Memory foam mattresses and air beds are the two most popular choices for consumers who are tired of spring mattresses, and many shoppers compare the two to discover which is better. These two beds have different structures and offer various benefits and features, so deciding the best option might be difficult.
Brands like iSense manufacture adjustable foam and brands such as Sleep Number have adjustable air mattresses. Plus, other brands have hybrid mattresses as well. Several options are offered, so it’s pretty confusing which is the best for you. This is why many people are trying to look for an answer on which is better by asking questions like “which among the two mattresses is better in giving comfort?” or “is the Number you choose more comfortable for your usual sleeping position?” To answer these questions, we need to look at their distinct features first before having a winner.
Adjustable Foam
Adjustable foam mattresses use a specific type of polyurethane foam that can mold to the individual shapes of sleepers while still reverting to its original form. This Visco foam contours and molds to the sleeper using either temperature or pressure.
Because the sleeper’s weight is equally spread throughout the surface, the material excels at pressure point alleviation. True Visco foam beds are likewise made entirely of foam, with the “memory” foam in the upper layers and a conventional poly foam core layer in the bottom to offer support and prevent sleepers from sinking too far.
Air Mattresses
Adjustable air bladders in air bed mattresses allow sleepers to increase the air pressure for a firmer sensation or decrease air pressure for a softer feel. The air bladders are contained within a mattress cover, and the topper layers can range from fiber pillow tops to various types of foam. Because an inflatable air chamber gives the main support rather than springs, air beds are good at easing pressure points.
Now that we’ve gotten to know them individually, let’s see how they compare in comfort.
The Support Both Provide
Memory foam mattresses provide good back support, whereas air mattresses provide exceptional support (depending on firmness). Visco foam conforms more to the sleeper’s shape, yet the air chambers still allow for some conformability compared to other spring mattresses.
Pain Alleviation
Both beds are praised for their ability to prevent and relieve discomfort (which typically results from pressure points or a lack of support). In general, roughly 10% of air and memory foam mattress owners say their mattresses are causing them more trouble, whereas 20% of innerspring mattress owners say their beds are causing them more pain.
Noise
Some people are sensitive to noise at night, which might cause them to lose sleep. Due to their construction, foam beds are nearly noise-free, with less than 1% of owners complaining about it. Because air bed mattresses rely on pumps to inflate and deflate, there’s a chance they’ll make a lot of noise. Many models alter pressure automatically during the night, which might cause users to wake up. Although roughly 10% of all owners report harsh noise, some brands and pump types perform better than others.
Motion
The ability of a mattress to keep one partner’s movements from disturbing the other is referred to as motion isolation. Foam’s natural absorptive characteristics excel at isolating motion, and Visco foam mattresses are particularly good at minimizing partner disruption. Air bed mattresses feature a little greater motion transmission than spring beds, especially in single-chamber types, but they still outperform spring beds.
Now that you know their comparison, the decision on which is better is now in your hands because honestly, both mattress types attempt to achieve identical goals: improving on traditional spring beds with more support and longevity while also lowering and treating aches and pains. The distinctions between the two stem from the fact that one uses foam and the other uses adjustable air chambers for support.
Remember that the ideal mattress for you will be determined by your comfort preferences and the individual brands and models, so make sure to research your alternatives and read reviews and ratings thoroughly.
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