Amattressis the resilient, cushioned layer of bed, upon which sleepers lie.
By some estimates, it is where we spend as much as one-third of our lives.
Shopping online or in astorecan be overwhelming because there are so many types and brands ofmattresses.
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Each one promises to give you a perfect night of restful sleep.
With so many options, do you really know where to start?
Below, learn about 15 different mattress types and how to choose the one that’s right for you.
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Continuous Coil Innerspring Mattress
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Best for:Affordable, durable mattress.
There are a variety of manufacturing methods, including the continuous coil.
This mattress throw in is manufactured using an interlinked single wire to form the S-shaped coils.
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The more coils in the mattress, the higher the level of comfort and quality.
Made with a barrel-shaped design, the coils can be made of thinner or thicker metal.
The higher numbers in the coil gauge represent thinner coils and a softer mattress.
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Lower numbers or thicker coils mean a firmer mattress that is also more durable.
You will find Bonnell coils in many mid-range mattresses.
This created a hinge effect that is quiet, durable, and conforms to the shape of the body.
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Polyurethane is the original petroleum-based foam product, sometimes called simplypolyfoam.
It can be produced at different levels of density.
The higher the density, the more durable the mattress and the firmer the sleeping experience.
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Memory foam is a polyurethane variation, which contains additives that make the foam more malleable to heat.
It is a good choice for anyone with allergies because themattress is allergen- and dust-mite-resistant.
If the idea of synthetic foam does not appeal to you, choose a latex foam mattress.
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Latex is made from rubber tree sap.
Latex is similar to memory foam but has more bounce and retains less heat.
You’ll find two options in latex: Talalay and Dunlop.
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Talalay latex is manufactured by filling the mattress mold and then sucking out any air pockets.
Many companies offer custom-made hybrids to suit the customer’s sleeping needs.
The padding can be made of foam, wool, or cotton.
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The pillowtop layer adds comfort and durability to the mattress.
Usually more expensive than a standard mattress, a pillowtop mattress cannot be flipped.
These are made using organic wool or cotton fibers, recycled steel for the coils, and/or natural latex.
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Choose those certified as GREENGUARD GOLD for the safest options.
Most have thermostat controls to help regulate temperature.
Water beds aren’t for everyone.
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Some sleepers love them, others find the experience disconcerting and unpleasant.
Many smart mattresses (see below) are based on air mattress designs.
Air mattresses can also be used, and a few manufacturers are making innerspring mattresses that flex.
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check that to specify that you have an adjustable bed when shopping for a mattress.
Adjustable mattresses are typically thinner than standard mattresses and are designed especially for this purpose.
Also, keep in mind the reason you are sleeping on an adjustable bed.
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Such mattresses may even adjust firmness automatically as they sense sleepers tossing and turning in the night.
Smart mattresses are hybrids that combine features found in the other types of mattresses.
Many smart mattresses also add a pillow-top.
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Choose carefully, as you will spend many hours on the mattress you select.
Consider how you typically sleepside, back, or stomach.
What is your budget?
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How often do you typicallyreplace a mattress?
Will it be used sparingly in a guest room or every night in a primary bedroom?
All of the mattresses described above will come in many variationsmattress firmness is perhaps the most important.
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Side-by-side sleepers with different sleeping preferences will likely appreciate the flexibility offered by a smart mattress.
Most major mattress retailers now offer this service, though the length of the trial period may vary.
Even when purchasing a mattress from an online retailer, you usually can get a free trial.
Will you be required to pay for shipping or drop-off?
Do you receive a cash refund or just an exchange credit toward a different mattress?
Some return policies are quite accommodating, while others are prohibitively restrictive.
Best mattress for adjustable beds.Sleep Foundation.
