Finding the right mattress can overwhelm you with brand advertisements, multiple choices, and competition in the US market.

Here’s where choosing a bed that meets all your requirements gets tricky.

Should you go for memory foam, hybrid, or latex? What if your partner has different sleep needs? And how do you balance comfort with budget?

Pro tip: The right mattress depends on your sleep position, room size, and personal preferences—but timing your purchase matters too! Prices fluctuate throughout the year, and knowing when to buy can save you hundreds.

Easy solution:  Smart Mattress Buy features a Best Time to Buy a Mattress page for,

• Future price predictions – See if prices will rise or drop
• Seasonal sale insights – Find the best months for deals
• Price tracking graphs – Track historical trends

In this mattress guide, I’ll break down 12 different types of mattresses to help you zero in on the one that suits you!

Different Types of Mattresses

1. Memory Foam Mattresses – Contour and Pressure Relief

Want a mattress that contours your body and cradles all the pressure zones? That’s what memory foam does! These mattresses are great for pressure relief and motion isolation, making them a top pick for couples and side sleepers.

Best for: Side sleepers, people with joint pain, couples

Cons: Can retain heat, may feel too soft for stomach sleepers

Popular Brands: Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Casper

2. Gel Foam Mattresses – Keeps You Cool While You Sleep

Memory foam can trap heat, but gel foam mattresses fix that! Infused with cooling gel, these mattresses absorb excess body heat, keeping you cool and comfy all night.

Recommended for: Hot sleepers, memory foam lovers who want a cooler feel

Cons: Made with synthetic materials, can be pricey

Reliable Brands: Puffy Cloud, Tempur Pedic Cloud

3. Hybrid Mattresses – Best of Both Worlds

If you love the bounce of innerspring but crave the comfort of memory foam, hybrid mattresses are your sweet spot. They combine foam layers with pocketed coils to deliver both support and cushioning.

Ideal for: Back and side sleepers, hot sleepers, combination sleepers

Not recommended: Can be pricier than other options

Popular Brands: Saatva, Helix, Purple

4. Innerspring Mattresses – Classic and Responsive

If you love a traditional, bouncy feel, innerspring mattresses are for you. They use a system of coils for support, with a thin comfort layer on top.

Best for: Stomach sleepers, back sleepers, budget shoppers

Cons: Can be noisy, may lack pressure relief

Popular Brands: Sealy, Serta, Beautyrest

5. Latex Mattresses – Naturally Supportive and Durable

Made from natural or synthetic latex, these mattresses offer a responsive, bouncy feel while being hypoallergenic and eco-friendly.

Recommended: Eco-conscious shoppers, people with allergies, hot sleepers

Cons: Can be heavy and expensive

Reputed Brands: Avocado, PlushBeds, Latex For Less

6. Waterbeds – Minimal Pressure Buildup and Bedsore

Originally designed for medical use, waterbeds provide unique body contouring and adjustable firmness by controlling the water level.

Best for: People with pressure buildup, patients with bedsores, those who want adjustable firmness

Cons: Risk of leaks, lacks firm support

Popular Brands: Boyd Specialty Sleep, Strobel Organic

7. Pillow Top Mattresses – Extra Plush Comfort

Pillow top mattresses have an extra padded layer sewn onto the top, making them softer and more cushioned.

Ideal for: Side sleepers, those who love a plush feel

Watch out for: Can sag over time, requires maintenance

Popular Brands: Helix Midnight Luxe, Stearns & Foster

8. Polyfoam Mattresses – Budget-Friendly and Lightweight

Made from synthetic materials, polyfoam mattresses are affordable and provide decent comfort for short-term use.

Best for: Budget shoppers, guest rooms, lightweight sleepers

Cons: Not very durable, may sag quickly

Popular Brands: Zinus, Lucid

9. Adjustable Beds – Customized Comfort at Fingertips

Adjustable beds allow you to modify your sleep position, which is great for people with back pain, snoring, or circulation issues.

Recommended: People with chronic pain, seniors, TV watchers in bed

Cons: Requires a compatible mattress, can be pricey

Top-rated Brands: iSense, Tempur Pedic Cloud Base

10. Airbeds – Adjustable Firmness Anytime

Airbeds come with built-in air pumps, allowing you to control the mattress’s firmness level.

Best for: Couples with different firmness preferences, frequent movers, or people with from bedsores

Cons: Potential for leaks, can be expensive

Popular Brands: Sleep Number, AeroBed

11. Organic Mattresses – Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic

Made with natural materials like latex, wool, and organic cotton, these mattresses are free from harmful chemicals.

