Written by Lisa Bowman, Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer
Choosing the right type of mattress can mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and a terrible one, and sleeping poorly can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health. ( 1 )
However, the world of mattresses can be overwhelming, with so many different types available. We’re here to cut through the noise and help you decide which kind of mattress works best for you, considering your body type, sleeping position, personal preferences, and, crucially, your budget.
Meet the expert
Dr. Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and teacher at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. As a reviewer for Neurology and a member of the editorial board of Neurology Clinical Practice, she is deeply experienced in the medical field and has all the expertise to offer sound advice to readers.
Related: The best mattress of 2024, according to sleep experts
How many types of mattresses are there?
There are many types of mattresses available, the main ones being foam, innerspring, and hybrid (a combination of foam and innerspring). You can also buy mattresses containing latex and gel and adjustable airbeds and waterbeds. Most are available in various mattress sizes to cater to all bedroom sizes, co-sleeping arrangements, and body types.
Mattress types
| Foam mattresses | Innerspring mattresses | Hybrid mattresses | Latex mattresses | Gel mattresses | Pillow-top mattresses | |
| Firmness ( 2 ) | Soft to Medium | Medium To Firm | Medium | Medium | Soft to Medium | Soft to Medium |
| Price range | Mid-range to luxury | Budget to luxury | Mid-range to luxury | Mid-range to luxury | Mid-range to luxury | Mid-range to luxury |
| Ideal sleeping positions | Back and side | Back and stomach | All | All | Back and side | Back and side |
| Lifespan ( 3 ) | 10 years | 6-8 years | 8-10 years | 15 years | 8-10 years | 8-10 years |
Which type of mattress is best?
There’s no single type of mattress that’s best for everyone, as we all have very different needs. Factors involved in finding the best mattress for you include your body type, favorite sleeping position or positions, whether you have any physical health issues (like back pain or limited mobility), how warm your environment is, and your budget. With so many variables within each mattress category, it’s wise to keep an open mind when shopping for a new mattress.
How much do the different types of mattresses cost?
Mattress prices vary greatly depending on the quality of the materials, the number of comfort layers, and where the mattress was made. However, a cheap mattress doesn’t necessarily mean it’s low quality—online retailers can offer significant savings by cutting out the middleman and selling direct-to-consumer, giving you more for your money. Check out our guide to the best mattresses under $1,000 if you want a bargain.
| Mattress type | Average price (Queen size) ( 4 ) |
| Foam | $1,150 |
| Innerspring | $850 |
| Hybrid | $1,700 |
| Latex | $2,100 |
| Gel | $1,300 |
| Pillow-top | $1,800 |
| Adjustable air | $2,000 |
Foam mattresses
All-foam mattresses are made using either a single type of foam or a combination of different foams. Types of foam typically include memory foam (a high-density, body-molding material), latex foam (a durable, hypoallergenic foam), and poly foam (a more affordable option that’s not as durable as other options), with memory foam offering the deepest sinkage. (5)
They’re best for side sleepers, people who love to sleep more ‘in’ the bed than on top of it, and those with joint pain.
Foam beds are known for their soothing pressure relief, body contouring, and motion isolation. However, traditional foam has a closed-cell structure that can trap heat into the mattress, sometimes creating an uncomfortably sweaty sleeping environment. If you often overheat at night, look for open-cell foams allowing airflow.
Edge support is often lacking on all-foam models, which may affect couples who need to use the whole surface area of the bed. Foam beds also tend to emit an initial odor called off-gassing, which results from chemicals, also known as Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, escaping after being vacuum-packed. While unpleasant, off-gassing is thought to be harmless and should stop within a few hours or a few weeks. ( 6 ) (7)
Innerspring mattresses
The main component of an innerspring mattress is its bouncy coil unit, which is topped with a thin comfort layer, usually memory foam, polyfoam, latex, or mini-coils, that provides cushioning between the body and the springs. (8)
These mattresses are best for back and stomach sleepers, people who prefer a firmer sleeping surface, and those who sleep hot or want a responsive bed.
