MATTRESS TYPES
With so many different types of mattresses on the market today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Mattress manufacturers make a lot of extravagant promises about their products, but how many of them are based in reality and how much is marketing hype? The first step in buying a new mattress is to understand the different types of products available today.
Innerspring Mattresses:
Innerspring models are the most common type of mattress, and they have been for some time. Innerspring or coil mattresses provide support through a network of steel coils of varying shape and density. Innerspring mattresses are available in a range of different comfort levels and price points, offering something for all types of sleepers. One way of differentiating between innerspring mattresses is by their top:
• Tight Top: Tight Top mattresses come in firm and plush comfort levels. Firm tight tops will have denser, compressed padding sewn tightly to the coil system. Plush tight top mattresses feature layers of softer padding, making them slightly more conforming. Tight top mattresses are usually thinner, but many find them too firm to sleep on as there is only a thin layer of padding on top of the coil system. As a result, they are among the firmest mattresses on the market today. While some people — particularly those that sleep exclusively on their back — prefer this, many find plush mattresses too hard to sleep on.
• Pillow Top: Pillow-tops feature a comfortable layer of padding that delivers extra softness without sacrificing support. Pillow-tops are generally considered the next step up from tight top mattresses, and they are priced accordingly.
• Euro Top: Euro-top mattresses have an additional layer of padding built in, which makes them several inches taller than other designs. Euro-tops have the advantage of retaining their shape for longer than pillow-tops, providing additional comfort and softness.
Innerspring models are the most common type of mattress, and they have been for some time. Innerspring or coil mattresses provide support through a network of steel coils of varying shape and density. Innerspring mattresses are available in a range of different comfort levels and price points, offering something for all types of sleepers. One way of differentiating between innerspring mattresses is by their top:
• Tight Top: Tight Top mattresses come in firm and plush comfort levels. Firm tight tops will have denser, compressed padding sewn tightly to the coil system. Plush tight top mattresses feature layers of softer padding, making them slightly more conforming. Tight top mattresses are usually thinner, but many find them too firm to sleep on as there is only a thin layer of padding on top of the coil system. As a result, they are among the firmest mattresses on the market today. While some people — particularly those that sleep exclusively on their back — prefer this, many find plush mattresses too hard to sleep on.
• Pillow Top: Pillow-tops feature a comfortable layer of padding that delivers extra softness without sacrificing support. Pillow-tops are generally considered the next step up from tight top mattresses, and they are priced accordingly.
• Euro Top: Euro-top mattresses have an additional layer of padding built in, which makes them several inches taller than other designs. Euro-tops have the advantage of retaining their shape for longer than pillow-tops, providing additional comfort and softness.
Memory Foam and Gel Mattresses:
Memory foam and gel mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years. Though the technology dates back to the 1980s, prices have only now come within reach of most consumers. Memory foam contours to your body, distributing pressure more evenly and minimizing disturbance when your partner moves. Though many love them, memory foam is not the best type of mattress for everyone — heat retention can be an issue, especially on older models.
Gel mattresses are similar to memory foam, offering many of the same benefits without the heat issues experienced by some sleepers.
Memory foam and gel mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years. Though the technology dates back to the 1980s, prices have only now come within reach of most consumers. Memory foam contours to your body, distributing pressure more evenly and minimizing disturbance when your partner moves. Though many love them, memory foam is not the best type of mattress for everyone — heat retention can be an issue, especially on older models.
Gel mattresses are similar to memory foam, offering many of the same benefits without the heat issues experienced by some sleepers.
Hybrid Mattresses:
Some of today’s most popular mattresses are hybrid models combining traditional coil technology with gel or memory foam pockets. Benefits of hybrid technology include the increased airflow and more traditional feel of an innerspring mattress, with the pressure relief and support of gel.
Some of today’s most popular mattresses are hybrid models combining traditional coil technology with gel or memory foam pockets. Benefits of hybrid technology include the increased airflow and more traditional feel of an innerspring mattress, with the pressure relief and support of gel.
Adjustable Mattresses:
Adjustable mattresses, as the name implies, can be configured to a number of different positions when paired with an adjustable base. This allows you to raise or lower your legs or torso, promoting better blood flow and relieving pressure on different areas of the body. While originally intended for people with certain health conditions, adjustable beds are gaining in popularity among customers who appreciate the added convenience and comfort they offer.
If you’re not sure which is the best mattress type for you, we can help. Call or email the Dr Snooze team today for expert advice from our sleep experts.
Adjustable mattresses, as the name implies, can be configured to a number of different positions when paired with an adjustable base. This allows you to raise or lower your legs or torso, promoting better blood flow and relieving pressure on different areas of the body. While originally intended for people with certain health conditions, adjustable beds are gaining in popularity among customers who appreciate the added convenience and comfort they offer.
If you’re not sure which is the best mattress type for you, we can help. Call or email the Dr Snooze team today for expert advice from our sleep experts.