Mattress types explained: experts decode marketing jargon

Buying a mattress used to be simple. With only a few brands to choose from and one type of bed, investing in a new mattress was fairly uncomplicated. But with more makes, models, and types of mattresses making their way into the market, finding the bed of your dreams can be overwhelming. 

Gone are the days of browsing any innerspring mattress in-store and deciding which one is for you. There are now four main types of mattresses and hundreds of brands you can shop online. With so much marketing jargon and advanced technology hybrids to eco-friendly latex and foam bed-in-the-box types, it's not always clear which bed you should buy. 

To narrow down your search, I've put together an explainer of each mattress type, its pros and cons, and a few of our top recommended best mattress buys. As Homes & Gardens' dedicated sleep editor, I'll help you decide which mattress type is best for you. 

Mattress types guide 

There are four key types of mattresses: foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex. Of course, there are more variations out there, such as wool mattresses, airbeds, and futons. And some brands even have their own specially adapted materials and fillings like Purple and Tempur-Pedic. So what's the difference? And which one do you need? 

'With so many different types of mattresses, it can be tricky to know what's right for you and your sleep', confirms Theresa Schnorbach, a sleep scientist at Emma Mattress. 'When it comes to choosing a mattress type, you need to first asses your sleep position, and any additional requirements you need to help you get a great night's rest.'

Theresa Schnorbach

Theresa Schnorbach is a psychologist and sleep scientist specialized in Clinical Psychology and Cognitive Neuropsychology. She has completed a post-graduate training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) with the German Sleep Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin (DGSM)), endorsed by the European Research Society.

Memory foam mattresses

Best for: Side sleepers, those on a budget
Pros: Great for pressure relief and joint support
Cons: Can sleep warm 

Christina Heiser, Director of Content at Saatva, says memory foam's defining characteristic 'is that it softens in response to heat and pressure, which gives it a body-hugging feel.' Great for people with joint pain, 'memory foam mattresses provide excellent pressure relief,' and are perfect for side sleepers as the cushioning foam supports spinal alignment. 

They're usually made from viscoelastic foam, a type of high-density polyurethane foam, and typically contain a 'support core (bottom layer) made of polyurethane foam, followed by a middle layer of transition foam, topped with a comfort layer (sometimes multiple comfort layers) of memory foam,' adds Theresa Schnorbach. However, these dense layers mean foam mattresses are warmer than other types of mattress. If you're a hot sleeper, we'd suggest an innerspring instead.

Innerspring mattresses

Best for: Side and back sleepers, those who suffer from backache
Pros: Great support for pain relief
Cons: May be too firm for some

If you've been sleeping on your mattress for more than a decade, it's likely it's innerspring. The original mattress type, 'innerspring mattresses contain a support core made of steel coils, topped with a comfort layer made of foam,' says Schnorbach. Hot sleepers are guaranteed to sleep cool as these coils promote airflow. 

Innerspring mattresses feel bouncy and responsive which is great for pain relief, but some may find the coil composition too firm for their liking. Made to last, innerspring mattresses are the most durable on the market, and can be found at affordable price points too. 

Hybrid mattresses

Best for: All sleep types, couples who share a bed
Pros: Balances comfort and support
Cons: High-tech can be more expensive 

'With a hybrid mattress, you get the best of both worlds,' says Schnorbach. 'It combines coil springs and memory foam to help remove that feeling of “sinking in” you get with foam types. This combination works perfectly for all sleep styles. Combine with minimal motion transfer, they're the best choice for couples who have different sleep needs or move around at night. 

Often fit with a cooling gel or graphite layer, or a comfort pillow-top, hybrid mattresses can get expensive. Additional high-tech features and the use of more than one material means they aren't the cheapest on the mattress menu. 

Latex mattresses

Best for: The eco-conscious
Pros: Responsive with bounce for support without the 'sink-in' feeling
Cons: Very expensive 

Latex mattresses may be expensive (the best tend to end up on our best luxury mattress guide), but they are the most sustainable types of mattresses on the market. For the eco-conscious, 'a true latex mattress is made of the sap of a rubber tree,' says Christina Heiser. 'The dense layers of latex make them extremely durable and long-lasting.' This also makes them 'ideal for those who suffer from allergies, since the natural latex repels dust,' adds Schnorbach.

Usually containing a support core followed by a top layer of comfort latex, these mattresses are known for offering a great balance between bounce and cushion. 'They feel conforming, yet buoyant,' says Heiser. 

FAQs

If your current mattress isn't that old, but you like the sound of switching mattress type, it's worth considering a mattress topper. They can alter your sleep surface from firm to soft – and visa versa – and add cushioning or support, depending on your sleep needs. You can get memory foam, hybrid, and latex toppers to transform your bed into the mattress type you like.