Innerspring mattresses keep you cool thanks to their breezy coil unit and limited comfort layers. They also tend to have excellent edge support and are highly affordable as they contain fewer components than other mattress types. However, the lack of cushioning up top may not be comfortable for some sleepers, while the high bounce could mean you’re woken by your partner’s movements during the night.
Hybrid mattresses
A hybrid has a supportive coil unit with thick comfort layers to relieve cushioning and pressure. It’s best for combination sleepers and couples.
Hybrid mattresses can be incredibly versatile. They provide the sturdy support of an innerspring with the pressure relief of a foam bed, so they’re suitable for a wide range of sleepers. Most hybrids have decent bounce, although a downside is that motion transfer can be an issue, which may be a problem for people who are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements.
However, they do tend to be more expensive than all-foam or innerspring beds, and the price can depend on the number of comfort layers and the material used.
Latex mattresses
A latex mattress features either natural latex (derived from the sap of rubber trees) or synthetic latex (made from petrochemicals, or chemical products obtained from petroleum). This may be combined with an innerspring unit or other types of foam.
These mattresses are best for environmentally conscious shoppers (if opting for natural latex), those who require a super buoyant sleeping surface, and hot sleepers.
Research shows that latex mattresses can better reduce pressure on joints compared to other mattresses and can improve sleep quality in people with back pain. ( 9 ) ( 10 ) Natural latex is also incredibly durable and resistant to dust mites and mold, making it hypoallergenic (although it’s not suitable for those with a latex allergy). It has an open-cell structure that makes it highly breathable, which helps prevent heat buildup in the bed.
However, a natural latex mattress will typically cost much more than a mattress made from other materials, although synthetic latex costs less than natural.
Gel mattresses
A gel mattress is a foam or hybrid mattress that contains gel foam layers. It’s incorporated into either a memory foam or poly foam layer using gel beads that work to draw heat away from the body.
Gel mattresses are best for hot sleepers who love the feel of foam and people who prefer a foam bed with an element of bounce. Gel foam is better at regulating temperature than traditional foam. However, an all-foam gel bed may not be as cooling as an innerspring or hybrid. The addition of gel makes the foam more responsive than foam without gel, which could be ideal for couples who want a foam bed that’s also good for sex, combination sleepers, and those with mobility issues.
Gel mattresses are usually more expensive than traditional foam mattresses.
Pillow top mattresses
A pillow-top mattress has a squishy topper stitched onto it. These mattresses are usually found on innerspring or hybrid models and are sometimes sold as an optional upgrade. They are best for side sleepers and those who prefer a plush, cloud-like sleeping surface.
A pillow top has a gusset that makes the topper look separate from the rest of the mattress, while a Euro-top is simply a pillow top with a square edge that visually blends it with the rest of the mattress. Pillow tops are either filled with synthetic materials like foam or fiberfill or natural fibers like cotton, wool, or down.
Pillow tops provide a hotel-like luxury mattress feel and are great for those who love a cozy sleeping experience with extra pressure relief. However, a thick pillow top could dampen some of the bounce from the coil unit, affecting how well you can move around the bed. The additional soft layer can also impair the edge support of a mattress, which is something to bear in mind if you co-sleep or need a bed with sturdy edges.
Adjustable airbeds
Adjustable airbeds feature air chambers that allow you to alter the firmness of the bed. You can do this manually or via a feature that automatically adjusts firmness when you change your sleeping position. These beds are usually topped with either a thick or thin comfort layer for added cushioning and often feature smart technology that uses sensors to track sleep duration and quality.
Adjustable airbeds are best for hot sleepers, and people who can’t decide on a firmness level, and don’t mind the feel of a non-traditional bed.
