What Are The Best Mattresses To Buy?

Choosing the right mattress can be a tricky task as there are so many different types. When choosing the right one for you consider your needs such as joint support, heat regulation as well as hardness.

Sleep is such a personal and subjective topic that very often it is hard to find a one size fits all solution to a good nights sleep. However, one thing that everyone can agree on is that choosing the correct mattress is very important. Not only do you need to be comfortable but you should consider other needs such as lumbar support.

There are many different types of mattresses out there, with variations on each, but here we will cover some of the most common types of mattresses to help you get a better idea of which is right for you. We will cover: pocket sprung mattresses, foam mattresses, combination mattresses and open coil mattresses.

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

What Is A Pocket Sprung Mattress?

Pocket sprung mattresses are a type of spring-based mattress in which the springs are sewn into 'pockets' in the fabric. Each spring will sit inside an individual pocket. They are one of the most common types of mattress and work as an all-around good mattress. 

Advantages

One of the main advantages of pocket sprung mattresses, especially if you share a bed, is that movement is less transferable over the mattress. This is because the individual pockets restrict the movement and stop the roll of the movement across all of the springs. So, if your partner is really fidgety in the night then this may be a good option for you!

Another advantage of pocket sprung mattresses is that they are consistent across the entire bed. There are no soft or 'weak' spots in the mattress. The bed will be equally firm over the entire surface. This is again thanks to the individual pockets and the fact that they create an even level of tension.

A great plus of pocket sprung mattresses is that they offer fantastic support. There is no one part of your body that will be supported any less than another. So, this is why they are often recommended for patients with joint pain. Even if you and your partner are significantly different in height, size or weight you will both be supported comfortably.

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of pocket sprung mattresses is that they wear quicker than other types of mattresses. This is because over time the springs compress and expand so many times that they lose their support, meaning that you do not get the same level of comfort as in the beginning.

When it comes to a sprung mattress perhaps one of the first issues that comes to mind is the squeaky noise. However, this is more typical of older and more worn mattresses. If you are concerned about noise then you can always try the mattress out first as, after all, not all mattresses are made equal! Alternatively, you may want to look at foam mattresses.

Foam mattresses

What Is A Foam Mattress?

Foam mattresses are made from any foam material and one of their main attractions is actually the lack of springs. There are many different types of foam that can be used such as: latex foam, memory foam, polyfoam etc. Foam mattresses are a particularly newer type of mattress and gained momentum in the 2000s. 

Thanks to the different types of foam available to be used, foam mattresses are able to cover a wide range of needs, including budget. There are also different constructions available. These can include anything from a single layer of foam to multiple-layer versions to aid with things such as density and support.

Advantages

Obviously, the exact advantages that you can get from a foam mattress will depend on two things: the type of foam used and the construction. So, here we will give you a general overview of the main advantages of choosing a foam mattress. 

Foam's ability to contour around your body is a great advantage for those with achy joints and pains. Memory foam in particular is good for this type of relief. This is because the lack of springs means that you gently sink into the foam without the worry of added pressure from the springs. 

A great advantage of having a foam mattress that not many people consider is the fact that it's hypoallergenic. This means that if you suffer from allergies, such as dust or dust mites, then choosing a foam mattress may just relieve you of some of your suffering. This is thanks to the inorganic fibres used in foam such as memory foam which are dust mite and other common allergens-resistant. 

Unlike sprung mattresses, foam mattresses have a very long lifespan. This is because there are no springs to lose their functionality or padding to condense. Instead, you have a single piece or several layers of foam that are guaranteed to last you a very long time to come. Of course, it is worth keeping in mind that the mattress will vary greatly depending on the quality, type and construction.

Disadvantages

One of the biggest disadvantages of choosing a foam mattress is that they can differ greatly in quality. You may think that all foam mattresses are created equally, but that is certainly not the case.

For this reason, you will need to be careful when choosing exactly which foam mattress you want. You should consider the quality of the foam, the type of foam as well as how many layers it has regardless of the price. 

Another commonly-stated disadvantage to note is a personal reason. Many people simply do not like the feel of foam mattresses, especially those with memory foam. This is because the foam envelops you and can lead to some people feeling 'stuck' in the mattress, causing them to feel uncomfortable and even panic in some cases.

Before purchasing a foam mattress you should make sure that you try it out to ensure that the feel is right for you.

Combination Mattresses

What Is A Combination Mattress?

