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Mattress Technology in Top Brands

Mattress Resources
Read Time: 3 minutes

Mattress options have changed much in the last decade or two. Technology is driving manufacturers to rethink what a bed is capable of and consumers are reaping the benefits.

We all like sleep. Thankfully, there are dozens of teams of brilliant people currently working on the next best thing in sleep technology. The fruits of their labors end up in our bedrooms and make life a little better for us all. Let’s take a look at some of the hot new innovations that you can get your hands on if you’re in the market for a new mattress.

History of Mattress Technology

Coil, or innerspring mattresses were first invented in the 1900s. Typically they were covered in soft fabric or wool. As foams were introduced, they largely replaced the fabrics and even the coil bases. Now you can find latex, memory foam, innerspring and a host of other types of mattresses in a number of combinations out on the market.

Things have simultaneously become more and less complex in the mattress world as of late. Currently, you can buy mattresses with nanotechnology in them designed to keep temperatures optimal. At the same time, consumers are really starting to notice mattresses that use fewer chemicals and synthetics and demand less environmentally-harmful materials and processes be used in manufacturing.

Best Mattress Cover Technology

You may overlook mattress covers and their potential for comfort and health benefits, but rest assured, there are people working on it. The mattress cover plays an important role in the breathability and comfort of the materials within, making it more than just an afterthought. Two of the most promising technologies currently available are Celliant-infused covers and silver-infused covers. Which is the best mattress technology? Judge for yourself.

All mattresses from Amerisleep are covered in Celliant-infused fabric. Celliant is a pretty remarkable material with clinically proven health benefits. It’s made from a potent variety of  thermo-reactive minerals that convert your excess body heat into beneficial infrared light. Not to be confused with ultraviolet light, infrared light is on the other end of the electromagnetic spectrum and has been used by health experts for its healing properties.

Silver has long been known for its antimicrobial properties. In recent years, manufacturers have been infusing it in various fabrics for the benefits it provides. Now some mattress covers are even made with silver. The silver helps to keep microbes from living in the fibers of the mattress cover. There is some evidence that silver can migrate from treated fabrics and cause harm in the environment.

Foam Technology

Not all foams are made from the same materials, nor using the same foam technologies. Traditionally, the majority of foams are made from polyurethane bases, using a variety of chemicals and petroleum-based ingredients. That being said, there are some pretty remarkable foam technologies proving that some folks are still trying to make the best mattress.

Plant-based foams are are relatively new in the mattress world. They are made from oils derived from soybeans and other vegetables. Every mattress in the Amerisleep collection is made from plant-based memory foam. Other brands like Serta are also infusing traditional foams with materials like graphene, charcoal, and other plant extracts designed to offer additional benefits.

The two mattress foam technologies we take a look at here are graphene-infused foam and plant-based foams.

Looking for a mattress to get rid of back pain problems? Read our guide on finding the best mattress for back pain sufferers..

Latex Mattress Technology

Latex has been around for some time, but has recently started gain popularity as a material for mattresses. It can be made naturally from rubber tree sap, synthetically using petroleum, or most commonly, with a blend of both natural and synthetic materials.

Some natural latex mattresses can also be certified organic if they meet certain criteria set forth by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) . Organic mattresses are made using methods and materials that are safer for people and the environment. Since rubber trees are tapped when harvested, not cut down, we can get latex from them for over 30 years. Organic latex mattresses are probably the most sustainable mattress you can buy. But, when shopping for an organic bed, it’s important to look into the organic content of each layer and material, as sometimes only part of the bed will be certified organic.

Latex with graphite is a pretty new technology. There aren’t too many mattresses on the market with this type of latex. The graphite is intended to help normalize the temperature of the mattress and act as a fire barrier. Often even latex mattress manufacturers use toxic materials in their fire barriers, so eliminating them has its benefits, primarily reducing VOC content and other toxic chemicals from entering the bedroom.

Mattresses are getting smarter every day. The technologies used to make them are almost as varied as they can be. Don’t get caught up in the hype. Always use your head and consider the advantages versus the cost. Sleep can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be.

Christine Lapp is a full-time graduate student and part-time freelancer for Sleep Junkie. Since she was a little girl on the soccer field, Christine has had a love for sports, and she believes everybody should get up and get moving once a day. Now, she incorporates her love for exercise into her studies, pursuing a degree in exercise physiology. Christine understands that what you do during your waking hours has a direct impact on your night’s sleep. In our better sleep guides, she offers advice for developing healthy daytime habits to nurture a more peaceful slumber.

Comments (1) Leave a reply

  • I’m currently in the market for a mattress, the one I have is only approximately four years old and is very hot. I wake in the middle of the night and you can feel the heat emanating from it. I am a very hot sleeper, I told the person I purchased the bed from on a number of occasions I am a hot sleeper, he assured me that was the right product for me. Much to my chagrin I found out later that I should have avoided a foam mattress at all cost. Can you give me unbiased advice and point me in the right direction to the right product?
    Regards Steve Haydon

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