January 04, 2022 4 min read

The 3 Most Common Mattress Types (A Guide to Coil Spring, Memory Foam, & Hybrid Mattresses)
What Are The Most Common Mattress Types (A 2020 Guide To Mattress Features & Materials)

If you haven’t been mattress shopping in a while, you might be shocked to discover that mattresses have changed a lot in recent years. Gone are the old school mattresses with squeaky springs, and a new breed of mattresses has replaced them.

Modern mattresses are designed to fit a wide variety of preferences and body types. Mattresses built today are constructed to take advantage of every new technology available, from memory foam to cooling gel.

If you are starting your journey toward a new mattress, you might feel a bit frustrated over the overabundance of choices available. If the idea of figuring out which mattress is best for you sounds like a lot of work, have no fear.

Here at Furniture Fair, we are experts in mattress technology, features, and helping customers find the perfect mattress. We want to share our 50-year expertise and experience with you so that you can make an informed decision when the time comes to purchase a new mattress.

In order to help you get a little more informed on the options that you have available, we put together this little guide to the most common mattress types available. After reading this, you will understand what certain mattresses are called and why they have that name.

The 3 Most Common Mattress Types (A Guide to Coil Spring, Memory Foam, & Hybrid Mattresses)
The 3 Most Common Mattress Types (A Guide to Coil Spring, Memory Foam, & Hybrid Mattresses)

3 Most Common Mattress Types

Alright, now that we’ve teased you about all these crazy mattress types, let’s break down the three most common mattress types and find out what makes them unique.

What Are The Most Common Mattress Types (A 2020 Guide To Mattress Features & Materials)

#1 Pocket Coil Innerspring Mattresses

Pocket Coil spring mattresses are the closest thing to the traditional mattress design that still exists today.Pocket coils are different than traditional spring mattresses because each coil spring is wrapped in an individual fabric section.

Individual coils are packed tighter than regular spring systems which make for less shifting during your body’s movement and more airflow than a memory foam mattress would have.

Essentially, pocket coil mattresses are the modern version of spring mattresses. The coil frame provides the base which is then covered with whatever mattress feel or depth needed.

If you want a more traditional mattress feel, with the benefits of modern mattress technology, then pocketed coil spring mattresses are worth checking out. Remember that not every mattress fits all, so you’ll need to find out for yourself for sure.

The 3 Most Common Mattress Types (A Guide to Coil Spring, Memory Foam, & Hybrid Mattresses)
The 3 Most Common Mattress Types (A Guide to Coil Spring, Memory Foam, & Hybrid Mattresses)

#2 Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is the mattress born out of the cold war and the space race. Memory foam was developed for NASA’s space program during the 1970s and has had many commercial applications since then.

The original design for memory foam, which was used to help cushion pilots during crashes or turbulence, has also had many alterations since then. Memory foam conforms to the shape of your body while helping support your back and joints.

There are multiple types of memory foam used in layers in foam mattresses. These types of foam can be everything from gel-infused memory foam to open-cell foam that uses patterned holes for increased airflow that leads to cooler nights.

If you are looking for a mattress that has modern technology and softer support for your body, a memory foam mattress might be a good option for you to consider.

What Are The Most Common Mattress Types (A 2020 Guide To Mattress Features & Materials)

#3 Hybrid Mattresses

True Hybrid mattresses are a usually 60/40% mix of memory foam technology and pocketed coil spring technology. The hybrid mattress is a combination of both the features and benefits of pocket coil spring mattresses and memory foam mattresses.

Hybrid mattresses offer the support of a coil spring mattress along with the comfort and cooling technology of a memory foam mattress. Hybrids can be a great option if you want the best of both worlds and need the added support.  

Not all “hybrid” mattresses are the same, however, and just because a mattress is labeled as a hybrid doesn’t mean it is a true hybrid. Often mattress companies will label pillowtop mattresses as a hybrid due to the marketability that the word carries.

Your best bet when looking for a hybrid mattress is to check for that 60% memory foam to 40% pocket coil spring in the mattress which is the best definition of a true hybrid mattress design.

If your mattress design passes this test, you can be confident that you are getting the benefits of a true hybrid mattress.

The 3 Most Common Mattress Types (A Guide to Coil Spring, Memory Foam, & Hybrid Mattresses)
The 3 Most Common Mattress Types (A Guide to Coil Spring, Memory Foam, & Hybrid Mattresses)

Ready To Find The Best Mattress Type For Your Needs?

Now that you know the basic 3 mattress types available, you are ready to start looking for your ideal mattress. Keep in mind that coil spring mattresses and foam mattresses are different, while hybrid mattresses use parts of both.

If you want to learn more about mattress pricing, check out our article on how much a mattress costs. If you are on a strict budget, check out our round-up of the cheapest mattresses that you can buy for your home.

If you’re curious about what type might be right for you, try the BedMatch rest test at Furniture Fair. In as little as 5 minutes, you can find your perfect mattress type and get a complete list of recommendations for mattresses.


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