No commission • No endorsements • Based on owner experiences • Since 2008 • More
The comparisons below evaluate each mattress type overall; the performance and specifications of individual brands / models may differ somewhat.
Select a mattress type for details and brand ratings.
PROS | CONS | |
Inner spring | Widely available Many models affordable Many firmness options Often sex friendly due to bounce Consumer familiarity |
Below-average owner satisfaction Below-average durability / lifespan Below-average conforming ability Poor motion isolation possible Noise possible |
Memory Foam | Good variety Widely available Conforming ability Motion isolation Several models affordable No noise |
Initial odor / off gassing possible Heat retention possible Little or no bounce Questionable edge support Below-average ease of body movement |
Hybrid |
Conforming / support combo Many firmness options Motion isolation |
Durability / lifespan questionable Somewhat pricey Heat retention possible Often heavy |
Air | Adjustable support / firmness Each half of bed has own adjustment Above-average pain-relief potential Above-average longevity potential |
Difficulty of (initial) use Above-average cost esp long term Breakdown / malfunction possible Some noise Assembly often required |
Latex | Customizable in some cases Many firmness / price options Often appeals to "green" buyers No noise |
Heat retention possible Initial odor possible All-latex varieties heavy Limited availability |
Futon | Often inexpensive Dual-use potential (sofa and bed) Variety of styles / colors |
Below-average longevity Too thin / firm for some Initial odor possible |
Select a mattress attribute or mattress type for details.
Inner Spring | Memory Foam | Hybrid | Air | Latex | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Owner satisfaction | D+ | B | c | b- | b |
Consumer familiarity | A | B | C- | C | D |
Many Models affordable | a- | B | d+ | c- | D+ |
Longevity potential | D+ | B- | c | A | b |
support potential | B | c+ | B- | a- | C+ |
Conforming / Adaptive | C- | A- | B | b- | C+ |
(Back) pain relief | C- | b- | C+ | b+ | b- |
No Initial odor | C+ | d+ | D+ | C+ | c |
Motion isolation | c | A- | B | C+ | b- |
No noise | c- | A | B- | d+ | a |
No sleeping Hot | B- | C- | d+ | c+ | c- |
Easy to move on | B- | C- | C- | b | c+ |
Short break in | C+ | C- | D+ | b- | c |
Sex Friendly | B- | c | b- | c | b- |
Adjustable firmness | d- | d | d- | a | B- |
Easy to lift, move | c | c- | d | b | D+ |
Easy to maintain | c+ | C+ | C- | d | c |
Custom- izable | d | d | d | d | B |
No assembly | a | a | a | d | C+ |
In-store Availability | a | a- | b | D+ | d |
Return policy | C | B- | C+ | C- | B- |
Select a mattress type for details and brand ratings.
COMFORT MATERIAL | SUPPORT / BASE MATERIAL | |
Inner spring | Regular foam Less than 1.5" of memory foam (select models) |
Innerspring coils |
Memory Foam | Memory foam Regular foam (some models) |
Regular foam |
Hybrid |
1.5" or more of memory foam Regular foam (most models) |
Innerspring coils |
Air | Regular foam (most models) Memory foam (select models) |
Air chamber(s) Regular foam (select models) |
Latex | Latex Memory foam (select models) |
Latex Regular foam (select models) Innerspring coils (select models) |