Mattress is the most important thing in providing you with deep and comfortable sleep. Since people sleep 1/3 of their lives, you want to make sure that you have the right mattress for you. There are two major types of mattresses and we break them down lower. However with new technology the two major types are not enough and the mattress market is growing with better offerings. All the information can be overwhelming so we will do our best to summarize and help you buy the right mattress for you.

What are the most popular major types of mattresses offered?
Mattresses with springs are the most common types of mattresses. These mattresses use coils to support the top part of the mattress, better known as the comfort zone. The comfort zone is where different types of foam are laid to best support your body during sleep. There are different types of springs inside the mattress, but the main factors are the thickness, which changes the feel of the mattress. If you want a firm mattress, look for 1.94mm coils (12.5 gauge), which are the thickest available. If you like your bed bouncy, then look for thinner coils, such as 1.37 or 1.63 mm (14 and 15.5 gauge). Every spring mattress needs box springs to support it. You want to buy a mattress specific new set of box springs with the mattress because they are made to work with the exact mattress you purchase to optimize your sleeping.

Foam mattresses completely abandon springs for a full layer of foam. There are two mainstream types of foam used for these mattresses: latex foam and memory foam. While being a little more comfortable, memory foam builds up a lot of heat due to its density and the nature of the material used. Memory foam keeps you from waking up from shifting positions as it contours around your body. Latex foam is a noticeably lighter type of foam, which offers nearly as much comfort as memory foam. It completely eliminates the heat factor, due to it being a very breathable material.

Are there different sizes of mattresses?
Yes, and you want to match your mattress with your frame. So if you buy a King bed frame, make sure to buy a King sized mattress. Here are the sizes of the mattresses (length in inches x width in inches)

Full (75" x 35")
Twin (75" x 53")
Queen (80" x 60")
King (80" x 76")
California King (84" x 72")

Are there different heights available?
Yes, besides the major dimensions, many companies offer low profile and high profile box springs for the spring mattresses. Low profile springs are 5" in height while the high profile ones are 9" in height. The height will not change the comfort level and it is just a personal preference whether you want to be higher or lower. If you do not like climbing high onto your bed, then a lower profile spring set will be perfect for you.

Which one is more comfortable?
Most good brands of mattresses are comfortable, regardless of the type. There are some drawbacks to memory foam mattresses, such as heat being trapped in the material. If you are a cold sleeper, that mattress will not be comfortable for you. If you like being hot while sleeping, then you won't notice anything. People who sleep on the side may find spring mattresses better because the springs adjust according to your curves making for a more comfortable sleep. People who sleep on their backs or stomachs will most likely prefer the foam mattresses. If you shift and turn a lot during your sleep, you will have noticeable discomfort with a foam mattress. However if you lay still for most of your sleep, you will be better off with a foam mattress. Most of it is personal preference. Before buying a mattress, make sure to lie down on it for a while simulating your sleep as much as possible.

Which one is more durable?
Most modern mattresses are durable and will last you a long time. Of course both types have problems as the memory foam gets too soft and mushy, while springs get lower and slightly less comfortable over time. Firm foam and firm springs are usually more durable and reliable than their counterparts.