What Purpose Do Mattress Comfort Layers Serve?
Positioned close to the body, comfort layers directly influence how a mattress feels. Because support cores consist of dense, firm materials, softer layers are placed on top. The extent to which the sleeper sinks into a bed is largely determined by the mattress’ comfort system. Comfort layers serve several key purposes.
Cushioning: A durable mattress requires a robust support core, but sleeping directly on these exceptionally firm materials could result in aches and pains the next morning. Comfort layers cushion the body and essentially act as a buffer between the sleeper and the core.
Pressure Relief: Comfort layers are typically engineered to contour to the body and spread out its weight to lessen the discomfort caused by sharp pressure points, which are common in the shoulders, hips, and back. Materials like memory foam, polyfoam, latex, and/or minicoils can adjust to the sleeper’s shape and reduce pressure buildup.
However, the ideal comfort system should still be firm enough to prevent the heavier parts, like the hips, from sinking too deeply into the mattress and throwing off spinal alignment. Some comfort systems are also zoned with targeted firmness areas designed to balance support and pressure relief.
Motion Isolation: Motion transfer occurs when movement on one part of the bed is experienced on its opposite end, which can be problematic for anyone sharing a bed. Robust comfort layers can absorb and isolate motion well to prevent vibrations from spreading, resulting in less disturbance for sleep partners.
Noise: Certain mattress materials are quieter than others, with all-foam and all-latex models being virtually silent. The coil systems found in innersprings and hybrids could creak as they age, but comfort layers made from foam, latex, and/or fiber help muffle sounds.
Cooling: Comfort layers often utilize cooling technology, like gel infusions, phase change materials, and open-cell constructions to promote airflow and/or dissipate excess heat. Breathable covers can also prevent sleepers from overheating by allowing air to circulate more freely through the mattress.
General Mattress Construction
Most mattresses consist of multiple layers, each of which serves a specific function. Collectively, these layers give a mattress its unique feel. Every material and construction method has possible benefits and drawbacks, but understanding their qualities can help you select the most suitable mattress based on your needs.
Comfort layers are located at the top of a mattress and combine to form a bed’s comfort system. Most comfort layer materials offer ample cushioning while conforming to the body to relieve pressure. Mattresses of average height typically contain one or two comfort layers, while taller models might contain three or more. Firmer mattresses usually have comfort systems that measure 1 to 2 inches thick, while softer models might be 4 inches or more.
Just below the comfort system is a transitional layer that functions as a buffer between the sleeper and the sturdy support core. Made from firmer materials that average between 1 and 3 inches thick, the transitional layer also deepens the contouring while limiting excess sinkage. Transitional layers are often made from medium- to high-density polyfoam, latex, or microcoils.
Next is the support core, which consists of denser and firmer materials designed to stabilize the mattress and resist sagging. The support core is usually the most substantial part of the mattress and typically ranges between 6 and 10 inches thick. Innersprings and hybrids use sturdy steel coils for their cores, while all-foam models use high-density polyfoam, and natural latex models typically use Dunlop latex.
Lastly, a mattress is usually encased in a cover made from cotton, wool, polyester, Tencel, or other fabric. Some designs, such as pillow-tops, include plush padding by quilting foam or fiber layers directly into the cover.
Mattress Comfort Layer Construction
While exact materials and construction methods vary, many mattresses follow a similar formula that includes four main comfort system components: a cover, quilting material, a comfort layer or layers, and a transition layer. Exact materials and construction techniques vary between models, and some may add or subtract components to achieve specific goals.