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The best type of mattress for you depends on several factors, like your body weight and favorite sleeping position. While there are many mattress designs on the market today, each type targets the needs of different sleepers.
We&#;ll highlight the different types of mattresses you&#;ll find online and in stores across the country and help you learn how to differentiate between them. We&#;ll discuss various constructions, along with the pros and cons of each, so that you have the tools to choose the best mattress for your unique needs.
Your individual preferences determine what type of mattress will complement your sleep environment. What works well for someone heavier than you will likely feel too firm, while a mattress that suits someone lighter than you may not offer the support you need. Additionally, back, stomach, and side sleepers often favor different firmness levels.
In addition to body weight and sleeping position, consider other features you might prefer in a bed, such as a responsive surface or one that has greater motion isolation. With so many mattress designs available today, it can be an overwhelming process to choose the best one for you. We&#;ll provide in-depth information about the most popular mattress constructions to help you better understand their feel and performance.
Breakdown of Popular Mattress Types
Mattress Type
Description
Pros
Cons
Hybrid
Hybrid designs can vary widely between models, but they generally include a combination of polyfoam, memory foam, latex, wool, microcoils, or fiber comfort layers on top of a pocketed coil support system.
Latex
Latex has a gently contouring feel with greater responsiveness than memory foam. Some latex mattresses consist of only latex layers, while others include additional materials.
All-Foam
All-foam mattresses contain multiple layers of foam. The comfort system typically consists of polyfoam, memory foam, or both, with a support core made of high-density polyfoam.
Airbed
Airbeds have air chambers in the support core that sleepers can inflate or deflate to change the firmness level. They often have additional comfort layers on top of the core.
Innerspring
Innersprings have a traditional mattress construction that uses coils for support. They sometimes incorporate microcoils or pillow-tops made from foam, fiber, or wool.
Foam mattresses offer exceptional pressure relief and motion isolation, and they tend to have a lower price-point than latex or hybrid beds. They often incorporate polyfoam, memory foam, or both within their layers. This mattress type typically suits side sleepers or anyone who needs substantial pressure relief.
Foam contours closely to the body, providing a hugging sensation that cushions joints. It also prevents motion from transferring across the mattress surface, which can be an added benefit for couples or co-sleepers. However, foam retains heat and can sleep hotter than other types of mattresses.
Natural latex comes from the sap of rubber trees and gives mattresses a resilient and slightly responsive feel. The material lacks the contouring of memory foam, which makes it a worthwhile pick for sleepers who need pressure relief but don&#;t like to sink too deeply into the mattress.
Since latex regulates temperature well, sleepers are unlikely to overheat on a model that includes it. This style generally costs more to manufacture than foam mattresses, resulting in higher price-points. While latex mattresses are durable, they can also be heavy, and setup generally requires more than one person.
Both hybrid and innerspring mattresses have coil support cores, and some manufacturers use these terms interchangeably. However, they have two distinct designs. On top of the coil core, hybrids often have comfort systems that incorporate foam, fiber, wool, or latex to enhance performance and target different needs. Traditional innerspring mattresses may provide extra cushioning by adding microcoils, pillow-tops, or Euro-tops.
Exact specifications between coil gauges and styles vary by manufacturer, but all hybrids and innersprings share some similar characteristics. Coils in the support core have space between them. This allows air to circulate within the mattress and prevents heat retention. The coils also provide a responsive surface that prevents sleepers from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Hybrid mattresses typically use pocketed coils that are individually wrapped and move independently of one another, resulting in less motion transfer.
Innerspring mattresses often provide robust support, though they can lack cushioning. While this may be advantageous for some back and stomach sleepers, side sleepers may want to consider if an innerspring model is plush enough to prevent pressure points before committing to a purchase.
Airbeds have an innovative design that allows users to change their bed&#;s firmness level with the touch of a button. This mattress type has air chambers within the core that inflate or deflate to alter the bed&#;s feel. The number of chambers varies by manufacturer, with some models including many different chambers in order to give users a highly customizable sleep surface.
Airbed mattresses are versatile and suit a range of sleeper types, particularly couples who prefer different firmness levels. They also suit hot sleepers, as the core retains little to no heat. However, airbeds can carry a much higher price-point than other mattress types. And while they are generally durable, electronic components can break.
We measure firmness on a 10-point scale, with the softest mattress ranking as a 1 and the firmest as a 10. Most adult sleepers prefer a mattress that falls between 4 and 7. Sleepers under 130 pounds typically favor softer mattresses, while people who weigh over 230 pounds require a mattress with substantial support.
