Bed Mattress Types

Innerspring Mattresses

• The long-time standard, 80 percent of mattresses are innerspring, which use coils inside upholstered foam for support. This type of mattress typically has 300 to 800 coils, though 500 to 800 is common for a queen size bed. More coils do not necessarily mean a firmer mattress; if they are made using smaller gauge wire, the coils will break down more quickly. Many side sleepers find a mattress with individually wrapped coils are most comfortable.

Memory Foam Mattresses

• A growing category among mattresses are memory foam, created by using technology that began as NASA research for a material that would relieve astronauts of g-forces experienced during take-off. Made from synthetic polyurethane foam and chemicals, they slowly conform to the shape of your body and feel as though the foam is melting beneath you. A couple of downsides are that they can make you feel hot and can have a strong odor for some time.

Latex Mattresses

• Considered by some to be the next big thing among mattresses are those made of latex. These are a relative of memory foam mattresses and are growing in popularity because latex has a faster recovery time and does not feel as hot, but they are just as supportive and durable. Those allergic to latex generally do not suffer symptoms because it does not come in contact with the skin.

Air Beds

• Once reserved for camping and out of town guests, airbeds have become favored thanks to technology in their comfort and adjustable features. Some can even be adjusted independently on the left and right sides. High-end airbeds look similar to the typical innerspring mattress, but they distribute weight across the surface of the bed rather than absorb it.

Dual-Purpose Beds

• A convenient option for anyone in a small space is a dual-purpose bed. Futons and sofa beds can be transformed from a sitting surface into a sleeping one and are ideal for guests or people living in studio apartments. These types of mattresses are typically sold with the furniture frame.

Water Beds

• Water Beds reached their height in popularity during the 1970s but still have a loyal following because the technology continues to improve. The classic hard-sided water bed was made of one large water-filled bladder surrounded by a wooden frame. Today's soft-sided water beds are much more comfortable and feature water-filled chambers inside a foam and fabric mattress casing.

Adjustable Beds

• Favored among back-pain sufferers, adjustable beds bend and elevate into different positions. They are also a convenient option for those who enjoy reading sitting upright in bed. Adjustable beds can be found in a variety of mattress types, such as innerspring, memory foam, latex or a combination of these.