Different Mattress Types Guide

Dec 10, 2024
Fact Checked
Discover the best mattress types for your sleep style and comfort needs. From memory foam to hybrid, learn how each mattress type can improve your sleep quality.
Edited by: Donya Currie, MA, Senior Editor at NCOA
Medically reviewed by: Suzanne Gorovoy, PhD

Quality sleep is important for us all, regardless of age. 

For older adults, studies show poor sleep quality and not getting enough sleep are linked with a higher risk of impaired physical function and disability. 

One important factor in getting good sleep is having the right mattress. There are many different mattress types available, and it can take time to decide which to choose. A good mattress should provide support and comfort to relieve common issues like joint pain and back problems, and investing in the right mattress type can significantly improve your sleep quality. But there are so many different types—the best mattress for side sleepers is not the same as the best mattress for back pain, and it’s important to consider your needs when choosing a new mattress.

In this article, we’ll review the pros and cons of different mattress types to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re considering memory foam, innerspring, latex, or hybrid mattresses, each type has benefits and drawbacks. This article will help you decide which mattress is best for you, to help you get the best possible quality sleep.

Common mattress types

When choosing a new mattress, it’s important to know the four main types available: innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid. Each mattress type offers unique features and benefits that cater to different sleep preferences and requirements. 

Innerspring mattress

Innerspring mattresses have a core with metal support coils. Due to their coil support system, innerspring mattresses tend to be more bouncy and springy than other types of mattresses. Hot sleepers typically prefer innerspring mattresses, since the coil system allows for airflow and breathability. But the flipside is the bed’s springy nature means you may feel more of your partner’s movements. 

There are four kinds of innerspring mattresses: Bonnell or open coil, offset coil, continuous coil, and pocketed coil. 

Bonnell coils are the oldest type of coil. Shaped like an hourglass, they’re durable but less effective at controlling motion transfer and relieving pressure at sharp points on the body, like the shoulders and hips. Plus, mattresses made with Bonnell coils tend to be firmer mattresses, so they’re not the best mattress for side sleepers. Stomach sleepers may like the lack of sinkage on a Bonnell coil mattress. Unfortunately, Bonnell coil mattresses tend to be less durable. If you’re looking for a mattress that will stand the test of time, you may want to consider other types of mattresses.

Offset coil mattresses also have hourglass-shaped coils, but the bottom part of the coil is offset. This makes them better at hugging the body’s curves. Offset coils typically have a soft to medium-firm rating, making them a good choice for side sleepers looking for pressure point relief.

Continuous coil mattresses consist of several rows of wires connected in a circular shape. They tend to last longer than other innerspring mattresses but do not provide as much support. They’re also very firm, making them a good choice for stomach sleepers but not the best option for side or back sleepers.

Finally, there are pocketed coil mattresses. These mattresses feature coils that are individually wrapped in fabric. This enables them to contour to your body while also allowing for better motion isolation than other types of innerspring mattresses. They also come in different firmnesses, so there’s an option for every type of sleeper.

Interested in learning more about innerspring mattresses? Check out our best innerspring mattress picks.

Memory foam mattress

Memory foam mattresses are made from foam and designed to contour your body, providing an adaptable sleeping surface with both comfort and support. They are commonly made from polyurethane foam, but recent technological advances have introduced other types of foam, such as gel-infused foam, which help to keep the bed cooler.

Memory foam is known for distributing body weight evenly, which can relieve pressure on sharp points like the shoulders and hips. This makes it a popular choice for people with chronic pain or arthritis. The foam can also contour the shape of your body, which helps align the spine properly and can improve sleep posture.

Another standout feature of memory foam mattresses is their ability to absorb movement. This can be helpful if you share a bed with a partner who moves around a lot in their sleep. Memory foam mattresses are also highly durable and are less likely to sag compared to innerspring mattresses.

But memory foams do have some downsides. Traditional memory foam is known for retaining body heat, which can make them uncomfortable for hot sleepers. If you’re a hot sleeper looking for a memory-foam mattress, we recommend gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to keep sleepers cool. 

Some memory foam mattresses may initially feel very firm and require a break-in period to become more comfortable. They’re also heavy and difficult to move, which could present problems for those with mobility issues.

Learn more about the best memory foam mattresses, in our memory foam mattress review. 

Latex mattress

Latex mattresses are becoming popular due to their comfort, durability, and eco-friendliness. Three types of latex are used in mattresses: natural latex, synthetic latex, and blended latex. There are also two manufacturing processes for natural latex: Dunlop processing and Talalay processing. We will explore the differences below.

Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees. It is eco-friendly, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites and mold. Natural latex has a reputation for being durable, supportive, breathable, and naturally cool. Because it is sourced naturally, natural latex mattresses are typically more expensive than synthetic latex options.

