Meet your mattress match

This type of mattress uses memory foam as its main support layer. Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is a type of high-density polyurethane foam. Its distinguishing feature is that it softens in response to heat and pressure. That’s what gives memory foam mattresses their body-hugging, body-contouring feel.

A latex mattress consists (either partially or entirely) of layers made from natural latex from the sap of the rubber tree. A natural latex mattress can last up to 20 years, making it one of the longest-lasting mattress types on the market.

Technically, the term “hybrid mattress” can be used for any mattress that is made from more than one material. It’s most often associated with innerspring mattresses that contain a coil support system along with another material such as memory foam or latex.

A pillow top refers to the extra layer of cushioning on the top surface of a mattress. These are most commonly found on innerspring or innerspring hybrid mattresses. Pillow top cushioning can be made from memory foam, latex, foam, fibers, gel, or other materials.

A conventional pillow top is sewn onto the top surface of the mattress. A Euro pillow top (also called a Euro top), by contrast, has the padding built in underneath the top cover and is flush with the mattress edges, so it doesn’t look like an extra layer sitting on top of the mattress. Our Saatva Classic, Saatva HD, and Solaire mattresses all feature a 3” Euro pillow top for added cushioning.

The innerspring mattress gets its name from the metal support coil (also called springs) that form the core of the bed. This traditional mattress type is known for its classic springy, bouncy feel. A basic innerspring mattress will last you about 7-8 years.

A split king is the same size as a king, but instead of one single mattress, it’s actually two separate twin XL mattresses together on one frame. A split king is a great option for couples who have different mattress firmness preferences. It’s also a great way to eliminate motion transfer if one or both sleep partners toss and turn while they sleep.

A mattress in a box (also known as a bed in a box, BIAB, or bed-in-a-box mattress) is a mattress that’s been compressed, vacuum-sealed in plastic, and rolled into a shipping box. They are typically made of some type of foam because it’s the easiest material to compress, but there are also some innerspring and hybrid BIAB options out there.

A bed in a box is typically made with lower-quality, less durable materials that are easier to compress. Stronger, more durable materials, like thicker coils with a lower coil gauge (between 12 and 15) and premium high-density memory foams with a density of 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot, cannot be compressed into a box.

One of the possible downsides of a bed in a box is uneven firmness and sinking support in some areas over time due to compression, resulting in a shorter mattress lifespan overall.