people is whether the mattress if firm or soft. While this is a very personal preference, and the concept of firm or soft will differ based on personal taste, there are some standard industry rules that can make a mattress firm which you can learn about here: Springs act as a shock absorber and reduce the wear and tear of the mattress.
Springs or coils used in mattresses are available in four different types which determine firmness and support: continuous coils, bonnell coils, offset coils and marshall coils. These are also measured by the gauge of the coil.The less coils you have, the thicker the spring. 14 to 15 gauge coils will give in easily to pressure, while a 12-gauge coil is the thickest and will feel firm.Memory foam mattresses can be firm to supple. Since they distribute your weight evenly, a firm memory foam mattress should still give you the firmness you are looking for without compromising your back, hips and joints.Memory foam mattresses become more supple with body heat, while this ensures the cradling support your body requires, you should also realize that when it comes to memory foam you most likely won’t find something firm enough for your tastes if you enjoy sleeping on the floor.In the charts above we mention temperature sensitivity, but what does it really mean based when comparing spring and memory foam?
Memory foam is known for being temperature sensitive, or that it reacts according to your body heat. This can be a negative as it takes time for the foam to adjust to your body. This delayed response time or quicksand-like feel is a common complaint among memory foam mattress owners.The temperature of the room will also have an effect on the feel as well, as the colder the bedroom the longer it will take for the foam to adjust and recover. At freezing point, memory foam can become rock hard.On the flip side, memory foam can also trap heat which is another common complaint of memory foam mattress owners. The warmer the room and mixed with your body heat, the more chance you will be sleeping hot and waking up sweating. Spring mattresses don't adjust on body temperature unless they come topped with memory foam. The top layer will add comfort and support if made with enough quality memory foam.Fast Fact: The only memory foam that remains consistent in average room temperatures is Essentia's natural memory foam, which has been tested to sleep on about 7 degrees cooler as it allows air flow through the mattress.
A traditional spring mattress doesn’t adjust or feel differently based on body temperature, unless they come topped with memory foam. The top layer of a spring mattress is generally known of the comfort layer, and some companies with add memory foam to enhance the perceived comfort, support and quality of the mattress.Spring mattresses require more maintenance as they must be rotated once every three months for even wear. This way you don’t get dips and indents over and above the normal body impression. You will also want to avoid folding or bending a spring mattress, as you will compromise the springs and break it.Memory foam mattresses do not have to be flipped or rotated. There is no maintenance required apart from keeping the cover and sheets clean. Spring mattresses should have died in the 80's, like parachute pants and leg warmers, but they have remained popular because of their low cost and high profit margins (100%+). They also need replacing every 3-10 years which is great reoccurring income for Sealy, Serta, Simmons, Spring Air etc.
The Better Sleep Council suggests that a quality mattress should provide 8-10 years of good support and comfort. With an average person spending 30% of their life sleeping, the importance of a healthy and supportive mattress cannot be ignored. A good quality mattress is important for healthy living and this applies to adults, the elderly, young children and babies. How you feel and act is directly affected by how well you sleep. A quality mattress may be pricey but it will certainly keep your body well supported and comfortable for close to 20 years.We hope that you now have a better understanding of the difference between spring and memory foam mattresses. If you’re leaning toward memory foam, you’ll definitely want to take a look at Essentia’s natural memory foam mattresses that offer comfort, support and even address the common complaints of memory foam mattress owners. If you're serious about getting serious sleep and want some of the best mattresses in the world, we've got you covered.