A Guide to
Understanding Different Types of Mattresses
Your mattress can be the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up stiff, sore, and seriously unimpressed!
The right mattress supports your body, suits the way you sleep, and helps you get the kind of rest your brain, back, and mood will thank you for.
With so many types of mattresses out there, choosing one can feel complicated. Memory foam, innerspring, latex, pillow-top—they all promise comfort, but they don’t all feel the same, and they won’t all suit everyone.
We’re here to help you compare options and find a mattress that’s right for you.
Why Choosing the Right Mattress Matters
When your mattress suits you, it supports your spine, reduces pressure on your shoulders and hips, and keeps you comfortable for longer stretches of sleep.
Better sleep can improve your mood, energy levels, focus, and general well-being. After all, everything feels harder when you start the day tired, stiff, or sore!
A mattress that doesn’t suit your body can have the opposite effect. You may toss and turn, wake up during the night, or feel aches in your back, neck, hips, or shoulders by morning.
Your ideal mattress depends a lot on how you sleep: on your side, back, or stomach. Your body weight, comfort preferences, and health needs also play a role.
We’ll discuss how to choose the right mattress for your needs a little later.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses mould to your body as you lie down. They respond to your weight and body heat, creating a cushioned feel.
Pros:
- Feels cosy and supportive for side sleepers
- Contours to your body, relieving pressure on your shoulders, hips, back, and joints
- Can keep your spine better aligned
- Good at absorbing movement, which can suit couples
Cons
- Can feel too soft or “sinky” for some people
- May not offer enough support for some stomach sleepers or heavier sleepers
- May retain more heat than other mattress types
- Can make it harder to change positions during the night
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses use a system of metal springs or coils to support your body.
Pros:
- Can suit back sleepers and stomach sleepers who need firmer support
- Offers a supportive, responsive feel with more bounce
- Can make it easier to change sleeping positions
- Often has better airflow than all-foam mattresses
- Available in a wide range of firmness levels and price points
Cons
- May transfer more movement across the bed
- Can feel less cushioned around pressure points
- Springs may become noisy over time
- May not contour to your body as closely as memory foam
- Lower-quality innerspring mattresses may sag sooner
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine two or more mattress materials, usually a spring or coil support system with comfort layers like memory foam, latex, or gel foam on top.
Pros:
- Suits a wide range of sleepers, including couples with different comfort preferences
- Combines supportive coils with cushioned comfort layers
- Offers a good balance of comfort, support, and pressure relief
- Often easier to move around on than an all-foam mattress
- Can provide better airflow than many full-foam mattresses
Cons
- Some models may feel too firm, too soft, or too tall for certain sleepers
- Can be heavier and harder to move
- Often costs more than basic innerspring or foam mattresses
- Quality can vary depending on the coil system and comfort layers used
- May still transfer some movement
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made using latex foam, which can come from natural rubber, synthetic materials, or a blend of both.
Pros:
- Can suit side, back, and stomach sleepers, depending on the firmness level
- Offers a supportive, gently cushioned feel that’s less “sinky” than memory foam
- Often has good airflow, which can improve temperature comfort
- Natural latex options are ideal for those with dust mite or mould sensitivities, and those looking for more eco-conscious materials
- High-quality latex mattresses are durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Can cost more than basic foam or innerspring mattresses
- May feel too firm or bouncy for people who prefer a plush, sinking feel
- Some people may not like the naturally springy feel
- Can be heavy and harder to move
Gel-Infused or Cooling Mattresses
Gel-infused or cooling mattresses use gel-infused foam, breathable fabrics, open-cell foam, and other cooling materials to reduce heat build-up while you sleep.
Pros:
- Can suit hot sleepers or people living in warmer climates
- Offers cushioning and pressure relief while supporting temperature comfort
- Often available in foam or hybrid designs, giving you more choice
Cons
- Cooling performance can vary depending on the materials and design
- Can cost more than standard foam mattresses
- Some cooling effects may feel less noticeable over time
Pillow-Top Mattresse
Pillow-top mattresses have an extra-padded comfort layer sewn onto the top.