Combination mattresses are also known as 'hybrids'. They are a combination of both pocket sprung mattresses and foam mattresses, offering the advantages of both types. Typically they are sprung on the bottom and then topped with a foam layer to offer a cushioning support. The foam layer can also be made from any type of foam and can include memory foam, gel or latex.

Advantages

One of the main advantages of combination mattresses is their comfort. This is because they give you the best of both worlds by combining both pocket springs and foam. Many people attribute a great night's sleep to a weightless feeling and this is easily achieved with combination mattresses. 

The two different materials even each other out. So, whilst a memory foam mattress is not particularly bouncy and a pocket-sprung mattress doesn't provide a 'hugging' sensation, a combination mattress gives you just the right amount of support and movement.

Another advantage of combination mattresses is that they are breathable. Often people are bothered by the lack of breathability with foam mattresses, but this is not a problem with hybrids. The spring core of the mattress allows it to breathe and stops it from getting 'steamy' like with foam mattresses. 

In fact, because you can mix and match the type of foam that you want you can choose a cooler type of foam, such as gel, which will give you even cooler sleeping conditions. Basically, you can customise the bed to your preferences.

A final advantage of hybrid mattresses is that they have fantastic edge support. Edge support concerns the very outer rim of the mattress, which can often bend and sag with pure foam mattresses. However, the structural integrity of sprung mattresses means that the edges of the foam top layer are supported, allowing for a more comfortable night's sleep at any point on your bed.

Disadvantages

One of the biggest disadvantages of choosing a combination mattress is that there are simply too many different options to choose from. Whilst a standard memory foam top may be the right choice for some it may be too hot for others who would prefer a gel version. So, when choosing a combination mattress you will need to make sure that you do a decent amount of research.

The best thing that you can do if you are set on choosing a combination mattress is to head to a display centre and try them out. That way you can get a feel for the different combinations and see which one suits you the best.

Again, another disadvantage of combination mattresses is a personal thing: how firm you like your mattress. If you prefer a very firm mattress then a foam-topped mattress is not going to be the right choice for you. Instead, you would be better off opting for a pocket-sprung mattress.

Open Coil Mattresses

What Is An Open Coil Mattress?

Open coil mattresses are your typical sprung mattresses. Instead of having individual pockets for the springs, like in the pocket sprung mattresses, they have the springs out in an open formation. The springs are typically made from high tensile steel and connected in formation by a steel rod. This allows the mattress to keep its shape without the need for pockets. 

Advantages

When considering open coil mattresses your main point of reference will probably be a pocket sprung mattress. Although the two types may appear similar at first they do in fact have different advantages and disadvantages. One of the main differences between the two is that open coil mattresses have more give. 

So, if you prefer a softer mattress then this is certainly an advantage of open coil mattresses over pocket sprung mattresses.

A general advantage of open coil mattresses is that they are great for those needing an orthopaedic mattress. The springs offer a uniform level of firmness across the entire mattress as well as decent support and cushioning. So, if you need a bed with good support but still want comfort an open coil mattress may be for you.

Another advantage is that you can choose your level of firmness. You can choose from either soft, medium or firm and typically, but not always, this is reflected in the number of springs. Usually the more springs the better the support.

Disadvantages

As with any sprung mattress over time the springs will lose their ability to support you and will start to give. This means that you will need to replace your mattress sooner than you would with a foam mattress. Typically, people begin to see a dip in their usual sleeping spot as this is where most of the pressure will have been applied to the springs.

Another disadvantage of open coil mattresses, as opposed to pocket sprung mattresses, is that they do not restrict movement. So, if your partner rolls over in the night then you may also feel this movement on your side of the bed. This is something that may not seem like a deal-breaker at the beginning but can quickly become rather irritating.

To Sum Up

So, there are many different types of mattresses available but this is because every person will suit a different type of mattress. In some cases, this will relate to personal preference such as firmness, weight and restriction of movement, but in others it can be to accommodate needs such as lumbar support, joint relief and even comfort.

Because there are so many different types of mattresses out there, and even combinations within these different types, it is definitely worth heading to your nearest showroom to try the different mattresses out for yourself. So, there is no one best mattress to buy as this will vary from person to person. 

Instead, consider the points made above and compare these to your current mattress. Is there anything that you are missing? Is it too soft? Too firm? Think about these and they will help you to choose the best mattress for you!