Best Mattresses Without Memory Foam

If memory foam just isn’t for you for whatever reason, we have some good news. There are plenty of memory foam alternatives that can keep you fantastically comfortable, maybe even more comfortable than memory foam itself.

There are tons of natural options on the market nowadays that give memory foam a run for its money in terms of contouring and support. And the main memory foam alternative – latex foam – is much more responsive and breathable to boot. Below, we’ll talk about some of the best mattresses without memory foam around and help you decide which one is best for you!

Best Mattresses Without Memory Foam of 2023

If you want the contoured feel of memory foam without all the overheating and slow responsiveness that go along with it, check out the Amerisleep Organica. This Talalay latex hybrid offers the adaptability of memory foam without all the synthetic ingredients and their accompanying issues.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the Organica, you’ll notice right off the bat how cooling and bouncy it is. The springy latex and the bouncy coils work together to ensure the sleep surface recovers as soon as you move, which makes this a perfect mattress for active sleepers and couples because the Organica can bounce back without transferring motion.

Inside the Mattress

The Organica starts off with an organic cotton cover. This soft and breathable cover keeps air circulating to wick away heat and moisture and keep your sleep surface cool. Directly underneath the organic cover rests a layer of organic wool. This wool enhances pressure relief and also creates an all-natural fire barrier without the need for harsh chemicals.

Next, you’ll find a thick layer of Talalay latex. Unlike denser Dunlop, Talalay latex is light and airy. This makes for a highly contouring and breathable sleep surface that feels like a much springier and cooler version of memory foam.

Finally, a layer of pocketed coils offers sturdy support that’s responsive and adaptable at the same time. This allows the Organica to offer optimal spinal alignment and pressure relief all at the same time.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

If you’re not sure what firmness you need or want to try out different firmnesses before you make a final decision, check out the Spindle Mattress. This mattress features swappable firmness that’s as easy as the zip of a mattress cover.

How Lying Down Feels

The Spindle is a pure Dunlop latex mattress. So regardless of the firmness you end up selecting, you’re going to notice how buoyant and springy the sleep surface is. Dunlop latex is very dense, so it wants to maintain its shape more than other foam types. This makes it highly buoyant and responsive all at once.

Inside the Mattress

The Spindle Mattress starts off with an organic cotton cover stuffed with organic wool batting. The cotton and the wool work together to ensure the sleep surface remains breathable and cool. They also naturally fight common allergens such as dust mites, mold, and mildew.

Next, come the three layers of organic Dunlop latex. These layers are not arranged in any particular order. Rather, you arrange them in the order that suits you and creates the firmness level you want. The mattress comes with a layer of firm latex, a layer of medium latex, and a layer of soft latex.

Those who want a firmer feel can stack the layers with the softest on the bottom and the firmest on the top. For a softer feel, do the opposite. For more moderate firmness levels, you may have to swap the layers around a few times to achieve the firmness you need.

Just remember that it’s advisable to spend a few nights on your mattress after stacking the layers in a different way. This allows you to get a true feel for how the firmness works for you.

SEE ALSO: Best Customizable Mattresses

If you want all the cooling power of a gel memory foam hybrid but want to stick with natural ingredients, check out the Nolah Natural 11. This latex hybrid packs a one-two punch of cooling foam and highly breathable pocketed coils.

How Lying Down Feels

The Natural was designed for coolness, so the first thing you’ll notice when you lie down is the sleep surface is cool to the touch. This cool-touch feel is due to the airflow from the breathable foam and breathable coils. So the mattress will avoid building up heat to stay cool all night.

Inside the Mattress

The first layer of the Natural is the cooling organic cotton cover. The breathable organic cotton fibers circulate air to wick away heat and sweat. The cotton rests on a thick layer of airy organic wool that adds breathable pressure relief and an all-natural fire barrier to offer fire protection without harsh chemicals.

Next, the comfort layer of Talalay latex offers pressure relief that can keep air flowing even as it hugs your body. And the springy latex bounces back underneath your body as soon as you move. The buoyancy of the sleep surface is further enhanced by the firmer Talalay latex transition layer. This layer also protects you from the reinforced coils below.

