To Spring or Not to Spring? A Mattress Buying Guide
Thursday, September 30th, 2010When shopping for a new mattress it’s important to carefully consider materials and how they relate to your overall sleeping comfort.
A basic inner spring mattress has three main components: the foundation, the spring core, and the upholstery. The core is the part of the mattress that supports your body as you sleep; the springs in the core are usually made of steel, though some manufacturers have begun using individually wrapped coils for increased comfort. The foundation of most inner spring beds is a metal box spring, wooden platform, wooden or metal slats. Some makers add a layer of thick block foam under the steel coils to create a firmer foundation. The upholstery layer covers the mattress and provides extra cushioning for added comfort.
Whether you’re in the market for a new mattress or not, you’ve probably heard of memory foam mattresses or viscoelastic foam. Developed by NASA in the US more than three decades ago, this material has become a popular choice for mattress manufacturers. With less give than traditional inner spring mattresses, memory foam holds its shape and moulds to your body as you sleep. These beds are ideal for couples, as there is very little transfer of motion, allowing both partners to sleep in independent comfort. Critics, however, claim that sleeping on a memory foam mattress is akin to lying on hard, wet sand.
The only way to determine which material is right for you is to test out several different mattress models before you commit to a purchase.