Walk into any mattress showroom or browse any online retailer, and you'll encounter a bewildering array of material descriptions. Memory foam, gel-infused foam, natural latex, synthetic latex, pocket coils, Bonnell springs, hybrid construction—the terminology can be overwhelming. Understanding what these materials actually are and how they affect your sleep experience is essential for making an informed mattress purchase.
This guide breaks down the major mattress materials you'll encounter, explaining how each performs, who they're best suited for, and what to look out for when shopping.
Memory Foam: The Contouring Champion
Memory foam, technically known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam, was developed by NASA in the 1960s to cushion astronauts during launch. It didn't enter the consumer market until the 1990s, but has since become one of the most popular mattress materials worldwide.
How Memory Foam Works
Memory foam responds to heat and pressure, softening where your body contacts it and slowly conforming to your shape. When you change position, the foam gradually returns to its original form—hence the term "memory." This behaviour allows the material to distribute body weight evenly and reduce pressure points, particularly beneficial for side sleepers and those with joint pain.
Types of Memory Foam
- Traditional memory foam: The original formulation, known for deep contouring but also heat retention
- Gel-infused memory foam: Contains gel particles or layers intended to dissipate heat and sleep cooler
- Open-cell memory foam: Features a more porous structure that improves airflow and reduces heat buildup
- Copper-infused memory foam: Contains copper particles claimed to draw heat away and provide antimicrobial benefits
Memory foam density is measured in kg/m³. Low density (under 40 kg/m³) is less durable, medium density (40-60 kg/m³) balances comfort and longevity, and high density (over 60 kg/m³) offers the best durability but may sleep warmer.
Memory Foam Pros and Cons
Advantages: Excellent pressure relief, superior motion isolation, good for couples, helps with back and joint pain, widely available at various price points.
Disadvantages: Can retain heat, slow response makes repositioning harder, some people dislike the "stuck" feeling, initial off-gassing odour, lower-density versions may develop impressions.
Latex: The Natural Alternative
Latex mattresses have been around since the 1920s and offer a distinctly different feel from memory foam. Latex can be natural (derived from rubber tree sap), synthetic (made from petroleum-based chemicals), or blended. Natural latex is prized for its durability and eco-friendly credentials.
Natural vs. Synthetic Latex
Natural latex (Dunlop or Talalay processed) comes from the sap of rubber trees. It's biodegradable, naturally resistant to dust mites and mould, and typically more durable than synthetic alternatives. Talalay latex tends to be softer and more consistent, while Dunlop latex is denser and more supportive.
Synthetic latex is manufactured from styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). It costs less but may not be as durable and lacks the natural properties of genuine latex. Blended latex combines both types.
How Latex Feels
Unlike the slow sink of memory foam, latex has a bouncy, responsive feel. It contours to your body but pushes back rather than cradling you. This responsiveness makes changing positions easier and generally appeals to combination sleepers and those who dislike the "stuck" feeling of memory foam.
- Latex: Bouncy, responsive, sleeps cool, very durable
- Memory Foam: Slow-conforming, cradling, better motion isolation
- Latex: Better for combination sleepers and hot sleepers
- Memory Foam: Better for side sleepers and couples
Latex Pros and Cons
Advantages: Excellent durability (can last 15+ years), naturally cooling, responsive and easy to reposition, hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, eco-friendly (natural versions).
Disadvantages: Higher cost, heavier weight makes moving difficult, some people dislike the bouncy feel, not ideal for those who prefer deep sinking, latex allergies (rare but possible).
Innerspring: The Traditional Choice
Innerspring mattresses have been around for over a century and remain popular for their familiar feel, breathability, and value. Modern innerspring mattresses have evolved significantly from their predecessors, with various coil types offering different benefits.
Types of Spring Systems
- Bonnell coils: Hourglass-shaped springs connected by wire; the oldest and most basic type, offering good support but significant motion transfer
- Offset coils: Similar to Bonnell but with flattened tops and bottoms for better contouring and reduced motion transfer
- Continuous coils: A single wire formed into rows of springs; durable but can transfer motion
- Pocket coils: Individual springs wrapped in fabric pockets, allowing independent movement; superior motion isolation and contouring
Coil Considerations
When evaluating innerspring mattresses, consider:
Coil count: More coils generally means better support and durability, but quality matters more than quantity. For a king single, look for at least 600-800 pocket coils.
Coil gauge: The thickness of the wire. Lower gauge numbers indicate thicker, firmer wire. Most mattresses use 12-15 gauge coils, with 12-13 being firmer.
Coil height: Taller coils (18-20cm) provide more cushioning and support than shorter coils (10-15cm).
Innerspring Pros and Cons
Advantages: Excellent breathability, responsive and easy to move on, strong edge support, familiar feel, generally more affordable, wide availability.
Disadvantages: Less pressure relief than foam, motion transfer (except pocket coils), can develop squeaking over time, comfort layers may compress faster than the springs last.
Hybrid Mattresses: Best of Both Worlds?
Hybrid mattresses combine a pocket coil support system with substantial foam or latex comfort layers. The goal is to capture the benefits of multiple material types—the responsive support and breathability of springs with the pressure relief and contouring of foam.
What Qualifies as a True Hybrid
Industry definitions vary, but a true hybrid typically features pocket coils (not Bonnell or continuous) and at least 5-8cm of foam comfort layers. A thin layer of foam over innerspring coils is technically an "innerspring with pillow top," not a hybrid.
Hybrid Variations
- Memory foam hybrid: Pocket coils topped with memory foam layers; good pressure relief with added responsiveness
- Latex hybrid: Pocket coils topped with latex layers; responsive, cool-sleeping, and durable
- Mixed foam hybrid: Pocket coils with both polyfoam and memory foam; balances cost with performance
When comparing hybrids, check the thickness and quality of the comfort layers. A hybrid with thin, low-density foam over springs won't provide the pressure relief that makes hybrids appealing. Look for at least 5cm of quality comfort material.
Hybrid Pros and Cons
Advantages: Combines pressure relief with responsive support, typically sleeps cooler than all-foam, better edge support, easier to reposition than memory foam.
Disadvantages: Higher cost, heavier weight, quality varies significantly between brands, may not suit those who want extreme softness or firmness.
Other Materials You'll Encounter
Polyurethane Foam (Poly Foam)
Standard poly foam is less expensive than memory foam and used in both support layers and cheaper mattresses' comfort layers. High-density poly foam can be quite durable, but lower-density versions break down quickly. Poly foam doesn't contour as well as memory foam but is more responsive.
Gel Foam
Gel foam refers to any foam (usually memory foam or poly foam) infused with gel particles or layers. The primary goal is improving heat dissipation, though the effectiveness varies between products.
Graphite and Copper Infusions
Some manufacturers infuse foams with graphite or copper, claiming improved cooling and antimicrobial properties. While these materials do have thermal properties, their effectiveness in a mattress setting is less proven than marketing might suggest.
Making Your Material Choice
Choosing the right material comes down to understanding your priorities:
- For maximum pressure relief: Memory foam or soft latex
- For sleeping cool: Innerspring, latex, or well-designed hybrid
- For easy repositioning: Latex, innerspring, or hybrid
- For motion isolation: Memory foam or pocket coil hybrid
- For durability: Natural latex or quality hybrid
- For value: Quality innerspring or budget hybrid
Remember that within each category, quality varies enormously. A premium memory foam mattress will outperform a budget latex mattress, and vice versa. Focus on finding the right material type for your needs, then compare quality within that category.