Mattresses That Won't Compress

Mattress Compression

• Mattress compression occurs when the supportive structure inside a mattress breaks down over time. This leads to a noticeable dip in the mattress's surface. When you sleep, you will naturally roll into the depression and won't roll out again unless you wake yourself up to do it. This leads to you being trapped in the same position the entire night instead of shifting around the way you usually would. In the morning you will wake up stiff and sore.

Latex Mattress

• Traditional mattresses contain metal coils surrounded by padding made from wool or cotton. Over time, the weight of a person sleeping in the same general spot compresses both the coils and the padding. A latex mattress is made from vulcanized latex. The solid latex core contains tiny air bubbles, making it firm rather than hard. The core is surrounded by a cotton sheath. While a latex mattress can compress over time, it takes much longer than with a traditional mattress.

Air Mattress

• An air mattress will not compress over time, because it contains no inner support structure that breaks down. Air mattresses come in a variety of thicknesses and sizes; some are as large as a traditional mattress and a box spring. The more expensive types are made of vinyl and come with electric or battery operated air pumps. While not as durable as a latex mattress in the long run, a properly maintained and inflated air mattress will not leak air during the night, providing a supportive, firm night's sleep every time you use it.

Preservation

• Even a sturdy latex mattress will compress if you sleep on the exact same spot for years and years. With regular maintenance, you can prevent this from happening. During the first year you own the mattress, rotate it once a month. Every six months, flip it over. After the first year, rotate the mattress every time the season changes, or four times a year. Continue to flip it twice a year. This distributes wear across the mattress and prevents compression.

Considerations

• If your current mattress has compressed, it is time to purchase a new one. Latex mattresses come in two main types: synthetic and organic. Organic latex mattresses are the more expensive option. If purchasing a new mattress isn't an immediate option for you, try flipping or rotating your current one so you are sleeping on a less compressed area.