Recommended: Eco-conscious buyers, allergy sufferers

Cons: Limited options, higher price tag

Popular Brands: Avocado Green, PlushBeds

12. Futon Mattresses – Space-Saving and Versatile

Futon mattresses can double as a sofa, making them ideal for small spaces or guest rooms.

Best for: Small apartments, budget-conscious buyers

Cons: Less cushioning, not as thick as traditional mattresses

Popular Brands: DHP, Mozaic

Mattress Comparison Table – Different Types of Mattresses

Here’s a comparison table to make it even easier to choose the right mattress.

Table of Comparison – Types of Mattresses

Short Reviews – Types of Mattresses

This is the section where I’ve detailed each type of mattress —from spring, foam, and hybrids to gel, waterbeds, and futon. Give a glance through.

1. Innerspring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses are a traditional type of mattress. They use different types of coils to make sure you feel comfortable and supported all over. On top of the coils, there are thick layers of latex, polyfoam, or memory foam to make the mattress cozy.

Innerspring mattresses have 4 types of coils: Continuous, Bonnell, Offset, and Encased. Let’s have a closer look at each of them and see what they’re about!

Types of Mattress Coils

• Continuous Coils

Continuous coils are like a single wire that shapes the whole support system of the bed. Instead of separate coils, they’re crafted into an S-shape. Since they are made up of a single interlinked wire, you get a sturdy setup at a competitive price range.

• Bonnell Coils

These coils are shaped like an hourglass. They were the first type of mattress coils made for mattresses and are still really popular today.

• Offset Coils

If you’re bothered by noisy springs, you might want to check out offset coils. They’re similar to Bonnell coils but have flat edges at the top and bottom, creating a bend that fits your body better. They’re strong, long-lasting, provide good support, and aren’t noisy at all.

• Encased Coils

These coils are different from others because they’re not connected, and they work independently of each other. The coils are of thin-gauge barrel-shaped design. They provide extra support and help in motion isolation. You’ll usually find these in hybrid mattresses, which is a variation of innerspring mattresses.

Pros

1. Affordable Price: Innerspring mattresses don’t have as many layers as other types of mattresses. That’s why they’re cheaper, which means you can buy them at a competitive price range.
2. Traditional feel: Innerspring mattresses are bouncy and give off that familiar, classic feel that a lot of people like.

• Breathability: In an innerspring mattress, the coiled section helps to keep things cool by letting air flow through. Thus, the top layer doesn’t get too hot.

Cons

• Weight: Innerspring mattresses are pretty heavy because of steel coils inside. This might make it tough to move the mattress on your own from your doorstep.
• Motion Transfer: Innerspring mattresses aren’t good at motion isolation. Unless you choose ones with individually encased coils, you might feel a lot of motion from one side to the other.

Recommendation

Innerspring mattresses are pretty versatile and work well for different sleeping habits. They’re good for combination sleepers because they’re bouncy and easy to move around on.

Saatva Classic Mattress is all about those innersprings! It’s got a tough innerspring base topped with another layer of responsive, individually pocketed coils. It contours to your body to relieve pressure points.

Read Review

2. Memory Foam Mattress

Back in 1900’s, NASA created memory foam to make airplanes safer. Now, it’s used all across the mattress industry, in mattresses, pillows, blankets, and more. A memory foam mattress is made of a special type of polyurethane foam. This foam creates a feeling of being cradled.

When you lie down, it takes the shape of your body and bounces back slowly when you get up. It’s good for comfort and right for individuals who are side sleepers. Or even those who need extra softness due to pain or discomfort in their neck and back.

Pros

• Pressure Relief: Memory foam is good at easing pain in sensitive pressure points. These mattresses help to cushion your body and reduce pressure on areas like shoulders, hips, and knees.
• Hypoallergenic: Memory foam mattresses usually make use of materials that are hypoallergenic and keep dust mites away. They’re a good choice, especially if you deal with allergies or breathing issues.
• Motion Isolation: A memory foam mattress works well for couples because it’s really good at motion isolation.

Cons

• Overheating: Memory foam mattresses often get too warm since the foam can trap heat. Some mattresses feature cool gel memory foam layers or other cooling materials to avoid overheating, but not all memory foam beds come with these cooling features.

Recommendation

• Memory foam mattresses are a good fit if you have issues like pressure sores and painful joints. They prevent pressure builds up, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
• I recommend this mattress for those who share a bed and want maximum motion isolation.

