Why Are Comfort Layers Important?

Here’s What You Should Know

So you’ve started to mattress shop and you’re realizing there’s a lot of decision-making behind choosing the best mattress. Not to mention all of the terminology that’s thrown around in product marketing. Through the sea of fancy features and terms, you’re constantly wondering—what is important and what isn’t? We’re here to tell you that comfort layers are important for your sleep. And in this article, we’ll explain why.

What is a comfort layer?

A comfort layer is the top padding layer of a mattress, usually the upper few inches that are built into the mattress unit. It both works as a buffer between the support or foundation layer and also just makes your mattress nicer to lay on. Furthermore, it’s usually what influences a comfort rating of mattresses (firm, plush, ultraplush, pillowtop, etc.). Comfort layers can be made from a variety of materials including: polyurethane foam, memory foam, gel, micro-coils, latex, and natural or artificial fibers.

What is the difference between a comfort layer and a support layer?

While the comfort layer is the top padding layer, the support layer is the bottom core layer of a mattress. A comfort layer is usually softer and thinner while the support layer is the core structure, therefore it’s thicker. It serves the main role of providing overall body alignment and maintaining the durability and airflow of a mattress. Common support materials include: memory foam, polyurethane foam, latex, and/or coils.

Both layers are common in quality mattresses because they’re equally important to the overall utility and purpose of a mattress.

What are the benefits of comfort layers?

They provide pressure relief

If you slept on a mattress without a comfort layer, you would experience uncomfortable body aches and pains, especially in the lower back and hips. This layer provides pressure relief in all the sensitive areas by forming a cradle and contouring to your body shape.

They cushion the body

So, comfort layers are just…comfortable. If you were to sleep directly on the support core layer, you would probably feel like you’re sinking deep into the mattress. Not to mention, most support cores are made from firm elements such as steel coils and high density foam. And that doesn’t sound very comfortable.

The provide spinal alignment

By supporting and contouring to the pressure points of your body, a mattress comfort layer can help keep your body at its natural alignment by pushing back on the areas that want to sink.

They reduce noise

Noise may not be as big of a concern with all-foam or latex mattresses, but types like innersprings and hybrids have support layers that could produce some noise here and there. Having the comfort layer can help to negate these sounds while you’re on the bed.

They enable motion isolation

This is a useful benefit for couples because mattresses with a good comfort layer minimize the feeling of another person’s movement.

What mattress comfort layer material is best?

It’s not easy to nail down the best comfort layer material without first understanding what the difference between each of them is. Perhaps what might work for you, might not work for someone else and vice versa. Therefore, some brief insight into each comfort layer material is useful in deciding what to look for when you’re shopping for a mattress.

Polyfoam comfort layer

Low in density, polyfoam is one of the lowest-quality materials for comfort layers because it won’t conform to your body as much as denser materials. On the cheaper side, but not really worth it if you sleep hot or suffer from chronic aches and pains.

Memory foam comfort layer

Most mattresses have a comfort layer made from memory foam. It’s a soft material that does a good job at conforming to your body and relieving pressure. Usually it’s a medium density which means it will offer a good balance of body cushioning, motion isolation and shape retention. But it’s not ideal if you sleep hot because memory foam doesn’t absorb heat well.

Latex comfort layer

Latex is a natural, and therefore eco-friendly material, made from the sap of rubber trees. It’s one of the highest quality comfort layers to have. While more expensive, latex comfort layers are durable and excellent at conforming to the body.

Natural fiber comfort layer

This refers to materials like cotton, silk, and wool. Similarly to latex, comfort layers made from these will cost more, but are comfortable, last longer and good if you sleep hot.

Minicoil and nanocoil comfort layer

Mini or microcoils are one to four inches thick while nanocoils are no thicker than three-quarters of an inch. These really small coil-based comfort layers are becoming increasingly common and aren’t as uncomfortable as you may think due to how thin and padded it is. As such, they’re an excellent choice for people who sleep warm and experience chronic aches and pains.

Buckling column gel comfort layer

This type of material has become more popular in recent years. It’s on the expensive side and offers sleepers a “crackling” feel because it responds to weight and compression by buckling. However, this material provides good weight distribution and support, which means it’s helpful at alleviating aches and pains. It just needs a solid, heavy, support layer underneath.

You’re one step closer to finding a perfect mattress

The comfort layer is an important mattress component. Once you have knowledge on what to look for in a comfort layer and why it’s important to consider—you’ll be more informed in your final buying decision. Happy shopping!