What is the Best Type of Mattress?

You spend about a third of your life sleeping, so it goes without saying that finding a good mattress that fits your needs should be a top priority. Poor sleep is not only uncomfortable, it can negatively impact your mental ability, emotional state—and if it becomes chronic, it can put you at risk for some serious medical conditions.

On the surface, mattresses seem pretty simple and straightforward. But inside that slick, plush cover, a mattress can be built with a number of different designs and materials, all of which affect the way a mattress sleeps and who it’s best for.

That’s why we’re pulling back the covers on the different types of mattresses, including foam and memory foam, innerspring, latex and hybrid—and give you a quick and easy run-down to help you decide which type of mattress is best for you.

Written by Deanna Otranto, M.S.

Reviewed by Deanna Otranto, M.S.

Last Updated

Memory Foam Mattress, Foam Mattress & Gel Memory Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses are one of the most popular mattress types on the market. They’re comfortable, affordable and typically rated a medium on the firmness scale, which is what most sleepers tend to prefer.

The support core of foam mattresses is found at the bottom and is typically a thick layer of durable polyfoam, which provides support to the comfort layers above.

The comfort system can include one or more layers and may be made from memory foam, gel-infused memory foam, polyfoam, latex or a combination of several materials. These layers are what makes foam mattresses different from model to model.

While there are many variations of foam mattresses, due to foam type and arrangement within the comfort layers, there are a few general pros and cons to consider about this type of mattress:

Pros	Cons
More contouring, which means it “hugs” your body more	Less bounce and freedom of movement
Great motion isolation (if your partner moves around, you won’t feel it)	Can sleep hot due to all-foam construction, although new technology alleviates this in many brands
Good for alleviating back pain	Not always ideal for stomach sleepers due to lack of support
Good for relieving pain at pressure points, such as shoulders and hips	Tends to lack edge support compared to other mattress types
Affordable	Foam that’s not CertiPUR-US certified can be harmful to air quality and the environment

Innerspring Mattresses

What is an innerspring mattress? Innerspring mattresses are also known as coil mattresses due to the way they’re constructed.

The main component of innerspring mattresses is the support system that’s made of individual steel coils, topped with thin layers of cotton or polyester. Unlike foam mattresses, there is no significant comfort layer above the coils, which means it does not provide the contouring feeling that foam mattresses do.

When pressure is applied, the coils compress, and they spring back quickly when pressure is removed, giving the signature “bounce” that these mattresses are known for. Innerspring mattresses are also significantly cooler than memory foam mattresses because of the empty space around the coils, which promotes airflow.

There is some variation between innerspring mattress options, mostly due to the type of coils, number of coils, thickness or gauge of coils, quality of steel, height of coil layer and the materials that are used on top of the coil layer. But despite the differences, there are pros and cons that apply to this mattress type in general:

Pros	Cons
More bounce and freedom of movement; good if you change positions frequently	Does not contour or conform well, so “hug” and pressure-point relief is lacking
Better temperature regulation due to airflow around the coils	Poor motion isolation due to coils being connected in one system (you’ll feel it if your partner moves around)
Strong edge support	Tends to wear out faster than other mattress types

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are ideal for those who are attracted to many of the benefits of a foam mattress but don’t want to feel as “hugged” or contoured. They’re durable, responsive, cool and provide a level of spinal alignment and pressure-point relief comparable to foam mattresses.

So what is a latex mattress? This type of mattress is made entirely of latex, which is a natural substance that comes from rubber trees typically found in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. To turn natural latex into foam for mattresses, two different processes are used: Dunlop and Talalay. Talalay yields a lighter and airier latex, while Dunlop is denser and firmer on one side. There are benefits to both production processes. Depending on how a latex mattress is constructed one, or both, of these production methods can be employed.

As the market for latex mattresses has grown, so too have the options. Some brands now offer latex foam mattress options, latex hybrid mattress options and even organic latex mattress options.

Latex can also be produced using petroleum-based chemicals, which results in what’s called synthetic latex. It’s not often found in mattresses because it has a lower performance and durability than natural latex. The primary benefit is a lower price point.

When it comes to natural latex mattresses, there are some shared pros and cons between the different brands:

Pros	Cons
High durability and lifespan	Because of its bounce, latex transfers more motion than memory foam, but performs well for most couples
Good bounce, pressure relief and freedom of movement	More dense and heavier than other mattress types; difficult to maneuver
Temperature regulation – Compared to foam mattresses, latex sleeps cooler	Expensive

Hybrid Mattresses

What is a hybrid mattress? Hybrid mattresses are typically made with a combination of springs and foam, but can include other materials as well, like latex, gel foam or memory foam.

The innerspring support core pairs with a substantial comfort system, combining the bounce and airflow of coils with the support and pressure relief of latex and foams. For some sleepers, especially couples with different sleep styles, a hybrid mattress can mean the best of both worlds.

Since the comfort system of a hybrid mattress can vary widely depending on what materials are used, there are many different types of hybrid mattresses. We’ve rounded up the main pros and cons to consider for this type of mattress:

Pros	Cons
Increased bounce and edge support compared to all-foam mattresses	Motion isolation is lacking compared to other mattress types
Good temperature regulation, thanks to added airflow around the coils	Tends to be heavier and bulkier than other mattress types, which makes it difficult to move around
Good balance of support and comfort features	Expensive

Keep in mind that many brands now offer a hybrid mattress in a box, with a generous trial period that enables you to try it out in the comfort of your own home before deciding if it’s for you. This is a great option for those who aren’t sure they’ll like the hybrid mattress they selected.

Thinking about purchasing a new mattress? Check out our Mattress Buying Guide for everything you need to know.

What is the Best Type of Mattress?

Memory Foam Mattress, Foam Mattress & Gel Memory Foam Mattresses

Innerspring Mattresses

Latex Mattresses

Hybrid Mattresses

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