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Mattress Types | Buying Guide
Looking for a new mattress but not sure where to start? Rest assured, we'll help you choose the right mattress for you.
Unsure which mattress is right for you?
What's the difference between mattress types?
With so many different types of mattresses on the market and new technologies launching all the time, how do you know which mattress type is right for you? Let's start with the basics.
You can categorize most mattresses into a few types:
Traditional Innerspring
Polyurethane Foam
Hybrid
Dual Hybrid
Leesa Exclusive
The Difference Is Inside
Innerspring, foam, individually wrapped springs—it’s a lot of mattress jargon, so what's the real difference?
Innerspring
An innerspring mattress is the most traditional bed type and features a coil support system. The coil shape, gauge, and the number of coils can vary by mattress, but the general structure is a wire frame paired with a few hundred springs. Innerspring mattresses are relatively inexpensive, which is nice on your wallet, but they can break down over time, meaning they need to be replaced more often than other mattress types.
The quality and quantity of the springs may make a difference in longevity, but regardless of spring count, these mattresses tend to get squeaky with age. Many innersprings are traditionally firm, with fewer medium-firm and soft options than other mattress types. These are some of the reasons why Leesa doesn’t carry traditional innerspring mattresses.
Foams
Foam mattresses offer comfort, cooling relief, and support through all-foam makeup. There are a few different types of foams used in mattresses, and most are made of memory foam, which is a polyurethane synthetic polymer that can be specially made to support your body weight.
Memory foam mattresses offer solid support, relieve pressure, and cocoon you in luxurious foam. All of Leesa’s foam mattresses are CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning they’re made without dangerous chemicals and generally last 7 - 10 years before needing replacement.
Wrapped Springs
A wrapped spring mattress is the next level of innerspring innovation. Instead of a series of springs chained together, these mattresses offer support through a base layer of individually wrapped springs. Wrapped springs, also called pocket spring mattresses, have individual wrappings to work independently and offer targeted pressure relief.
These high-quality springs are capable of zonal support and offer excellent air circulation—it’s difficult to overheat on a wrapped spring mattress.
Hybrid
The new mattress on the scene is the hybrid mattress, which combines foam comfort layers with wrapped springs. For many sleepers, this combination offers the best of all worlds: more support, cooler sleep, and minimal motion transfer.
These mattresses have a similar lifespan to foam mattresses, and one of Leesa’s most popular hybrid options, the Original Hybrid and Sapira® Hybrid Mattress, will have you snoozing in comfort for ages.
How Do You Snooze? Choose the right mattress for your sleeping style
It's important to have a mattress that provides proper support for your sleeping position, whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach.
When it comes to sleeping position, the firmness of the mattress, not necessarily the mattress type, is the most important factor. Studies show that firm mattresses do not improve sleep quality, especially for back pain sufferers. Softer mattresses make you sink into the bed with minimal support, like mattress quicksand, and are nearly impossible for stomach sleepers to rest on.
A medium-firm foam or hybrid mattress is the just-right fit for many people. Medium-firm mattresses improve sleep quality for those who switch from side to back to stomach or some combination.
Find the Best Mattress for:
What's the right mattress size for your lifestyle?
Your ideal mattress size depends largely on your available bedroom space and your sleeping habits. In addition to verifying your exact dimensions/preferences, consider your sleeping arrangements. For example, are you snuggled up with a partner or a pet? Does your child frequently sneak into your bed after a bad dream? Are you squashed between all three?
From a twin-size mattress to a California King, use our Mattress Size Guide to help you evaluate your needs and decide what mattress size is right for you.
Are you an early bird? What's your favorite TV show?
Fun fact: Your preferred sleeping position may say a lot about your personality.
How often should you replace your mattress?
There's no magic number of years a mattress should last, but it may be time for a new mattress if you're waking up with aches, your mattress is lumpy, uneven, or smelly (or all of the above!), or your mattress is more than 10 years old.
The most important indicator is how you feel. Are you all of a sudden waking up in pain? Is your mattress just not cozy anymore? You deserve a sturdy, comfy mattress, so it may be time for a replacement.
FAQs
1. What should I consider regarding temperature regulation when choosing a mattress?
Some memory foam tends to retain body heat, but at Leesa, our mattresses are made with a premium cooling foam engineered to promote airflow while you snooze. This means that our foam or hybrid options are perfect for you.
If you wake up at night covered in sweat, then extra cooling features like specialized mattress toppers like Leesa’s Ultra Cool Mattress Protector and cooling pillows may help you sleep. Look for sleep accessories labeled as cooling or that come with a cool-to-the-touch design.
2. What mattress features should I prioritize for pain relief and proper support?
Mattress firmness significantly impacts support and pain relief. Medium to medium-firm mattresses often provide the best balance of support and comfort for those with back pain and joint issues. Memory foam and hybrids all conform to the body while properly supporting the spine.
Look for mattresses with multi-zone support, like the three-zone support from the Legend Hybrid Mattress, which targets specific pain points while maintaining overall support. This zoned support system works by offering extra support where you need it most, like your hips, and softer cushioning for pressure-sensitive spots like your shoulders. It’s like sleeping on a cozy cloud.