What Are Mattresses Made Of? We Reveal What's REALLY Inside
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James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
Mattresses are an item we all use and take for granted, but have you ever wondered what a mattress is made of?
Most people have no clue how mattresses are put together or how the materials used can affect their sleep, health, and the environment.
Mattress materials range from traditional innerspring and memory foam to organic latex and bamboo (often found in eco-friendly organic mattresses). Each material and the layer it's used in significantly impacts mattress performance and comfort.
I've been testing sleep products for over 12 years and have dissected hundreds of mattresses. Today, I'll lift the lid on your mattress (without cutting it open...promise! ????) and show you what's inside...
Understanding the different layers is crucial in appreciating how they provide comfort, support, and durability.
Each layer serves a specific purpose, working together to enhance your overall sleep quality.
Comfort Layer
The comfort layer is the top layer.
It defines the initial comfort and feel of a mattress. It contours to your body, providing cushioning and pressure relief.
Common materials include foam and latex. This layer also often contains natural fibers like silk or wool to add luxury and improve temperature regulation.
Transitional Layer
The transitional layer is a buffer between the comfort and support core.
It contributes to the overall firmness and deep support of the mattress. Its primary role is to ensure you don't sink too deeply into your mattress.
Materials like responsive polyfoam or denser latex are used in this layer.
Support Core
The core is crucial for overall mattress support, shape retention, and durability.
It's typically made of high-density foam, innerspring coils, or a combination of both.
Cover
The cover is the outermost layer. It protects the inner layers and can add extra comfort, breathability, and aesthetic appeal.
Some covers are designed with zippers for easy removal and cleaning, enhancing the mattress's hygiene and longevity.
Cover materials vary from simple fabrics like polyester to advanced, eco-friendly fabrics like organically sourced cotton and TENCEL.
What Materials are Inside Your Mattress?
Innerspring Coils
Innerspring mattresses are known for their traditional coil support system.
The coils are typically made of steel. They provide support and influence firmness and longevity.
There are several types of coil systems:
Bonnell Coils: The oldest and most common type. Often found in budget-friendly mattresses.
Offset Coils: Designed to conform more to your body. Helps reduce motion transfer.
Continuous Coils: Formed from a single piece of wire. Offers durable and stable support.
Pocketed Coils: Individually wrapped. Reduces motion transfer and provides targeted support.
Pros
Firmness Variety: Suitable for various sleep preferences
Breathability: The space between coils allows for airflow
Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than other mattress types
Cons
Noise Potential: Can be noisy with movement
Limited Motion Isolation: Not always ideal for those sharing a bed
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a viscoelastic material known for its pressure-relieving properties and ability to contour your body.
Initially developed by NASA, memory foam adapts to body heat and weight, resulting in a personalized sleep experience.
Pros
Pressure Relief: Contours your body and helps distribute weight evenly
Motion Isolation: Absorbs movement, ideal if you share a bed
Spinal Support: Maintains good alignment beneficial for back health
Hypoallergenic: Resists dust mites and allergens
Longevity: Long-lasting with proper care
Quiet: No noise during movement.
Cons
Heat Retention: Tends to trap body heat
Feeling of Sinking: You may find the contouring too restrictive
Temperature Sensitivity: Firmness varies with temperature
Latex
Latex comes from the sap of rubber trees and is highly valued for its robustness.
There are three main types:
Natural: Extracted from rubber trees. Offers excellent levels of eco-friendly resilience.
Synthetic: Man-made and costs less. It mimics some of the properties of natural latex.
Blended: Made from a combination of natural and synthetic latex.
There are also two main styles:
Dunlop: Known for its denser and firmer feel. The liquid latex is poured into a mold and then baked. This method results in a more cost-effective product.
Talalay: Involves a more complex manufacturing process. The mold is partially filled, and air is added to expand the latex evenly. This results in a lighter, more consistent, and softer material.
Pros
Durability: Excellent longevity and resilience
Supportive: Provides body support and responsiveness
Eco-Friendly: Natural latex is sustainable and biodegradable
Regulatory Compliance: Meets legal fire safety standards.
Cons
Health Risks: Concerns over potential links to health issues.
Environmental Impact: The chemicals used can negatively affect the environment
Transparency Issues: There is often a lack of clarity from manufacturers about which chemicals are used
Greener Foams
Greener foams, such as plant-based memory foam, are more eco-friendly than traditional foams.
