Making the right desicion when choosing a mattress

There are now distinct types of mattresses (and a few sub-types) on the market. Which is best for any individual is, well, individual. To help narrow the options, here's some information about two of the most popular different types.

Inner Spring

This is one of the oldest modern styles. It's the familiar coil array that fills the interior of millions of mattresses today. In generations past, they were often weak and prone to sag. They squeaked shortly after bringing them home. Thanks to modern materials and manufacturing techniques this once-staid design has gained new life.

All other things being equal, the better coil material used, the better. Most will use 13-gauge steel alloy, which suggests that all other things aren't generally equal, since mattresses do differ. Debates rage between manufacturers about the value of wrapping coils. Whether they are or not, what is important is to reduce the coil shifting sideways when pressed down. Tying them together is one common technique, though wrapping them has long been in use, too.

Most good mattresses will have between 700-1000 coils and, again other things being equal, the higher the number the better. Some quality mattresses do use fewer coils, but on average the ones with higher number are more comfortable for a longer period.

Apart from coil material and design, much of the durability and long-term comfort of a good inner spring mattress is the result of the layering. More layers of thick egg-shell crate foam is usually better than fewer. Different layers will typically be made from different materials, with one layer being synthetic foam rubber. The top layer is often a dense, cushiony latex. Today, memory foam may well form the top layer.

Memory Foam

Going by different names from different manufacturers, this space age foam really is something new in mattresses. While the material and its use in mattresses have been around for many years now, still over 90% of mattresses sold are the inner coil type.

But memory foam is catching on. Some sleepers find it disconcerting at first. It does behave differently than a 'standard' mattress. But given a few weeks to get used to it, many will never go back to the older type. Made from a type of synthetic rubber that responds to body heat, it gently forms a valley that closely conforms to an individual.

Some common complaints are that it takes too long to do so, making the mattress appear hard, especially when turning. Others dislike the odor which typically dissipates to nothing after a few weeks. Still others simply don't or can't get used to the difference in the way it moves.

But given a break-in period, most regard it as a real back-saver. Vive la difference. The material is safe, long-lasting and provides a warm, super-comfortable surface.

Summary

Whichever your preference, do yourself a favor and try a wide variety of both types. Ultimately, the only way to choose is by feel. But getting statistics and opinions from reviews can help you narrow the options, and possibly avoid a lemon.