The Dunlop method of processing natural latex involves mixing latex sap with a vulcanizing agent (a chemical substance used to create a more resilient and elastic material), placing the mixture in a mold, and baking it. This produces a structure with varying cell sizes and a firmer, more durable latex. 

The Talalay method has two additional steps. The mixture is vacuum-sealed and frozen after the latex sap is blended with the vulcanizing agent. This transforms the frozen foam into a gel. After freezing, the gel is heat-treated. This process of vacuum-sealing and freezing results in softer rubber foams that are more flexible and feel more luxurious than their Dunlop-processed counterparts. This also makes them generally more expensive than Dunlop-processed latex.

Synthetic latex is made from petroleum-based chemicals and designed to mimic natural latex’s properties. While it is hypoallergenic, durable, and more affordable, it lacks the characteristics of natural latex and can off-gas chemicals.ⓘ The chemical odor given off from a new mattress—the smell is harmless and is usually gone within the first few days .

Finally, there is blended latex, which is a mix of natural latex and synthetic latex. These mattresses are affordable and durable and offer some of the benefits of natural latex, such as support, durability, and cooling capabilities. Yet they can still off-gas and are not entirely eco-friendly.

Check out our latex mattress review for the top latex mattress picks.

Hybrid mattress

If you’re looking for a mattress that offers the best of both worlds—springiness from an innerspring construction combined with the contouring effects of a memory foam mattress—you may enjoy a mattress with a hybrid construction.

Hybrid mattresses are made up of different layers, each serving a different purpose:

Hybrid mattresses come with many benefits. The innerspring coils provide good support, and the foam layers contour the body and cradle pressure points. Plus, the individually wrapped coils and foam layers reduce motion transfer. Hybrid mattresses tend to be breathable and cool due to the airflow in the coil system, and come in various firmness levels. They’re also incredibly durable.

Hybrid mattresses also have some drawbacks. They are typically more expensive due to their complex construction and quality of materials. They’re also heavy, meaning setting up the mattress may be difficult for those with limited strength or mobility issues. Because they use foam, hybrid mattresses may retain more heat than a classic innerspring mattress. Some sleepers may also notice noise as the coils move, especially as the mattress ages.

If you’re looking for more information on hybrid mattresses, check out our review of the best hybrid mattresses.

Bryan Wright, DPT, doctor of physical therapy and founder and CEO of Wright Physical Therapy in Twin Falls, Idaho, often recommends specific mattresses based on a patient’s needs and conditions. “For older adults, memory foam and latex mattresses generally provide good support and pressure relief,” Wright explained. “Memory foam contours to the body and reduces pressure, while latex is very durable and responsive.” 

Wright typically doesn’t recommend innerspring mattresses for older adults, stating they don’t provide enough support.

Specialized mattress types

In addition to the main mattress constructions, you may want to consider some specialized mattress types. Some of the most common specialized mattresses include cooling mattresses, adjustable bed mattresses, and pillow top mattresses.

Cooling mattress

If you’re someone who is constantly sweating through your sheets, you’re not alone. A recent Gallup Poll found more than half (57%) of U.S. adults report occasionally being too hot while they sleep. 

You have several options for including cooling materials in your mattress.

Gel-infused foam is one common material. Gel beads or liquid gel are infused into the memory foam layers of the mattress to help lower heat. This helps draw heat away from the body and provides a cooler sleeping surface. Gel-infused foam is typically more breathable than traditional memory foam. Over time, the cooling effect can lessen as the gel adjusts to room temperature.

Pocket coils may also enhance breathability and cooling. These individually wrapped coils promote better air circulation than all-foam mattresses and offer a good balance of support, reduced motion transfer, and cooling. But they may provide less cooling than gel-infused foam or phase-change materials.

Phase-change materials are a type of advanced cooling material that absorbs, stores, and releases heat to maintain a consistent temperature. They are often used in mattress covers but can also be integrated into foam layers. They adapt to body heat and environmental changes, keeping the sleeping surface consistently cool. 

Finally, some mattresses contain copper or graphite. These heat conductors draw body heat away from you to promote a more comfortable sleeping environment.

To learn more about cooling mattresses, check out our best cooling mattress review.

Adjustable bed mattress

Electric adjustable beds are designed to move into different positions so you can adjust them to your needs. They may be a good option for older adults with limited mobility, chronic pain, acid reflux, and sleep apnea. 

According to Wright, adjustable beds allow older adults to find their optimal sleeping position. “They can elevate the head or feet to relieve pressure or make it easier to get in and out of bed.” Plus, he added many of his patients report decreased back pain from sleeping at an inclined angle.

