Have you ever wondered what a mattress is made of? It's probably a question that's been a fleeting thought on your mind but not something you've investigated. Even though you can't see it, the filling inside your mattress determines how comfortable it is to sleep on. Plenty of mattress fillings are available, but what is the real difference between them?
There is a type of mattress filling to suit every sleeper, and without even knowing it, you could be sleeping on the completely wrong mattress for your body type. From high-tech memory foam to a classic spring structure, hundreds of combinations of mattress fillings and structures can make up a mattress, and each one offers different positives and negatives.
Throughout this blog, we will go through every mattress filling available here at Happy Beds, who they are most suitable for, and the benefits they may bring you.
What fillings are in a sprung mattress?
Sprung mattresses can come in two forms: pocket sprung mattresses, and open coil sprung mattresses. The difference is that pocket-sprung mattresses are individually nested pocket springs that isolate movement across the mattress. In contrast, coil-sprung mattresses are joined together in a traditional design.
Sprung mattresses allow airflow to keep a cool, dry and prolonged mattress quality. Mattresses come in various' spring counts', which can determine the quality of the mattress, although this is not always the case. For more information on spring count, check out our pocket spring mattress guide
Mattresses with springs are sometimes filled with breathable natural materials that absorb moisture. These include wool, cotton and coconut fibre. Alternatively, they may have synthetic fillings, such as polyester and latex, which have excellent cushioning properties. Then, there are luxurious fillings such as mohair and silk for a real treat.
Whatever type of filling you choose for your sprung mattress will generally compress and settle over time, especially in an expensive model with extra layers. The settling process allows your mattress to adapt to the shape of your body, and you can even it out by turning it regularly.
What fillings are in a foam mattress?
If you prefer the durability of a non-sprung mattress, some possible fillings include foam, water, and cotton wadding. Water-filled mattresses offer support without pressure and can be heated for extra comfort, while ones filled with wadding or futons tend to mould to fit your body.
Foam mattresses are ideal for exceptional support and can be filled with memory, latex, gel and reflex foam. All foam mattresses are designed to conform to your body type and offer exceptional comfort. It is important to familiarise yourself with the various foam types to find the perfect foam mattress for you:
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam is the most common type of foam filling and is best for temperature regulating to prevent overheating throughout your sleep. Memory foam is manufactured from polyurethane materials. Explore more of the most popular questions about memory foam mattresses in our guide.
Latex foam mattresses
Latex foam mattresses are crafted from liquid rubber, whipped up to form a bouncy foam material. These mattresses ensure an even firmness distribution, ideal for extra body support for orthopaedic healing.
Gel foam mattresses
Gel Foam mattresses are infused with tiny gel beads, which help regulate temperature and provide a cooler, more pleasant sleeping space. Gel mattresses are perfect for those who struggle with sleep due to poor temperature conditions. Are you considering a gel foam mattress? Find out more about gel mattresses in our blog post if you're curious!
Reflex foam mattresses
Reflex foam mattresses are of high density and tend to offer medium firmness levels. Reflex foam features air bubbles, as opposed to holes, unlike other foam mattresses, to best maintain the mattress's shape and offer improved body support.
What about natural, luxury and special mattress fillings?
For premium mattress fillings, materials such as silk and cashmere can be used in layers to build exceptional comfort across the mattress. Mattresses filled with silk and cashmere are often more expensive due to the prestige and quality of the materials used. In our guide, read more about natural filling and organic mattresses!
Find the right mattress for your needs
As each mattress filling offers a unique kind of support, you should be able to find one that meets your needs. Fillings can even be combined, ensuring that there is truly a mattress to suit everyone. So, whether you need firmer support or like adding high-end luxury to your mattress, why not treat yourself to the mattress of your dreams?
We have a vast range of mattresses here at Happy Beds to choose from. We even have a mattress firmness tool that allows you to find the perfect mattress for your personal body type quickly, so ensure you get the best possible sleep possible!
If you need more information before making that important purchase, then take a look at our mattress buying guide that answers all the most popular questions or double check you're buying the right size for you with our mattress size guide.