Your favorite sleeping position also plays a role in what firmness level you prefer. We&#;ll break down the most common sleeping styles, explaining the best mattresses for each one and how preferences vary by weight group.
Side sleepers require the most cushioning of all sleeper types. When you sleep on your side, much of your body weight rests in your hips and shoulders. These areas can develop into uncomfortable pressure points if a mattress doesn&#;t contour to the sleeper.
The best mattress for side sleepers alleviates pressure points while preventing the midsection from sinking into the mattress and the spine from falling out of alignment. Regardless of weight, side sleepers should look for a mattress that offers plenty of contouring to prevent sore hips and shoulders. Latex, foam, and certain hybrid models are well suited to this task.
Under 130 lbs.
130 to 230 lbs.
Over 230 lbs.
Side sleepers in this weight range don&#;t weigh enough to compress a firm mattress. Opt for a model with a firmness level between soft (2) and medium soft (4) that offers plenty of cushioning.
Mattresses in the medium soft (4) to medium (5) range offer a balance of support and cushioning, which benefits sleepers in this weight group.
A medium firm (6) to firm (8) mattress provides enough support for side sleepers over 230 pounds, though they should still look for a model that adequately relieves pressure.
Back sleepers benefit from mattresses that combine support and pressure relief. While they tend not to feel the same acute pressure points as side sleepers, they can develop soreness or back pain if they sleep on a mattress that lacks cushioning. The best mattress for back sleepers features a midrange firmness, though this can vary according to weight.
Under 130 lbs.
130 to 230 lbs.
Over 230 lbs.
A medium soft (4) mattress provides enough support to keep the spine on an even plane while also providing cushioning for lightweight back sleepers.
Back sleepers in this category will receive the most support from a model with moderate contouring that rates between medium (5) and firm (8).
Back sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds generally need strong support to maintain proper spinal alignment. These sleepers typically fare best with a mattress that registers at least a 7 on the firmness scale.
Stomach sleepers need the firmest mattress of all the sleeper types. A mattress that&#;s too soft can cause the spine to fall out of alignment, resulting in pain or discomfort. The best mattress for stomach sleepers offers slight contouring to soften their sleep surface, though a mattress with too much cushioning can cause stomach sleepers to feel as if they&#;re sinking into the mattress.
Under 130 lbs.
130 to 230 lbs.
Over 230 lbs.
A mattress with a medium soft (4) firmness level typically provides adequate support for stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
Firmness levels between medium (5) and firm (8) give stomach sleepers in this category support that encourages spinal alignment.
Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds need stronger support than any other group. Anything softer than a firm (7) model will likely result in discomfort. A firm mattress with minimal contouring keeps sleepers properly supported on top of the mattress.
Finding the right model for combination sleepers can be tricky, as they need to consider multiple sleeping positions. Sleepers within this group should look for a model with a firmness level that&#;s appropriate for each sleeping position within their weight range.
Under 130 lbs.
130 to 230 lbs.
Over 230 lbs.
Look for a mattress between soft (3) and medium soft (4). The ideal model will have enough contouring to relieve pressure point discomfort for back and side sleepers.
A model between medium soft (4) and medium firm (6) with moderate contouring offers a blend of support and cushioning appropriate for this weight range.
Firm mattresses with ratings of 7 or 8 have enough support to maintain spinal alignment in various sleeping positions. Those who spend more time on their sides may want to consider a model with greater contouring to avoid pressure points.
David Rubin
Director of Product Testing
We&#;ve tested hundreds of mattresses to help you sleep better. All it takes is 5 questions.
Back
For sleepers who wake up in pain, switching to a mattress designed for your body type and sleeping position can help relieve discomfort. To determine the best mattress for body pain, consider the area that needs more support, as well as your weight and sleeper type.
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Sleepers who experience arthritis, back pain, or joint pain can find comfort from a mattress that both supports and cushions. A mattress with strong support will keep your spine on an even plane, preventing it from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Additionally, a supportive mattress that cradles your joints can prevent pressure points and morning aches. Opt for a model appropriate for your weight and sleeper type that incorporates memory foam, latex, or another pressure-relieving material.
If you experience frequent pain, consult your doctor or a medical health professional to ensure your mattress addresses your needs.
Shop the Best Mattresses of
Since mattresses typically last 6 to 8 years, consider purchasing a model that can accommodate your child&#;s needs as they grow. For example, a twin XL has the same length as queen and king models but has a lower price-point. This allows plenty of room for most kids to grow.
Picking a firmness level may be tough, especially if you&#;re buying a mattress for kids online. You can always add a mattress topper to change a bed&#;s feel and extend its lifespan. However, many online retailers offer sleep trials that allow you to return a mattress if it doesn&#;t suit your child&#;s needs.
