Pros

– Foam contours to the body and distributes weight more evenly, helping reduce pressure at the shoulders and hips (especially for side sleepers).

– The contouring can support a more comfortable sleep posture by filling in gaps around the body.

– Movement is less likely to travel across the surface, so a partner’s shifts feel less disruptive than on many traditional mattresses.

– No coils means fewer creaks and less bounce-related noise.

– Wide range of firmness options, from plush to firm (depends on foam density and build)

Cons

– Some foams can trap heat, depending on density and cover design

– Lower-quality foams may soften or wear sooner over time

Innerspring

An innerspring mattress is built around a steel-coil support core, wrapped in a soft outer “finish” of fabric and padding. Above the coils sits a comfort stack, often fiber padding (like cotton or wool), foam, or a blend of both, designed to add cushioning and a touch of contouring without the deep sink many people associate with memory foam. The result is a more traditional, on-the-bed feel with structure underneath and softness on top.

Types of Springs/coils (and how they feel)

a) Bonnell coils: Classic hourglass-shaped coils. Often budget-friendly, it can be soft or firm depending on the wire gauge

b) Pocketed coils (Marshall coils): Coils are individually wrapped, so they move more independently. Typically quieter, with better motion control and more targeted support.

c) Offset coils: Hourglass-like coils with flattened edges that act like hinges, offering a firmer, more supportive response when pressure increases.

d) Continuous coils: Formed from a single wire shaped into a row and linked together. Durable and supportive, but less adaptive to body contours.

Pros

– Responsive, buoyant feel that makes movement easier.

– Airflow through the coil core can help with cooler sleep compared to solid foam designs.

– Often more budget-friendly than hybrids and specialty foam builds.

– Firmness options vary widely depending on coil gauge, height, and comfort-layer materials.

Cons

– Pressure relief can be less effective if the comfort layers are thin or basic.

– Motion transfer can be more noticeable, especially in non-pocketed coil designs.

– Coils may wear unevenly over time in lower-quality builds, reducing long-term consistency.

– Some models may need periodic rotation to keep the surface feeling even.

Hybrid 

A hybrid mattress is built in layers: a coil base at the bottom for structure and lift, topped with a comfort layer such as memory foam, latex, polyfoam, or a combination. This stacked design aims to deliver a middle-ground feel, cushioning on the surface without losing the steady support of springs underneath. Many hybrids include more than one comfort layer (sometimes with cooling or breathable foams) to fine-tune pressure relief and temperature control.

Pros

– Pressure relief from the comfort layers without giving up underlying back support.

– Coils promote airflow, which can help regulate temperature.

– Often quieter than classic connected-coil innersprings due to modern coil systems and foam layers.

– Balanced feel that is often softer than traditional innerspring but less sinky than many all-foam builds.

Cons

– Usually more expensive than basic foam or innerspring mattresses.

– Motion transfer can still be noticeable, especially compared with high-density all-foam beds.

– Heavier than many other mattress types, making setup and moving more difficult.

Latex 

A latex mattress is built from layered latex foam, with comfort layers on top and sturdier support layers underneath. The latex itself can be made from natural rubber tree sap, synthetic latex, or a blend, and the layers work together to cushion the body while maintaining a gently springy, lifted feel. 

Types of latex mattresses (and how they feel)

a) Dunlop latex: Latex is poured into a mold in a way that tends to create a denser, firmer base with a softer feel closer to the surface.

b) Talalay latex: Made using a process that produces a more consistent, uniform feel, often experienced as lighter and more evenly plush.

Pros

– Durable material that holds its shape well over time.

– Responsive cushioning that reduces pressure without a deep sink.

– Often sleeps cooler than dense memory foam because it is less heat-trapping by design.

– Distributes weight more evenly, which can help limit the “stuck” feeling some foams create.

– Strong option for shoppers looking to avoid memory foam; natural latex options can appeal to eco-focused preferences.

Cons

– Usually more expensive than standard foam mattresses.

– More bounce can mean slightly more motion transfer than slow-response memory foam.

– Buoyant feel is not ideal for sleepers who prefer a close, body-hugging cradle.

Adjustable 

An adjustable mattress is designed to flex and move with a motorized bed frame, shifting smoothly between flat, elevated, and reclined positions. These mattresses are typically made with latex or foam layers (often memory foam) because those materials bend without losing shape or support. Some setups also include comfort-driven features like massage or heat, depending on the base and model. The key idea is flexibility: a mattress that stays comfortable whether the position is for sleeping, reading, or relaxing. They’re available as a single-piece mattress or a split design that lets each side adjust independently, which is especially useful for partners with different comfort preferences. To get the full benefit, an adjustable mattress must be paired with a motorized adjustable bed frame.

Pros

– Works with changing positions, from sleep to lounge, without compromising comfort.

– Can support more personalized sleep setups, especially for people who spend more time in bed.

– Split styles allow each side to adjust independently.

Cons

– Requires a motorized adjustable bed to function as intended.

– More expensive than many traditional mattress types.

– More components means more complexity than foam or innerspring builds.

– Feel can be less plush unless the comfort layers on top are substantial.