These patented HDMaxTM pocketed coils offer 25 percent more support than standard coil systems. They’re also reinforced in the middle for added lumbar support. These coils keep air circulating all the way through the mattress for added cooling power as well.

SEE ALSO: Gel Memory Foam vs. Latex

If it’s zoned support you’re after, the Saatva Zenhaven has you covered. This supportive and buoyant mattress provides targeted support to each area of your body, keeping your pressure points cradled and your spine aligned.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down, you’ll notice the balanced support of the Zenhaven. This mattress gives you lift where you need it and cushioning when you need it. This ensures you get pressure-free support for your whole body and allows side sleepers to comfortable rest on this buoyant mattress.

Inside the Mattress

The Zenhaven is a flippable mattress with two different firmness options. This means both sides of the mattress mirror one another. Both the firm and soft sides start off with a quilted organic cotton cover. This cover is treated with botanical antimicrobial treatments that help fight allergens like mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Next up, a layer of organic New Zealand wool provides a layer of softness before you get to the latex. The latex comfort layer features five zones of comfort that target each body area with the balance of support and cradling it needs.

Finally, the highly durable latex support cores offer lots of support and even more durability. These support cores work with both the soft and firm sides of the mattress. For a medium soft feel, choose the soft side. For a medium-firm to firm feel, choose the firm side.

SEE ALSO: Best Casper Mattress Alternatives

If you want a budget-friendly hybrid mattress that offers different firmness options, check out the EcoSleep Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding. This latex hybrid allows you to flip the latex inside to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the EcoSleep can feel highly supportive or very pressure-relieving, depending on which side of the latex core you use. Whichever side you choose, the EcoSleep is still a natural latex hybrid.

Inside the Mattress

The EcoSleep starts with a sustainably sourced and silky smooth cover made of breathable organic cotton and Joma™ wool. This all-natural cover can be zipped for easy removal and access to the layers below.

Next, a flippable natural latex comfort layer offers 1.5 inches of soft latex and 1.5 inches of firm latex. To increase or decrease your firmness level, simply unzip the cover and flip the latex foam from one side to the other.

The support core of this mattress is made of up to 1,032 Ascension X™ coils. These individually encased coils offer deep compression and lots of support. They’re also fantastic at isolating motion, meaning couples can enjoy this mattress without issue.

Finally, the base layer of this mattress is .25 inches of high-density flex material that offers a sturdy and stable base for the coils. This increases their durability and stability over time.

SEE ALSO: Best Budget Mattresses

If you want a hybrid mattress that’s wool-forward, check out the Helix Birch. The Birch features several layers of pressure-relieving and comfortable wool resting atop a latex transition layer and a support core of pocketed coils.

How Lying Down Feels

Wool is a naturally soft and cushioning material. That means lying down on this mattress, you’ll notice the sleep surface offers lots of buoyant pressure relief, thanks to its combination of wool and natural latex.

Inside the Mattress

The Birch starts off with a quilted organic cotton cover with a beautiful matelassé finish. This cover rests directly on top of an organic wool fire barrier that protects you from fire without all the harsh chemicals.

Next, a luxurious comfort layer of lush and cushioning cashmere wool offers tons of breathable thermal regulation and pressure relief. The cashmere wool rests atop another layer of organic wool that adds even more pressure relief.

Underneath all the wool layers, you’ll find a layer of natural latex that offers buoyant and responsive support to the wool above. The latex also helps protect you from the resilient and sturdy coils below.

The pocketed coil support core offers targeted lumbar support and a reinforced perimeter to ensure superior edge support.

SEE ALSO: Best Purple Mattress Alternatives

If one of the main reasons you’re looking for the best mattresses without memory foam is because of memory foam’s terrible sustainability, check out the Avocado Green. This mattress was designed with sustainability in mind, so you won’t have to worry about its impact on the environment.

How Lying Down Feels

The Avocado Green might focus on sustainability, but that doesn’t make it an uncomfortable mattress – not by a long shot. Unlike many of the other latex hybrids on this list, the Green is a Dunlop latex hybrid. That means it’s one of the most buoyant and supportive hybrids on this list.

