What gives a mattress its unique feel?

Comfort is a key consideration when selecting a new mattress. But there are endless mattress choices when it comes to feel. There are two main factors that will impact how a mattress feels: the support system and the upholstery layers. We talk more about the support system here, so let’s talk about the upholstery layers.

Mattress upholstery materials

The type, amount, quality, and order of the various materials used in the mattress will help determine its unique feel. Even small changes in the order or amount of materials can have a big impact on how a mattress feels. At The Original Mattress Factory, we can spend months analyzing different combinations of materials before we find an ideal feel for a new product to add to our line.

Let’s take a closer look at these materials:

Foam: Foam can come in several forms: polyurethane, memory, and latex. Each type of foam offers its own different feel to the sleeper. Foams can vary widely in quality, but we always recommend that you look for foams that were made in the U.S. Foams manufactured overseas do not always adhere to the quality and safety standards we have in this country.

• Polyurethane: Polyurethane foam is the most common type of foam found in mattresses. It comes in a variety of different forms, densities, and thicknesses to offer a variety of feels for the sleeper.
• Memory foam: Memory foam is a dense form of polyurethane foam that conforms to the sleeper’s body and features its signature slow response. We use memory foam in our Serenity and Serenity Plush mattresses, as well as both of our hybrid models. Not all memory foam is created equal, so pay attention to the density which can tell you a lot about its quality. We believe memory foam needs to be at least 2 inches thick and near the top layer of the mattress to have any benefit to the sleeper. This is important to remember because mainstream mattress manufacturers will insert a small, thin amount of memory foam deep into a mattress so they can justify a higher price with marketing claims.
• Latex foam: Latex foam has a unique springy feel and can be made from natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of the two. The latex foam used in our Serenity Latex and latex foam pillows is produced by Talalay Global and uses a mix of 40 percent natural latex and 60 percent synthetic latex. This blend of natural and synthetic latex gives it an optimal balance of comfort and durability. (If you have a latex allergy, we have more information for you here.)

Cotton: Cotton is a natural, renewable, and breathable material. It is an ideal material to be paired with foams. Foams soften over time, but cotton firms, so the materials help offset each other. This helps our mattresses maintain a more consistent feel for a longer time.

Fiber: Fiber pads can help provide a firm feel for your mattress.

Comfort preferences are unique

While the support system and upholstery layers will give a mattress its unique feel, whether or not it feels comfortable is entirely up to you. Everyone has unique comfort and support preferences.

The best way to find out which mattress will feel most comfortable to you is to take your time and test them out. We recommend spending at least 15 minutes in your natural sleeping position before making your final selection. This will give your body to settle into the mattress and perceive the different elements.

Ready to start your mattress buying journey? Come to The Original Mattress Factory first. No one knows more than our team about what makes a great mattress great. Whether you buy from us or not, you’ll be better prepared to make a smart mattress buying decision. Find a store near you.