Types of Mattresses

There are currently numerous models of mattresses manufactured in different materials on the market, residing their biggest difference in the component used for the production of their inner core. Apart from this, each type of mattress can be coated with different materials with their own characteristics.

In Opinionescolchones, we have tested and developed a comparison between different mattresses to facilitate the difficult task of choosing the most suitable mattress for you. Here we present the four most popular and currently most sold types of mattresses in the Spanish market: foam, spring, viscoelastic, and latex. In each link, you will find a detailed description of their characteristics and information about their variations, prices, advantages, disadvantages, or the type of audience they are recommended. All this will allow you to understand the keys and the decisive factors to consider when choosing the perfect mattress.

Comparison of 4 Types of Mattresses

Viscoelastic Mattress 

Viscoelastic material was created for astronauts to withstand the enormous pressure generated during space takeoff, and mattress manufacturers soon realized its usefulness as a technology for rest.

The viscoelastic has great adaptability, generating a charming cloud effect. At first, this material can be somewhat firm, but it is very accurately molded to the body by body temperature and weight. The pressure on the surface of the body’s contact with the mattress is minimal, providing a pleasant sleep and avoiding tensions and muscle or back pain.

This material is also known as memory foam or astronaut foam because it has the peculiarity of remembering the shape of the body resting on the mattress. It takes a few moments for the memory foam to return to its initial shape or adapt to the body after a movement.

Another example of the pressure relief properties provided by viscoelastic material is its use as a base in operating tables in hospitals, as it also promotes blood circulation.

Advantages:

• Ideal for combating back pain, joints, and other orthopedic problems.
• Ideal for people with circulatory problems.

Inconvenience:

• Less perspiration than spring models, not recommended for very hot people.
• High-end material with a high price

Foam Mattress 

Foam is probably the material with the widest variety of qualities, firmness, prices, and characteristics in the rest sector. Next to the springs, foam is one of the classic materials for the manufacture of mattresses.

Polyurethane foam is the most well-known and used. In this type of foam, there is a huge range of great quality and durability, especially high-density foams and especially so-called HR (high resilience).

These foams have numerous technical names depending on the Fabricante (Bultex, Airvex, Eliocel, Tempur. …) One of its main features is the high resistance to sinking and other deformations and its durability. When buying a mattress that is exclusively made of foam (without layers of memory foam or latex foams), it should be noted that its density is more than 25kg/m3. The higher the density, the higher the quality and strength of the mattress.

Another advantage of this material is that it offers a wide variety of firmness. The latest generation of this type of mattresses also usually includes different areas of firmness adaptable to each part of the body, which are very interesting in couples with a lot of differences in complexion and weight.

Finally, the great advantage of foam is its moderate price compared to other more cutting-edge materials such as viscoelastic or latex.

Advantages:

• Hygienic and easy-to-care material
• Ideal for people who sleep on their backs and mouths
• Cheaper than other materials

Inconvenience:

• It usually gives off a smell that takes a couple of weeks to disappear
• Its thermoregulatory property is average compared to other materials

Latex Mattress 

Latex is a natural material that comes from the Hevea-Brasiliensis tree. In addition to natural latex mattresses (85% of this material in the composition), synthetic latex mattresses are also manufactured, which have similar characteristics but less elasticity and support for the body. Latex mattresses are priced high compared to other materials but also great advantages and great service life. The latex mattress is especially hygienic and resistant to bacteria, therefore very suitable for allergy sufferers.

These mattresses are usually of high quality and adaptability to the body. People with back or joint problems opt very often for this material as it optimally adapts to the body by relieving and helping to achieve the optimal posture.

Another positive point is their durability and strength as long as they are properly cared for and cleaned. Otherwise, latex mattresses tend to cause moisture problems. Therefore it is also recommended not to place them on materials that do not favor the correct perspiration of the mattress.

In addition, latex mattresses are very quiet compared to other types of mattresses that make noise if there is movement, so they favor a rest without discomfort, deeper and more relaxing.

Advantages:

• Recommended for all kinds of allergies
• Ideal for people who sleep on their backs and mouths
• It helps fight muscle and back pain

Inconvenience:

• Heavy material, not recommended for people with low mobility
• Without proper care, latex can lead to moisture problems

Springs Mattress 

The springs are the traditional material par excellence for the manufacture of mattresses. Despite the enormous advances in technologies and materials that the sector has experienced, this remains the best-selling type of mattress.

There are two types of springs used to manufacture mattresses: packed or bagged springs and bionic springs. In the first case, each spring is individually wrapped inside the small sack; this allows great independence of beds so that the movements are a part of the bed do not sit on the opposite side. The bionic springs are also independent, although they are not in bagging but placed in the shape of a double cone.

One of the important features of spring mattresses is their moderate price and a type suitable for virtually any public. Firmness tends to be high, although springs can be found with a firmness up to medium/low.

The spring mattress is also very hygienic, as its interior structure favors aeration, and therefore is usually chosen by people with allergies. This also makes them especially recommended for hot audiences and high temperatures.

In addition, spring mattresses often offer good back support in a healthy position that promotes restful sleep, combating back pain.

Advantages:

• Hygienic and high perspiration material
• Affordable price
• Material that is suitable for a wide range of audiences

Inconvenience:

• Durability somewhat lower than in other materials
• This type of mattress, when it’s old, can make noises

Choose the Right Type of Mattress

Choosing the kind of mattress that best suits you depends largely on the posture you sleep in and other aspects of your night behavior. Depending on whether the natural posture you acquire to rest is face down, face-up, or side, your ideal mattress will have to meet different characteristics to ensure your correct rest.

Apart from the position, the mattress should accommodate and support your body, always maintaining the natural curvature of your back without forcing or bending it. It needs to be firm enough to stay in the right and smooth position to fit it. Another factor to keep in mind is how much or little you move during sleep hours. A mattress suitable for a static person at night may not allow optimal rest for someone who changes posture often.

No less important when making the decision is to consider personal preferences regarding firmness as well as health aspects; back problems, other traumatic problems, or allergies. The weight and height of the buyer also influence when choosing a type of mattress, in addition to the size, because some materials are especially recommended or contraindicated for people with a lot of weight.

It is also advisable to take into account whether you sleep alone or are accompanied. Some mattresses guarantee greater independence when making movements without affecting the rest of the person next to you.

The price range between materials and features is also huge, so it is worth considering the use you will give to the mattress. For a second residence or a guest room, you don’t need to make such an important investment. Finally, it is also necessary to repair the body temperature of the buyer and even the climate of the place where he will use the mattress since there are more or less breathable materials that regulate the temperature differently.