While infant and crib mattresses incorporate multiple materials, they usually have a simple construction. To keep babies safely supported on top of the mattress, infant mattresses often have a firm feel. Some models are flippable, with one side designed for infants and the other for toddlers.
When shopping for a crib mattress, look for safety and material certifications that ensure the sleep surface is appropriate for an infant. Consider products that carry certifications from OEKO-TEX, CertiPUR-US, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Babies can be messy, and many crib mattresses address this. Waterproof infant mattresses and removable waterproof protectors make the beds easy to clean.
Innerspring mattresses often include a pillow-top to cushion and soften the mattress&#; surface. Without one, sleepers may feel uncomfortable sleeping directly on the coils.
Pillow-Top Mattresses
Pros
Cons
While waterbeds aren&#;t as popular as they were during their heyday in the s, you can still find a comfortable and supportive model in today&#;s mattress market. Instead of one single chamber, modern waterbeds typically feature multiple chambers and baffles that help prevent leaks and increase durability.
Waterbeds
Pros
Cons
About The Author
David RubinCertified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
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How well you sleep can play a significant role in how the rest of your day and week goes. Sleep deprivation has been shown to cause or exacerbate several mental and physical health difficulties. With so much riding on how you sleep, it only makes sense to prioritize the right mattress for your best rest. Several key materials can impact how a mattress sleeps, whether considering innerspring, foam, hybrids or latex.
Read more: Best Mattress
Innerspring mattresses may still be what many imagine when thinking of a mattress. These types utilize coiled springs within the mattress to create supportive structure and responsiveness. Memory foam mattresses have become popular for their plush feel and ability to absorb more movement than other types. Latex mattresses offer a more balanced outcome, providing responsive support and comfort. Hybrid mattresses utilize a combination of these other materials to create different outcomes.
Innerspring mattresses are not only the more traditional type but are also often more affordable than other styles of mattresses. These coil-based beds offer firm support and quick responsiveness to movement, making it easy to shift positions at night. That comes with the caveat that these mattresses tend to transfer motion more strongly than others. As a result, innerspring beds may be more disruptive for couples who don't want to feel each other shifting at night.
Read more: Best Innerspring Mattress
Due to their coiled design, innerspring mattresses provide firm support. Larger sleepers or those who prefer a firmer bed may find that these mattresses help keep them from sinking or feeling unable to move comfortably. The firmness and durability of these beds can be strongly affected by how many coils are used in the design and how thick they are. The more coils and the wider they are, the firmer and more durable the mattress will likely be.
There are several pros and cons to consider when debating an innerspring mattress versus another type. On the upside, these mattresses offer good bounce and responsiveness, relatively high airflow and are generally more affordable than other types. Conversely, innerspring beds are also known for high motion transfer, considerable variability in durability and reduced comfort for some types of sleepers. Specifically, some sleepers have noted that these types of mattresses are worse at relieving pressure points than foam-based mattresses. For those who prefer plushness, innerspring can also present some discomfort.
Foam mattresses predominantly utilize memory foam, polyfoam and gel-infused layers to create a variety of sleep experiences. Memory foam is often touted for its usefulness in comfort layers. This material molds nicely to the body, helping to relieve pressure points and allowing a person to sink into plushness. That can be particularly beneficial for individuals with certain types of joint or back pain. Polyfoam, another type of foam, is mainly used in support layers, where it can increase responsiveness and durability. Gel-infused materials are often used in conjunction with other types of foam to help keep the mattress cool.
Read more: Best Memory Foam Mattress
Foam mattresses are built by combining different layers of foam to achieve an optimal sleep sensation. These mattresses represent a great deal of variety and customization regarding how they sleep. The base layer is generally made from a high-density polyfoam, creating a strong support. Memory foam is predominantly utilized in the comfort layers, where it offers plushness and movement absorption. Foam mattresses may also incorporate gel-infused foam in some layers to help with heat dissipation. The gel infusion helps absorb and transfer heat, allowing the sleeping surface to cool more quickly.
The support within foam mattresses depends on the density and arrangement of foam layers. In general, the denser the foam, the more supportive and durable the mattress is. Couples often like these mattresses for their ability to isolate and reduce motion. How durable these mattresses are depends on the density of the foam used and the quality.
There are a few pros and cons to keep in mind regarding foam mattresses. Positive highlights are that these mattresses offer good pressure relief, high levels of motion isolation and highly customizable experiences. The negatives are that they often have higher heat retention, may off-gas a chemical odor at first and are higher in cost.
