Facts About Mattresses
Determine the best for you.
Determine the Right Mattress
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Mattress Types
When you get into specifics, it seems there are so many different mattresses on the market that it becomes overwhelming. However, the fact is, there are only 4 common types of mattresses. Lets review: Spring or Coil, Foam or Visco Foam, Latex, or Air. The Golden Rule in mattress selection: Pick the mattress which blends the most comfort with the most appropriate amount of support you need. Do not buy based on price as spending a little more on a mattress than anticipated is well worth a good nights sleep and a healthy feeling body throughout the day.
Spring or Coil Mattresses
These are the mattresses most of us are familiar with. The support of this mattress type comes from springs or coils within. A topping ranging anywhere from an inch or so of some cotton or man-made product up to several inches of cotton, memory foam, latex foam and other products is applied over the metal giving you various degrees of comfort.
While much marketing goes into differentiating between coil and spring, its my opinion that comfort and a good night's sleep are unaffected between the two. Pick whichever seems the most comfortable. Also, if you find a spring or coil mattress that has anything less than a 10-year warranty, do not buy it. Major manufacturers produce "entry level" mattresses to hit retail price points only. These mattresses are not designed to support full size adults day in and day out.
Most manufacturers also offer a premium line of coil or spring mattresses. My opinion is that if you are going to spend this type of money, your money is better spent on a Latex Mattress. However, again, the real fact here is that you should buy whichever mattress provides the best comfort.
If you are truly limited on your mattress due to your budget, most of us can find a spring or coil mattress in a good price range with a 10-year warranty. And, again, if your budget keeps you in this type of mattress, this is okay. But, do consider that generally, spending just a little more will get you an incredible night's sleep. Most people have never truly experienced a great night's sleep and don't know what they're missing.
Foam, Memory Foam, Visco Foam Mattresses
Much hype and marketing has gone into these new generation mattresses. They are truly an improvement over the spring or coil mattress. Rather than having an interior support of metal, they have a high density foam inside, usually topped with softer foam or memory foam providing the comfort. Most of these mattresses come with anywhere from 10-30 year warranties. It is my opinion that these warranties DO NOT differentiate between quality as much as it would seem, but instead are more of a marketing ploy aimed at gaining market share.
These mattresses feel differently than what most of us are accustomed to. Therefore, it usually takes 3-4 weeks of sleeping on a foam mattress to get used to it. This is okay and this is normal. Do not give up on your bed as being a bad fit until after at least 30 days. Most retailers, both storefront and online, will give you a 30-day money back or reselect guarantee.
A nice "pro" of the foam mattress is that when one person moves on the mattress, the transfer of energy is so slight that anyone else on the bed can hardly feel it. However, the main pro of the foam mattress is that it is very "accomodating" to various body types. Regardless of whether you are heavy in the middle, heavy on the top or maybe not heavy at all, you will get very good support whereever your particular body needs it, thus aligning the spine throughout the night. Yet, you will NOT have major pressure points causing your arm or leg to "go to sleep". Your blood will circulate nicely all night long. This is a bigger issue than what most people realize.
Bottom line fact: due to the slightly longer life expectancy of this mattress type, the quality night's sleep gain and only a slightly higher price point (generally) than the spring or coil mattress, most people are well suited to purchase a mattress of this type and will not go wrong by doing so.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are the relative new comers to the US market. Yet, they have been used elsewhere for years, decades even. These mattresses, while generally being the most expensive, are the best buy for the dollar. Their life expectancy truly is longer than spring/coil or foam and their ability to accomodate any body type is even better than foam. You can buy these online without trying and know you will get a great night's sleep.
Facts: Latex mattresses are comprised of an inner core of latex for support. Latex is rubber. It will take decades to break down and you should expect to get at least 20-30 years out of this mattress, if not longer. Some manufacturers offer various toppings over the latex core. For some who have back or neck problems may find these toppings help reduce or even in some cases, totally do away with any pain experienced throughout the day. I know a person who was in a car wreck as a teen and for more than 20 years just accepted the daily neck pain associated with her accident. However, for months now, she has no neck pain. The only change made in her life was a latex mattress with a 3" inch internal topper.