However, caution is needed when shopping for greener foams as the industry is rife with greenwashing. For example, 1% plant-based materials do not instantly make memory non-toxic and sustainable.
Pros
Eco-Friendliness: Lower reliance on petroleum-based products
Breathability: Tend to be more breathable than traditional foams
Innovation: Represents advancement in sustainable materials
Cons
Cost: Typically more expensive than conventional foam
Partial Synthetic Content: May still include some non-eco-friendly materials
Variability in Green Claims: Some products might not be as green as advertised
Limited Availability: Fewer options compared to traditional foams
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material commonly used in mattress fabrics for its long-lasting nature and affordability.
It's created through a process that starts with refining petroleum. This is combined with chemicals and water to form a polymer resin. This resin then undergoes further processing to be transformed into polyester fibers.
Pros
Durable: Resistant to wrinkles and shrinking
Affordable: Generally more cost-effective than natural fabrics
Easy Maintenance: Simple to wash and care for
Color Retention: Holds dyes well and maintains color over time
Cons
Breathability: Less breathable compared to natural materials
Static Electricity: Can generate static, which may be uncomfortable when sleeping
Environmental Concerns: Made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource
Comfort: May not feel as soft or luxurious as natural fabrics
Gel-Infused Foam
Gel-infused foam is a blend of traditional memory foam and cooling gel particles.
This hybrid material aims to address the common heat retention issue.
Pros
Temperature Regulation: The gel works to dissipate body heat, providing a cooler sleeping surface
Pressure Relief: Like traditional memory foam, it contours to the body, offering excellent pressure relief
Motion Isolation: Minimizes motion transfer
Cons
Variable Gel Quality: The effectiveness of cooling can vary depending on the quality and amount of gel used
Environmental & Health Considerations: While better than some traditional foams, gel options still contain chemicals or processes that are not eco-friendly or great for your health
GREENGUARD Gold: Focuses on chemical emissions from your mattress and ensures they're low enough not to impact indoor air quality
How Have Mattress Materials Evolved?
Ancient mattresses, dating back thousands of years, were basic and often filled with natural materials like straw, wool, or leaves. These were then covered with animal skins or simple fabrics.
Fast forward to the Renaissance, and we see the introduction of luxurious materials like silk and velvet.
The spring mattress was invented during the Industrial Revolution, revolutionizing comfort and support.
By the mid-20th century, memory foam started gaining popularity, offering enhanced comfort and body support.
The end of the 20th century and the start of the 21st century were characterized by a surge in eco-consciousness, leading to the development of greener materials like organically grown cotton and sustainably manufactured bamboo.
Frequency Asked Questions
What materials are in a hybrid mattress?
Hybrid mattresses typically combine innerspring coils with layers of foam. For more details about the inner workings of hybrid mattresses (and also innerspring, foam, gel, waterbeds, airbeds, pillow tops, adjustable beds, and more), check out my Which Mattress Material is Best? article.
What are PBDEs?
PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers) are a group of chemicals that were once commonly used as flame retardants in various products, including mattresses. Concerns about their health and environmental impacts have led to a ban in most countries.
What materials are in a flippable mattress?
Flippable mattresses often have a symmetrical construction with comfort layers on both sides and a supportive core in the middle. These layers can include foam, latex, or mini coils designed to offer balanced support and comfort from either side.
Are hard or soft mattresses healthier?
The healthiness of a mattress depends on your individual needs and preferences. A medium-firm mattress is generally recommended for back support. However, the best choice varies based on your sleeping position, body type, and personal comfort preferences.
What's the environmental impact of disposing of old mattresses?
Many mattresses can be challenging to recycle and often contribute to landfill waste. Choosing a mattress with recyclable or biodegradable materials can minimize environmental impact.
The Final Word
A mattress is made up of multiple layers (comfort, transitional, support core, and cover), each of which can be made of different materials.
From long-lasting but potentially noisy innerspring coils to eco-friendly but expensive materials like organic latex, every mattress component offers unique benefits and challenges.
By prioritizing eco-friendly options and understanding how certifications like CertiPUR-US and GOTS can improve the air you breathe when sleeping, you can make informed choices that align with your sustainability values and health goals.
Get In Touch
Do you love a natural latex mattress? Or is a metal coil spring system more to your liking? Do you know what to consider when looking for the best mattress materials for your personal sleep needs? Drop me a line and let me know.
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
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