It has been a very long time since I purchased a new mattress. I’ve done a little bit of research, but I’m so confused. I know I am looking for an inner spring mattress. I understand that in the support system pocketed coils are a good technology and that is something I should probably look for, For the comfort layer, I’m not exactly sure what to look for. They usually consist of multiple layers some all foam, different types of foam. I’ve also seen foam and latex. Is it better to look for a combination of foam and latex for durability. Will an all foam comfort layer be as durable as opposed to a combination comfort layer of latex and foam. And what are the best foams to look for?
Hi Nanposh - I know first hand how confusing mattress shopping can be. I spend my days testing them and the marketing claims still boggle my mind sometimes! Innerspring mattress these days are called “hybrid”, so that’s what you’re going to want to look for. Hybrid just means that it’s a mattress that’s a mixture between coils and foams. You’re correct in that pocketed coils are the recommended option for innerspring mattresses as this will really help cut down on the motion transfer you may feel if you’re sharing the bed with a partner or pet. It also helps with airflow, which will keep you cooler throughout the night.
As far as latex goes, it’s really a personal choice and preference. Latex is a lot bouncier than foam, so it depends on what you prefer to sleep on. It does tend to be more durable than foams, as it is higher-density, meaning its more resilient to sagging and breaking down. Latex is also an all-natural choice if that’s important to you.
There are many different types of foams that serve different purposes. For example, “memory foam” is that Tempur-Pedic feel that leaves a hand print in it for a few seconds after you remove it. Then there are polyfoams that come in different densities; these are more traditional feeling foams. High-density foams are typically used as base layers, where lower density foams are used in comfort layers.
If you haven’t felt latex before, I would recommend popping into a mattress store just to feel it. It feels significantly different in my opinion so I would suggest feeling it out before you commit to the high price of a new mattress.
Happy to answer any more questions or give specific recommendations if you need! Happy shopping.
I’m looking at a Sterns and Foster medium tight tight innerspring mattress. They use Intellicoil system which I’ve heard is the best. Is that coil system better than the pocketed coils or are they comparable? Thank you for the information on latex. I’m thinking it is better to have latex in combination with some type of foam in the comfort layer as opposed to just foam in comfort layers.
I have looked at hybrid mattresses but again I believe they are all foam and will break down quicker than an innerspring with latex, am I correct?
I know with hybrid models, they use coils in support layer and all foam in comfort layer. Even some innerspring mattresses use all foam in comfort layer, that is where there is some confusion. Mychief concern is comfort and pressure relief but also durability and resistance to sagging and body impressions as well. Because of bad experiences with mattresses in the past, I wish to make an informed decision this time. I thought all innerspring mattresses had latex in the comfort layer but it seems as though more times than not, the comfort layer is all foam and I’ve only come across a couple with latex in comfort layer so far.
As far as the marketing terms these mattress companies use, typically:
- Hybrid: a mixture of coils & foam
- Innerspring: a mixture of coils & foam
- All-foam or memory foam: no coils, just a mattress cut from different foams
- Latex: a combination of coils & latex (sometimes there will be a layer of foam as well)
Typically, a mattress will be explicitly labeled “latex” if it contains latex. Latex mattresses are less common, so if you prefer that look for one that says it in the mattress title or description.