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Dreamy Planet
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Complete Guide: To know everything about mattresses

Updated: Oct 11, 2023

It's easy to get lost among the myriad of choices on the market, but to know everything about mattresses, explore all the varieties, pros, cons, and find the one that best suits your needs for longer nights sleep here. relaxing. Everything you need to know to make the best mattress choice awaits you here.


Foam mattress

Foam mattresses are mattresses made from different types of foam, which can vary in density, firmness, and support ability. Foam mattresses can provide extra support for people with back pain or joint pain.

Image showing memory foam for mattresses.
  • Memory foam: Memory foam is foam that conforms to the shape of the body to provide personalized support. This foam can help reduce pressure points and improve blood circulation. Memory foam mattresses can be more expensive than other types of foam mattresses, but they may provide better support for people with back pain or joint pain.

  • Polyurethane foam: Polyurethane foam is a type of foam that is often used in inexpensive foam mattresses. This foam is generally less dense than memory foam and can be less expensive. However, it may not offer as much support as memory foam.

  • Open Cell Foam: Open cell foam is a type of foam that has air cells that allow air to flow through the mattress. This can help keep the mattress cool and reduce sweating. Open-cell foam mattresses can be more expensive than other types of foam mattresses, but they may provide better comfort for people who get hot at night.

 

Spring mattress

Spring mattresses are mattresses made from a set of steel springs embedded in a foam or fiber structure to provide support and comfort. Innerspring mattresses were invented in the 1800s and have become a popular choice for people looking for firm support and good spinal support.

Pocket springs
  • Pocketed: Pocket coils are individual coils that are encapsulated in a bag of synthetic material to improve support and reduce pressure points. Pocket springs can provide better support for people who have back pain or joint pain. Pocket spring mattresses are generally more expensive than other types of spring mattresses, but they may provide better comfort for people looking for extra support.

bonnell springs
  • Bonnell: Bonnell springs are coil-shaped springs that are linked together to form a coil assembly. Bonnell coils are generally less expensive than pocket coils and they may not offer as much support. Bonnell spring mattresses are generally firmer than other types of spring mattresses.


Continuous springs

  • Continuous Spring: Continuous springs are a single set of steel springs that are wound together to form a support. Continuous coils are generally firmer than other types of coils and can provide good support for people looking for firm support.

 

Latex mattress

Latex mattresses are foam mattresses made from latex, which is a material produced from tree sap or synthetics. They were invented in the 1930s and have become a popular choice for people looking for firm support and good spinal support.

Dunlop latex mattress. Talalay latex mattress. Perforated Latex.
  • Natural latex: Natural latex mattresses are made from tree sap, they are more environmentally friendly and have hypoallergenic properties. Natural latex mattresses are generally more expensive than other types of latex mattresses, but they may provide better comfort for people looking for extra support and increased durability.

  • Synthetic latex: Synthetic latex mattresses are made from synthetic materials, they are less expensive than natural latex mattresses but can be less durable and offer less support. Synthetic latex mattresses are generally firmer than other types of latex mattresses.

  • Hybrid latex: Hybrid latex mattresses are made from a combination of natural and synthetic latex, they combine the advantages of both types of latex while minimizing the disadvantages. Hybrid latex mattresses can provide better support and durability than synthetic latex mattresses while being less expensive than natural latex mattresses.

Difference in Dunlop and Talalay

Talalay latex and Dunlop latex are both types of latex foam used to make mattresses and pillows. The main difference lies in the manufacturing method used.

The Dunlop manufacturing method is the traditional method used for decades. The raw latex is mixed, then poured into a mold. The mold is then heated to evacuate the air, and the latex is then fired to solidify. The end result is a dense, firm latex foam, which is generally heavier and firmer than Talalay.

The Talalay manufacturing method is a bit more modern. After the raw latex is mixed, it is injected into a mold vacuum, where the air is then evacuated. The mold is then frozen to solidify the latex, then fired at low temperature. The end result is a lighter, more resilient latex foam that is generally softer and more comfortable than Dunlop.

In short, the main difference between the two is that the Dunlop manufacturing method is older and more traditional, while the Talalay manufacturing method is more modern and uses more advanced technologies. Both types of latex have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different types of bedding products.

Advantages of Dunlop latex foam over Talalay latex foam include:

  • Higher density: Dunlop latex foam is generally denser and firmer, making it more durable and more wear resistant.

  • Firmer Support: The higher density of Dunlop latex foam provides firmer back and muscle support, which can be especially beneficial for those with back pain or muscle pain.

  • Lower cost: Dunlop's manufacturing method is simpler and less expensive, which can translate into more affordable product prices for consumers.

