Whether latex, cold foam, pocket spring core or box spring: Which type of mattress suits you depends not only on your body measurements, but also on whether you freeze easily or sweat a lot. A study by Stiftung Warentest shows: “Good” models are available in every segment, but latex performs best.
Whether latex, cold foam, pocket spring core or box spring: which type of mattress suits you best depends not only on your body measurements, but also on whether you freeze easily or sweat a lot. A study by Stiftung Warentest shows: “Good” models are available in every segment, but latex performs best.
Every person spends a third of their life in bed. So the mattress should be just right. Which one suits you best depends on your body measurements as well as on whether you freeze easily or sweat a lot. Stiftung Warentest tested 24 new mattresses, including five latex and nine cold foam models as well as ten box spring beds. In addition, the testers from the Stiftung Warentest product finder filtered out the best pocket spring core and cold foam models still available from hundreds of models.
Latex mattresses
Of the 24 currently newly tested mattresses, latex scores best overall with three good examples: Good marks were given to the Allnatura natural latex mattress Super-Comfort Allergy (680 Euro), the raccoon natural mattress Latex 1 (700 Euro) and the Sembella Belair Clima Natur with cover Aqua (695 Euro). The biggest advantage of latex over cold foam and spring core is its significantly better durability. However, latex has one disadvantage.
The material is considerably heavier and more flexible, i.e. more flabby than foam and spring core. This makes it more difficult to turn and flip the mattress. Therefore latex is best suited for adjustable slatted frames, because the flexible material clings well to the frame when the headboard is raised.
Foam material
Foam mattresses are light and often inexpensive – but not always a good choice. As in last year’s test, none of the nine cold foam mattresses were convincing. However, there are still two good models on the market, which were tested by Stiftung Warentest in November 2012: Diamona Perfect Fit Plus (650 euros) enables all body sizes and shapes to lie comfortably in the supine and lateral position. Badenia Irisette VitaFlex Flextube (550 euros) is particularly suitable for small, light persons. Both mattresses soften over time, however.
Some of the currently tested cold foam models are good to lie on at first, but they do not last long. The foam becomes softer over time due to body heat and sweat, so that noticeable hollows soon form in the mattresses.
Many cold foam mattresses smell unpleasant in the first weeks. According to laboratory analysis, the exhalations are usually not harmful to health. However, small amounts of carcinogenic trichloro-ethene do escape from a model in the first hours after unpacking. But even if it “only” stinks: Even if it “only” stinks, here are the findings the testers find it absurd that the suppliers expect the consumer to air it out.
Box spring beds
Box spring beds are becoming increasingly popular, although they can cost several thousand euros. Many people like the large seat height, due to the multi-layer construction: On a wooden box with a spring core lies another spring core mattress and on top of it a topper made of foam. The mattress height can be an advantage: it makes it easier to lie down and get up. Others appreciate box spring beds because they can combine the design and material of the mattresses and cover fabrics themselves.
However, the current test shows that there is not much luxury for the money. Although five of the ten beds tested offer good lying properties – but only at the beginning. With the exception of one model (Evolution sample ring for 2570 euros), all but one showed a noticeable coolness after the durability test, caused by heat and sweat. Two beds also emitted carcinogenic trichloroethylene and the suspected carcinogen tetrachloroethylene the day after unpacking. In the end, only one box spring bed performed well overall.
Spring mattresses
The innerspring mattress is the classic among modern sleeping places. New models were not tested this time, but from the test in April 2013 there are still four good ones available: The low-priced Tchibo Irisette (249 euros) is suitable for almost everyone. The Badenia Irisette (299 euros) is also recommended for back sleepers. Sample ring Orthomatic (465 euros) and MFO Bettina (500 euros) are more suitable for lightweights.
Pocket spring mattresses have a cover layer of foam, fleece and fabric. This is to prevent the sleeping person from feeling the springs. However, the foam layer tends to form couch hollows due to heat and sweat. Innerspring mattresses are well suited for people who sweat a lot at night, as the open construction with steel springs protects against moisture
