We all know mattresses are more than simple masses of fabric. Every single mattress feels different for a reason. That’s not all either. One person might not feel the same way with a certain mattress the way another person does. Such a thing might seem like a bothersome concept to some- after all, is it really worth thinking so much about a simple mattress? I like to think that it is. The type of mattress you use can change the way you sleep.
There are so many different types of mattresses. Depending on what type you get and how compatible it is with your body, you might wake up sore, or you might wake up feeling like you had the best sleep ever.
With all of that in mind, I’m here to help make choosing a mattress as easy as possible for you. I’ve used all the types of mattresses available on the market and obtained a good feel of how each one works. After you’ve read through everything, getting the perfect mattress for yourself will be a piece of cake. So, without further ado, let’s delve into it.
Different Types of Mattresses
1. Latex Mattress
It’s easy to get an idea of what type of mattress this is. The name pretty much gives it away- this type of mattress is made up of latex. The grids also contain rubber material, which makes the mattress itself bouncier. And, as if that isn’t good enough, the insulation system is rather good too.
This sort of mattress is great for people who sleep on their sides or their back. It also contains hypoallergenic properties, making it a great option for those who suffer from allergies.
Pros of Latex Mattress
- This material is perfect for those looking for relief from back or neck pain, as it provides superb pressure point relief.
- Latex is softer than most other materials, so there’s more comfort.
- No uncomfortable heat buildup occurs when someone lays at the same spot for hours.
- Motion isolation system prevents interruptions from unwanted movement caused by others lying in bed.
- Ideal for people with allergies.
Cons of Latex Mattress
- Initial unpacking brings out a foul smell along with a few unhealthy gases.
- Comparatively expensive.
2. Foam Mattress
I’m sure you certainly know about this sort of mattress. There’s a high chance that the mattress you own is a foam mattress. As this sort of mattress is made with foam, it’s one of the softest kinds of mattresses available on the market, especially when it comes to the softness of the upper part. Something else to note is that some brands also add extra layers to make the mattress more comfortable for certain parts of your body.
A foam mattress is good for side, back and front sleepers. It also helps in alleviating back pain.
Now, before we get to the pros and cons, there’s one more thing you should know. Or two, to be more precise. Foam mattresses are available in two types in and of themselves. I’ll briefly talk about both sides to make sure I get you up to speed about this type of mattress. The first is the memory foam mattress, which uses an open-cell structure. It can do quite well when it comes to remembering pressure points of the body. This sort of foam mattress is a great option for stomach sleepers.
Re-bonded foam mattress, the second type of foam mattress, is a distinctive amalgamation of scrap and reclaimed foams. Both of these foams are put together with immense pressure so that the mattress itself can better keep its shape. In a way, that makes this sort of foam mattress better than the memory foam mattress. Now, let’s finish this portion off with the pros and cons.
Pros of Foam Mattress
- Retains pressure well and supports a lot of weight.
- The shape goes back to normal nearly as soon as the weight on the mattress comes off.
- Perfect for stomach sleepers.
- Good for getting rid of neck pains.
Cons of Foam Mattress
- Quality varies way too much between different models.
- Some can spread chemicals that smell odd.
- Contouring can feel off-putting for some people.
3. Air Mattress
You might wonder if these mattresses can actually hold a person’s weight. Whilst they’re not as solid as the earlier mattresses I spoke about, they can handle quite a bit of weight without any issues. You do not need to worry about the whole thing bursting as soon as you lay on an air mattress. That’s because air mattresses are made up of high-end PVC material. From my experiments, I can say that this kind of mattress is perfect for a single person. Although, certain variants can take as many as two or three people despite being only filled with air.
Air mattresses are ideal for front sleepers. They can also prevent the chest and hip from sinking lower than other body parts, ensuring that there’s no resulting back or neck pain.
Pros of Air Mattress
- Very lightweight.
- Stays at cool and comfortable temperatures because of great insulation.
- Can be easily stored as the air can be manually removed.
Cons of Air Mattress
- Might feel too firm for some people.
- Chances of leakage or punctures.
4. Coir Mattress
This sort of mattress might seem unfamiliar to most people. It’s not as commonly used, but it’s actually one of my favourite types of mattresses. That’s because it comes with benefits that are directed towards both the user and the environment. To begin with, coir mattresses are made up of coconut coir. Yep, that’s right. Odd as it may sound, this mattress has a solid build despite being made of a material like that. You’ll still be able to feel comfortable. Plus, such construction makes this mattress very fitting for usage in an Indian country.
There is something to take note of, though- even if coir mattresses are comfortable and quite cheap as well, they don’t actually last very long. So, I’d suggest keeping this one in mind only as a good short-term alternative.
A coir mattress works well for side, front as well as back sleepers. It’s great for summers as this kind of mattress has good air circulation and stays cool. It doesn’t hold bed bugs either. That’s a great thing, as bed bugs are a big nuisance in some parts of India.
Pros of Coir Mattress
- Eco-friendly due to being made of organic material.
- The base section is firm.
- Very economical.
- Great as a temporary replacement due to the low price.
- They don’t get infested with bed bugs.
Cons of Coir Mattress
- It still sags too quickly.
- Doesn’t return to its original shape after weight is taken off.
- Short lifespan.
5. Spring Mattress
These mattresses are specifically designed to be springy, and they’re built with an intricate spring system. Although, durability on this sort of mattress isn’t particularly high either. Hence, I’d recommend you only get a spring mattress if you need something short term and don’t want to go for a coir mattress. Spring mattresses should feel comfortable for most people, though if you tend to turn a lot in your sleep, they’re not as good a choice as the control of motion transfer is subpar.
Spring mattresses are ideal for back and front sleepers. They also alleviate backaches, are odour free and stay cool during hot days.
Pros of Spring Mattress
- Doesn’t sag much due to the spring system.
- Feels bouncy and soft.
- Fairly inexpensive.
Cons of Spring Mattress
- Not very durable.
- Control of motion transfer isn’t good.
Different Types of Mattresses: Quick Comparison
Here’s a table summary of each type of mattress so you can compare.
| Characteristic | Latex Mattress | Foam Mattress | Air Mattress | Coir Mattress | Spring Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal Sleeping Position | Side, Back | Side, Back and Front | Front | Side, Back and Front | Back and Front |
| Comfort Level | Average | Good | Average | Beyond Average | Average |
| Support For Back | Beyond Average | Good | Beyond Average | Average | Poor |
| Breathability | Good | Poor | Beyond Average | Beyond Average | Average |
| Lifespan | Average | Good | Average | Poor | Average |
| Affordability | Poor | Poor | Poor | Good | Beyond Average |
Wrapping Up
There you go. You can now consider yourself fairly knowledgeable on the different types of mattresses commonly found in the Indian market.
Although, you might need to know more about mattresses than just the types if you’re planning to get yourself one. I would suggest looking through our article on the best mattresses in India, where I, along with my team, have put together a comprehensive buying guide. It contains information about types of mattresses. But beyond that, it also contains information on some advanced features found in mattresses alongside some tips on maintaining mattresses.
I wish you good luck in finding the best mattress for yourself.
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