Raising the head of the bed may be helpful for people with acid reflux. A 2021 study found raising the head of the bed could be a cost-effective and safe alternative to certain medications for acid reflux.

Raising the head of the bed may also benefit people with obstructive sleep apnea. A 2022 study found elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees helped keep airways open and improved sleep apnea symptoms.

If you have an adjustable bed, it’s important to find the right mattress type. Memory foam mattresses are a good choice due to their flexibility, but hybrid mattresses with a flexible core are also a good option.

To learn more, see our review of the best adjustable beds and the best mattresses for adjustable beds.

Pillow top mattress

Pillow top mattresses help evenly distribute weight and reduce pressure in areas like the shoulders and hips. Since joints and muscles are more prone to pain and stiffness with age, a plush pillow top mattress may help lessen joint pain.

If you’re interested in learning about pillow top mattresses, check out our review of the best pillow top mattresses.

Mattress construction

Mattresses typically include the following layers: a cover, comfort layers, a transition layer, a support layer, and a base layer.

The mattress cover can feature various materials, such as Tencel or Glaciotex, designed to keep you cool and comfortable. The top layer of a mattress may also feature a pillow top designed to cradle your body without compromising on support.

Underneath the cover layer are the comfort layers. Most hybrid mattresses have at least two comfort layers. Common materials include memory foam, latex, and gel-infused foam. The comfort layers are designed to contour the body and relieve pressure, making for a soft surface to sleep on. 

The transition layer is between the comfort layers and the support system. It’s designed to provide support and stability.

Next comes the support system. This is the core of the mattress that provides support and structural integrity. Many hybrid mattresses use individually wrapped pocket coils as the support layer, but other types of mattresses may use high-density foam or latex. This layer helps maintain proper spinal alignment, distributes body weight evenly, and prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.

Finally, there’s the base layer. This is the bottom foam layer of the mattress that is designed to support the other layers and provide durability to the whole mattress.

Special considerations for older adults when choosing a mattress

The mattress you choose can have a significant impact on your health. While there are common factors to consider regardless of your age, there are some special considerations for older adults when choosing a mattress.

Joint pain and pressure points

It’s important to consider whether the mattress relieves joint pain and pressure based on your preferred sleeping position. For back and stomach sleepers, medium to medium-firm mattresses offer a balance of support and cushioning and should provide enough pressure relief. If you’re a side sleeper, you may want to consider a softer mattress that provides extra cushioning around your hips and shoulders.

Edge support

You should also consider edge support when choosing a mattress. Mattress edge support refers to the firmness around the perimeter of the mattress. Choosing a mattress with good edge support can make it easier to get in and out of bed, which is important for people with mobility issues. Good edge support can help you feel more secure when you’re sleeping close to the edge of the bed, as someone who shares the bed with a partner may do.

Temperature regulation

If you tend to sleep hot or you share the bed with a partner, it’s important to choose a mattress that regulates temperature well. In general, innerspring and hybrid mattresses offer the best temperature regulation due to the airflow provided by their structured coil construction. Memory foam mattresses tend to hold more heat, but with the development of new cooling technologies like gel-infused foam and phase change materials, foam mattresses may still offer good cooling capabilities.

For more information, see our overview of the best temperature for sleep.

Motion transfer

If you share your bed with a partner, you may want to choose a mattress that isolates motion transferⓘ The amount of movement felt on one side of the mattress when a bed partner moves on the other side of the bed . Memory foam and latex mattresses tend to offer the best motion isolation, while innerspring mattresses are not as good at isolating motion. Hybrid mattresses that combine innerspring coils with foam or latex layers fall somewhere in the middle.

Body weight

Body weight also plays a role in mattress comfort. In general, lighter-weight sleepers (less than 130 pounds) tend to prefer softer mattresses, as they likely won’t sink as far into a firmer mattress. Higher-weight sleepers (more than 250 pounds), on the other hand, may prefer a firmer mattress that provides ample support and contouring.

For more information, see our review of the best mattresses for higher-weight people.

Pain and medical conditions

Certain medical conditions also warrant different kinds of mattresses. For example, if you experience back pain, it’s important to choose a mattress that provides support, cushioning, and pressure relief. If you have acid reflux or sleep apnea, you may want to consider an adjustable mattress and base that enable you to raise the head of the bed. 

For more information, see the following reviews:

Budget

Finally, budget is often important to many of us when choosing a new mattress. Certain brands are known for being budget-friendly, while other brands are known for more expensive, luxurious mattresses. 

Price doesn’t tell the whole story—the best mattress for one person may not work for another, even if it is a “higher-end” mattress. It’s important to read mattress reviews to get a feel for the quality and features of any mattress before making a purchase.

