Our Handy Mattress Types Guide
Last updated: August 2026
Do you know about the different mattress fillings we offer? From springs to memory foam, this guide compares the main types of mattress filling, along with price ranges, comfort grades and general suitability. If you’d like to find out more on which type of mattress is best for your sleeping position, click to view our personal comfort guide below.
COMFORT GUIDEWhat are the different types of mattresses?
Which type of mattress lasts the longest?
Pocket spring mattresses typically last 8-10 years. The individually wrapped steel springs maintain their structure under regular compression and do not permanently deform like foam. A double-sided pocket spring that can be flipped and rotated will last even longer, as the wear distributes evenly across both surfaces.
Hybrid mattresses combine a pocket spring support core with foam comfort layers. The springs hold up well over time; the foam comfort layers will compress before the springs do, typically after 6-8 years. So, a hybrid tends to last slightly less than a comparable all-spring mattress, though it outperforms all-foam considerably.
Memory foam mattresses have no structural core, which means the entire mattress compresses under your weight over time. A high-quality memory foam mattress will last 5-7 years before body impressions become noticeable. The tell is waking up with back pain that eases once you are upright, which is usually the foam losing its recovery.
Do you get hot when you sleep? What you need to know
Memory foam retains body heat more than other mattress types. If you are a hot sleeper, a memory foam mattress is unlikely to solve that problem and may make it worse. Instead, opt for gel-infused or latex mattresses, as they help regulate your body temperature. Pocket spring mattresses also allow air to move freely between the individual springs. Natural fill mattresses with wool comfort layers go further: wool actively absorbs moisture and releases it when you are not in the bed, regulating temperature rather than just reducing it.
For more information, read our guide to the benefits of a cooling mattress.