They’re incredibly versatile and allow you to alter your comfort level to meet your changing needs, which may help you sleep better. A recent small study found that sleeping on a zoned airbed rather than a traditional bed improves sleep efficiency, particularly in females. ( 11 ) They’re also known for great temperature regulation, which may suit hot sleepers.
However, depending on the technology featured, adjustable airbeds can be a lot more expensive than traditional models, and users sometimes complain that these beds are noisy and frequently malfunction.
Organic mattresses
Organic mattresses are made using natural materials like cotton, wool, or latex and are certified organic by trusted organizations like the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This means the materials are free of toxins and environmentally harmful matter that have been ethically sourced.
They’re the best choice for people with allergies because the mattress is made to combat allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold, (12) and the environmentally conscious. Organic mattresses usually cost more to produce than non-certified mattresses, which is reflected in their higher price point.
Waterbeds
A waterbed is a vinyl mattress that uses water as the support unit instead of foam or coils and usually features a foam comfort layer on top. Old-fashioned hardside waterbeds were supported by a wooden frame that helped the bed keep its shape, while more modern softside waterbeds are supported by a foam perimeter and look more like traditional mattresses.
They’re an excellent pick for people with allergies and those who want adjustable firmness and excellent pressure relief.
Waterbeds were all the rage in the 1980s but soon lost popularity because they’re incredibly heavy, require considerable maintenance, and risk leaking. However, some still love them for their easy cleaning, allergen resistance, and temperature regulation.
Related: Best mattresses-in-a-box of 2024, expert-tested
FAQs
Which type of mattress is most comfortable?
This is entirely subjective, as what you find comfortable depends on your body type, sleeping style, personal preference, and climate. Side sleepers may prefer a foam mattress that offers more cushioning for the hips and shoulders, while stomach sleepers will likely feel more comfortable on a firmer surface with fewer plush layers. Check out our guide on how to choose a new mattress for all the necessary information.
What are the different types of mattresses?
The most common types of mattresses sold are foam, innerspring, and hybrid (a combination of foam and innerspring). Latex mattresses are foam or hybrid mattresses containing natural or synthetic latex. In contrast, organic mattresses are foam or hybrid mattresses made using certified organic natural materials like cotton, wool, or latex. You can also buy adjustable airbeds and waterbeds, which aren’t for everyone as they don’t feel like traditional beds.
What type of mattress is best for back pain?
The firmness of a mattress is more important than the type of mattress when choosing a mattress for back pain. Experts generally recommend a medium-firm sleeping surface for those with sore backs. ( 13 ) This should provide comfort for sore joints and plenty of support to keep the spine in healthy alignment, which may reduce pain. Studies suggest that mattresses with targeted support can further alleviate back pain. ( 14 )
How do you know if you need a firm or soft mattress?
Your ideal mattress firmness depends on your body type and sleeping style. Side sleepers require soft to medium mattresses, back sleepers medium-firm mattresses, and stomach sleepers usually need a medium-firm to firm offering. However, be aware that lighter sleepers will experience a mattress as firmer than a heavier sleeper, as they won’t sink through the layers as much. If you find yourself sinking so far into a mattress that you wake up with back pain, it’s probably too soft. It might be too firm if your mattress doesn’t contour your body and makes you uncomfortable around the joints. (15)
Our experts
Heidi Moawad, MD
Dr. Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and teaches at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She serves on the editorial board of Neurology Clinical Practice and is a reviewer for Neurology. Education: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, MD Certifications: Board of Medical Examiners Professional Accomplishments: Associate editor, Neurology, Humanities section, Past editor-in-chief of Neurology Times Affiliations: American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Lisa Bowman
Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer
About Author
Lisa is a sleep writer for Fortune Recommends, which combines two of her greatest passions – writing and sleeping. She can also be found writing about fitness, sustainability, and vegan food.
Her life revolves around her two rescue dogs (who she shares her bed with) and if she’s not running around after them, she’s likely doing yoga, buying new plants, or enjoying a sunset rum at the beach.