Shopping for a new mattress

There are many things to consider when shopping for a new mattress. Even affordable mattresses are not low-cost, and it’s important to weigh your options before making a significant investment. Plus, the mattress you choose will have a large impact on your sleep quality and overall health, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs. 

In-store vs. online

One of the first factors to consider is whether you want to shop in-store or online. Shopping in-store allows you to physically test a mattress before purchasing it but can also be time-consuming and limits you to the brands and models available at the store. 

Online shopping can offer convenience and a wider variety of options. While you can’t physically test the mattress before buying it, online retailers often have lower prices and frequent promotions along with generous sleep trials and return policies that will give you time to test out the mattress at home. 

Trial periods

When it comes to sleep trials, it’s important to choose a mattress that offers enough time to test the mattress in your own home, especially if you’re buying your mattress online. Sleep trials allow you to test your new mattress at home for a specified time period (usually ranging from 100–365 days). If you’re unsatisfied with your new mattress, you can return it for a full refund or exchange it for another model. A good return policy will be straightforward and hassle-free and should allow you to return the mattress without hefty fees. Be sure to read the fine print, as some retailers may charge shipping or restocking fees.

Warranties

When investing in a new mattress, it’s also important to consider the warranty that protects you against defects in materials and workmanship. Most warranties are valid for five to 20 years, but some mattress brands offer limited lifetime warranties.

Mattress toppers

If your current mattress is still in good condition but doesn’t provide the comfort or support you need, a mattress topper can be a budget-friendly option. Mattress toppers are available in various materials, such as memory foam and latex. The best mattress toppers can add an extra cushioning layer, improve support, and help regulate temperature.

Mattress care and maintenance

Once you’ve invested in a high-quality mattress, you’ll want to ensure you do everything you can to help it last as long as possible. According to Wright, a physical therapist in Idaho, a mattress should last between seven and 10 years, at which point it should be replaced. Here are some tips for prolonging the life of your mattress.

Bottom line 

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best mattress types for you. Innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattress types all have different pros and cons. We spoke with Wright, a physical therapist, who typically recommends memory foam or latex mattresses to older adults for the mattresses’ good support and pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses are also a good option, as they offer the best of both worlds—support from the coil structure and pressure relief from the foam or latex layers.

When shopping for a new mattress, decide if you want cooling technologies or adjustable options. Adjustable options may be good for people with sleep apnea, acid reflux, or chronic pain, as they let you adjust the bed to a position that relieves your symptoms.

Overall, choosing the best mattress for your needs involves considering factors like sleeping position, body weight, and whether you share your bed with a partner. It’s important to do your research before buying a new mattress, as the mattress you choose can have a significant impact on your sleep quality and overall health.

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Frequently asked questions

The best type of mattress for you will depend on various factors, including your sleeping position and body weight. In general, side sleepers will feel more comfortable on softer mattresses that relieve pressure in the hips and shoulders, while stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress that supports the lower back. Lighter-weight sleepers may prefer softer mattresses, while higher-weight sleepers will do better on a firmer mattress, which offers more support and won’t sink as much as a softer mattress.

There are four main types of mattresses: innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid.

When shopping for a new mattress, there are four main types to choose from: innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid. Memory foam mattresses are made from foam and are known for their ability to contour closely to your body’s shape. They provide excellent pressure relief and motion isolation, but they also tend to retain heat. Latex mattresses are known for their durability, bouncy responsiveness, and cooling capabilities. They can be very heavy though, which is a consideration if you have limited mobility and don’t have anyone to help you set up your mattress.

Innerspring mattresses use a metal coil support system and are typically firmer, more supportive, and more breathable than other mattress types. They don’t isolate motion as well or provide as much pressure relief. If you want the best of both worlds, consider a hybrid mattress, which is made with a combination of metal coils and foam or latex layers. Hybrid mattresses provide balanced comfort and support, good spinal alignment, and durability. Some hybrid mattresses are made with cooling technology like gel-foam, which can benefit people who sleep hot.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

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  1. Witters, D. Sleep Temperature Linked To Overall Sleep Quality, Wellbeing. June 21, 2023. Gallup. Found on the internet at https://news.gallup.com/poll/506201/sleep-temperature-linked-overall-sleep-quality-wellbeing.aspx
  1. Albarqouni, L., et al. Head of bed elevation to relieve gastroesophageal reflux symptoms: A systematic review. BMC Family Practice. Jan. 19, 2021. Found on the internet at https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-021-01369-0
  1. Iannella, G., et al. Head-Of-Bed Elevation (HOBE) for Improving Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (POSA): An Experimental Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. Sept. 23, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/19/5620
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