Choosing a mattress these days seems to have gotten more complicated-and that's not a bad thing. Mattress options have changed so much over the last decade, all thanks to mattress technology that drives manufacturers to continually rethink their approach and find better ways to serve consumers while minimizing environmental impact at the same time.
Smart appliances are getting more ubiquitous, and it's fascinating to think that mattresses have gotten smarter, too. You no longer have to settle for a coil or innerspring mattress. Today, you have a ton of options, from silver-infused mattress covers and mattresses for lighter people to organic mattresses and latex with graphite.
Foam Technology
They might look the same, but not all foams are made from the same material. Choosing the right foam proves critical in helping you get the best quality of sleep. In the past, most of the foams used in mattresses are made from polyurethane bases. These are manufactured using a mix of petroleum-based ingredients and chemicals. As you can imagine, these foams aren't environment-friendly.
Now, more manufacturers are using plant-based foams. These are relatively new in the mattress industry, but they certainly look promising. Made from oils derived from plants like soybeans and other vegetables, these foams are manufactured using processes with minimal environmental impact. Not to mention, some manufacturers infuse the foams with other materials, including charcoal and graphene, to offer additional health benefits.
Latex Technology
While latex has been around for a long time, this material is only recently used in mattresses. What's most interesting about latex is that it can be made naturally, synthetically, or a combination of both. The natural approach involves collecting the raw material from rubber tree sap, while the synthetic version consists of the use of petroleum products. Many manufacturers settle for something in between, choosing to use a blend of natural and artificial materials.
Natural latex mattresses are the best choice for you if you want a mattress that has the least environmental impact. These mattresses can be certified organic upon meeting the criteria set by the Global Organic Latex Standard. It's worth noting that the manufacturing process of these organic mattresses involves tapping rubber trees rather than cutting them down, which means the entire process is much more sustainable.
Mattress Cover Technology
Mattress covers are often ignored when buying a new mattress, but they also play an essential role in maintaining your comfort level while sleeping. Keep in mind that these covers are meant to improve the breathability of the materials used in your mattress. Right now, two emerging mattress cover technologies are Celliant-infused and silver-infused covers.
Celliant is a material that has been proven to offer health benefits. It's made up of therm-reactive minerals that convert excess body heat into infrared light, which is touted by health experts for various healing properties.
Silver, on the other hand, has long been known to possess antimicrobial properties. Infusing silver into mattress covers allows you to enjoy this benefit as it prevents microbes from thriving in the fibers of your mattress cover.
Summary
Mattresses are getting more sophisticated by the day. What's great is that these new mattress technologies are backed up by scientific research, so you can rest assured that manufacturers aren't just trying to rip you off. But of course, you should still consider your unique needs and budget when searching for a new mattress. After all, sleep is only as simple or as complicated as you make it to be.
