Buying a mattress can be extremely exhausting- especially when you’re sick and tired of sleeping on a mattress that just plain isn’t right for you. Not only is it hard to find a good mattress that will make you feel better, but it’s so confusing to figure out all the different types of mattresses out there. I already talked about how to buy the right mattress- but today I am sharing all about mattress types and why you might want to look into them!
We recently were given a Madison Plush Mattress with an Ergo base from Denver Mattress to try out, and I have to tell you, in the process of selecting mattresses, I learned SO much about them. I always felt pretty powerless when it came to mattress shopping, but the salespeople at Denver Mattress really understand sleep and how to help you sleep better- I feel like I learned SO much. If you want to read all about my tips on how to buy the right mattress, please check out this post!
Now onto the fun. You’ve probably heard all about different types of mattresses, and if you’re like me, it might be confusing which type is which, and what benefits each mattress offers. It’s important to note that each person has individual needs, and each body is different. I am going to talk about my own experience with mattresses, as well as some generalizations for different sleep problems. This should not be viewed as medical advice or even a guarantee it will work for you- but rather a guide to help you find the right fit for yourself.
Memory foam beds are high density foam that mold to your body, and come in a variety of thicknesses and sturdinesses. There are both soft and firm support beds, beds that wick away sweat, beds that stay cool and beds that help warm you. Tempurpedic beds retain their shape shortly after standing up off them, and won’t break down or sag over time. If you like the floating on a cloud feeling- wether in a soft or firm mattress- memory foam will give you that.
Air mattresses use chambers of air to give you a firm or soft and even support while you sleep. These are similar to water beds (can you even find water beds anymore?) in the way they retain the air, but are a steadier option. Many have dual controls on the sides so husband and wife can sleep with different settings depending on their individual needs.
Each mattress supports you with the help of springs inside. Materials on top can include foam, memory foam, latex and others.
Innerspring mattresses tend to be more wallet friendly, and have a wide variety of toppers, materials and sizes. They also come in a wide variety of support levels to find the mattress right for you. They also might give more support for someone with more weight.
-Individually Wrapped Inner Spring Mattresses
Like the basic innerspring, you’re supported by coils that support your body and come with a wide variety of toppers based on your needs. These mattresses rely on the individual wrapping of each spring to help retain their strength and shape, as well as to help prevent bounce from a partner in the mattress.
Instead of a traditional bed frame, this base adjusts and even comes with vibration technology to help soothe you to sleep. Ergo bases, while insanely comfortable and cool, also come with some tangible health benefits. Being able to angle a bed can help with sleep apnea, can help to reduce snoring, and elevating your head and feet slightly can help to reduce pressure on your joints and give you a weightless feeling (one of the settings is even called Zero G- because it is very comfortable and takes stress off your joints like being at zero gravity).
Ergo bases are also fabulous for those who sit in bed to watch tv or work- they come to a full sitting position that supports your hips and knees without straining your back. I’ve loved writing in my bed in the sitting position- it is very recharging!
One of the most interesting parts of an ergo mattress is that if you have a king mattress, you can get separate sides (like pushing two twin mattresses together) so that two sleepers can have a different experience on each side. If the husband snores, he can sleep propped up a little at night to help open his airways, while the wife could sleep with her hips more supported by angling her shoulders and feet up a bit.
Mattress Materials
Many memory foam mattresses and pillow tops (as well as numerous mattress toppers) now offer gel to help absorb body heat, sweat, and regulate your temperature. This keeps you at a comfortable temperature and helps your body relax as it is not fighting to maintain an ideal body temperature all night long.
Many beds now can come with latex- a naturally derived material that helps give a weightless feeling in the mattress’ foam, and won’t contribute to harmful “off-gassing” fumes.
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