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Zoned mattress – discover 5 truths!

5 grudnia 2023
Zone mattress, zones in the mattress, mattress manufacturer
The sustained popularity of zone mattresses may be astonishing for some. To understand why, it's worth critically examining the promises of manufacturers and then comparing them with the user reviews from those who have been sleeping on them for an extended period. It's also crucial to carefully consider the purchase because experience proves that there are more reasonable and functional alternatives that will meet expectations for sleep quality. And all this without overpaying for mythical benefits.

The offered distribution of zones in a mattress may be a marketing gimmick that likely never translates into tangible benefits for users. People, due to their diversity, do not find answers to their individual needs in zone mattresses. Instead of investing in trendy solutions, it's worth considering whether it's better to opt for functional foam mattresses that provide high sleeping comfort.
Zone mattresses, orthopedic mattress, mattress store

1. Distribution of zones in the mattress

Most often, the arrangement of zones in a mattress, though sounding like a revolutionary solution for healthy sleep, unfortunately conflicts with the physiology of the human body. Despite significant differences in body structures, most mattress manufacturers of zone mattresses maintain that their products are universal. In practice, however, mattress zones rarely cater to individual user needs as they are tailored to a narrow group of people with specific height characteristics. Differences in anatomical proportions make the zone arrangement artificial and often do not bring any benefits.

The concept of zone support usually deviates from a common-sense approach. While mattress firmness should be universal since the body's weight is proportionally distributed across the mattress surface, zones are directly related to height. Since heights vary and on a standard mattress with a length of 200 centimeters, it's challenging to divide them effectively. This results in many users complaining about discomfort and irregular support, leading to poor sleep quality despite the presence of zone distribution.

Although the marketing of zone mattresses sometimes portrays them as miraculous remedies for all sleep-related issues, reality often doesn't paint such a rosy picture. Many users report in reviews that these mattresses do not improve the quality of their sleep and may even lead to health problems. Zones inadequately matched to height generate improper support, which can result in back pain or muscle tension, effectively contradicting the promises made by mattress manufacturers. Meanwhile, for two people with a significant height difference, a zoned mattress may only suit one of them.

A significant criticism of zone mattresses is the lack of consideration for individual user needs and ailments. However, every person is different, primarily in terms of body structure. Consequently, a zoned mattress does not adapt to everyone. In reality, the distribution of zones in a mattress can and in most cases does lead to improper alignment, undermining their intended purpose.
Zone mattress, support zones in the mattress, which mattress to buy

2. Adjustment of zoned mattresses

As a principle, zone mattresses assume that each part of the body requires entirely different support and thus different firmness in various mattress zones. For individuals with different heights, certain body parts are at different heights, so they would have to use two mattresses specifically made for them, which would be impractical. Of course, this is only if the idea of zoned mattresses itself is valid. However, in reality, dividing the mattress into zones makes it difficult to achieve individual customization for different people.

People have diverse body structures and heights, which brings fully justified doubt to the idea that one zone setting will be appropriate for everyone for those who think reasonably. The idea of mass-producing zoned mattresses that are divided in the same way appears illusory, and the harsh reality too often shows that many users experience discomfort due to them.

It is accepted that the universal mattress firmness is around 6.5 on the American scale. This does not translate to zoned mattresses, where you find several different firmness levels. Individuals with different weights, heights, and body shapes often find themselves in a situation where it turns out that none of the zones is positioned under the part of the body it was supposed to be dedicated to. Therefore, it can be said that it is only a marketing gimmick designed to increase the product's attractiveness despite the lack of benefits for users.

Despite the many promises regarding their customization, zoned mattresses often carry the risk of causing or exacerbating health issues, especially related to the spine. Improperly adjusted mattress zones can lead to neck pain or muscle tension, conflicting with sleep hygiene that we should maintain. For many individuals, these mattresses become a source of frustration due to the lack of expected health benefits, resulting in a loss of trust in such products.
Zone mattresses, pocket mattress, mattress with zones

3. Price of a zoned mattress

In many stores, zone mattresses are falsely presented to customers as a luxurious product promising excellent sleep and health improvement. Due to this, the prices of these mattresses are inflated. It's worth considering whether the market price of such mattresses is proportional to their quality. The fact that zone mattresses are often significantly more expensive than other models raises legitimate doubts about whether it's truly worth investing money in something that may not deliver.

Many individuals believe that the high price of the mattress primarily stems from the manufacturers' desire to create an illusion of exclusivity, which usually doesn't translate into a positive experience for users. However, there are cost-effective alternatives, such as the Osaka Air mattress, which represents a true smart choice. It offers decidedly better results without overpaying for ineffective solutions.
Zone mattress, spring mattresses, multipocket

4. Advantages of a zoned mattress

Quite often, zone mattresses are promoted as extremely beneficial, even revolutionary solutions for spinal health, despite the lack of credible research. This has led to a situation where a significant portion of customers specifically seeks out this type of mattress. Consequently, many mattress manufacturers start producing them, succumbing to the influence of a harmful lobby led by large corporations.