Talalay Latex, Dunlop Latex, Natural Latex, Organic Latex; all these are different types of latex. Each has its own advantage, but in the end, all latex is generally better than any other bedding material. The Talalay Latex is probably the most consistent in its quality, but it will generally be the most expensive. Again, really most any latex will make a great bed.
A few people have concerns about latex allergies. However, most manufacturers, if not all, use a blend of mostly synthetic latex and a lesser amount of natural latex. The natural latex is the only part that "could" cause an allergy. But, due to the manufacturing "rinse" the latex is put through and with the latex being so "wrapped" by the other components of the mattress, there is virtually no risk of getting in touch with the natural latex molecule.
Just as with the foam mattress, these beds do not allow for transfer of energy when one person turns over. Additionally, even more so than the foam, the latex mattress is truly accomodating. Regardless of body shapes, sizes and needs, latex mattresses provide the right support...period.
Bottom line, these beds are right for everyone and their slightly higher price compared with the longer life expectancy, is a great investment. I have heard of no one who, after 30 nights, did not absolutely love their latex mattress, as they were receiving an excellent night's sleep.
Air Mattresses
Air mattresses get their support from an interior air bladder connected to a pump that either increases the firmness or reduces the firmness based upon the settings applied. Air mattress manufacturers also generally offer their mattresses with varying degrees of comfort topping applied.
The biggest pro of this mattress type is that you can change the firmness of your mattress and with the more expensive ones, you can even change the firmness on one side versus the other.
However, while I have met a select few how absolutely love their air mattress, I have met many more who were very displeased with the amount they spent and were not sleeping well on their air mattress.
Bottom line, in my opinion, generally for a little less money, one can buy a latex mattress and gain a better nights sleep, while still allowing each sleeper to get the different comfort each needs.
Various Other Mattress Facts
Some very good news regarding mattresses is that due to the substantial improvement in quality of toppings, we no longer have to "flip" the mattress every several months. It still needs to be rotated every 3-4 months, though. But no more fighting with ceiling fans and huge king sized mattresses!
Pillows are now available in memory foam and latex as well as traditional down, polyfill, etc. While a pillow is truly a "personal" thing, just as with latex mattresses, most people find that latex pillows truly accomodate their personal needs, regardless of what they are. However, Memory Foam pillows are also a very nice alternative.
Always purchase a new box spring when purchasing a new mattress. Boxes wear out just as do the mattresses. And, boxes come in various degrees of quality, generally designed to match the quality of the mattress.
Also regarding box springs, most major manufacturers offer a "low profile" box spring. These are lower than the traditional box spring, usuallly reducing the overall height of the bed 4-5". This may be necessary when a mattress with a lot of topping is purchased. There should be little to no additional cost for this option.
Always use a water-proof mattress protector. Should anything, even drool, get onto your mattress, your warranty is almost assuredly voided. By looking at a stain, the warranty claim rep cannot tell what type of moisture penetrated the mattress, nor how much.
How deep of a fitted sheet do you need? This depends on the mattress you buy. Most mattresses with little or no major topping do not require an "extra-deep" pocket sheet. However, as the topping increases, the sheet depth needs to increase. The sheet depth ranges anywhere from 14-18 inches, with the tallest mattresses requiring the 18 inch ones.
Summary of Facts and Opinions
To review, there really aren't that many different mattresses on the market. Spring or Coil mattresses are good for the budget buyer. Foam, Memory Foam or Visco Foam mattresses are a definite improvement. Latex mattresses are, in my opinion, the best buy for the money and are the most accomodating to any individual's needs. Air mattresses are questionable, at best. I sell mattresses in a retail storefront and have gathered this information from a mattress manufacturer's training, customers' feedback, and from my own experience of testing mattresses and sleeping nightly on a latex mattress.
The retailers on this site have been checked out and offer products of high quality and their prices are generally lower than that of a traditional storefront retailer.
