Thanks to their bouncy coils, innerspring and hybrid mattresses both generally offer high responsiveness and ease of movement. Latex mattresses also skew bouncy. Memory foam is normally the least responsive mattress type, which means you can expect to exert some effort moving around on one.
If you have a sleeping partner, take their habits into consideration as well when figuring out your desired level of responsiveness—maybe they’re the one tossing and turning. In this case, you’ll “want to minimize how much that affects you” by looking for lower responsiveness, Dr. Verma says.
What are some of the main things to avoid in a mattress?
Keeping an informed list of features to avoid in a mattress is just as important as knowing what to look for. Even “seemingly small things can have monumental effects,” says Dr. Kemp.
Low-quality materials
Mattresses made with low-quality materials could lead to health issues. In order to steer clear of such risks, “shoppers should inspect the material that the mattress is made from,” Dr. Lantz says. A good way to know your mattress is made with materials you can stand behind is if it qualifies for certain seals and certifications. For instance, as Sarah Silverman, PsyD, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist, previously shared with SELF, the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex seal shows that a mattress does not contain harmful chemicals like acetone and chloromethane, and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) seal signifies that it uses at least 70% organic materials.
Low-quality materials may also lack durability, leading to the bummer (and costly) situation of a shorter mattress lifespan.
Harmful chemicals
Dr. Dasgupta explains that some mattresses could have “chemicals that release fumes and mess with your breathing.” These volatile organic compounds (VOCs), have been found to lead to respiratory irritation or more serious issues over time.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is sometimes used in mattresses because it is a flame retardant. Unfortunately, its fire protection doesn’t translate to health preservation: Inhaling fiberglass could lead to issues affecting the eyes, skin, and lungs. Dr. Dasgupta also notes that “you’re in for a headache if the cover rips—[the fiberglass] can get everywhere and be a nightmare to clean up.”
FAQs
There are a lot of layers to look through when researching the best mattress types—we’re breaking it down even further with quick answers to the most frequently asked questions:
What mattress type is best?
Each person’s individual needs will help determine which type of mattress is best, but medium-firm mattresses are often a good place to start your search. “Make sure you find a mattress that fits your individual needs,” says Dr. Lantz, who adds that it’s important to pay attention to trial periods and return policies so you can replace an uncomfy bed with an option that works for you in the event your first choice isn’t a winner.
Which type of mattress lasts the longest?
While the general guideline is to replace your mattress every seven years, latex beds might have a longer lifespan—they can last for 10 years or more with proper care.
Does the type of mattress matter?
Choosing a mattress type suited to your needs matters for your comfort and health; a good night’s sleep affects more than your morning mood. “Poor sleep quality has also been associated with such health issues as chronic musculoskeletal (including spine) pain, metabolic dysregulations, dementia, and cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Lantz.
Is it better to sleep on a soft or firm mattress?
Factors including your weight, sleeping posture, and aches and pains can make a difference in whether you’ll prefer a soft or firm mattress—or something in the middle. Research supports that a medium-firm option can work for many sleep styles. Dr. Verma also adds that “it’s better to err on the side of firmness” if you’re teetering, noting that you can always grab a mattress topper to soften things up. “It’s much harder to make a soft mattress firmer,” he says.
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