Sleep is one of the most ignored aspects of the human routine which tends to create a variety of different diseases in the body. One way to ensure that you have good sleep is to make sure that the mattress you are getting suits your environment, body type, and sleeping posture. Foam, spring mattresses, and latex mattresses are the types we will discuss in this article.
You will find out why it is important to pick your mattress carefully through the various different aspects and uses of each of the mattresses.
What are Foam mattresses?
Foam mattresses are also known as polyurethane mattresses. A reaction of polyols and isocyanates mixed with other compounds make this material. Blowing agents and other methods help in making the material more high density. High-density foam makes the mattress more durable by reducing compression in them. These mattresses are very reasonable and comparatively low in quality in some cases. Polyfoam is usually used as top layers in spring mattresses since it provides durability.
The foam provides ample support but it is not considered as the most effective because of the lack of support on the pressure points. The foam tends to sink instead of contouring which does not provide good support. Although, in some cases, they seem much more effective for people that are overweight and sleep on their sides.
Memory foam mattresses are considered a part of the polyfoam besides a few differences.
What are spring mattresses?
Spring mattresses are exactly what they sound like. These mattresses are constructed with a series of spring mattresses that provide support to the sleeper of the mattress. The top layer or the comfort layer of the spring mattress can be made from any type of foam including memory foam which provides an added layer of comfort and support to the lumbar. Spring mattresses are a little less costly than other types of mattresses and they might also be suitable for everyone since the pressure points are very distinctive.
One of the best parts about these mattresses is that they are made highly durable if their top cover and top layer are of good quality. They remain cheap but since spring can come back to its position instantly, they do not compress for a long time.
Spring mattresses are also naturally ventilated. Since there is no high density in them, the air ventilated pretty well. These mattresses are great for warm areas and hot sleepers. An additional advantage is that spring mattresses never come with an odors or chemical smells that are harmful, pungent, and a little annoying too.
What are latex mattresses?
Latex mattresses are made of either natural latex, a mix of natural with synthetic latex, or synthetic latex foams. They are known for their features to be highly competitive and comfortable to sleep on. Natural latex mattresses are considered the best in the kind since they are made hypoallergenic which means that sensitive people can easily use it without a problem. Synthetic latex has exactly the same features at a comparatively lower intensity and a lower cost which makes them favorable as well. The mixed latex mattresses are usually only about 30% natural to support the synthetic material.
Latex mattresses are highly breathable and well ventilated which makes them a great fit for people who tend to sleep warm and wake up hot. They contour the shape of the sleeper to provide support and come back to the original form with the help of their natural bouncing properties. Since these mattresses are high in density and stable, they are highly suited for overweight people.
Foam Vs Latex Vs Spring Mattress – How to choose
The foundation sets the fact that each of these mattresses is different in their own way. However, if you are still confused on how to pick the one that is best for you, you can see the following comparison of different features.
Foam
Things we liked
- Weight distribution
Foam can easily provide weight distribution only if it is made of high density. This reason is why many spring mattresses have them as a top layer.
- Durability
Foam mattresses are made highly durable because of their density. They are cheap yet long lasting which is why they are still in the market.
- Off-gassing/odor
Foam usually does not give off odor or gasses. If they do in some cases, the smell goes away as soon as they are out of the packet and does not stay around for a long time.
- Reasonability
Foam mattresses are highly reasonable. Even the best of their quality is made at an affordable price.
- Weight
These mattresses are made of very lightweight. The thickest of them are not very heavy and easy on the bed.
- Feels
The thicker version of the foam mattresses is best for overweight people. These mattresses provide support to the heavyweight.
- Firmness
There is a variety of different firmness that you can get in this mattress. The firmness depends on the density.
Things we don’t like
- Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is a requirement for people that sleep with their partner. Foam mattresses are not suitable for this requirement.
- Dust, bacteria, and mold resistance
Foam mattresses are made with a reaction of two compounds. These do not have any other quality that keeps the dust, mold, and bacteria away. In fact, bacteria find it a very reasonable place to make their house.
- Sleep Cool
The high density and tightly fitted molecules do not allow air to ventilate through this mattress. This reason is why the body heat tends to make the mattress heated at night.
- Bedtime activities
Bedtime activities are not suitable for these mattresses since they tend to compress and they are not much bouncy so they stay that way. The lack of its ability to bounce back reduces a few years in its life if used for bedtime activities.
Spring
Things we liked
- Motion isolation
A spring mattress has separate springs that work on each side. This is why they are great for couples that need motion isolation in their mattresses.
- Sleep cool
Spring mattresses have the natural ability to be cool and ventilated while you sleep. The series of springs inside have a lot of room for ventilation which helps the mattress achieve this quality.
- Mattress sagging
Spring mattress provides partial support but they do not sag over time and take the shape of one sleeper permanently. They tend to bounce back because of the springs.
- Durability
The durability of these mattresses is quite high; however, it depends on the top layer mostly. The springs can last a long time but if the top layer is of cheap quality then the mattress might tear apart.
- Off-gassing/ odors
Spring mattresses barely use synthetic materials which is why they do not possess any odor. In fact, they allow the air to circulate so well that any stink accumulating is also removed.
- Reasonability
The price of spring mattresses is highly reasonable.
- Bedtime activities
Your partner and you can enjoy the bedtime activities because of the ability of the mattress to bounce.
- Feels
The feel of this mattress is determined by the various different top layers that can be customized or picked out from a wide variety of options.
Things we don’t like
- Weight distribution
Although some people may find it comfortable, the weight distribution on spring mattresses in not proper. The mattress does not work differently for each body type.
- Dust, Bacteria, and mold resistance
Spring mattresses tend to have a lot of room in them which easily allows growth of dust, bacteria, and molds in them. The top layer can also add to this if it is not a hypoallergenic material.
- Firmness
Spring Mattresses have a standard firmness which cannot be changed. Hence, the firmness needs to be compromised upon.
- Weight
Spring mattresses have metal springs insides them which make them very heavy.
Latex
Things we liked
- Weight distribution
Latex mattresses provide the best support in the most natural way. Each pressure point is softly targeted and provides ample support.
- Dust, bacteria, and resistant to mold
Latex is a natural material that is hypoallergenic naturally. It does not allow bacteria, mold, or dust to make a house in your mattress. These mattresses are also eco-friendly which makes them safe for everybody.
- Sleep cool
Latex mattresses are naturally ventilated enough to ensure that you do not become warm when sleeping. These mattresses allow proper ventilation to keep you cool throughout the night.
- Mattress sagging
Latex mattresses contour your body shape and provide support accordingly. However, they do not sag over time if they are properly treated and flipped every few months.
- Durability
The natural bouncing property reduces the mattresses’ chance of remaining compressed and allows longer lives of the bed.
- Firmness
According to the various different densities, the firmness of these mattresses comes in various options that you can choose.
- Off-gassing/ odor
Since Latex is a natural material, there are no harmful chemicals emitting from them with their odors. However, the synthetic ones may have a slight smell.
- Bedtime activities
Latex is naturally bouncy which enables couples to enjoy bedtime activities without the risk of compressing their mattress permanently and ruining it.
- Feels
Latex mattresses are made for everyone. However, overweight people benefit most from them since it has a high density and perfect pressure targeting options.
Things we don’t like
- Motion Isolation
Latex mattresses are usually designed in one huge material piece which makes the mattress move if your partner moves. Hence, you will not find this suitable for motion isolation.
- Price
Natural and synthetic latex is highly expensive which is why these mattresses are very expensive. They are also not easily available everywhere.
- Weight
The component of this mattress is very heavy which is why these mattresses tend to be heavier.