Mattress Material Types: What is in Your Mattress?

Updated

January 9, 2024

Sleep Society is reader-supported, that means if you buy something via a link on this page, we might earn a commission. Thank you kindly.

Do you want to know about mattress materials? Don't worry. We've got it covered for you! In this article, we'll also help you to know:

  • What is the best type of mattress?
  • In a mattress, what do you find?
  • An average mattress consists of what?

Mattresses can contain both natural and synthetic fibres. There are various materials such as wool, cotton, latex, bamboo, foam, polyester, and many more. Most mattresses combine two or more materials like memory foam and springs to make a hybrid bed.

Mattress Types

There are various types of mattresses on the market. Each provides a different level of comfort depending on its design. To enable you to know the differences between mattresses, we have listed some of the most common mattresses so you can decide if you want one. Mattress types include:

Memory Foam

One of the most popular mattresses is a memory foam mattress since it adapts to the body’s shape and provides excellent support and relaxation. It also has a dense polyurethane foam that helps restore its original shape when pressure is released. Memory foam is an excellent choice for side sleepers.

Innerspring

An innerspring mattress contains metal springs or steel coils to provide support. Its comfort can usually be measured by the number of coils used in a mattress. The majority of mattresses contain between 250 and 1000 coil springs. 

Latex

Latex mattresses are soft and bouncy with the same pressure-relieving comfort as other foam mattresses. Despite this, if a mattress is created with only latex, it can be substantial, perfect for those seeking firmness. Natural latex comes from the sap of a rubber tree, and it offers great comfort and pain relief. What makes it different from memory foam is that it's very responsive, so you don't feel like you're sinking into it. 

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses blend the innerspring coil, memory foam, latex, or gel, providing more comfort benefits. They are super comfy with excellent pressure relief featuring both foam and pocket springs. It provides great support around the heavier parts of your body, like hips, and equally supports every body's parts. Suitable for all kinds of sleepers.

Airbed

An Airbed mattress is also known as an airbed or a blow-up bed usually made with plastic, vinyl, or rubber material. It uses air for support and can be inflated with an electric pump or by hand. And it allows you to adjust its firmness and is also customisable. It is padded with foam or latex for comfort and is suitable for back sleepers.

What type of mattress is best?

With so many mattress options available on the market, it can be challenging to find the best one. Think about your sleeping position, mattress size, style, comfort level, and durability when choosing a mattress. An ideal mattress would give you good comfort and a good night's sleep. Also, you can choose a mattress based on your body type.

  • Lean individuals should select a soft mattress to avoid getting sore from hard ones.
  • Those with heavy bodies may have back problems from a soft mattress. Because you need more support, choose a mattress with high-density foam.
  • A hybrid mattress is an excellent choice if your body temperature rises at night because it absorbs heat and provides air circulation.
  • Pick a mattress that has developed support for your spine if you have back pain.

What is in a mattress?

Suppose you're wondering what's in a mattress. Various layers of material beneath the fabric are made to support and give you comfort for a good night's sleep. Here's what's inside a mattress:

  • First is the comfort layer specifically for giving you comfort. This layer in modern ‘bed in a box’ mattresses is memory foam or latex. 
  • Depending on the mattress, the next layer can be a comfort, transition, or support layer. 
  • A second comfort layer will work in tandem with the top layer and is usually firmer. Materials can include memory foam, latex, hybrid, natural fillings, or gel foam, etc. 
  • The transition piece will bridge the space between comfort and support so that the mattress feels better. 
  • High-density foam or pocket springs are used to enhance the durability and comfort of the mattress in the support layer. 
  • Encasing the mattress is the cover which can be made up of multiple materials here’s two types: damask and knitted. Damask covers are a woven material that gives breathability with a soft finish and is long-lasting. Knitted covers also provide excellent breathability with soft-touch primarily used in memory foam or latex. 

What is in a basic mattress?

So what is contained in a budget mattress? The most common materials in a mattress are:

  • Foam, a soft material that regulates temperature and relieves pain.
  • Polyester is used as a filling and cover.
  • Wool is used to providing extra cushions and regulates temperature.
  • Cotton is used for breathability.
  • Adhesives are used for strengthening the materials and bond between the layers.
  • Steel coils that are used to provide firm support.

How is a mattress made?

A mattress is made using materials like memory foam, latex, pocketed innerspring, gel, and hybrids of different types of foam. Traditional mattresses contain spring or wire coils for support, and a steel mesh is placed on the top to prevent the coils from pushing into the mattress. Today, mattresses are made using both synthetic and natural materials.

An insulator is installed on top of the spring that bridges the gap between the spring and the upholstery. And a cushioned layer is placed to give comfort. The mattress's cover is made on a giant quilting machine that prevents the cover from slipping, which is cut to fit the mattress. 

Then the top and bottom panels are sewed, and the hog rings are stapled. The last step requires great skill that is done using a movable sewing head that binds the panels as it moves. Once the process is complete, quality is inspected and packed with additional information about the product.

Most mattresses are made in China, even the popular Koala mattress has moved production there. However, there are a few mattresses made in Australia. The Emma mattress is made in Germany, and the Origin mattress is made in Malaysia.