{"id":26755,"date":"2022-10-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/types-of-mattresses\/"},"modified":"2025-01-20T16:04:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T16:04:40","slug":"types-of-mattresses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/types-of-mattresses\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Different Types of Mattresses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Once you decide it\u2019s time for a new mattress<\/a>, there are a few questions you’ll need to answer for yourself to be sure you buy the mattress that best suits your needs. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll have to decide on a mattress type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will offer details about the most common mattress types, explain their key features, and answer commonly asked questions\u2014all to help you find your perfect mattress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Saatva<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Saatva Classic innerspring mattress<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innerspring mattresses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An innerspring mattress<\/span> takes its name from the metal support coils that form the core of the bed. This is what gives the innerspring mattress its characteristic \u201cspringiness.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When comparing innerspring mattresses, it\u2019s best to consider the type of coil<\/a> inside because different coil constructions determine how the mattress feels, how long it lasts, and how much it costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s innerspring mattresses also usually contain layers made with other materials, such as memory foam and latex. These add comfort, performance, and durability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innerspring mattresses are generally ideal for hot sleepers because of their breathability and good airflow. They also tend to sleep cooler than polyfoam and memory foam mattresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although innerspring mattresses are a great choice for most sleepers, you need to know which one will be best for you and your sleeping habits. Read our guide to innerspring mattresses<\/a> for help determining which innerspring bed is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contour5 memory foam mattress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam mattresses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A memory foam mattress<\/span> is made from viscoelastic foam, a type of high-density polyurethane foam (greener versions of memory foam use plant-based ingredients in place of some of the petroleum derivatives.). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What distinguishes memory foam is that it softens in response to heat and pressure. This is what gives it the body-hugging feel many sleepers love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most memory foam mattresses include other components that are needed to prevent you from sinking too deeply into the bed. These are the support core (bottom layer), transition foam (middle layer), and comfort layer (top layer). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A general rule of thumb is that the higher the foam density, the higher the quality and durability\u2014and the heavier the mattress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One reason why memory foam mattresses are popular is that they support a wide range of sleep styles, particularly side sleepers and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers may not like the way the memory foam molds to the shape of their body while on their stomach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They’re especially comfortable for people who have joint pain or who want additional spinal support or reduced allergy symptoms. Plus, they have limited motion transfer<\/a>, which is useful for those who share a bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read our guide to memory foam mattresses<\/a> for help determining which memory foam bed is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Zenhaven<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Zenhaven latex mattress<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latex mattresses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A true latex mattress<\/span> is made of natural latex derived from the sap of a rubber tree. This makes it hypoallergenic and plush feeling. Natural latex mattresses are highly durable and long-lasting, eco-friendly, sleep cool, and good for those with allergies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synthetic latex mattresses\u2014usually made from petroleum-based polyurethane\u2014cost less than natural latex mattresses but they aren\u2019t as durable. And while natural latex is free of potential chemical irritants, synthetic latex may give off toxic chemicals into the air (called \u201coff-gassing\u201d) and irritate allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latex mattresses suit a wide range of sleep styles, but they’re especially a good pick for side sleepers. This is because the latex tends to conform to your body and cushion the pressure points associated with sleeping on your side as opposed to your back or stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read our guide to latex mattresses<\/a> for help determining which latex bed is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Saatva<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Saatva latex hybrid mattress<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid mattresses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A hybrid mattress<\/span> technically can be any mattress made from more than one material. But if you go mattress shopping, you’ll see the term most often associated with innerspring mattresses that contain a coil support system along with another material such as memory foam or latex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This combination of traditional coil support with the contouring comfort of memory foam or latex is what gives a hybrid bed its appeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether or not you’ll love a hybrid mattress depends on your body size, shape, sleep preferences, and comfort preferences. But in general, people who sleep on their sides or their backs tend to like hybrid beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For side sleepers, two major pressure points\u2014your shoulders and your hips\u2014are vulnerable as they support you on top of the sleep surface. Hybrid mattresses offer the pressure relief of foam and the support of an innerspring mattress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses also are great for minimizing the amount of movement you’ll feel from your sleep partner, while still offering the responsiveness of a coil support system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read our guide to hybrid mattresses<\/a> for help determining which hybrid bed is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"solaire<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Solaire adjustable firmness mattress<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable firmness mattresses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable firmness mattresses<\/span> offer some of the best features of several different types of mattresses. Their individual air chambers can be inflated or deflated, usually by an electric pump, to achieve your precise level of comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable firmness mattresses\u2014not to be confused with the roll-up inflatable air mattresses many of us have for overnight guests\u2014come wrapped in the same kinds of layers of comfort foam, pillow tops, and fancy covers as traditional mattresses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their adjustable internal chambers let you customize the degree of firmness you want on any given night. The number of chambers varies from two to 10 or more, with anywhere from 20 to 100 possible settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firmness can be easily adjusted with a remote control or via an app; typically the higher the setting, the firmer the mattress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being able to adjust firmness makes air beds suitable for any sleeping position: side, back, stomach, or some combination. They generally don\u2019t sleep hot. They also absorb motion transfer and allow bed partners to have different firmness levels on their side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read our guide to adjustable firmness mattresses<\/a> for help determining which adjustable firmness bed is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much do different types of mattresses cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mattress costs vary widely by type. Innerspring mattresses tend to be on the lower end, while latex mattresses tend to be on the higher end of the price range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because innerspring mattresses have fewer layers than most other types of mattresses, they’re cheaper to produce\u2014meaning a lower retail price for shoppers, typically in the $600-$1,100 range for a queen-size mattress<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam beds are more expensive (with a queen ranging from $900-$1,300), which may put off people from buying one. But they’re highly durable, meaning they’ll last a long time and provide many nights of comfortable sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latex mattresses also are on the higher end of the price range (typically $1,600-$2,000 for a queen) because of the higher production cost of the natural materials they’re made of. Synthetic latex mattresses cost less, but they also don\u2019t last as long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also at the higher price level ($1,300-$2,000 for a queen), hybrid mattresses can be expensive because of the materials used in them, especially if they contain latex rather than memory foam. The foam and coils combination is more expensive to manufacture, so more expensive for the shopper too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable firmness mattresses are about the most expensive ($2,000-$2,400 for a queen) and also may come with maintenance costs for their electrical parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the best type of mattress?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No one mattress type is inherently better than another. It really comes down to your personal preference. That said, certain sleep styles may be better suited to specific mattress types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n