Choosing a mattress can feel completely overwhelming. There are so many brands, models and types of beds on the market that it’s hard to know where to start, and there’s lots of industry jargon too.
Dale Harley, Marketing Executive at Restonic SA, says that even certain terms that sound obvious can prove tricky when comparing beds across brands, because there isn’t an industry standard for measuring things like firmness or softness. However, he notes, when you’re armed with some basic terminology, it’s much easier to find the perfect bed for your own needs.
He breaks down some common terms that buyers should be aware of:
Firm, medium or plush “feel”: “A firm mattress is ‘harder’ than a plush feel mattress, and medium beds are somewhere in between,” says Harley. However, a medium mattress from one manufacturer might feel plusher than another’s. This is why it’s important to test out mattresses rather than just looking at features, price or appearance.
In general, people who sleep on their stomach may find firmer mattresses more comfortable, while side sleepers may like plush mattresses more because It allows your hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress keeping your spinal alignment straight. People who sleep on their back generally have the widest range of mattresses to work from for comfort.
Mattress types: Many modern mattresses have top layers that can change the way they feel, while still providing the type of support that is best for your sleeping style. The features or comfort levels of these ‘tops’ also differ depending on the manufacturer.
“A common option is a ‘pillow top’. This will add a plusher feel to any mattress, like snuggling into a fluffy pillow (hence the name), while still giving you the support level you need from the deeper layers of the mattress,” says Harley. It can also help you feel less movement or bouncing on the bed when you move. A pillow top is an extra layer of padding that is sewn on top of a mattress, which does mean beds with these surfaces can only be rotated horizontally, but the whole mattress can’t be flipped.
A Euro top is similar to a pillow top, but instead of an extra layer of soft padding being sewn over the top of the mattress, it is sewn in tightly below the mattress cover so that it is aligned with the edges of the mattress and won’t flatten, shift or sag.
The layers of soft cushioning on both the box top and pillow top mattresses can be made of a range of different foam comfort layers, such as memory foam, latex foam, and other high density foam grades.
Foam encapsulation: Harley says that one of the terms that many people haven’t heard or don’t understand is “foam-encased” or “foam-encapsulated”.
“Foam-encased mattresses have extra side support in the form of a foam ‘box’ around the sides of the bed,” explains Harley. “This box encases or encapsulates the inner mattress filling inside a supportive foam layer that reinforces the whole mattress. It increases the overall sleeping surface of the mattress by strengthening the sides of the mattress for better support and helps maintain mattress shape. At Restonic SA, we use the term Edge Tech Foam Encased Technology to describe this feature in our mattresses that offer it.
Springs and foam: There are different types of mattresses, from spring to foam, to suit every budget and preference. Harley explains that the main types are traditional spring mattresses (also called Bonnel spring), pocket spring mattresses and foam mattresses.
Traditional spring mattresses use interconnected springs in a single unit (open-coil or continuous coil design) that provides a uniform feel rather than contouring to the body. These beds are ideal for those who prefer a firmer, less conforming mattress, where support and cost-effectiveness are priorities.
Pocket spring mattresses have individually wrapped springs in fabric pockets, meaning the springs move independently, providing targeted support. Pocket spring mattresses are best for couples or light sleepers who are disturbed by movement, individuals with back pain or pressure sensitivity, and hot sleepers who want maximum airflow.
Foam mattresses are made entirely of foam, although they have different layers, including options like memory foam, latex foam, or hybrid blends. These mattresses are great for side sleepers or people who require extra support and pressure point relief.
“The best way to find a good bed is to find a good mattress salesperson who will take the time to understand your needs and help you to find the right fit,” says Harley. You can also check out the mattress buying guide on the Restonic website for more helpful tips.”