We are unaware of any scientific studies that would reliably confirm all these alleged benefits of zone mattresses. The lack of objective and verifiable scientific data raises questions about the actual value of these mattresses. Simultaneously, the negative experiences of users seem to confirm the notion that investing in a zone mattress may not be worthwhile due to its lack of functionality.

Unfortunately, too often, the promises of manufacturers deviate significantly from the real experiences of users. The absence of published credible studies confirming improvements in sleep quality or spinal health on a zone mattress makes the alleged benefits of zonal support appear as a myth that has no real-life confirmation in the daily lives of consumers.

When deciding on a zone mattress, it's essential to consider whether we are truly investing in a benefit for sleep or if we have simply fallen for a marketing ploy. The promises of manufacturers regarding the customization of zone mattresses to improve health and sleep comfort are simply not supported by specific studies. Consequently, an investment in a zone mattress may be an unprofitable expense that does not translate into real health and sleep benefits.
Spring mattress, bonnell mattresses, pockets in the mattress

5. Interior of a zoned mattress

Despite leaving a good impression, spring mattresses still often rely on a construction composed of Bonnell springs, and very frequently in combination with low-quality closed-cell foam. This frequently makes such mattresses less durable when compared to others.

It's ironic because mattress manufacturers in many cases boast about advanced technology in zone mattresses, using breathable materials. This is despite the knowledge that spring mattresses do not provide proper support. Even in models with pocket springs, which allegedly work independently according to marketing claims, the truth is different. The pockets are, in fact, glued from multiple sides, causing these springs to work together, debunking this myth.

The standard involves using felt pockets in which steel springs are placed. Thin felt quickly wears out, which can be potentially hazardous. Strong friction between mattress pockets turns such felt into fine dust, which is harmful to health, especially when we breathe in the dust while sleeping. In this situation, it should be acknowledged that pocket spring mattresses are not suitable for allergy sufferers.

It's also important to consider steel memory, which quickly undergoes deformations. Steel springs placed in mattresses do not fully return to their original shape after each pressure, but always slightly decrease. Steel memory causes the springs to lose their original form, negatively affecting the quality of support. Users often experience lower back pain at night and during the day.
Zone mattresses are typically composed of T foam and steel springs.
When opting for a zone mattress, users risk improper support and expose themselves to health risks associated with felt pockets and steel springs. The internal structure of a zone mattress may pose more problems than benefits. Moreover, the concept of zoning collapses when it comes to glued pockets.

The memory of steel results in low durability of such a mattress. Additionally, using felt pockets that turn into powder raises questions about the rationale of investing in a zone mattress if it fails to fulfill its function. Therefore, among sensible consumers, the prevailing view is that a better solution is to buy a functional mattress designed in a reliable manner.

The concept of purchasing a zone mattress is debatable and raises many doubts, especially when considering the diversity of the human body, which makes it impossible to adapt zones to users of different heights. We don't need complicated zones to sleep well. Particularly because the idea of zone mattresses brings more problems than benefits for many people, leading to discontent and complications for their users.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Zone mattress, mattress manufacturer, mattress store

FAQ: Zoned mattress

What is a zoned mattress?

A zoned mattress is a type of mattress that has been divided into different zones with varying levels of firmness. Unfortunately, zoned mattresses are often just a marketing gimmick, and the actual benefits associated with their construction are either nonexistent or barely noticeable.

What do the zones in a mattress mean?

Zones in a mattress mean that different areas of the mattress have different firmness levels. Theoretically, this is intended to improve comfort by providing varying degrees of support for different parts of the body. However, in practice, this does not translate into real benefits for users. While it may make sense in individual cases, it is generally lacking.

Is a zoned mattress good?

Definitely not. Despite the promises of many different manufacturers, zoned mattresses often fail to meet users' expectations, as evidenced by user reviews. The construction of zoned mattresses based on zones is often improperly tailored to individual needs, leading to discomfort and sleep problems. This is especially true when two people with different body builds share the same bed.

Are zoned mattresses double-sided?

Very often, zoned mattresses are presented as double-sided, but such claims may be merely a part of marketing tactics. In reality, the double-sided nature of a mattress has no specific value, and the concept of zoned mattresses itself raises doubts.

How many zones should a mattress have?

Ideally, none. The concept of support in zoned mattresses rarely brings real benefits to spinal health or sleep comfort. Functional mattresses that do not rely on the concept of zones provide the highest sleep comfort without unnecessary additions.

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