Inside the Mattress

The first layer of the Green is the organic cotton cover and organic wool fire barrier. Both these layers are made using 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified wool and cotton, meaning they’re ethically and sustainably harvested.

Next comes the layer of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified Dunlop latex. This latex is also certified by the Rainforest Alliance to attest to its sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Finally, a layer of individually tuned, stainless steel coils provides adaptable and responsive support that can mold to your body shape to relieve pressure and keep the spine aligned. Steel is also recyclable, so it can be sustainably disposed of at the end of the mattress’s life.

SEE ALSO: Avocado Green Mattress Review

Those who want a mattress that isn’t just memory foam-free but entirely foam-free should consider the Airweave Advanced. This mattress is made using an innovative new material: Airfiber. Airfiber is cooling, supportive, and a fantastic alternative to traditional foam, especially for those allergic to latex who also don’t want memory foam.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the Airweave, you’ll notice right away how supportive and breathable it is. This is all thanks to the Airfiber’s weave. It’s woven tightly enough to create sturdy support without sacrificing contouring or breathability.

Inside the Mattress

The Airweave is very fiber-forward, meaning most of the mattress is constructed of this innovative new material. However, the mattress does feature two plush and cushioning pillow top layers to soften up the feel of the Airfiber core.

The Airfiber core below is woven to keep air flowing throughout the mattress’s core. This ensures the sleep surface stays cool to the touch and can never build up heat. It also more evenly distributes your body weight and facilitates movement better than foam.

All this comfort is wrapped in a 100 percent polyester cover that keeps air flowing into the Airfiber cores and the breathable pillow top layers for extra coolness.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress Without Springs

If you’re looking for the best mattresses without memory foam, consider another great mattress that doesn’t have any foam at all! The Joybed LXE is a cotton hybrid that features all the responsiveness and adaptability of coils paired with the cooling and hypoallergenic comfort of natural cotton.

How Lying Down Feels

The LXE is a cotton hybrid, so you still get all the benefits of pocketed coils but with the lightweight and breathable feeling of cotton instead of foam. You might feel a little like you’re sleeping on a giant quilted pillow instead of a mattress. The cotton will offer a more textile-like feel than foam.

Inside the Mattress

The LXE starts with a lightweight, hand-tufted organic cotton cover to keep air moving and then jumps right into the plant-fiber fire barrier that keeps you protected without harsh chemicals or animal products.

Next, a comfort layer of breathable and lightweight cotton provides durable and cool support that wicks away moisture and keeps air flowing properly. Underneath the comfort layer, a layer of tiny, low-profile pocket coils offers support and firmness.

Under the pocket coil layer rests another transition layer of cotton. This layer of cotton provides stability to the mini coils above and a buffer between them and the pocket coil support layer below. This support layer offers seven zones of support to ensure each area of your body gets the right mix of lift and cradling.

SEE ALSO: Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress Alternatives

Those with back pain should check out the ergonomic and chiropractor-recommended Botanical Bliss by PlushBeds. This supportive and contouring mattress features multiple layers of latex foam to offer you pain relief while still giving you synthetic-free comfort in the form of a mix of natural Talalay and organic latex.

How Lying Down Feels

The Botanical Bliss is a pure latex mattress, so it’s got all the springy breathability you’ve come to expect from latex foam. It also comes with two distinct firmness options so that most sleepers can get the right amount of support. The Talalay latex ensures whether you go for the true medium or the medium-firm option, you’ll still get superior temperature control and contouring.

Inside the Mattress

The Botanical Bliss starts off with an organic cotton cover with circular knitting to enhance breathability. Directly underneath the cover is a pressure-relieving and moisture-wicking layer of British organic wool and another layer of organic cotton to prevent the wool from shifting and bunching.

Then, you get to the first layer of latex. This Talalay comfort layer offers tons of ergonomic contouring to keep your pressure points cradled and your spine aligned. Talalay latex is highly breathable, as well. So your comfort layer will stay cool all night.

