Mattress Types DEBUNKED
Feb 25th 2020
1. Air Chamber Beds
Air chamber beds, also known as airbeds, are composed of individualized air chambers that can be inflated (or deflated) to make them as firm or soft as the sleeper desires. Most airbeds on the market today also come with remote controls that can adjust the bed in an instant.
Pros
- adjustable air chambers
- easy to clean
- minimal motion-transfer
Cons
- Noisy while adjusting the bed
- Tend to be pricey
- mechanic components require replacements
2. Innerspring
An innerspring mattress uses springs or coils within the mattress. They are usually comprised of layers of other materials, such as memory foam or latex, which adds comfort to the ‘springiness’ of its core.
Pros
- Durable, long-lasting
- Affordable
- Air-flow for cool temperatures
Cons
- motion transfer
- does not support pressure points
- attract dust mites and allergens
3. Memory Foam
Memory foam is a soft and dense material, usually made of polyurethane, that makes for a supportive and body-conforming mattress. Memory foam mattresses take the shape of a sleeper’s body through body-heat transfer and are often used to relieve pressure along the body.
Pros
- Body-contouring
- Hypo-allergenic
- minimal motion-transfer
Cons
- Heavy
- Hot
- strong odors
- difficult to clean
- takes time to adjust to different positions
4. Pillow Top
The defining feature of a pillow-top mattress is an extra layer of padding sewn into the top of the mattress for added comfort. The padding is usually a few inches thick and extra soft, which makes pillow-tops thicker than most average mattresses. A popular alternative is a mattress pad that can be fitted on top for extra softness without having to purchase a new bed entirely.
Pros
- Extra soft
- God for side-sleepers
- Mattress pad alternative
- Not as hot as memory foam
Cons
- Sagging over time
- Requires specific sheets
- Does not offer pressure point relief
5. Waterbed
Waterbeds offer total body conformity that works like flotation therapy, instantly relieving pressure points. Waterbeds are also temperature-controlled, so whether you want a cooling mattress or something warm and snuggly, you’re in control. And of course, the materials used to produce waterbeds are hypo-allergenic and very easy to clean.
Pros
- Body contouring
- Relieves pressure points
- Soothing temperatures
- Hypo-allergenic
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heavy
- Requires a sturdy frame
- Stigma from the 70s