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Mattress Fillings & Materials: A Complete Guide
Which Filling is Best for a Mattress?
The best mattress fillings are memory foam, latex, innerspring coils, hybrid (form + coils), polyfoam and natural fibers.
Memory Foam:
Density: 3–5 pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
Thickness: Typically 2–5 inches.
Memory foam molds to your body, relieving pressure points. Higher density (4–5 PCF) offers durability and support, while lower density (3 PCF) feels softer. Retains heat, but newer gels or open-cell designs improve airflow.
Latex:
Types: Natural (eco-friendly), synthetic, or blended.
ILD (Firmness): 25–35 (medium-firm).
Latex is responsive and buoyant, keeping your cool. Natural latex lasts 10–15+ years, resists dust mites, and is hypoallergenic.
Innerspring (Coils):
Coil count: 800–1,000+ (more coils = better support).
Gauge: 12–15 (lower gauge = thicker, firmer coils).
Provides strong edge support and airflow. Pocketed coils reduce motion transfer, while Bonnell coils offer a traditional bounce.
Hybrid (Foam + Coils):
Combines 2–3 inches of foam (memory/latex) with innerspring.
Balances contouring and airflow. Ideal if you want pressure relief without the "sinking" feel.
Polyfoam:
Density: 1.5–2.5 PCF.
Lightweight and budget friendly. Lower density (1.5 PCF) softens quickly; higher (2.5 PCF) lasts longer. Less durable than memory foam.
Natural Fibers (Wool/Cotton):
Thickness: 1–2 inches (often layered over coils).
Breathable and moisture-wicking. Wool regulates temperature; cotton is soft but less durable.
Take a look at our comfortable mattress collection from Mattressmick, offered in various sizes and styles that can enhance your room.
What Fillings are in the Spring Mattress?
The fillings in the spring mattress are steel coils, memory foam and cotton/polyester insulation.
Steel Coils (12–15 gauge; 300–800 coils in queen size): These form the core, providing support. Lower gauge numbers mean thicker, firmer coils.
Memory Foam/Polyfoam (1–4 inches thick; 3–5 PCF/1.5–2.5 PCF density): These cushion your body higher-density foams resist sagging.
Cotton/Wool/Polyester Insulation (0.5–2 inches thick): Placed above coils, these fibers soften the feel and prevent you from sensing the coils.
What Fillings are in a Foam Mattress?
The fillings in the foam mattress are memory foam, polyfoam, polyfoam base, and gel infused foam.
Memory Foam (2–4 inches thick; 3–5 PCF density): Contours to your body higher density offers durability and less sagging.
Polyfoam (1–2 inches thick; 1.5–2.5 PCF density): Acts as a soft transition layer, balancing comfort and support.
High-Density Polyfoam Base (5–8 inches thick; 1.8–2.8 PCF density): Provides foundational stability, preventing you from sinking too deeply.
Latex or Gel-Infused Foam (optional; 2–3 inches thick; 20–30 ILD firmness): Adds bounce or cooling, depending on the blend.
Memory foam adapts to your shape, while polyfoam cushions pressure points. The dense base ensures long-term support without compromising comfort.
What Fillings are in the Natural Mattress?
The fillings in the natural mattress are organic cotton, natural latex, wool, coconut coir and plant based fibers.
Organic Cotton (1–3 inches thick; 300–500 GSM): Soft, breathable top layers that wick moisture and let your skin breathe.
Natural Latex (2–6 inches thick; 20–30 ILD firmness): Responsive support—higher ILD feels firmer, conforming to your body without sinking.
Wool (1–2 inches thick; 20–30 oz/yd³ density): Regulates temperature, resists dust mites, and acts as a natural fire barrier.
Coconut Coir (1–2 inches thick; 50–100 kg/m³ density): Adds firmness to the base, enhancing durability and airflow.
Horsehair/Plant-Based Fibers (optional; 1–2 inches thick): Blended for moisture-wicking and resilience.
Natural latex and cotton adapt to your posture, while wool keeps you cool. Coir or plant-based layers prevent sagging, ensuring eco-friendly support. Most materials are certified (GOTS, GOLS) for sustainability.
