Mattress Types

Ask anyone what type of bed they like, and you’ll get all types of answers. That’s because firmness, thickness, style, and other features are highly subjective. Each customer has a different perspective and definition of what these words mean based on their understanding and perception. The firmness of a mattress comes down to the initial feel when you first lie on the mattress. These are placed into categories like soft, medium, and firm. Because it isn’t as easy as looking at the mattress to decide what you like, where do you start if you’re shopping for a new mattress?

Is firmness the same as support?

It’s important to note that firmness is not the same as support. The firmness is simply how the mattress feels. Does it relieve pressure? Does it feel comfortable to you? Is it warm/cool? Are there lots of hug, pushback, or something in between? When considering the support of the mattress, you’ll want to think about how the mattress keeps your spine in alignment. When you’re lying in your preferred sleeping position, do you feel like the mattress is helping or hindering your spine in being straight?

Soft Mattress

A soft or plush mattress will have more of a cloud-like comfort with lots of cushion and immediately contour and hug sleepers. Typically, a soft mattress will fall anywhere between a 3 and 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being the most firm. Side sleepers typically need a soft or medium mattress that is able to contour to the curves on the body such as the shoulders and hips. If you’re extremely light (120 pounds or less), you might consider looking for mattresses that are rated slightly softer than what you think you actually need. Most firmness rating scales are based on the needs and weight of an average-sized sleeper.

Medium

A medium feel mattress will provide a balanced level of push-back, hug, and contour. The middle of the road option for sinkage and hug (anywhere from 1 to 2 inches), many of these could be considered “universal comfort” mattresses with the least amount of sleepers finding them to be “too firm” or “too soft.” This is also why a medium mattress is recommended for guest rooms or Airbnb rooms. A medium mattress will usually fall on 6-7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Stomach sleepers usually need a medium or slightly firm mattress to allow for proper spine alignment and prevent lower back pain. Back sleepers can choose slightly soft, medium, or moderately firm, depending on the support they need.

Firm

A firm mattress will immediately push back with a stiff sleeping surface. With very minimal sinkage or hug (1 inch or less), these mattresses are designed to float sleepers on top of the surface of the mattress. Most will fall 7.5-9 out of 10. A firm mattress is an ideal option for heavier sleepers as deep compression support is critical for heavier sleepers (more than 200 pounds). You need a mattress that’s able to consistently support your weight while still remaining comfortable.

If you still can’t decide what might best suit your needs, call us at 361-244-6993 to set up a consultation appointment with our staff, or stop by and test out how the mattresses feel for yourself at 3413 S Staples St., Corpus Christi, Texas.

Memory foam mattresses have been rising in popularity since their introduction into the market due to their ability to contour to the body. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. A hybrid mattress combines both innerspring and foam. Customers who are struggling with a memory foam mattress may enjoy a hybrid mattress. Can’t decide what to look at? Here are some distinctions for each to decide what will work best for your needs.

Memory Foam

Memory foam was actually created in 1966 by Charles Yost for NASA. T-foam was intended to provide cushioning for use by astronauts to relieve the stress caused by the high G-force the astronauts were subjected to. NASA then sold the formula to medical companies, who unfortunately ran into problems as the original product was too brittle to be used long term. It wasn’t until a company named Tempurpedic was able to craft a more durable version that still had the same desirable qualities that it was ready to become a commercial product.

One of the core benefits of memory foam is the pressure-relieving benefits that are used to help prevent pressure sores and minimize pain in sensitive areas. When you lay on memory foam, the material yields and adjusts to your shape, rather than forcing you to contour to it. It is also good for motion isolation, which would be beneficial to a couple with a partner that tosses and turns in their sleep. However, typical memory foam mattresses are known to trap body heat and lower quality mattresses may also contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and isocyanates. With the lack of bounce, a memory foam mattress may feel restrictive and some consumers report feeling “trapped” in the mattress due to the high level of sinkage. A memory foam mattress is more likely to suit you if you have problems with your back, spine alignment or joints; you’re a snorer; your partner moves around a lot and tends to wake you up.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress, like a hybrid car, combine innerspring and foam, creating a combination of a traditional and more modern product to offer consumers the best complementation of the various features of each material. The core of the mattress is typically made of pocketed innerspring, while the top comfort layer is memory foam. The breathability of hybrid mattresses is generally superior to a memory foam mattress. They are less likely to become uncomfortably hot, which is great for those of us who sleep hot or who live in a hot climate like South Texas. There is also a wider variety to be found within the hybrid mattress market. The levels and combinations of spring and foam can be changed around to find your perfect fit. For a full memory foam mattress, the firmness and support tend to run quite similar across the board. Due to the extra materials and features, hybrid mattresses tend to be more expensive. Hybrid mattresses are usually quite heavy, making them difficult to maneuver and store. A hybrid mattress may be more suitable for you if you sleep on your side, requiring more firmness; you dislike the feeling of sinking into a mattress; you want the benefits of both memory foam and an innerspring mattress.

At That Mattress Place Corpus Christi, we will always work to help you make the purchase most suitable to your needs. Our educated staff has the expertise and knowledge to breakdown the science behind these awesome mattresses; stop in at 3413 S Staples St.ive, Corpus Christi, Texas or call us at 361-244-6993 to set up a consultation appointment. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook and Instagram for promotions, news, and reviews from happy customers.