Advantages of Talalay latex foam over Dunlop latex foam include:

  • Lighter and more resilient: Talalay latex foam is generally lighter and more resilient, making it more comfortable and pleasant to sleep on.

  • Softer: Talalay latex foam is generally softer and plusher, making it more comfortable for people who prefer a softer mattress.

  • More Evenness: The Talalay construction method uses a vacuum to remove air, which allows for a more even distribution of foam density, providing more even support.

Be aware that these benefits are not absolute and will depend on the quality of the latex foam used and the manufacturing. It is worth checking the product specifications before purchasing.


What about 100% natural latex mattresses?

Latex sap. Natural latex. Rubber tree.

It's wrong! There are natural latex foams that are made from raw rubber from the rubber tree. However, it is common to mix this natural latex foam with chemicals to improve its density and durability, so it is impossible for any latex foam to be 100% natural. By being on the lookout for this, you'll know it's best to check manufacturer labels to find out exactly what makes up latex foam.


 

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are mattresses made from a combination of different materials to provide superior support and comfort. Hybrid mattresses were invented in the 2000s and have become a popular choice for people looking for firm support and good spinal support while having extra comfort.

  • Pocket Coils and Memory Foam: Hybrid pocket coils and memory foam mattresses combine the benefits of pocket coils for personalized support and memory foams for added comfort. These mattresses can provide better support for people with back pain or joint pain.

  • Pocket springs and latex: Hybrid pocket springs and latex mattresses combine the advantages of pocket springs for personalized support and latexes for increased durability. These mattresses can provide better support for people with back pain or joint pain while having increased durability.

  • Memory foam and latex: Hybrid memory foam and latex mattresses combine the benefits of memory foams for extra comfort and latexes for added durability. These mattresses can provide better comfort for people looking for extra support while having added durability. Take for example our MPILI 12 mattress which is made of different materials for always ideal comfort.

Internal description of the foams used in the MPILI mattress. Latex foam. Gel infused memory foam.

 

Water mattress

Waterbeds are mattresses made from a system of water chambers that can be filled or emptied to adjust firmness and support. Waterbeds were invented in the 1970s and have become a popular choice for people looking for personalized support and extra comfort. However, since the early 2000s, they have almost disappeared from the market.

Water drop. Water mattress.
  • Split-Chamber Waterbeds: Split-chambered waterbeds have separate water chambers for each side of the bed, allowing each person to adjust the firmness of their side of the bed independently. This allows each person to find their own level of comfort and support.

  • Combined Chamber Waterbeds: Combined chambered waterbeds have water chambers that are connected, allowing water to flow from one chamber to another. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and balanced firmness throughout the bed. These mattresses can be easier to use, as they do not need to be adjusted independently.

 

Natural fiber mattress

Natural fiber mattresses are mattresses made from natural materials such as goose feathers, down, wool, cotton, bamboo, hemp and linen to provide superior support and comfort. These mattresses are often considered to be more environmentally friendly and have hypoallergenic properties.

Feather mattress. Natural mattress.
  • Goose feather and down: Goose feather and down mattresses are made from goose feathers and down which are used to fill the top layer of the mattress structure. These mattresses can provide extra comfort for people who are looking for a plush and soft mattress. Goose feathers and down are often expensive materials and can be difficult to maintain.

Cotton mattress. Natural mattress.

  • Wool and cotton: Wool and cotton mattresses are made from natural fibers of wool and cotton. These materials are often used to fill the top layer of the mattress structure to provide additional comfort. Wool is naturally hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites and mildew, and has thermoregulating properties to maintain a comfortable body temperature. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic and breathable. Wool and cotton mattresses can be easier to care for than goose feather and down mattresses.




Bamboo mattress. Natural mattress.
  • Plant fibers: Plant fiber mattresses, such as bamboo, hemp, and linen, are made from natural fibers from these plants. These materials are often used to fill the top layer of the mattress structure to provide additional comfort. Plant fibers are often considered to be more environmentally friendly and to have hypoallergenic properties. Bamboo is also known to be dust mite and mildew resistant, while hemp and linen are naturally resistant to bacteria and mildew.








With so many choices on the mattress market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, after exploring the different varieties, advantages and disadvantages, you now have all the keys to find the mattress that best suits your needs, and thus enjoy a more restful night's sleep. Whether you opt for a foam, spring, latex, hybrid, water, or natural fiber mattress, each offers its own particularities to meet your personal preferences and the demands of your body. Don't forget to consider your comfort, support, and possible health issues to make the best mattress choice. By choosing wisely, you are sure to spend peaceful nights and enjoy restorative moments of rest for your general well-being.

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