Next, you’ll find a support layer of ARPICO organic latex. This latex foam offers superior lower back support and excellent spinal alignment. So it can help prevent back pain and even reduce it in those who already suffer from it.

SEE ALSO: What Is an Organic Mattress?

Those who like hybrids with dual-coil cores and textile-based comfort layers should check out the Naturepedic Chorus Organic Mattress. The Chorus avoids foam entirely in favor of cotton and wool, so it’s perfect for those who want to skip out on the latex.

How Lying Down Feels

The micro-coil layer and pocketed coil support layer work in tandem with the cotton and wool to create a mattress with all the adaptability and springiness of foam without the actual foam. So you can rest assured you’ll get the right amount of pressure relief and support with this mattress.

Inside the Mattress

The Chorus starts off with an organic cotton cover that features wool batting for extra pressure relief. The comfort layer features PLA stuffing. PLA is a fabric made from non-GMO sugarcane that adds durability and moisture-wicking properties to the cotton and wool.

Next up, the micro-coil comfort layer offers adaptability and contouring that standard-sized coils or textiles couldn’t match alone. Underneath the micro coils, another layer of cotton batting adds support and stability to both coil layers.

Finally, you’ll find an eight-inch support layer of individually wrapped coils with reinforced edge support for optimal support from one end to the other. These coils are supported by yet another layer of organic cotton batting for even more durability and stability.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

How to Choose a Mattress without Memory Foam

When you decide against memory foam mattresses, you do limit your options somewhat. Memory foam is one of the most popular mattress materials on the market today, so you take a lot of options off the table when you choose not to go with it.

That being said, there are plenty of fish in the sea when it comes to the best mattresses available, so to speak. You do have many other options, including foam, springs, and materials you might not have even heard of before. That means you have tons of choices when it comes to the best mattresses without memory foam.

Natural Latex

If you want foam that’s not memory foam, natural latex is your best bet among the other mattress types. This amazing all-natural foam offers you comfort that competes with memory foam, all without the synthetic ingredients and harsh chemicals involved in the memory foam manufacturing process.

This is because natural latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree, before it’s used to build latex mattresses. The liquid sap goes through a manufacturing process that involves a lot of mechanical whipping and vulcanizing, but not a whole lot of chemical treatment, especially in comparison to memory foam.

The foam that comes from rubber sap is much better than memory foam in a number of areas. It’s much more breathable and more responsive to boot. Perhaps best of all, it’s better for eco-friendly mattresses because latex is both biodegradable and recyclable, and it does not produce as much toxic waste during the manufacturing process.

SEE ALSO: Memory Foam vs. Latex

Natural Latex Types

Natural latex has two basic varieties: Dunlop and Talalay. The liquid that goes into making these latex types is chemically identical. The two different latex types come from two separate manufacturing processes, not different kinds of liquid latex.

Dunlop

Dunlop latex has a lot of advantages over Talalay. It’s more affordable upfront. It’s more durable. It’s more eco-friendly. It’s denser and more buoyant. And it’s the only latex type that can be certified organic under the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOTS).

This is all thanks to the Dunlop manufacturing process. To make Dunlop latex, all the manufacturer has to do is whip the liquid latex into a frothy foam, pour it into a mold, and vulcanize it. And voila! The natural Dunlop latex is ready to be cooled, washed, dried, and prepped for shipping.

This comparatively easy process is much more energy efficient and does not use as many harsher chemicals as Talalay latex manufacturing. This is why if you want the most natural foam – or organic foam, for that matter – you’ve got to go with Dunlop.

Talalay

Though Talalay latex is not considered as durable and is a little less affordable than Dunlop, it does have a few advantages. For one thing, Talalay latex is not as dense as Dunlop. And while this makes it less durable, it also makes it much more breathable and cooling. So hot sleepers might do better on a Talalay latex mattress than Dunlop.

Talalay’s reduced density also makes it more adaptable than Dunlop. This means if you want a foam that’s highly contouring like memory foam without all the petroleum products, Talalay is the way to go.

