Choosing a bed mattress should not be difficult and should primarily be about comfort. And contrary to common thought, a mattress doesn’t have to be firm to be good for you. It should have a good supporting structure, but the amount of padding on top is down to personal preference.
There are six main types of mattress
Continuous coil mattress
This is the cheapest and simplest type of bed mattress, and is made from a single looped wire. Because the springs move together, it is more prone to distortion and not fitting to your body shape. The coils in this type of mattress wear out more quickly than in other mattresses.
Open coil mattress
Better than a continuous coil mattress and also widely available, open-coil mattresses are made with separate springs held together with wire.
Pocket sprung mattress
In a pocket sprung mattress, the springs are made into individual fabric pockets. This provides better support as each coil acts individually. If you sleep on your side, this type of mattress is more suitable as sleeping this way puts different pressures on your spine. These types of mattress are more able to form to your body shape, providing better comfort and support.
Memory foam mattresses are topped with a layer of viscoelastic material (memory foam).
Although generally better a t relieving joint pain and providing better support and comfort, memory foam mattresses are generally more expensive
The composition of the memory foam is sensitive to temperature, so the memory mattress may well be cold and hard when you first lie on it. With body heat, it moulds to your shape which provides support, but can also make it difficult to move or change position.
It also impedes air circulation around your body, which can make the mattress feel warmer. This can be helpful in winter, but may prove to be uncomfortable in summer.
Pure foam mattress or latex mattress
Foam or latex mattresses can be a good option if you’re allergic to house dust mites.