FITZZ offers some of best prices on latex mattresses. They also offer other fitness related items.
When you get into specifics, it seems there are so many different mattresses on the market that it becomes overwhelming. However, the fact is, there are only 4 common types of mattresses. Lets review: Spring or Coil, Foam or Visco Foam, Latex, or Air. The Golden Rule in mattress selection: Pick the mattress which blends the most comfort with the most appropriate amount of support you need. Do not buy based on price as spending a little more on a mattress than anticipated is well worth a good nights sleep and a healthy feeling body throughout the day.
Spring or Coil Mattresses
These are the mattresses most of us are familiar with. The support of this mattress type comes from springs or coils within. A topping ranging anywhere from an inch or so of some cotton or man-made product up to several inches of cotton, memory foam, latex foam and other products is applied over the metal giving you various degrees of comfort.
While much marketing goes into differentiating between coil and spring, its my opinion that comfort and a good night's sleep are unaffected between the two. Pick whichever seems the most comfortable. Also, if you find a spring or coil mattress that has anything less than a 10-year warranty, do not buy it. Major manufacturers produce "entry level" mattresses to hit retail price points only. These mattresses are not designed to support full size adults day in and day out.
Most manufacturers also offer a premium line of coil or spring mattresses. My opinion is that if you are going to spend this type of money, your money is better spent on a Latex Mattress. However, again, the real fact here is that you should buy whichever mattress provides the best comfort.
If you are truly limited on your mattress due to your budget, most of us can find a spring or coil mattress in a good price range with a 10-year warranty. And, again, if your budget keeps you in this type of mattress, this is okay. But, do consider that generally, spending just a little more will get you an incredible night's sleep. Most people have never truly experienced a great night's sleep and don't know what they're missing.
Foam, Memory Foam, Visco Foam Mattresses
Much hype and marketing has gone into these new generation mattresses. They are truly an improvement over the spring or coil mattress. Rather than having an interior support of metal, they have a high density foam inside, usually topped with softer foam or memory foam providing the comfort. Most of these mattresses come with anywhere from 10-30 year warranties. It is my opinion that these warranties DO NOT differentiate between quality as much as it would seem, but instead are more of a marketing ploy aimed at gaining market share.
These mattresses feel differently than what most of us are accustomed to. Therefore, it usually takes 3-4 weeks of sleeping on a foam mattress to get used to it. This is okay and this is normal. Do not give up on your bed as being a bad fit until after at least 30 days. Most retailers, both storefront and online, will give you a 30-day money back or reselect guarantee.
A nice "pro" of the foam mattress is that when one person moves on the mattress, the transfer of energy is so slight that anyone else on the bed can hardly feel it. However, the main pro of the foam mattress is that it is very "accomodating" to various body types. Regardless of whether you are heavy in the middle, heavy on the top or maybe not heavy at all, you will get very good support whereever your particular body needs it, thus aligning the spine throughout the night. Yet, you will NOT have major pressure points causing your arm or leg to "go to sleep". Your blood will circulate nicely all night long. This is a bigger issue than what most people realize.
Bottom line fact: due to the slightly longer life expectancy of this mattress type, the quality night's sleep gain and only a slightly higher price point (generally) than the spring or coil mattress, most people are well suited to purchase a mattress of this type and will not go wrong by doing so.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are the relative new comers to the US market. Yet, they have been used elsewhere for years, decades even. These mattresses, while generally being the most expensive, are the best buy for the dollar. Their life expectancy truly is longer than spring/coil or foam and their ability to accomodate any body type is even better than foam. You can buy these online without trying and know you will get a great night's sleep.
Facts: Latex mattresses are comprised of an inner core of latex for support. Latex is rubber. It will take decades to break down and you should expect to get at least 20-30 years out of this mattress, if not longer. Some manufacturers offer various toppings over the latex core. For some who have back or neck problems may find these toppings help reduce or even in some cases, totally do away with any pain experienced throughout the day. I know a person who was in a car wreck as a teen and for more than 20 years just accepted the daily neck pain associated with her accident. However, for months now, she has no neck pain. The only change made in her life was a latex mattress with a 3" inch internal topper.
