The right mattress can transform your sleep—helping you rest better, stay healthy, and ease common discomforts like snoring, tossing and turning, and body aches. Yet, shopping for a new mattress can feel overwhelming, with so many options to choose from. What sets a memory foam mattress apart from an innerspring? What exactly is a hybrid mattress, and how does it compare? Finding the perfect fit starts with understanding these differences—so let’s break it down.
At America’s Mattress, we know that choosing the right mattress is a big decision—it’s an investment in your health, comfort, and overall well-being for years to come. That’s why we’re committed to providing the guidance and information you need to make a confident, informed choice.
If you’re unsure where to start or feeling overwhelmed by options, our Sleep Simple Quiz is the perfect first step. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain insight into the mattress that best suits your sleep needs, making your decision easier and stress-free.
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Choosing the right mattress involves more than just firmness. Factors like your sleeping position, existing sleep concerns, and whether you share your bed can all impact your comfort. Considering these details ensures you’ll enjoy consistently restful, rejuvenating sleep for years to come.
To make the process simple, America’s Mattress has created the Sleep Simple Discovery Quiz—a quick, easy way to identify the best mattress for your needs. In just a minute, you’ll receive personalized results via email, bringing you one step closer to finding your perfect match
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The Results Are In—What’s Next?
We hope you found our Sleep Simple Quiz quick, easy, and—most importantly—helpful! After completing the quiz, you should have received an email from America’s Mattress with your personalized mattress recommendation. If you need to review your results, simply check the email address you provided.
With your recommendation in hand, you can begin narrowing down your options as you browse our website. If you'd like additional guidance or prefer to see the mattresses in person, visit one of our convenient locations in Fort Collins or Greeley—we’re here to help!
For those who love diving deeper before making a big purchase, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find insights into different types of mattresses, along with detailed explanations on which options best suit specific sleep needs
Types of Mattresses
Your quiz results will include a recommendation on the type of mattress best suited to your sleep needs. You may see terms like "innerspring" or "hybrid," but understanding how different mattress types compare in features and construction can make your search even easier. Use our handy guide below for a quick overview, or continue reading for a deeper dive into mattress types and their benefits
Innerspring Mattress
What Is an Innerspring Mattress?
Innerspring mattresses have been a sleep staple for over a century, built with a durable steel coil support system designed to absorb body weight and provide stability. These coils can be configured as a single connected unit or individually wrapped, commonly known as pocketed coils.
Most modern innerspring mattresses utilize pocketed coil technology, which offers superior motion isolation compared to traditional open-coil designs. In an open-coil system, all the springs respond together when pressure is applied—meaning movement travels across the bed, affecting anyone sleeping beside you. Pocketed coils, on the other hand, adapt independently, absorbing motion within localized areas to minimize sleep disturbances and improve comfort.
Pros & Cons of Innerspring Mattresses
Pros:
- Time-Tested Durability – Built with steel coils, innerspring mattresses are designed to last for years before losing tension.
- Enhanced Airflow & Cooling – The open structure promotes better ventilation, keeping you cooler at night compared to foam or hybrid options.
- Budget-Friendly Options – Many innerspring mattresses come at a lower price point, making them an accessible choice.
Cons:
- Potential Motion Transfer – Traditional open-coil designs may transfer movement across the bed, though pocketed coil systems help reduce disruptions.
- Not Ideal for Joint & Back Pain – Those with chronic pain may find foam or hybrid mattresses provide better support and pressure relief.
- Varied Construction – Many innerspring mattresses integrate fabric, foam, or gel layers, offering a mix of features to balance comfort and support
Memory Foam Mattress
What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses are among the most popular choices today, offering exceptional comfort, support, and pressure relief. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam is made from dense polyurethane, a material originally developed by NASA to enhance cushioning and shock absorption. Today, it’s widely used in mattresses, pillows, seat cushions, and even pet beds!
Most memory foam mattresses feature multiple layers of specialized foam, each designed to enhance sleep quality. For example, our iComfort memory foam mattress includes Air Support™ Foam, which contours to your body, providing optimal cushioning and pressure relief. Additionally, a layer of Carbon Fiber memory foam helps channel excess heat away, promoting a cooler and more restful sleep.
Pros & Cons of Memory Foam Mattresses
Pros:
- Exceptional Comfort & Support – Memory foam contours to your body, relieving pressure and keeping your back and joints pain-free.
- Minimized Motion Transfer – Unlike innerspring mattresses, memory foam absorbs movement, reducing sleep disturbances for those sharing a bed.
- Improved Cooling Technology – While memory foam was once known for retaining heat, many modern models feature gel-infused or ventilated foam layers for a cooler, more restful sleep.
- Hypoallergenic Properties – The dense foam structure helps prevent dust, mold, and dust mites from settling in, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Cons:
- Can Be Heavy & Difficult to Move – Compared to innerspring models, memory foam mattresses tend to be bulkier and harder to transport.
- Adjustment Period – If you’ve never slept on memory foam before, it can take some time to get used to the way it molds to your body.
- Not Waterproof – Spills can seep into the foam, making cleanup challenging. Investing in a high-quality waterproof mattress protector helps prevent damage and extends the lifespan of your mattress.
Hybrid Mattress
What Is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress combines the best features of innerspring and memory foam mattresses, offering a balance of support, comfort, and responsiveness. These multi-layer designs feature several layers of memory foam or gel foam on top of a traditional innerspring coil system, blending cushioning pressure relief with durable support.
While some innerspring mattresses include a thin foam layer for added comfort, hybrids take it a step further with thicker foam layers, providing deeper contouring and reduced motion transfer. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, hybrids do not have the signature tufted fabric top, giving them a sleeker, more modern look.