Casper is one of those memory foam mattresses that features a responsive layer of foam that soothes you with a bit of bounce. It also comes with cooling technology and breathability. Want to learn more?

Read Review

3. Gel Foam Mattress

Memory foam can sometimes make you feel all hot as it traps heat. That’s where Gel Foam comes in! It acts as a cooling layer for memory foam mattresses. The gel infused into foam absorbs up that extra heat from your body, while you sleep.

Pros

• Cooling: Gel mattresses are made to keep you cool while you sleep. They use gel to take away body heat, so even if you tend to get hot at night, you can stay comfortable and cool.
• Responsive Feel: Gel beds are like memory foam but a bit more flexible. That means they can adjust quicker when you switch positions while you sleep.

Cons

• Synthetic Materials: Gel foams are created by heating and mixing specific plastics and then cooling them into shape. While they offer advantages, some folks might hesitate because they involve combining chemicals in their mattresses.

Recommendation

• For those who sleep hot but still crave memory foam comfort, a gel foam mattress is the way to go! The gel lets you enjoy all perks of memory foam without turning up the heat.

Puffy Cloud is a memory foam mattress with Climate Comfort Foam. It has gel-infused memory foam with micro-perforations to make it even more breathable. If you want more details, check out this comprehensive mattress review – it’s all there.

Read Review

4. Latex Mattress

Latex comes from rubber tree sap. It’s a natural variant of bedding and suitable if you wish for something natural for your mattress. Think of it as a cooler alternative to synthetic mattresses. It’s a bit like memory foam when it comes to pressure relief comfort.

Additionally, latex mattresses keep you cooler than memory foam ones, so you can sleep without feeling too warm.

There are basically two types of latex mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay.

• Dunlop Latex

In the production of Dunlop latex, latex is poured into a mold all at once. What happens is the top of the mattress ends up feeling softer while the bottom gets denser. It’s why those mattresses feel different in different spots!

• Talalay Latex

Talalay is a more intricate way to make latex mattresses. They pour latex into a mold and use a vacuum to remove all the air. After that, they freeze it to make the mattress structure strong. This process creates foams that feel more consistent compared to the Dunlop method.

Pros

• Natural Materials: When you go for a natural latex mattress, you can relax, knowing there aren’t any metals or chemicals in the material. Lots of organic mattresses use latex for their construction.
• Pain Relief: If you’re dealing with back or joint pain, latex mattresses can be a great pick. They give your body support and help your spine stay aligned naturally.
• Breathability: Latex has this natural open-cell design that lets air flow through easily. That means the mattress stays cooler and lets your skin breathe better.
• Bounce: Latex is bouncy and can make it simpler for individuals who switch positions a lot or those who have trouble moving around on the bed.

Cons

• Cost: Latex mattresses can be costlier because they use natural materials that are harder to produce.

Recommendation

• Latex mattresses suit allergy-prone individuals for their hypoallergenic nature and resistance to dust mites. Their breathability suits hot sleepers, while the buoyancy aids mobility for combination sleepers.

Nolah Natural 11-inch mattress is a luxury latex hybrid mattress. It’s got a top layer of natural Talalay latex foam that hugs your body just right, giving you relief from any pressure points.

Read Review

5. Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses are like the combination of different elements of mattresses to give you a comfortable sleep. These mattresses have a coil support system. The spring layer is topped by dense layers of latex, memory foam, or gel foam to offer comfort, pressure point relief, and motion isolation.

Pros

• Versatility: Hybrid mattresses have both foam layers and steel coils. It’s like getting the best of both worlds, making hybrids a fantastic option for all kinds of sleepers.
• Advanced Support: Hybrid mattresses provide good support by the combination of coils with foam layers. Those coils are the main support, while the foam layers step in to make sure your spine stays aligned while you sleep.

Cons

• Weight: Hybrid mattresses, with their mix of coils and multiple foam layers, tend to be on the heavier side among mattresses. You might want to have some extra help around when it comes to moving the mattress.

Recommendation

• Hybrid mattresses are versatile and suitable for all sleepers, no matter how they sleep. They’re a combination of innerspring and foam materials. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper craving extra support and pain relief, hybrids are our go-to recommendation.

Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Mattress is made with foams like gel-infused TitanFlex polyfoam and has a support core of individually encased coils. That combination is what makes it comfortable and supportive.

