Experts generally agree that you should change your mattress every 6-8 years. This number can vary depending on how well you take care of your mattress. However, if you’re not sleeping sound at night or not feeling completely comfortable, it may be time for an upgrade. You deserve a good night’s sleep and all the benefits that come with it.
When looking for a new mattress, the first thing to consider is your comfort. What level of firmness is best for you? Do you have a bad back? What position do you sleep in? These are great starting questions. We always suggest going into a store and testing out beds for yourself. That way, you know what each mattress actually feels like. Here’s our quick guide to all the different mattresses available for you:
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are one of the oldest and most popular types of mattresses available on the market. These mattresses consist of a core spring or coil support system with extra cushioning provided by micro coil, pillow, or euro mattress toppers. Innerspring mattresses provide firm support while still being available in affordable options. Even though innerspring mattresses can be cheaper, they can also wear out quicker than other types of mattresses. Signs that your innerspring mattress might be wearing down are if the springs or coils become noisy and squeak.
Innerspring mattresses are best for stomach and back sleepers or people with lower back pain. They also don’t tend to have heat retention problems because the coils make for easy airflow. Innerspring mattresses come in various sizes, prices, and spring/coil types. Some common types of coils include: Bonnell coils, offset coils, continuous wire coils, and pocketed coils.
Foam
Foam mattresses are becoming more and more popular every year and may soon pass innerspring mattresses because of their long-term durability. These mattresses consist of multiple layers of various foams of different densities. Foam mattresses are softer than innerspring mattresses but still provide support. Their lack of springs combined with the nature of the foam makes it so the sleeper’s motion is absorbed by the bed.
Foam mattresses come in many sizes and prices. They are best for side sleepers, people who tend to toss and turn, couples, or people with joint pain. They can, however, trap body heat depending on the type. They also come in at a higher price range than innerspring mattresses. Some common subtypes of foam mattresses include memory, polyurethane (polyfoam, poly), and gel foam.
1. Memory Foam
Memory foam is a denser polyfoam that softens and forms to your body when pressure or heat is applied. It’s this kind of cushioning that provides great support for side sleepers. Memory foam adjusts to your body’s shape, and once you move, it slowly moves back to its original shape.
2. Polyurethane Foam (polyfoam, poly)
Polyfoam is similar to memory foam but doesn’t use the chemicals in the manufacturing process that make you “melt” into the bed. It is not as slow to move as memory foam. Polyfoam comes in three different grades that determine how soft or firm the mattress is.
3. Gel Foam
Gel foam is perfect if you want the benefits of memory foam but not the heat. It can be more expensive than memory foam, but it regulates temperature resulting in a cooler sleep.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of innerspring and foam mattresses. These mattresses give you the support and bounce of an innerspring mattress with the comfort of a foam mattress. Hybrid mattresses consist of a core spring or coil support system with extra cushioning provided by layers of foam.
Hybrid mattresses can be very customizable which comes at a higher cost. If you want support, joint relief, and to stay cool all night, you could find a hybrid bed consisting of a coil base and gel foam. Because of their customizability, hybrid mattresses come in a wide range of types. They are best for people with joint and back pain and work well with couples that have different preferences.
Air bed
Air bed mattresses are not the same as the blow-up air mattresses that you use when guests come to your house. Air bed mattresses consist of an air chamber support core that is adjustable with the press of a button. The chambers inflate or deflate based on the level that the user sets.
Air bed mattresses provide you with a super customizable sleeping experience because you can constantly change how your bed feels. Because you can adjust the air pressure that changes the firmness of the mattress, air beds have a higher price range than innerspring, foam, and hybrid mattresses. Some air bed mattresses even have two separate air chambers for each side of the bed which makes them great for couples. They are also great for someone who likes a softer feel one night and a firmer feel the next.
Adjustable
Adjustable bed mattresses allow you to adjust the head and/or foot height on your mattresses to increase comfort or circulation. Not all mattresses are compatible with adjustable bed frames. However, some brands like Tempur-Pedic sell these bed frames with mattresses that are appropriate. Most foam, hybrid, and air bed mattresses will work with your adjustable bed frame.
Adjustable bed frames replace your need for a box spring under your mattress because the frame works as a moving boxspring. Newer, adjustable beds even offer massaging features or separate sections so that couples can have different adjustments. Adjustable bed frames are also great for people with sinus or circulation issues, back pain, and those who snore. These bed frames (coupled with a compatible mattress) are the most expensive option on this list. However, they do give you the most customized sleeping options.
How We Can Help
At Wholesale Mattress Center, we want to help you find the perfect mattress for your rest, lifestyle, and budget. Now that you know what’s available to you, you can think about what you might want to consider for your next mattress. Contact us today for any questions or stop by and try out the pieces in our showroom for yourself. We want to help you get the best sleep of your life!
