Memory foam, latex, or spring? Which is the best? Does it really matter? These are common questions you might have when shopping for a new mattress. Buying a brand-new mattress is no easy feat. With so many options available, the buying process can be nothing short of confusing.

Fortunately, the truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to shopping for a new mattress. The perfect mattress depends on your unique style, weight, and sleep needs. However, learning about the core components in the mattresses you can find today can certainly help narrow your selection.

Memory Foam vs. Latex vs. Spring Mattresses

Shopping for a new mattress can be incredibly frustrating. Not only can there be one too many options to pick from, but many of the products include features that are hard to understand. To learn more about the differences between memory foam, latex, and spring mattresses, take a look at this guide below.

Memory Foam Mattresses

As its name suggests, this popular mattress style uses viscoelastic memory foam. Developed by NASA, this innovative material hugs the contours of your body when exposed to your body heat or pressure.

Side sleepers find memory foam especially beneficial as its ability to cradle your body helps align the spine and relieve pressure points. Beyond that, memory foam reduces motion transfer, making it a suitable choice for couples.

Memory foam mattresses are a popular style of bedding, however, there are a couple of drawbacks to owning one. For example, because they respond to warmth, they tend to retain heat, which can be uncomfortable for hot sleepers. Additionally, the compounds manufacturers use to make the foam tend to leave behind an unpleasant odor. Fortunately, this can be mitigated by allowing the mattress to air out first before adding sheets and bedding.

Pros: Great pressure relief, cradles your body, minimal motion transfer

Cons: Can sleep hot, some off-gassing

Best For: Side sleepers and couples

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses — whether made from natural or synthetic latex — have an uplifted, buoyant feel. Unlike memory foam, latex mattresses don’t sink when you sit or lay on them. Instead, they push back so that you remain on top of the mattress as opposed to sinking in. This makes them a very popular choice for people who prefer a more responsive surface.

Latex material is strong, breathable, and antimicrobial, making it particularly beneficial for hot sleepers. However, because of its many benefits, it can also be quite pricey when compared to other mattress types. On top of that, latex mattresses tend to be a bit heavier than others, which can make moving it around relatively cumbersome.

Pros: Contouring but responsive, breathable, antimicrobial, durable

Cons: Expensive, heavy

Best For: Combo sleepers wanting responsiveness

Pocket Coil Mattresses

For an ultra-responsive mattress, try a pocket coil. Pocket coil mattresses provide sleepers with the best of both worlds — they work to hug the contours of your body while still being incredibly bouncy. This style of mattress allows for plenty of support, so you can rest assured that your back, neck, and spine are properly aligned.

The coils in each mattress can vary by thickness, number, and placement to accommodate different sleeper positions and weights, making it another helpful choice for couples. But if you or your partner tend to toss and turn a lot when you sleep, beware. Pocket coil mattresses aren’t the best at isolating motion, which means you’re more likely to feel the other person’s movements throughout the night as the coils transfer their shifting.

Pros: Responsive, excellent bounce, great airflow, reinforced edges

Cons: Motion transfer, needs re-fluffing

Best For: Couples who have varying support needs