The Talalay manufacturing process is the reason for the foam’s contouring and breathable feel. To make Talalay latex, manufacturers whip liquid rubber sap into a foam and pour it into a mold, but they only fill the mold halfway.

The mold is then vacuum-sealed, which allows the latex to proof or rise up to fill the mold. The filled mold is then flash-frozen to fill the foam with carbon dioxide bubbles. The frozen foam is then vulcanized and cleaned for shipping, just like Dunlop.

This more intensive manufacturing process creates a foam with tons of tiny air pockets, which is why Talalay latex feels more like a bouncier and cooler version of memory foam than Dunlop.

Allergy Protection

Latex foam is excellent for hypoallergenic mattresses for allergies. It fights moisture buildup, which makes it very difficult for allergens like mold, mildew, and bacteria to set up shop in your mattress. It also creates a hostile environment for other microbes, like dust mites.

The only caveat to this is if you have a latex allergy. If you’re allergic to the latex itself, it’s best to stay away from latex foam, even if you have several layers of fabric between your skin and the latex. There are still just too many opportunities for you to come into contact with it, even if you take precautions with a mattress protector.

Contouring

The contouring power of latex depends on what type it is. Lighter Talalay latex is virtually as contouring as memory foam. It can mold itself to your shape to relieve pressure and cradle your joints. Denser Dunlop latex is more buoyant and supportive but less contouring. This doesn’t mean it can’t contour at all, but it will not be as adaptable as Talalay.

Density

Density refers to how much one cubic foot of foam weighs. The higher the weight per cubic foot, the denser the foam because less air is present in it. Like it does with contouring, latex’s density depends on its type. Dunlop latex will be much denser than Talalay latex. This means Dunlop latex will be supportive and buoyant, while Talalay latex will be airy and contouring.

Durability

Both types of latex are the most durable foams on the market by a landslide. While memory foam will only last perhaps a little more than a decade, latex will last at least two, although many latex mattresses last well over 20 years. Some can even make it past 30. This means your latex mattress might just be the last mattress you buy.

Price

Unfortunately, the initial price is not an area where latex shines. Latex is the most expensive mattress type upfront, coming in at a cool $2,000 for an average queen. Especially if you’re looking for an organic latex mattress, you can expect to invest a significant amount.

However, keep in mind that latex’s extreme durability makes up for its upfront cost somewhat. When you factor in how long you can go without replacing a latex mattress, you’ll be paying less for it over the course of its life than you would for a hybrid.

SEE ALSO: How Long Does a Mattress Last?

Responsiveness

Latex foam whips memory foam in the responsiveness category. Latex wants to retain its shape more than memory foam. So it bounces right back underneath you as soon as you move without transferring motion all over the bed.

Temperature Control

Latex is also much better than memory foam when it comes to temperature control. Latex is naturally breathable, so it pushes hot air out and pulls cool air in all night long – something even the coolest memory foams cannot do as efficiently.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are one of the oldest sleep technologies still in use today. This 19th-century sleep technology combines a support core made of open coils that are wired together with steel cable and a comfort layer of plush materials.

Materials that make up an innerspring comfort layer range from foam to fiberfill to cotton to wool and more. That means it should be easy to find an innerspring mattress without memory foam.

While innerspring mattresses do have a couple of redeeming qualities, they have a lot of issues that aren’t offset by their good qualities.

Allergy Protection

Innerspring mattresses have more potential to build up certain kinds of allergensVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source than other mattress types. While they’re great at circulating air to make it hard for mold and bacteria to grow, all that open space inside the mattress can become a catchall for dust mites, dust, pollen, and other dry allergens.

This means if you’re allergic to mold spores, you won’t have anything to worry about with innerspring mattresses. But if you’re allergic to dust mites or pollen, beware.

Contouring

Innerspring mattresses are not very good at contouring. Their networked coils are stiff and tend to bend and sag underneath your body weight rather than molding to your shape. This means innerspring mattresses provide inferior pressure relief and spinal alignment compared to other types of mattresses.

Durability

The open coil support cores in innerspring mattresses also have problems with durability. Open coils tend to lose tension and wear out much faster than other support core types. Most innerspring mattresses don’t make it past 10 years old.