Read Review

6. Waterbed

The first waterbed was made by Dr. Neill Arnott to help patients suffering from bedsores. Named earlier as a ‘hydrostatic bed’, the beds had a compartment filled with water that makes you feel like you’re floating! Plus, you can adjust how the water supports your body weight while you sleep.

Pros

• Comfort: Waterbeds feel comfortable because the water inside molds to your body. They don’t push back and givegood pressure relief no matter how you sleep.
• Adjustable Firmness: You can make the bed softer or firmer by adding or taking out water because it’s filled with liquid.
• Heating: A waterbed solves the cold bed problem in winter! Lots of them come with adjustable heating, so you can find that just-right temperature for better sleep, relaxing your muscles, and soothing any aches.

Cons

• Potential Leaks: Waterbeds aren’t resilient and may leak. They’re covered in durable vinyl outside, but there’s always a chance that water could spill in your bedroom.
• Lack of Support: These mattresses feel comfortable and bouncy, yet they might not give your body the support it needs.

Recommendation

A lot of sleepers find the waterbed experience really good. I’d recommend it for individuals dealing with pressure build-up. That’s because a waterbed molds to your body, stopping that pressure from building up on your shoulders, hips, and knees.

7. Pillow Top Mattress

Pillow Top mattresses, also called Euro Top Mattresses, have an extra padded layer fixed firmly on top for extra comfort. This layer can lift the bed a few inches. Pillow Tops add more cushioning, letting your shoulders and hips sink in for a cozier sleep.

They’re made of latex, cotton, foam, or wool layers, making them a bit pricier than regular mattresses.

Pros

• Added Comfort: Pillowtop makes your mattress comfier by adding extra cushioning. It’s great at relieving pressure, no matter how you sleep.
• Motion Isolation: Foam pillow top is a good investment because it stops motion transfer.
• Price: You can actually find pillowtops in all sorts of mattresses, even the ones that are budget-friendly.

Cons

• Maintenance: Pillowtop mattresses might sag over time, which means they need flipping regularly.

Recommendation

• If you prefer an extracushion on your bed, a pillowtop mattress could be your favorite one! They’re made to level up the coziness of a regular mattress, fitting all kinds of sleepers. It’s like an upgrade for added comfort!

Helix Midnight Luxe is a memory foam mattress with a soft pillow top that adds a plush feel. This premium quilted top makes it even more comfortable!

Read Review

8. Polyfoam Mattress

Polyfoam is made synthetically for mattresses and bedding stuff. It is synthetic and petroleum-based. It uses chemicals, but don’t worry; they go through some processes to make sure those chemicals don’t cause any harm.

Polyfoam mattresses are certified by CertiPUR-US^®, which ensures that the mattress is totally safe. Additionally, these mattresses are budget-friendly and give you good comfort and support for your sleep.

Pros

• Inexpensive: Polyfoam mattresses are budget-friendly because the materials they use are inexpensive to make. So, if you’re someone who keeps an eye on your wallet while shopping, these beds might be a smart pick for you!
• Lightweight: Polyfoam mattresses are light, so you can easily carry them from your doorstep to your bedroom.

Cons

• Durability: Polyfoam mattresses are not as durable as other types of mattresses like innerspring, hybrid, latex, or memory foam mattresses.

Recommendation

If you want a short-term solution, polyfoam mattresses could be your thing. Don’t expect them to last long, as they’re not durable mattresses. They’re suitable if you’re watching your wallet and prefer something different from the traditional innerspring mattresses.

9. Adjustable Bed

An adjustable bed is made with adjustable motors that let you change your sleeping position as per your comfort. Plus, they can even tilt back, fitting exactly how you want them to.

They’re suitable for individuals dealing with sinus troubles or back pain. You can adjust these beds to match exactly what you need, making them way cozier.

However, they do come with a higher price tag and some extra costs for keeping those electric motors running smoothly. So, if you’re after a more budget-friendly option, that’s something to keep in mind.

Pros

• Comfort: These beds are all about making you comfortable. You can adjust how you sleep, finding a suitable position that’s just right for you.
• Pain Relief: An adjustable bed works well in easing pain. You can change the angle to focus on those sore spots, helping them feel better and giving your body a chance to heal up.

Cons

• Incompatibility with Mattresses: If you’re getting an adjustable base, you’ll need a mattress that fits it. Most mattresses work with these bases, but it might narrow down your choices a bit.

