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Support is sort of the opposite of pressure relief. In other words, materials that relieve pressure are not so good at support, and vice versa.
For example, memory foam is the best material at relieving pressure. Nothing compares. However, if a mattress were made only of memory foam, you would sink all the way to the bottom of the mattress. Memory foam offers no support.
 On the other hand, a material like cotton compresses so quickly that it gets hard pretty fast. It’s not comfortable, but it is very supportive supportive.
Recommendation:
Latex is the best material that is both supportive and somewhat pressure relieving. Polyurethane foam and coils can be supportive, but both have big drawbacks. See chart.
Avoid:
Cotton fiber anyplace inside a mattress. Also do not fall for the very soft pillowtops that are made with lots of fiber. They feel great in a showroom, but quickly create a body impression. |
Materials Scorecard
1 = Poor. 5 = Outstanding
| Material |
Temperature |
Pressure |
Motion |
Support |
Durability |
Chemicals |
Allergens |
| Natural Latex |
3 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
| Synthetic Latex |
3 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
| Memory Foam |
1 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
| Polyurethane Foam |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
| Organic Wool |
5 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
| Synthetic Wool |
5 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
| Innerspring |
4 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
| Organic Cotton |
3 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
| Conventional Cotton |
3 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Polyester Fiber |
2 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
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