Not only do they lose support over time, but they also start squeaking and creaking after a while. The noisiness means you may have to replace your mattress long before it starts to sag.

Price

Initial price is one area where innerspring mattresses shine. Their average price comes in at just $950 for a queen. This is lower than any other type of bed and excellent if you want a mattress under $1000.

However, this affordable sticker price comes at a cost. Innerspring beds are the least durable of all mattresses. So you might pay less for them in the beginning, but you’ll be paying to replace them more often.

SEE ALSO: How Often to Replace a Mattress

Responsiveness

Innerspring mattresses are highly responsive, and their trampoline-like bounce is likely what older sleepers are used to, as innerspring mattresses have been around a lot longer than other mattress types.

However, many sleepers won’t like the extreme bounciness of innerspring mattresses. What’s more, innerspring support cores also amplify motion and transfer it all over the bed. This can make sleeping with a partner a hassle.

Temperature Control

All the open space in innerspring mattresses means they’re fantastic at keeping cool. They circulate air better than any other mattress type, and the cooling air flowing under the sleep surface keeps it cool no matter how hot you sleep.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are a much better option for those who want coils than innerspring mattresses. Hybrids combine at least two inches of comfort foams with a support coil of individually wrapped pocketed coils.

Pocketed coils have several advantages over open coils. They can move independently, so they’re more adaptable and don’t wear out as fast. They don’t make noise. And they’re much more supportive.

The thing you have to watch out for with hybrids is they do contain memory foam. If you just don’t want a pure memory foam mattress, you might do fine with a mattress containing both memory foam and springs. However, if you want a hybrid mattress that’s entirely free of memory foam, you’ll have to get a latex hybrid.

Allergy Protection

Hybrids are fantastic for allergy symptom protection. Their foam layers create a hostile environment for microbes like mold and bacteria. And their pocketed coils don’t have much space between them, so it’s harder for allergens like dust mites and pollen to build up inside their support layers.

Contouring

The pocketed coils inside hybrid mattresses can all respond to your movements and sleep position independently of one another. This means hybrids are among the most contouring mattresses on the market because they can adapt all the way through.

So you can expect Talalay latex hybrids to be just as contouring as memory foam mattresses. This means they offer fantastic pressure relief and amazing spinal alignment.

Durability

Hybrids are moderately durable. Their pocketed coils will outlast open coil support cores by a long shot. However, the pocketed coil support systems in hybrid mattresses will still not last as long as latex base foam.

They’ll eventually lose tension and wear out. Thus, you can expect hybrids to last between 10 and 20 years – longer than innerspring mattress lifespans but shorter than those of pure latex mattresses.

Price

Unfortunately, hybrid mattresses are the most expensive mattresses year-over-year. They’re a little cheaper than pure latex mattresses at just over $1700 for a queen mattress. However, the fact that they don’t last as long as latex mattresses means you’ll be paying more for them per year over their lifetimes than you would for an all-foam latex mattress.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress Under $2000

Responsiveness

Hybrid mattresses – especially latex hybrids – are very responsive. The springy latex works with the bouncy coils to pop right back into place as soon as you move. And pocketed coils don’t transfer motion, unlike open coils. This means latex hybrids are among the best options for active sleepers and couples alike!

SEE ALSO: Latex vs. Hybrid: What’s the Difference?

Temperature Control

Hybrids are also very good at shedding heat. Pocketed coils are breathable, which means they keep cooling air circulating throughout the support core. This pulls heat away from your body and disperses it out of the mattress.

If you have breathable foam comfort layers, like latex, this effect is enhanced and creates quite the cooling mattress. So hot sleepers can rest assured that their prospective latex hybrid mattress is going to be cool enough no matter how hot they sleep.

Alternative Mattress Materials

If you don’t like the idea of foam mattresses at all – whether it’s latex or memory foam – you do have more options to choose from. Just keep in mind that many non-foam mattresses are made to be floor mattresses or futon mattresses. So if you want to lay them in a traditional bed frame, you may need a bunkie board to prevent them from sagging through the slats.

