Mattress Types Explained
Most mattresses fall into a handful of construction types. Understanding how each one feels and performs is the single most useful thing you can do before buying.
The main mattress types
Pocket sprung — individual springs each in their own fabric pocket, so they move independently. Excellent support, good airflow, and less "roll-together" for couples. Spring counts (e.g. 1000, 2000) indicate responsiveness, not simply quality.
Memory foam — temperature-sensitive foam that moulds to your body, relieving pressure points. Superb motion isolation (you won't feel a partner move), but it can sleep warm and feel "slow" to respond.
Hybrid — a pocket-spring core topped with foam or latex comfort layers. Aims to combine spring support and airflow with foam pressure relief. The most popular modern choice.
Latex — natural or synthetic latex offers a bouncy, responsive feel with excellent durability and breathability. Naturally hypoallergenic, but heavier and pricier.
Open coil (Bonnell) — a single interconnected wire spring unit. Budget-friendly and fine for guest or children's rooms, but less supportive and more prone to roll-together than pocket sprung.
Which type should you choose?
- Sleep hot? Favour pocket sprung, hybrid or latex over dense memory foam.
- Light sleeper with a partner? Memory foam or a foam-topped hybrid isolates movement best.
- Bad back or joint pain? Pocket sprung or hybrid for support with targeted pressure relief.
- Allergies? Latex and many modern foams are naturally hypoallergenic.
- Tight budget or occasional use? Open coil is a sensible, cost-effective option.
Frequently asked questions
Is memory foam or pocket sprung better?
Neither is universally better. Memory foam excels at pressure relief and motion isolation but can sleep warm; pocket sprung offers cooler, more supportive, bouncier sleep. Hybrids combine both. The right choice depends on how hot you sleep, your body weight and whether you share the bed.
What is a hybrid mattress?
A hybrid mattress pairs a pocket-spring support core with one or more comfort layers of foam or latex, aiming to deliver spring support and airflow together with foam pressure relief. It is the most popular modern construction.
Do more springs mean a better mattress?
Not necessarily. Higher spring counts can mean more responsive, finely tuned support, but comfort-layer quality, materials and how the mattress suits your body matter just as much as the headline number.