There are two main types of mattresses: the innerspring and foam.
Innerspring
The most popular type of mattress is the innerspring. They have a number of spring steel coils (hence the name “innerspring”) with a soft layer of foam, fibers or a combination of both on top the springs that provides comfort, cushioning and further support. A special type of innerspring mattress called a Pillow Top has an extra layer of cushioning on top.
An innerspring consists of three components. The foundation or box spring is the supportive base of the mattress. The support system is inside the mattress and is what consists of the innersprings. On top of the support system is the comfort layers which is the upholstery consisting of foam, fibers and fabric.
Innersprings can be divided into four main types depending on the make of their coils:
Open or Bonnel mattresses have inside them coils that are shaped like hourglasses and these coils are attached to spirals made from wire called helicals. While this type of mattress provides excellent support, they also tend to be not as durable other types.
Offset coils differ from Open ones by having a square head and this is designed to make them more durable.
Marshall coils have the innersprings separately contained in a pocket of fabric. This ensures that each coil doesn’t transfer movement to those coils around it and makes the mattress more stable and resistant to movement.
Continuous coil is the fourth and final type of innerspring mattress. It is also the most expensive. These mattresses have rows of coils made from a single section of wire and therefore offer more support than other types and are the most durable.
With modern day mattress the actual coil doesn’t matter as it once did. In days gone past, the more coils the more comfortable and supportive the mattress would be. But with the advancement in mattress technology manufactures can produce mattresses which are just as comfortable with a smaller amount of coils.
Foam
The other main type of mattress is constructed from foam. Instead of containing coils, this type of mattress has a supportive core which is made from foam. However, like innersprings they also consist of a foundation and support layer. They can be divided into three types:
Latex foam comes from the rubber tree and is a material which is hypo-allergenic, dust mite resistant and breathable. This type of foam hugs your body to produce maximum support and comfort. A latex foam is usually a cheap foam mattress.
Visco-Elastic Memory Foam is a man-made space age material and is the most expensive. The foam moulds to the shape of your body in response to the heat that you produce. This makes them extremely comfortable and supportive but can also mean they are hotter than other types of mattresses. They are also heavier than latex foam. It is possible to find a cheap memory foam mattress if you do your research.
Finally, soy foam is made from soy and is biodegradable. This type of mattress is a great choice if you are wanting a natural and environmentally-friendly option.
