A mattress is more than just a sleeping tool. According to a survey by OnePoll, nearly half of a person’s life is spent in bed, whether sleeping or lounging. Unfortunately, only about half of the adult population claim to love their beds, and 75% would love to make them more comfortable.
Certain brands claim their product has new features and materials to provide optimal comfort and support levels. It would help if you considered these beds, as high-quality mattresses offer adequate support to your spine and body, facilitating proper sleep cycles.
A bed’s structure, type, and materials significantly impact its comfort. Before buying one, whether in-store or online, researching these essential elements is necessary to arrive at an informed decision. For instance, scanning unbiased consumer ratings, such as this Keetsa mattress review, gives you an idea of the company and product quality.
Here’s a rundown of the most common mattress materials and their upsides and downsides.
Spring or coils
Innerspring mattresses rely on open or individually wrapped coils to make up the base of this bed. These mattresses are typically the most affordable type. But don’t tick this off your list yet.
Well-made coil beds can provide excellent support, especially those with the right number, thickness, and spring coil placements. Some brands come with a pillow or a firm top, depending on a sleeper’s preference. As such, they make a good choice for buyers who want a balance of luxury, comfort, and affordability.
The downside? Innerspring mattresses aren’t suitable for motion isolation. Avoid this if you’re a light sleeper or with a partner. This material can also wear out quickly if made with a thin top or low-quality coil springs.
Memory foam
If you’re looking for a soft yet firm mattress, look for a product made from memory foam. The support it provides helps relieve pressure from your bones, reducing aches when you wake up. Memory foam only moves when pressure is applied, making it a great option if you move too much in your sleep.
The downside? Memory foam is tense and compact, making it vulnerable to retaining heat. Hot sleepers could find this bed type uncomfortable, robbing them of a good night’s sleep. Moreover, individuals on the heavy side will likely find that memory foam lacks firmness or is too soft for their liking.
Latex
For some people, a cozy bedroom will only be complete with latex bed foam. Latex is natural and eco-friendly because it’s derived from the rubber tree. However, certain types of latex are synthetic and made from petroleum-based materials. Avoid buying artificial latex if possible to prevent potential health issues.
Dunlop and Talalay latex are two of the primary latex mattress types. Between the two, Dunlop is denser and firmer. However, it offers reduced airflow and is less pricey.
Like memory foam, latex is also soft but firm. These beds are recommended for sleepers who need solid back and body support while dozing off.
The downside? Choosing the synthetic type can expose you to potential health issues, especially if the mattress doesn’t have certifications. Like memory foam, their naturally dense structure makes them prone to trapping heat.
Cotton
Cotton has been traditionally used to fill mattresses. However, its performance has been somewhat questionable, especially if not mixed with other materials. Naturally breathable and comfortable, it can keep sleepers cool. Organic cotton is also natural and chemical-free, making it healthy. Instead of filling an entire bed, cotton is typically used nowadays as mattress toppers.
The downside? This material doesn’t provide support and may even worsen back and body pain. A cotton mattress attracts mites and insects and will lose its shape over time.
Wool
Like cotton, wool is another organic material used as a topper, a thin layer, or on the cover of some special mattresses. This naturally soft material is firm yet soft but surprisingly has fire-resistant properties, unlike cotton. When used as a mattress topper, it increases the bed’s natural bounce while retaining its firmness—making it comfortable and supportive.
Wool has thermal regulation properties. Its breathability can keep you cool if you’re a hot sleeper, while it can trap heat in its layers, keeping you warm during the winter.
The downside? Adding wool fillers and toppers can bump the price, and a poorly-made bed with wool additives can get loose and easily deformed.
Airbed
Contrary to its name, an airbed is made of other materials like rubber, vinyl, and plastic, with a thin layer of foam or latex. One good thing about an airbed is that the firmness and support levels can be adjusted based on the air volume pumped in or out during inflation. Some arthritis patients find that using an airbed may help reduce pressure and pain and keep the sleeper cool. Highly portable, an airbed is also a space saver and isn’t vulnerable to sagging like a foam mattress.
The downside? It’s the least durable of all the options, as it’s prone to punctures and leaks. An airbed becomes useless without the pump.
Hybrid
Manufacturers have mattresses that use two or more materials to fulfill the needs of all types of sleepers. For instance, coils are used alongside latex or memory foam to provide different support levels on specific body parts like shoulders and hips for side sleepers or the spine for back sleepers.
If you’ve read the Keetsa mattress reviews above, you’ll find that the brand makes beds with its proprietary foam mattress mixed with hemp.
Final thoughts
When picking a mattress, knowing the pros and cons of each material is just as important as identifying which ones to avoid. As mentioned above, synthetic materials are often treated with harmful chemicals that harm your health.
Although high-quality and organic mattresses often come with a steep price, it’s an investment worth making to preserve and promote your well-being. Before spending a considerable amount, though, note that a person’s body responds uniquely to the same bed. Make use of the trial period to test the mattress’s performance. Switch to another bed if the one you have fails to meet your needs and preferences.
