Which Type Mattress is Best (For Me)?

By: Eharris

There are so many choices of mattress types available that selecting the mattress that is best for you can be overwhelming. However, when we break it all down, there are really on a few types of mattresses. Once you know which type is best for you, your back and your budget, then the selection process gets much simpler.

Once you get to that point, then its all about taking a break, literally, by lying down and testing some mattresses.

Let's get started.....

Spring (or Coil) Mattresses

These are the mattresses that most of us are familiar with. They have an innerspring system, which is covered by various amounts and types of layerings and toppings. They have supported most of us for decades and are usually the least expensive to purchase. So, if you're budget strapped, a good quality, spring mattress may be the best choice.
However, be wary of any spring mattress with a warranty of less than 10 years. These are usually price point mattresses used merely to get customers in the door and aren't necessarily good for adults' everyday needs.

Foam, Memory Foam or Visco Foam Mattresses

These mattresses are generally a definite improvement over the more traditional spring mattress. Rather than having an inner core of metal springs, the support is provided by a thick core of memory foam, some with toppings. Regarding these mattress types, buyer beware. While most of these mattresses provide a truly wonderful night's sleep, many
are made of cheap quality foam which will break down rather quickly, thus causing sagging and lack of support to your body. Unfortunately, you cannot rely solely on warranty length or purchase price. The best way to get a good quality foam mattress is to buy a well known brand, such as Serta, Sealy, Simmons or one of the other well known brands.

One more note on these mattresses, they sleep differently that what most people are used to. As such, most people find the need for 6 weeks of sleeping before they acclimate. Don't give up on one of these mattresses after only a week or two; it will take time.

Latex Mattresses

These mattresses are taking the mattress market by storm. A good quality latex mattress, while not cheap, can be a wonderful thing. Latex mattresses, like the foam mattresses, don't have metal springs for support. Rather, they have an inner core of generally 6-8" of latex. Some will have toppings added over the core for a softer touch. Latex will generally conform to almost any body type and usually doesn't matter if the person is a back sleeper, side sleeper or stomach sleeper. Additionally, when one person moves on the mattress, the transfer of energy is so slight that most people don't notice the movement. These mattresses generally have longer warranties than the spring or foam mattresses and with good reason. A good quality latex mattress should last 30 years or more. So, while the upfront cost may be higher than the alternatives, the cost per year, may be less.

Air Mattresses

These mattresses have a lot of marketing dollars behind them and as such are generally rather expensive. As many people that I've found like them, dislike them. Their core is comprised of an air bladder, which many people describe as being similar to the water bed feel. One nice attribute of the air mattress is that some models offer the ability to
have one side firmer and one side softer if two people are sleeping in the bed and like different feels.

Summary

First, determine which type of mattress interests you. Then, determine which mattress feels the best. The only way to do this is by trying them out. Generally, it takes a good 5 minutes or more per mattress to relax enough in a showroom to get a good feel for it. So, don't go in rushed. Tell your salesperson to leave you alone and try some mattresses. Pick one or two to go between and select the best "fit". Obviously, price
is a consideration, too. But, is $200 in your pocket worth 10 years of poor sleep?