Comparing The Different Types Of Mattresses

Our Mattress Buying Guide

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to staying happy and healthy. But, purchasing any mattress without first doing your research can lead to sleepless nights and achy mornings.

The truth is, whether you have a great night’s sleep depends largely on the age of your mattress and its current condition.

However, finding the perfect replacement can be a little tricky. When you’re ready to finally replace your mattress, you might not know what you want or even what you should be looking for.

Pocket sprung? Memory foam? Open coil?

How you sleep, firmness preference and whether you need a mattress for two people are important factors in determining the type of mattress you should buy. In this article, we take a look at the different pros and cons of the main types of mattresses and how they could be best suited to your needs.

Open Coil Mattress

Open coil mattresses are of great value for money. The springs are made from a singular, long piece of wire which is coiled into springs. The rest of the bed is then firmed up with a border wireframe that helps the mattress retain its shape.

Advantages of an Open Coil Mattress

• Offers great value for money
• Whilst firm, they do offer a good level of support which can suit some individuals
• Simple, light designs that are easy to turn
• If taken care of properly, open coil spring mattresses can have a long lifespan

Disadvantages of an Open Coil Mattress

• Due to all the springs moving as one, there is an increased risk that you or your partner can disturb one another throughout the night
• Depending on your body shape, this type of mattress can be less supportive when compared to other styles.

Pocket Sprung Mattress

A pocket sprung mattress of mattress is known as either pocket spring or encased springs. Each pocket spring coil is wrapped individually in a fabric sleeve. This allows them to react to pressure independently, which minimises movement and allows for a more comfy feel. Spring counts can drastically vary from a few hundred to several thousand. Typically, the more springs, the better the support.

Advantages of the Pocket Sprung Mattress

• Tend to have a much higher spring count than open coil mattresses, providing greater support and unrivalled comfort
• The pocket sprung system means that you are less likely to disturb or be disturbed when moving around at night
• Ideal for couples that are different weights
• Helps your body maintain good posture
• Much more breathable than memory foam mattresses

Disadvantages of the Pocket Sprung Mattress

• Often, this type of mattress can be much more expensive than other open coil alternatives
• To maintain longevity, some require flipping and turning
• The density can make them very heavy and hard to turn, although some mattresses are made to be turn free.
• They are also often filled with natural materials such as wool, which can irritate certain allergies

Memory Foam

Memory foam, also known as visco-elastic foam, combines a layer of high-density polyurethane foam with springs or support foam. Using natural body heat, this type of mattress softens and contours closely to the shape of the sleeper. This can provide remarkable comfort and support.

Once pressure is removed, memory foam mattresses will return very slowly to their original shape. Over time, this type of foam can remember the shape and optimal sleeping position of an individual, hence the name ‘memory foam’.

Advantages of Memory Foam

• Excellent airflow which can help to regulate body temperature and any excess moisture
• Due to its elasticity, this type of mattress can provide excellent support and spinal alignment
• A great option for the eco-conscious buyer
• Unlike other styles, latex mattresses don’t require any turning

Disadvantages of Memory Foam

• Depending on the individual, some latex mattresses can feel too hard, or unnatural compared to a sprung mattress
• Often, they can be very heavy and hard to move around the house
• They tend to be quite expensive.

Mattress Testing

We believe and would always advise that you try and test a mattress before buying. What makes the perfect mattress is very personal. That’s why, here at CMS Downs, we believe in trying these products in store before you make that all-important decision. Our showrooms in Woking, Newbury and Winchester have mattresses and beds from leading brand suppliers who offer a selection of different mattress types and fillings to give you the best choice, which combined with great advice should help you to make the right choice when buying your new mattress or bed.