Talalay Latex, Dunlop Latex, Natural Latex, Organic Latex; all these are different types of latex. Each has its own advantage, but in the end, all latex is generally better than any other bedding material. The Talalay Latex is probably the most consistent in its quality, but it will generally be the most expensive. Again, really most any latex will make a great bed.
A few people have concerns about latex allergies. However, most manufacturers, if not all, use a blend of mostly synthetic latex and a lesser amount of natural latex. The natural latex is the only part that "could" cause an allergy. But, due to the manufacturing "rinse" the latex is put through and with the latex being so "wrapped" by the other components of the mattress, there is virtually no risk of getting in touch with the natural latex molecule.
Just as with the foam mattress, these beds do not allow for transfer of energy when one person turns over. Additionally, even more so than the foam, the latex mattress is truly accomodating. Regardless of body shapes, sizes and needs, latex mattresses provide the right support...period.
Bottom line, these beds are right for everyone and their slightly higher price compared with the longer life expectancy, is a great investment. I have heard of no one who, after 30 nights, did not absolutely love their latex mattress, as they were receiving an excellent night's sleep.
Air Mattresses
Air mattresses get their support from an interior air bladder connected to a pump that either increases the firmness or reduces the firmness based upon the settings applied. Air mattress manufacturers also generally offer their mattresses with varying degrees of comfort topping applied.
The biggest pro of this mattress type is that you can change the firmness of your mattress and with the more expensive ones, you can even change the firmness on one side versus the other.
However, while I have met a select few how absolutely love their air mattress, I have met many more who were very displeased with the amount they spent and were not sleeping well on their air mattress.
Bottom line, in my opinion, generally for a little less money, one can buy a latex mattress and gain a better nights sleep, while still allowing each sleeper to get the different comfort each needs.
Various Other Mattress Facts
Some very good news regarding mattresses is that due to the substantial improvement in quality of toppings, we no longer have to "flip" the mattress every several months. It still needs to be rotated every 3-4 months, though. But no more fighting with ceiling fans and huge king sized mattresses!
Pillows are now available in memory foam and latex as well as traditional down, polyfill, etc. While a pillow is truly a "personal" thing, just as with latex mattresses, most people find that latex pillows truly accomodate their personal needs, regardless of what they are. However, Memory Foam pillows are also a very nice alternative.
Always purchase a new box spring when purchasing a new mattress. Boxes wear out just as do the mattresses. And, boxes come in various degrees of quality, generally designed to match the quality of the mattress.
Also regarding box springs, most major manufacturers offer a "low profile" box spring. These are lower than the traditional box spring, usuallly reducing the overall height of the bed 4-5". This may be necessary when a mattress with a lot of topping is purchased. There should be little to no additional cost for this option.
Always use a water-proof mattress protector. Should anything, even drool, get onto your mattress, your warranty is almost assuredly voided. By looking at a stain, the warranty claim rep cannot tell what type of moisture penetrated the mattress, nor how much.
How deep of a fitted sheet do you need? This depends on the mattress you buy. Most mattresses with little or no major topping do not require an "extra-deep" pocket sheet. However, as the topping increases, the sheet depth needs to increase. The sheet depth ranges anywhere from 14-18 inches, with the tallest mattresses requiring the 18 inch ones.
Summary of Facts and Opinions
To review, there really aren't that many different mattresses on the market. Spring or Coil mattresses are good for the budget buyer. Foam, Memory Foam or Visco Foam mattresses are a definite improvement. Latex mattresses are, in my opinion, the best buy for the money and are the most accomodating to any individual's needs. Air mattresses are questionable, at best. I sell mattresses in a retail storefront and have gathered this information from a mattress manufacturer's training, customers' feedback, and from my own experience of testing mattresses and sleeping nightly on a latex mattress.
The retailers on this site have been checked out and offer products of high quality and their prices are generally lower than that of a traditional storefront retailer.
FITZZ offers some of best prices on latex mattresses. They also offer other fitness related items.