Cotton

Cotton mattresses are one of the best textile-based foam alternatives. Cotton fibers are great at circulating air, so cotton mattresses breathe all the way through. Cotton is also extremely moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. So it’s perfect for hot sleepers and sleepers with allergies alike.

Kapok

Kapok is a silky fiber that comes from the seed pods of the kapok tree. This fiber is extremely buoyant, supportive, and adaptable. It’s also softer and more flexible than cotton. This means kapok could be a great option for you if you want a firmer feel or even a rollaway futon mattress.

Wool

Wool has been a popular mattress material since the Middle Ages, and with good reason. It’s breathable, durable, and pressure-relieving. Also, despite the fact that wool is often used as a cold-weather fabric, it’s still fantastic for hot sleepers because it’s actually temperature-neutral. It evolved to keep sheep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So whether you sleep hot or cold, wool can work for you.

Mattress Firmness

The mattress firmness level you need depends on two primary factors: your sleep style and body weight. You’ll need to factor in both to determine your ideal firmness.

Mattress firmness is measured on a scale of one to 10, though the softest mattress you’ll find will register at around a three, while the firmest will come in at an eight. This is because ones on the firmness scale would have no support, while tens would have no give.

Sleep Style

Your sleep style is the primary factor that decides your firmness needs because it determines how your body contacts the sleep surface and where your pressure points will be.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a balance of support and contouring that slightly favors support. This is because the mattress has to keep you lifted onto the sleep surface while at the same time compressing under the buttocks to offer support to the lumbar region.

Medium-firm mattresses (six) are typically the best option. They’re not so firm that they allow the lumbar region to collapse onto the sleep surface. But they’re not so soft that they permit sinkage that pushes the spine out of alignment, establishing excellent mattresses for back sleeping.

Combination Sleepers

Combo sleepers don’t have a strong preference for any sleep position. Rather, they may choose to sleep on their sides one night and their backs the next. They might even flip around several times in the same night.

All this means they need a Jack of all Trades sort of bed that can comfortably accommodate multiple sleep positions without heavily favoring any single one. Medium mattresses (five) fit this bill because they offer an equal balance of support and pressure relief as mattresses for combination sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers have pressure-related issues due to the way their bodies contact the bed. When you sleep on your side, your body weight presses your hip and shoulder joints into the sleep surface. If the sleep surface is overly firm, it can lead to pressure point pain.

This is why side sleepers need softer mattresses (threes or fours). These soft and medium-soft mattresses for side sleeping can absorb pressure and keep your joints free from pain.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers have more spine alignment issues than pressure point issues unless they have a proper mattress for stomach sleeping. Sleeping on your stomach causes your pelvis to sink into the bed, which pulls your spine out of alignment and causes lower back pain.

To counter this issue, you’ll need to consider firm or even extra-firm mattresses (sevens and eights). These mattresses can keep your pelvis lifted and your lower back pain-free.

Body Type

If you fall within the mattress industry’s definition of the average human body weight range – 130 to 230 pounds – you won’t need to factor your weight into your firmness decision. However, if you fall above or below this range, you’ll need to take that into account.

Heavier Sleepers

Those who are heavier than 230 pounds are considered plus-size sleepers. If you fall into this category, you may need to consider increasing your firmness level to one above the level that goes with your sleep position. Then you can get the right amount of support in a mattress for heavy sleepers.

For example, combo sleepers generally need medium mattresses. But heavier combo sleepers might need to go up to medium-firm in mattresses.

Petite Sleepers

On the flip side, if you’re lighter than 130 pounds, you’re considered a petite sleeper. Petite sleepers often have a hard time getting enough compression and pressure relief out of mattresses that correspond to their sleep position. So they tend to need to go down a level in mattresses for lightweight sleepers.

For instance, a petite stomach sleeper might consider reducing their mattress firmness level from a firm to a medium-firm mattress.

Do I Need a Mattress Without Memory Foam to Avoid Fiberglass?

