The materials inside your mattress affect it how it feels and how long it lasts, so it’s important to understand your options.

For decades, most mattresses were constructed of an innerspring, topped with various types of padding. But today, you’ve got gel-infused memory foams, moisture-regulating fabrics, carbon-steel coils and numerous other materials, available across a wide range of mattress types.

The good news is: you don’t need to be a mattress scientist to get a great night sleep. You just need to know some basics.

1. Box Spring Mattresses

   The box spring, also known as the foundation, sits underneath your mattress. It plays an important role in supporting the full width of your mattress and ensuring its longevity. This is why manufacturers strongly encourage buying your mattress and box spring together—they’re designed to work in unison. Today, most box springs do not actually have springs, but instead use a sturdy wood framework, which is topped with flat board and lightly upholstered. An adjustable foundation is another option for those who do a lot of reading or watching TV in bed.

2. Innerspring Mattresses

   Most modern mattresses are still made with an innerspring system, typically made of thin metal. Some use a continuous coil system; others use independent coils. New innovations from Englander use ultra-lightweight carbon steel, which flexes more freely, and is arranged head-to-toe to reduce motion between partners. This can be found in the mattresses shopping section that we offer at Ben’s.

3. Traditional Foam & Fiber Layers of A Mattress

   Your mattress’s innerspring system typically has several layers of foam on top and underneath. The most immediate layers are usually high-density foams designed to provide a supportive base for the other layers. This incorporates numerous foam and fiber layers to create the perfect amount of cushioning, in addition to other benefits, like improved air flow, temperature regulation and fire blocking.

4. Memory Foam Mattresses

   Memory foam is unique from other foams in that it gently conforms to your body. This helps to greatly reduce the pressure points that cause tossing at night. It also distributes your weight evenly, ensuring proper sleep posture. Memory foam is typically incorporated as one of the top layers of the mattress (see our Oxford Box Top Mattress for example). Some mattresses are made with a memory foam core, instead of an innerspring. In other cases, mattresses are made with other types of foam cores, but then topped with memory foam. Some manufacturers are now using gel-infused memory foam for even better pressure-point relief without the heat build-up that traditional memory foams are known for.

5. Quilting of a Mattress

   The “quilt” is the very top layer of the mattress, consisting of the fabric itself, sometimes with additional foam layers encased inside. Mattresses like our Nottingham Pillow Top use a moisture-wicking fabric that ensures a dryer, cooler sleep surface.

6. Featherbed Mattresses

   Featherbeds, contrary to their names, are not actually beds. They’re bedding, made with feathers, down or a mixture of materials, which you add on top of your mattress to make it softer – kind of like lying on a tick comforter.

7. Waterbed Mattresses

   The 70s may be long gone, but believe it or not, you can still buy water beds. Newer water-based mattresses incorporate multiple fiber and vinyl layers to reduce “waves” and provide more support than older styles. Just keep the scissors away!

Ask The Mattress Experts at Ben’s Furniture

Remember, each mattress has its own unique set of materials to accommodate the comfort preferences of each sleeper. If you’re curious what’s inside any of our mattresses, just ask our associates. We’ll go over your options to help you build the perfect bed.

Innersprings, Pillow Tops, Memory Foam—Oh My!

When it comes to buying a mattress, you have a surprising number of mattress types to choose from. But finding the perfect one doesn’t need to be difficult. With some basic knowledge on the different types of mattresses we offer at Ben’s, it’s easy to create the bed of your dreams.

Here’s a handy guide to the most common types you’ll encounter when shopping:

1. Innerspring / Coil

   One mattress type, known as innerspring is pretty popular! Constructed with a framework of metal coils. Think of this as the supportive core of the mattress. The springs support the weight of your body while also gently conforming to it. Innerspring mattresses are topped with foam to create varying levels of softness. Typically, but not always, a firm mattress will have fewer of these layers than a plush mattress.

   Advantages of Innerspring/Coil Mattresses:

   • • Many options and firmness levels to choose from
     • Good for sleepers who prefer the feel of a traditional mattress

    

2. Foam Mattress

   Another mattress type, known as the term “foam mattress”, is typically popular as well! It is used to describe a mattress that uses a foam core (often made of memory foam or latex), rather than an innerspring. Often, the foam core is also topped with additional foam layers to control the softness. Check out Ben’s where he offers a variety of foam mattresses!

   Advantages of Foam Mattresses:

   • • Exceptional pressure-point relief and weight distribution
     • Good for sleepers who love the unique feel of memory foam

    

3. Pillow Top

   A pillow top mattress has additional layers of foam stitched onto the top of the mattress. This provides an extra level of cushioning to envelop the body. Keep in mind, not all pillow tops are designed to provide pillow-like softness all the way through. For example, you can have a firm mattress that’s also a pillow top. So always be sure to check the manufacturer’s softness level.

   Advantages of Pillow Top Mattresses:

   • • Luxurious, body-conforming softness on the top layers of the mattress
     • Good for back and side sleepers, but often not stomach sleepers

    

4. Box Top & Euro Top

   Box top and Euro top mattresses are basically the same as pillow tops, except the tops are sewn to create a flush, uniform appearance with the rest of the mattress. These are usually some of the tallest mattresses on the market.

   Advantages of Box Top & Euro Top Mattresses:

   • • Layer after layer of lush cushioning, available in varying softness levels
     • Good for those who like a tall bed that’s fit for a king

    

5. Adjustable Motion

   Some mattresses and bed frames are adjustable, allowing you to vertically adjust the head and/or foot of the bed. This is ideal for those who do a lot of reading or watching TV in bed, or for those who have trouble with mobility.

   Advantages of Adjustable Motion Mattresses:

   • • Easy, adjustable comfort for sleeping or sitting up in bed
     • Good for those who read or watch TV in bed

    

Can’t Decide On A Type Of Mattress?

Don’t worry! The easiest way to find the perfect mattress is to try it out in-person. We encourage you to actually lie down on the mattresses at any Ben’s location, so you can see how it feels. And if you have questions, our associates are happy to help.