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How to Choose the Best Mattress Type

A person sleeps in bed

Your mattress is one of the most important purchases you can make so having the right mattress for your sleeping style, body type and room size is vital. In this guide we’ll show you how to choose the perfect mattress by explaining the various types, sizes and materials, so you can rest easy on a mattress that is tailored to your needs.

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Popular Types of Mattresses

A hybrid mattress is deconstructed to show its layers.

One of the first major decisions when buying a new mattress is choosing which type you’d like. There are two broad categories, foam and spring mattresses.

For spring mattresses, you’ve got two distinct variations. Innerspring mattresses consist of interconnected metal coils that provide both support and bounce, while pocket coil mattresses feature individually encased coils, which allow for better movement isolations and targeted support.

Foam mattresses can come in polyfoam or memory foam options. Polyfoam offers a balance of comfort and affordability, while memory foam contours to your body for enhanced support.

Hybrid mattresses are a combination of different materials and often include the benefits of both spring and foam.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam is one of the most popular types of foam mattresses, as it conforms to the shape of your body, helping to alleviate pressure points and keep your body in alignment while you rest.

One of the most common complaints about foam is that it retains heat. Gel memory foam mattresses address that concern by adding a layer of gel on top of the mattress to keep you cooler at night.

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Spring Mattress

There are a few choices when it comes to spring mattresses including pocket coil, Bonnell coil and others.

Pocket Coils are generally the most popular choice for sleepers and feature individually wrapped coils, making it better at isolating their movement without affecting the surrounding coils. This can help keep you from disturbing the person next to you when tossing and turning at night.

There are also other types of spring mattresses including Bonnell coil - the traditional spring mattress where each hourglass-shaped spring is attached to a metal frame around them, spreading out the weight on top – and Offset coil – where the springs are slightly set apart and connected with one separate piece of metal, offering slightly more motion isolation.

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Hybrid Mattress

Most hybrid mattresses feature an innerspring core built with pocket coils to give you substantial support. You get the best of both worlds, springs for support and foam for comfort and movement isolation. Hybrid mattresses can also incorporate more layers comprised of cooling gel and other materials for added comfort. They’re traditionally a bit heavier than other types of mattresses and combine a variety of materials including memory foam, latex and more.

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Latex Mattress

An all-latex or true latex mattress is made completely of latex, which offers a unique combination of bounce, comfort and responsiveness. Latex mattresses provide good support, pressure relief and breathability.

They can be easily confused with – but are not the same as – other types of mattresses which simply incorporate a layer of latex on top of a spring or foam underlayment.

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Choosing the Right Mattress Type

Two people place a mattress in the boxspring.

When selecting your mattress, you’ll need to consider several options including your preferred firmness level, how the mattress supports your sleeping position, suits your body type and, finally, how it fits into your desired budget. Here are some points to help you out.

Comfort

Your mattress firmness is separated into different classifications from extra soft to extra firm. Most mattress types including spring, foam and hybrid are offered at different firmness levels.

  • Extra Soft
  • Soft
  • Medium Soft
  • Medium
  • Medium Firm
  • Firm
  • Extra Firm

Sleeping Position

Your mattress should be selected to provide comfort for your specific sleep position, including:

  • Back Sleepers usually require a medium to firm mattress with supportive properties.
  • Side Sleepers typically require a memory foam or hybrid mattress with a comfort top.
  • Stomach Sleepers usually require a medium to firm mattress that provides some support.
  • Restless Sleepers would benefit from a memory foam mattress with motion isolation.
  • Hot Sleepers would benefit from mattresses that promote air flow and cooling, like gel tops or latex mattresses.

Body Type

Your body type, including your weight, should be a determining factor in the type of mattress and firmness you choose. Lighter individuals may find softer mattresses more comfortable, while heavier bodies generally benefit from firmer mattresses which provide more support.

Budget

Determining the right combination of materials within your budget is key to selecting the perfect mattress. Mattresses can range in price from traditional spring and polyfoam mattresses, which are generally the most economical to hybrid mattresses that combine both and may add extra layers such as a gel foam. Specialty mattresses like all-latex versions can add considerable cost.

Remember that expensive doesn’t always mean the best for your body type. Consider your sleep style, mattress materials and more to make the best purchase for you.

Mattress Sizes

Two people lay on a mattress in a room.

Selecting the mattress size that suits you comes down to a few factors including the number of people sleeping on it regularly, the size of your room and more. The chart below compares some of the common mattress sizes in Canada.

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Mattress size

Dimensions in inches

Dimensions in cm

Crib or Toddler Mattress Size

 27.25" X 51"

69.2 X 129.5 cm

Single or Twin Mattress Size

38" X 75"

 96.5 X 188.0 cm

Twin XL Mattress Size  

38" X 80"

 96.5 X 203.5 cm

Full or Double Mattress Size

54" X 75"

 134.5 X 190.5 cm

Queen Mattress Size

60" X 80"

 152 X 203.5 cm

King Mattress Size

76" X 80"

 193 X 203.5 cm

California King Mattress Size

72" X 84"

 183 X 213.5 cm
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Mattress Pads and Toppers

A mattress with a topper is shown.

Mattress pads and toppers are additional accessories that can enhance the functionality and help extend the lifespan of your mattress.

  • Mattress Pads are a thin, protective layer that is placed over your mattress that protects it from spills, stains and wear.
  • Mattress Toppers are an additional comfort layer placed on top of your mattress to provide extra cushioning and support.
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Mattress Care Tips

If you’re wondering how to clean a mattress, the best way is proactively – by using a mattress protector to guard against stains and wear. Remember to rotate your mattress every 3-6 months to promote even wear and avoid jumping or placing excessive weight on it.

For alternative cleaning methods, follow your manufacturers directions for cleaning and maintenance.

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