Memory foam mattresses have a reputation for relying on fiberglass for fire protection, as an inexpensive alternative to chemical flame retardants. However, fiberglass has come under fire recently for the way it can irritate the body if it escapes the mattress. Once it leaks through a mattress cover, it’s difficult to clean fiberglass up.

Many shoppers are looking for mattresses without fiberglass and are turning to mattresses free of memory foam as a result. However, there is not a perfect overlap between mattresses that contain fiberglass and mattresses that contain memory foam, and there are high-quality memory foam beds that do not contain fiberglass.

Some brands that have raised concerns about fiberglass being inside the mattresses include:

• Do Zinus Mattresses Have Fiberglass?
• Do Nectar Mattresses Have Fiberglass?
• Do Lucid Mattresses Have Fiberglass?
• Do Ashley Furniture Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

FAQs

Is there another memory foam alternative besides latex?

There are several memory foam alternatives besides latex. If you’re okay with a futon or floor mattress, you’ve got several natural memory foam alternative options. Wool makes an excellent mattress material because it’s temperature neutral, pressure-relieving, and supportive.

Those who want plant-based materials can check out breathable and hypoallergenic cotton or supportive and adaptable kapok. If you’re okay with a little latex but just don’t want an entirely latex mattress, check out a latex hybrid.

Hybrids feature pocketed coil support cores, so they feel quite different from all-foam mattresses. Latex hybrids have more bounce than latex foam mattresses, and they’re also even better at shedding heat than their all-foam counterparts. So if you want a spring mattress instead of a foam one, a latex hybrid is a good option.

Are there organic mattresses that aren’t latex?

There are three types of mattresses that can be certified organic besides latex: cotton, kapok, and wool. Most of these are available as thin futon or floor mattresses. Organic cotton is highly breathable and moisture-wicking. So it’s perfect for hot sleepers.

Organic kapok is highly supportive and adaptable. So it makes a great mattress for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Kapok is also the ideal material if you’re looking for traditional floor mattresses.

Organic wool is contouring and pressure-relieving. So it’s a fantastic option for side sleepers. Wool is also a good option for hot sleepers and cold sleepers alike because it’s temperature neutral.

How much should I pay for a mattress without memory foam?

There’s a pretty wide range of materials for you to choose from when it comes to mattresses without memory foam. This means there’s virtually a limitless price range for them. If you purchase a mattress made of a stuffing like wool or cotton, you might only pay a few hundred dollars for it.

However, if you start looking at hybrids or latex mattresses, you’ll be looking at much higher prices, as well. The average cost of a pure latex queen mattress is over $2,000. Keep in mind the year-over-year cost of the mattress will go down because of latex’s unbeatable durability, but you’ll be paying a lot upfront.

Hybrid mattresses come in at an average of $1,700 for a queen, but since latex foam is more expensive, latex hybrids will be a little more expensive on average than that. Also, bear in mind that since the pocketed coil support core is less durable than a foam support core, a latex hybrid will be more expensive year-over-year than a pure latex mattress.

What other types of mattresses are there besides memory foam?

There are tons of other mattress types besides memory foam. Those who want an all-natural foam alternative should check out latex. Likewise, if you want a hybrid mattress without memory foam, a latex hybrid might be for you. Those who want to avoid both foam and coils can go for cotton, kapok, and wool.

Is a hybrid a good alternative to a memory foam mattress?

A hybrid is a wonderful alternative to a memory foam mattress. Hybrid mattresses solve virtually all the problems of memory foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses. Unlike pure memory foam, hybrids can breathe to keep you from overheating in your sleep.

Hybrids are also highly responsive. Unlike innerspring mattresses, hybrids are adaptable and good at controlling motion transfer. They’re also more durable than innerspring beds.

If you want a hybrid with no memory foam, you can get a latex hybrid. However, if memory foam’s traditional problems are the reason you don’t want a memory foam mattress, a memory foam hybrid might work for you.

Bottom Line

If you don’t want a traditional memory foam mattress, there are tons of memory foam alternatives to choose from. Look at all-latex beds and latex hybrids, spring beds with cotton and wool comfort, and select floor and futon mattresses. Just make sure you’re getting a durable mattress that suits your sleep position and sleep preferences!