Recommendation

• We often suggest adjustable beds for individuals dealing with conditions like sciatica or arthritis. They’re a great fit for older people and anyone who might have trouble moving around easily. These beds can boost mobility and ease pain, making life a bit smoother.

iSense Hybrid Premier Mattress features dual-sided adjustability. That means you can pick how firm or soft you want each side of your bed to be. Plus, there’s an iSense App that lets you take charge of your bed and the adjustable base.

Read Review

10. Airbed

Airbeds have motors that pump air into the mattress so you can adjust how firm or soft it feels. They’re kind of regular beds but with foam layers that give you a change from the usual mattress vibe.

These mattresses often have motors you can adjust. That means you and your partner can customize just the way you like it. Airbeds tend to stay in good shape longer, so no worries about that sagging you might get with regular mattresses!

Pros

• Adjustable Firmness: Changing the firmness of an airbed is easy since it’s filled with air. This flexibility lets you discover the perfect comfort level without needing to switch mattresses all the time.
• No Sagging: The air inside the mattress molds to your body, responds to movement, and bounces back when you get up.

Cons

• Potential Leaks Punctures: Airbeds use tough vinyl to make sure they’re strong and last long. But they can easily leak, and that’s impossible to fix.

Recommendation

If you prefer a mattress that’s easy to move around and lets you adjust how firm or soft it feels, an airbed might be just what you need.

11. Organic Mattress

Organic mattress is all about using natural products like latex, wool, cotton and even recycled steel for coils. The mattress is eco-friendly and toxin-free. Plus, they’re made with renewable materials and fewer chemicals, so they’re totally safe for you to sleep.

Pros

• Healthier: Organic mattresses have way more natural and organic products than synthetic materials, making them a healthier choice for people.
• Temperature Regulation: Organic mattresses use natural materials that keep you warm in winter, cool in summer and breathable all year long. It’s like having a built-in temperature control for your sleep.
• Eco-friendly: Since the mattress doesn’t have any chemicals or harmful products, these beds are not damaging to the environment.

Cons:

• Fewer Options: You won’t find as many organic mattresses as the regular ones made with non-organic products.

Recommendation

• For individuals who care about the environment, organic mattresses are a top pick. They’re made from wool, cotton, and latex that mostly come from sustainable sources.

Avocado Green Mattress is totally organic and has the GOTS certification. The Standard and Pillowtop versions use GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, and every model includes GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton.

Read Review

12. Futon Mattress

Futon Mattresses are like a two-in-one deal—you can switch them from a bed to a sofa. Suitable for your living room, especially if you’re all about saving space. They’re firm and foldable, adding to their ease of use.

Pros

• Space saving: Futons are great for smaller spaces like apartments because you can fold them up into a couch when you don’t need the bed.
• Less expensive: Futons usually cost less than regular beds or sofas.

Cons

• Not thick mattress: Futons can fold up easily, which means they’re not as thick as regular mattresses.

Recommendation

If your apartment is limited in space, place a futon in the living room! It’s suitable as a sofa duringthe day and a bed at night.

Smart Take!

At first glance, a mattress might seem like a simple bedding investment, and many assume they’re all pretty much alike. However, the truth is far more intricate. Under the cover, mattresses feature numerous different designs and materials.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to 12 varied types of mattresses, their diverse aspects, highlighting pros and cons, and recommendations.

From memory foam to hybrids, latex, and even adjustable beds, every mattress type has its own perks. Whether you’re eyeing a Tempur Pedic for plush comfort, a Saatva for lumbar support, or an Avocado Green for organic sleep, the right choice depends on your sleep position, body support needs, and budget.

Before buying, consider factors like – firmness, motion isolation, cooling, and durability.

For a detailed breakdown on how to choose the perfect mattress, check out our Mattress Buying Guide.

Want to sleep better? Choose smarter

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of mattress is the most durable?

Latex mattresses last for more than 10 years, longer than memory foam or polyfoam mattresses. If you’re heavy, spend a lot of time in bed, or don’t want to get a new mattress soon, latex could be a good pick for you.

2. Which is the best type of mattress for back pain?

Medium-firm foam or hybrid mattresses are comfortable and can help with back pain. They also make your sleep better and are durable. Mattress companies rate how soft or firm their mattresses are on an industrial mattress firmness scale ranging from 1 to 10 (1 being on the softer side and 10 being on the firmer side).

3. What types of mattresses are popular in sleep retreats or hotels?

Stearns & Foster, a luxury mattress brand favored by upscale hotels, is renowned for its premium materials, comfort, and durability. The mattresses are selected by hotels to offer guests a lavish sleeping experience. Read more about sleep retreats and their preferred types of mattresses.