Pros & Cons of Hybrid Mattresses
Pros:
- Balanced Comfort & Support – Hybrids combine the plush cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of innerspring coils, offering a perfect middle ground.
- Reduced Motion Transfer – Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, hybrids minimize movement, making them ideal for couples.
- Enhanced Edge Support – Memory foam mattresses can sometimes lack structural integrity at the edges, but hybrids provide stronger perimeter support without sacrificing comfort.
- Cooling Benefits – Many hybrid mattresses incorporate advanced cooling technology, such as gel-infused foam or breathable coil systems, to help regulate temperature.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point – Because hybrids incorporate multiple materials and advanced designs, they can be more expensive than memory foam or traditional innerspring options.
- Potential Weight & Bulk – Hybrid mattresses tend to be heavier, making them more difficult to move or adjust compared to standard foam or innerspring models.
- Not for Everyone – While hybrids aim to deliver the best of both worlds, individual sleep preferences vary—some may prefer the full-body contour of memory foam, while others may enjoy the firmer support of innerspring.
Ultimately, hybrid mattresses offer a well-rounded solution, but choosing the right mattress comes down to your unique comfort and support needs.
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Match Your Mattress to Your Needs
Now that you have a solid understanding of different mattress types, let’s explore what might influence your decision when selecting the best option for your needs.
Your ability to get a good night’s sleep depends on several factors—whether you sleep soundly or find yourself tossing and turning all night. If your goal is to wake up refreshed, recharged, and pain-free, here are a few key things to consider.
Consider Your Sleeping Position When Choosing a Mattress
Your preferred sleeping position plays a crucial role in determining the type of support you need for optimal comfort. Whether you sleep on your back, stomach, or side, each position requires different levels of firmness, pressure relief, and spinal alignment.
While some people shift positions throughout the night, it's best to focus on the one you spend the most time in when selecting a mattress. This ensures you get the right balance of support and comfort, helping you wake up refreshed and pain-free.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need firm support to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent back and neck pain. A mattress that's too soft can cause the midsection to sink, leading to discomfort over time.
For optimal support, choose a firmer mattress, such as:
- Hybrid or Innerspring Models – These provide reinforced support and prevent excessive sinking.
- Firm Memory Foam Options – Offers contouring without losing essential structure.
- Avoid Soft Pillow-Top Mattresses – They may feel plush but lack the stability stomach sleepers need.
A well-supported sleep surface ensures better alignment, less pain, and a more restful night’s sleep.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers require balanced support and cushioning to maintain the spine's natural curve and prevent discomfort. A mattress that is too firm may create pressure points, while one that is too soft can cause misalignment.
For the best sleep experience, opt for a mattress in the medium to medium-firm range, such as:
- Memory Foam or Hybrid Models – These offer contouring support while keeping the spine properly aligned.
- Innerspring Mattresses with a Plush Top – A firmer coil system with added cushioning can provide both structure and comfort.
Choosing the right firmness level ensures optimal spinal support, helping back sleepers wake up feeling refreshed and ache-free.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a soft to medium mattress to ensure proper spinal alignment while preventing pressure points on the hips and shoulders. A mattress that is too firm can create discomfort in these areas, leading to restless sleep.
For optimal support and cushioning, consider:
- Plush to Medium-Firm Memory Foam or Hybrid Models – These contour to the body, offering pressure relief and spinal support. Providing the right balance of support and comfort,
- Avoid Extra Firm Mattresses – These don’t allow enough give to keep side sleepers comfortable throughout the night.
Choosing a mattress that adapts to your body’s natural curves ensures better sleep quality and less discomfort, helping you wake up refreshed and pain-free.
Sleeping Temperature
Are you the type to kick off the blankets and crank up the AC? Or do you prefer to snuggle into cozy layers to stay warm all night? Everyone has a unique comfort level when it comes to sleeping temperature, and the right mattress can make a difference in keeping you cool or warm throughout the night.
If you tend to sleep hot, consider:
- Innerspring mattresses – These allow for better airflow, helping you stay cool.
- Foam or hybrid mattresses with cooling technology – Look for models featuring cooling fabrics, gel-infused foam, or breathable layers to prevent heat retention.
While traditional foam mattresses were once known for trapping heat, advancements in cooling technology now make it easier for hot sleepers to enjoy foam or hybrid options without overheating. If a foam mattress appeals to you, be sure to select one designed to regulate temperature and keep you comfortable all night long.
Aches & Pains or Injuries
If you experience chronic pain, joint discomfort, or arthritis, your mattress plays a big role in your sleep quality. A foam or hybrid mattress offers contouring support while keeping your spine aligned.
If you have:
- Back pain – Opt for a medium-firm foam or hybrid mattress for lumbar support.
- Joint pain or arthritis – Look for a pressure-relieving foam mattress to ease discomfort.
- Neck pain – A mattress with adaptive foam layers plus a supportive pillow can help.
- Injury recovery needs – Consider a mattress with zoned support to reduce strain.
Avoid mattresses that are too soft or too firm—the best option provides joint cushioning and stability. Stop by America’s Mattress to test options in person, ensuring the right fit for your comfort needs
Discover Quality & Comfort at America’s Mattress
Looking for a wide selection of innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses? At America’s Mattress, we make it easy to find the perfect fit for your sleep needs.
If you're unsure which mattress is right for you, take our Sleep Simple Discovery Quiz or visit one of our Front Range stores for a personalized sleep assessment using our Sleep Theater Discovery System. Plus, our knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you make the best choice for your comfort.
When you shop at America’s Mattress, you’re supporting local business while enjoying our 120-day sleep guarantee and price-match promise, ensuring you get the best mattress at the best price.
Take the stress out of mattress shopping—browse our website or visit one of our stores today to find your perfect match in less time