Mattress Comparison

Mattress Comparison; Innerspring vs Memory Foam vs Hybrid vs Cooling

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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There are so many things to consider when looking to buy a mattress that will invite you into a warm embrace every time you move past it. With so many options in the market now, deciding on the right mattress that will fit your needs has become trickier. 

But fret not! This mattress comparison blog will help you get out of the dilemma.

We will introduce you to every aspect of the main mattress types available in the market. The thorough mattress comparison will help you decide which can suit your sleeping habits best. 

Let’s dive deeper without further ado, Shall we?

1) Innerspring Mattress

Image Source: mattressonline.co.uk

If you are feeling it hard to fall asleep, one reason can be your faulty mattress. Innerspring mattresses can aid you in sleeping like a baby as soon as you hit its surface with the best back support. High-quality pocketed coils with soft cotton covering offer the best support.

Built

As the most traditional mattress type, an innerspring mattress contains a layer of coils covered inside a cushion of comfort material like latex, foam, or natural fibres. Although each company making the innerspring mattresses can use different types and numbers of coils or layouts to make them unique, the infrastructure stays the same.

Pros

  • Innerspring mattresses offer solid back support and comfort for stomach sleepers who prefer softer mattresses.
  • Comfortable with motion isolation and durability.
  • Available in a wide degree of firmness and support.
  • You can find many pocket-friendly options for a good mattress.

Cons

  • Since coils can deform, innerspring mattresses wear out faster than other types.
  • Rusty springs produce scratchy noise.
  • Innersprings offer less joint pain relief than other mattresses.

2) Memory Foam Mattress

Image Source: tomsguide.com

If you are a side sleeper and wake up with costochondritis or an aching arm, now is the time to change your mattress to a foam mattress. It is best for those who prefer soft bedding rather than hard and sturdy ones. 

Built

All foam mattresses are user-friendly owing to their softness. They have various combinations of density foams to make an amalgam of softness and support. 

You might have heard of Memory Foam. It is the best-known foam mattress that remembers the shape of your body and sleeping position to provide you with several benefits.

Pros

  • Ideal for side sleepers, joint pain, and discomfort.
  • Absorbs the impact of motion to provide a smooth sleep.
  • It eliminates the need to hear the screeching noise of the springs.
  • Highly durable in comparison to Innerspring mattresses. 

Cons

  • A few types of foams can trap the body heat, making them hotter than usual. 
  • A lack of solid support can cause a feeling of sinking. 
  • Foam mattresses are relatively pricier. 

3) Hybrid Mattresses

Image Source: nytimes.com

When you can’t decide between a foam or an innerspring mattress, the ultimate answer should be a hybrid mattress. This type of mattress provides both support and softness in one deal. Hybrid mattresses allow you a sound sleep for an energetic morning. 

Built 

As the name suggests, hybrid mattresses have the qualities of both innerspring and foam mattresses. They have a high-density foam base layered on top with coil springs. However, unlike innerspring mattresses, where the coil is only wrapped with a plush topper, hybrid mattresses contain three layers of foam, including support foam, memory foam, and foam topper. 

The support provided by a hybrid mattress comes from both spring and foam layers amplifying the effect of each other. 

Pros 

  • Ideal for couples with varying preferences.
  • Full-fledged back support along with joint and pressure point relief. 
  • Provide no sinking feeling as in foam mattresses.
  • Allow support of springs but on a softer note.
  • Produce little to no noise.
  • It can regulate the temperature better than foam or innerspring mattresses. 

Cons

  • It can be more expensive than either foam or innerspring mattresses.
  • It cannot provide motion isolation as satisfactorily as foam mattresses.

4) Cooling Mattresses

The best option for hot sleepers should be cooling mattresses. Cooling mattresses not only provide a chilling temperature to sleep soundly, but they also have several other features that are tailored around ultimate comfort. For people who sleep hot, they can use the active mattresses which allow for temperature regulation, which is an advantage to people who sleep cool as well.

Built

There are two main types of cooling mattresses based on their composition and use. 

Active: Active mattresses use electricity to regulate the heat more efficiently. You can control the temperature regulation based on your preferences.

Passive: Passive mattresses do not use electricity but rely on natural air circulation. They are cheaper than active mattresses but do not provide the same degree of comfort. 

Pros 

  • Most comfortable mattress type, especially if you live in a hot region. 
  • Regulate body temperature to counter nightly hot flashes. 
  • Provide more weight support in contrast to traditional beds.
  • Reduce snoring by keeping your neck and upper part at an ideal temperature. 
  • Cooling mattresses allow you to keep cold in the hot season & warm in the cold season. 

Cons

  • Unlike traditional mattresses, cooling mattresses are more expensive.
  • If the bed gets too cold, it might cause back pains and discomfort. 
  • You need electricity to operate these mattresses. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattress Comparison

Image Source: healthline.com

i) Which type of mattress is best?

Of all mattress types, memory foam mattresses are the best, and most mattress brands use foam features as a strong selling point. All foam mattress types work by making your body heat curve out your shape on the mattress, reducing the pressure on the body. A foam mattress pad goes back to its original form after use. Over time, the foam mattress will foam around your sleeping positions because of constant pressure being put on it, hence the name "memory foam".

ii) What mattress is used in 5-star hotels?

The pocket spring mattress is a popular mattress used in most hotels. The mattress allows for maximum comfort by providing no motion transfer from a sleeping partner. Furthermore, the pocketed coils provide consistent firmness across the whole mattress. The soothing pressure and complete body support from the mattress give it popularity in most hotels.

iii) What mattress is best firm or soft?

Both the firm and soft mattresses have their advantages and disadvantages. The firm mattress is slightly uncomfortable as it causes a strain on joints for long hours of sleep. However, for heavier people, the mattress firmness is a huge advantage since it does not compress too much from the weight. A soft mattress is great for comfort but is only better for lighter people, unlike latex mattresses which are known for their firmness.

A medium-firm mattress exists to bridge the gap between firm and soft mattresses and satisfy the firmness preferences of different people.

Final thoughts

Mattresses do not follow the ‘One size fits all’ rule which is why mattress comparisons need to be careful. Each person has their own preferences and comfort bars. Using the same type of mattress as everyone else can affect not only your sleep quality but also your physical health. Therefore, It is vital to make an informed decision so that you won’t regret it in the future. 

Featured Image Source: healthline.com

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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