Polyurethane, latex or innerspring
If you want to buy a new mattress, you will be surprised how many types and brands there are. That doesn’t make it any easier to make a choice. Don’t decide too quickly, because with the right mattress you can prevent back problems. What should you pay attention to when purchasing a new mattress and how do you choose the right mattress?
There are many different types of mattresses. If you have no complaints, such as for example back problems or excessive sweating, you can actually choose all mattresses.
Do you have any complaints? Then it is wise to choose a mattress that meets all your requirements. For example, do you suffer from excessive sweating? Then do not choose a latex mattress, but, for example, a pocket spring.
What types of mattresses are there?
There are many different types of mattresses. The cheapest are often made of polyether foam.
Polyether mattress
A polyether mattress has a polyurethane foam core. This is a flexible and resilient material made up of many small cells. After compression, the material springs back to its original shape. A polyether mattress has reasonable moisture regulation, but ventilates slightly less than other types of mattresses.
cold foam
A cold foam mattress is also made of polyurethane. This type of mattress is more suitable for heavier people than a polyether mattress. Cold foam has an open cell structure. This gives it a much better resilience than a polyether mattress. Cold foam also supports the body well.
memory foam
A mattress is never made entirely of memory foam. Often it is only the top layer, because otherwise the mattress is too soft. Memory foam slowly returns to its original shape. Memory foam also becomes softer due to body heat. A memory foam mattress molds to the body and is ideal for people with sensitive muscles and joints.
Latex mattress
The core of a latex mattress is made of rubber. Rubber is stretchy and resilient. Natural latex or natural rubber is often used and sometimes synthetic latex. The resilience of natural latex is greater than that of synthetic latex. The disadvantage of the latex mattress is that it can feel warm, because rubber does not breathe. A latex mattress often lasts less than other types of mattresses. A latex mattress lasts about seven years, other mattresses have an average lifespan of about 10 years.
Air-suspended mattress
With an air-suspended mattress, the core consists of a vinyl bag. This bag is filled with air and enclosed by, for example, latex or cold foam. The advantage of the mattress is that it is suitable for all slatted bases, is flexible and molds well to the body.
Pocket spring mattress
A pocket spring mattress is made up of metal springs, each packed in a bag or pocket. These pockets can move independently of each other. There are so-called 5 and 7-zone pocket spring mattresses. Each zone is tailored to a specific body part. Different types of pocket springs are used per zone. This supports the spine in its natural shape. This also applies to the lower back.
Mattress with innerspring
Just like the pocket spring, the innerspring mattress is a mattress with metal springs. The mattress with innerspring is the variant in which the springs are connected to each other with a spiral wire. These mattresses have a top layer for an even better pressure distribution of the body.
The ideal mattress
You now know what types of mattresses there are and what the differences are, but which one is the most comfortable and sleeps the most, that is different for everyone. The ideal mattress does not exist. Are you heavier than 80 kilos? In that case, rather not opt for a soft mattress, but rather for, for example, cold foam or a pocket spring. Also, ask for a lot of information in the store and try it out.
Test lying tips
The consumer association has a number of useful tips and advice for when you are going to buy a new mattress.
Trial Sleep
Are you hesitating between different mattresses? Ask if you can test sleep. With some providers you can try mattresses for a number of weeks.
Sources):