Pros:
- Can suit side sleepers who need extra cushioning
- Adds a soft, plush comfort layer to the mattress surface
- Can cushion pressure points around the shoulders, hips, and back
- Can make a firmer mattress feel more comfortable
Cons
- May feel too soft for stomach sleepers or people who need firmer support
- The pillow-top layer may compress or flatten over time
- Can be harder to rotate or flip
- May retain more heat if the top layer is thick or made from dense materials
- Can cost more than a basic mattress
Specialty Mattresses
Adjustable mattresses are typically made up of two separate halves placed side by side.
Each person can then choose their mattress firmness and material. And, with the right adjustable base, raise or lower parts of the bed to sleep, read, or watch TV as preferred, without disturbing the other person.
Commercial Mattresses
Commercial mattresses used in hotels, motels, guest accommodations, boarding houses, and other high-use spaces are designed for comfort and durability, as they’re subject to regular wear.
Specialty commercial mattresses are also available for more specific setups, including boats and caravans. These smaller or built-in spaces often need custom mattress shapes, sizes, or materials to suit tighter layouts, curved corners, or fixed bed frames.
How to Choose the Right Mattress for Your Needs
Consider your
- Sleeping Position: Side sleepers often need more pressure relief around the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers usually need balanced support to keep the spine in a comfortable position. Stomach sleepers may need a firmer feel to stop their body from sinking too deeply.
- Body Weight: A lighter person may prefer a softer mattress, while someone heavier may need extra support.
- Support Needs: If you deal with back pain, joint pain, stiffness, or mobility concerns, support becomes even more important. Choose a mattress that keeps your body in a natural position, reduces pressure where you need it most, and makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
- Sleep Challenges: If you sleep hot, a cooling, gel-infused, latex, or breathable hybrid mattress can help with temperature regulation. If you have dust mite or mould sensitivities, consider certain latex or hypoallergenic options.
- Budget and Desired Longevity: A cheaper mattress might save you money upfront, but it may not last as long or offer the same level of comfort over time. A higher-quality mattress can be a better long-term investment if it provides better sleep and lasts longer.
It’s worth visiting a mattress retailer in person. Specs and descriptions are helpful, but nothing beats lying down, testing a few options, and getting a real feel for what suits your body.
Faqs
What Are the Main Types of Mattresses?
Memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, gel-infused or cooling, pillow-top, and adjustable mattresses.
Each type offers a different feel, level of support, and comfort style.
Which Mattress Type Is Best for Back Pain?
A medium-firm mattress is often a good choice for back pain because it can support the spine while still offering enough cushioning for comfort. Hybrid, latex, and supportive memory foam mattresses can all work well, depending on your body, sleeping position, and comfort preferences.
What Is the Difference Between Memory Foam and Hybrid Mattresses?
Memory foam mattresses are made with layers of foam that mould to the body and offer a cushioned, pressure-relieving feel. Hybrid mattresses combine foam or comfort layers with a coil support system, giving a mix of cushioning, support, airflow, and bounce.
How Do I Know if I Need a Firm or Soft Mattress?
It depends on your sleeping position, body weight, and comfort preferences. Side sleepers often prefer a softer mattress for extra cushioning around the hips and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers usually need a firmer feel for better support. A good mattress should feel comfortable, support your body evenly, and help you wake up without stiffness or soreness.
Are Latex Mattresses Better Than Memory Foam?
They just feel different. Latex is usually bouncier, more breathable, and easier to move around on, while memory foam offers a softer, more body-hugging feel with strong pressure relief.
Find Your Perfect Mattress Today!
At Mattress Resources Australia, we know a good night’s sleep starts with the right foundation.[
Check out our types of mattresses online to explore different sizes and comfort levels. You’ll also find a variety of materials to choose from, including eco-friendly materials, copper-infused memory foam, and SensIce cooling fabric.
Then, online form, or visit your nearest Mattress Resources Australia retailer to discover the mattress made just for you!