Types of Mattresses Explained: Structure, Materials, and How to Choose

Different types of mattresses don’t just change how they feel—they also affect durability, shipping and storage methods, cost structure, and how you build out your full price range.

This article breaks everything down using two core lenses: structure + materials. It’s designed to give you a clear framework when you’re making product selections or planning procurement.

Every mattress is built on three key components: the support system, the comfort layers, and the outer fabric.

Among these, the support system—its structure and materials—determines the mattress category, price bracket, durability, and market positioning.

Here are the most common types used across the industry:

Spring mattresses are the most widely used mattress type globally, with core advantages of strong support, good stability and controllable cost — they can meet diverse market needs.

The main structure of a spring mattress:

• Pocketed Coils
  Each coil is individually wrapped, so movement doesn’t transfer from one area to another. This is the mainstream choice for mid- to high-end products thanks to its precise support, consistent rebound, and quiet performance.
  Milado uses high-manganese steel coils with reinforced mid-sections to enhance lumbar support and overall stability.

• Bonnell Coils
  A traditional linked coil system. Lower cost and good elasticity, but movements transfer easily. Suitable for entry-level retail or bulk project orders.

• Zoned Coil Systems (3-zone / 5-zone / 7-zone)
  Different coil tensions are used for different body areas to match natural spinal curves. Common for products emphasizing ergonomic support.

Best for: entry- to mid-range home use, hotels, serviced apartments, and high-volume procurement.

Foam mattresses support compression packaging, which cuts down on transportation and storage costs. They offer consistent sleeping comfort, sell well on e-commerce channels, and are especially popular among young consumers.

The core material of foam mattresses:

• HR Foam (High Resilience Foam): Strong support, quick rebound, and great durability.
• Memory Foam: Fits the human body well, distributes pressure points, and reduces nighttime tossing and turning.
• Gel Foam: Infused with gel particles for enhanced coolness and breathability, ideal for hot and humid areas.

All Milado foam mattresses use high-density standardized raw materials. This ensures stable rebound rate after compressed packaging, meeting cross-border transportation requirements.

Best for: online retail, student housing, rentals, short-term stays, and portable bedding needs.

Latex has natural elasticity, anti-mite and breathable properties. It’s the core material for mid-to-high-end mattresses, with a gentle touch and moderate support that meets most people’s sleeping needs.

Main types:

• 100% Natural Latex
  Stable bounce, great pressure relief, and a mild natural scent. The preferred choice for premium mattresses.

• Synthetic Latex
  More cost-efficient with consistent elasticity—ideal for mid-range products.

Blended Latex
Balances comfort and durability while controlling cost.

Milado latex mattresses typically use a combination of “Thai natural latex + high-resilience foam” to balance feel and support, catering to the needs of mid-to-high-end customers.

Best for: Mid-to-high-end home use, mothers and infants, and the market for healthy sleep.

Hybrid mattresses combine the support of springs with the comfort of foam/latex. They offer stable support and a cozy feel, making them one of the fastest-growing mattress categories worldwide in recent years.

Common hybrid setups:

• Pocketed Coils + Memory Foam
  Stable support with great pressure relief—good for people with neck or back discomfort.

• Pocketed Coils + Natural Latex
  Supportive yet soft to the touch—excellent for boosting comfort.

• Multi-Layer Designs
  Multiple materials stacked to create more customized sleep experiences.

Best for: mainstream home retail, high-quality rental apartments, mid-to-high-end hotels and homestays.

Hybrid structure is one of Milado’s core mattresse lines. By adjusting firmness and material combinations, it meets over 80% of consumers’ needs, eases dealers’ promotion efforts, and boosts conversion rates.

• Handmade Mattresses: Crafted with traditional manual techniques, they feature multi-layer physical stacking of materials. Boasting strong durability and a high-end texture, they’re used in luxury residences and boutique hotels. Milado’s luxury handmade mattress adopts “glue-free technology + point-to-point bonding,” meeting the health and environmental needs of high-end customers.
• RV Car / Custom Mattresses: Lightweight in structure, they support irregular shape and thickness customization. Suitable for special scenarios like RVs and yachts, they maintain stable order demand.
• TPE Elastomer Mattresses: Breathable and durable, they’re washable and easy to clean. Ideal for children’s beds or users with special sleeping comfort needs.

Picking the right mattress isn’t just about the type or how firm it feels. Things like durability, temperature control, and motion isolation can make a big difference in how it performs in real-life use.

Here are the key factors you should focus on when deciding which mattress to choose and buy.

• Cost & Budget
  Mattress costs generally follow a clear hierarchy: springs < foam < latex < hand-crafted hybrids. When planning products, it’s crucial to design price ranges for your target customers rather than just stacking expensive materials, balancing cost and value.

Choosing a mattress involves more than just selecting materials or structure; it’s about finding a stable balance between comfort, durability, and cost, adapting to different needs, budgets, and usage intensities.

Milado has a complete system, from design to production, so we can tailor material combos and structures for any setting—whether it’s residential projects, hotels, apartments, showrooms, or e-commerce channels.

Whether you need a large-scale, standardized spring and foam system or a handcrafted luxury mattress that emphasizes touch and texture, Milado’s mattress range can meet your needs.

If you are looking for different types of mattresses but don’t know how to choose or would like a quote, please get in touch with us.