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring and foam designs to create a unique sleep experience. These mattresses blend innerspring's strong responsiveness with foam's comfort and benefits. The comfort layers of foam offer cradling plushness and some movement isolation, while the innerspring serves as an underlying structure of bounce and responsiveness. The goal is a balance between plush comfort and a strong foundation that offers a perfect mix of sinking and ease of movement.
Read more: Best Hybrid Mattress
The innerspring coil system within these mattresses provides most of the support. While foam layers on top soften this some, hybrid mattresses offer a higher degree of support than pure foam mattresses, although less than a pure innerspring. How durable these mattresses are will depend primarily upon the number and strength of coils used and the quality and density of foam involved.
The pros and cons of these mattresses can be diverse, depending on the type and quality of the hybrid. These mattresses have a broader range of sleeper types they can serve, offer strong support layered in plush comfort and help some with heat reduction and motion isolation. Conversely, hybrid mattresses are often more expensive, and the combination of materials can result in heavier mattresses.
Because these mattresses are so customizable, it can be more important to know what you want in a mattress and what type of sleeper you are. Different hybrid beds come with varied designs suited for different kinds of sleepers.
Latex can be derived from natural or synthetic sources, allowing for a range of purely natural mattresses to a combination of natural and artificial to a strictly synthetic latex mattress. People who prefer an environmentally focused product may find natural latex mattresses to be the boon they've been looking for. Still, it's important to note that natural latex materials tend to cost more than synthetics. Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, while synthetic latex is made from various petrochemicals.
Read more: Best Latex Mattress
Because of the unique material, latex mattresses can deliver high comfort and responsiveness. These mattresses are known for comforting body contouring without sacrificing responsiveness, thanks to latex's inherent resiliency and elasticity. A latex mattress feels somewhat like the body molding of foam but without the sinking sensation. Since this material adapts and supports, it can provide comfort even for people who shift positions regularly in their sleep. This responsiveness may be less than an innerspring system but is much quicker than foam mattresses while still providing much of the comfort of a foam mattress.
Latex offers consistent support across the sleep surface and is well-known for its durability. These mattresses can be made with different firmness levels based on the density and structuring of the latex used. How firm it is will directly affect how supportive it is. Depending on the firmness used, these beds can be ideal for sleepers of different positions. Thanks to the durability of latex, these are often some of the longest-lasting types of mattresses.
Latex mattresses come with several pros and a couple of cons. They offer a natural material option, have high durability, provide a responsive sensation and can be hypoallergenic. The downside is that these mattresses tend to cost and weigh more than others.
When looking for a new mattress, there are several factors to consider. Depending on your preferences and sleep style, one or more mattresses may suit you.
It's vital to understand your comfort preferences and consider that. Mattresses can range from very firm and not plush to very plush with a strong sinking feeling. Where your comfort zone lies on that spectrum can help inform what type of mattress could be best for you.
Support can play into comfort, as well. How supportive a mattress is significantly impacts what it feels like when sleeping. If you have specific joints that tend to ache, you may want to consider that when determining support. For instance, people with regularly sore backs may want a mattress with strong spinal support.
The durability of your mattress will determine how long it lasts. If you don't mind replacing your mattress regularly, this factor may not be as important. Durability tends to go up with cost, so if budget is a primary concern, durability may be less of one.
How hot you sleep can be another critical factor to know about yourself and your preferences. Hot sleepers can benefit from mattresses with better airflow or cooling properties. Examples would be the increased airflow of innerspring mattresses or the heat dissipation advantages of gel foam.
Couples often prefer mattresses with higher degrees of motion isolation. That reduces how much you feel each other moving in the night through the mattress. Foam mattresses tend to offer higher degrees of motion isolation.
Finally, budget is a crucial consideration for most mattress shoppers. Innerspring mattresses are the most affordable, followed by foam mattresses and latex.
Air beds: These inflatable mattresses are convenient because they can be folded up and stored when not in use. They are lightweight and affordable and can be ideal for camping or hosting an unexpected guest. Although their comfort and support are limited, they can more than make up for that with convenience.
Water beds: Water beds have water-filled chambers that offer a unique sleep sensation. These beds allow you to sink, potentially more than memory foam, and provide a high level of motion isolation, making them suitable for couples. They tend to be low on convenience and high in cost, however.
Adjustable beds: Generally electronic, these days, adjustable beds can have the head and foot locations shifted to be at different heights and angles. These can be useful for creating unique sleeping positions to help with physical discomforts or other issues like snoring and acid reflux.
Pillowtop beds: These mattresses can be represented in most types of beds already discussed. What makes this type is the addition of padding sewn onto the mattress, creating a plush and comfortable surface. The added comfort layer is often made from foam.
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