When it comes to purchasing a new mattress, the options can be overwhelming. There are many different mattresses, and it can be hard to figure out which is the right one for you. One of the most common debates in the mattress market is the choice between memory foam and spring mattresses. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different mattress types so you can make the right choice that fits your unique sleep preferences.

What is Foam Mattress?

Memory foam is created by treating polyurethane foam with special chemicals to make it denser and more viscous. This unique foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, has a remarkable quality – it responds to temperature and pressure.

When you lay down on memory foam, it reacts to your body’s warmth and weight, gently conforming to your shape, almost like giving you a cozy hug. This foam evenly spreads out your full body weight all across the mattress, which helps to relieve pressure on sensitive areas of your body, creating a comfortable surface to sleep on.

Memory foam does an excellent job of supporting every part of your body because it molds itself to your body’s contours. This makes memory foam mattresses great for people with back pain or joint discomfort. Whether you sleep on your back or your side, the best memory foam mattress offers natural alignment for your spine and extra support for your lower back, establishing a restorative mattress for back pain.

Types of Foam Mattresses

There are three main types of foam mattresses: traditional memory foam, open-cell, and foam with gel pods. Each mattress type also has its own unique qualities and features.

• Traditional memory foam: This type of foam conforms to the body during sleep and has a closed-cell structure that traps heat.
• Open-cell foam: Open-cell memory foam mattresses are lighter and softer than regular ones. They have small tunnels that promote air movement and allow heat to escape, resulting in a cooler sleeping surface.
• Foam with gel pods: Foam mattresses with gel pods have added benefits. The gel pods in the top layer provide extra support and a natural bounce, helping the mattress regain its original shape. This type of mattress is particularly helpful for maintaining spinal alignment.

Construction of Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses are made up of different foam layers, and they have a sturdy base made from polyurethane gel memory foam. The construction of a memory foam mattress can vary depending on the specific type of memory foam used. The base layer is typically made of polyurethane foam, followed by a transitional layer of support foam and several layers of memory foam. These layers may consist of different materials, such as latex foam or hybrid mixes. The hardness or firmness of a memory foam mattress is determined by something called ILD, which stands for “indentation load deflection.” It tells you how much weight it takes to make a dent in the mattress. The density of memory foam can range from low to high, with higher-density foams being more durable.

Pros and Cons of Foam Mattresses

Like any other mattress type or type of mattress, foam mattresses have their advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of Foam Mattresses

• Moldable support: Foam mattresses conform to the body’s contours, providing personalized support and pressure relief to the neck, spine, and hips.
• Heat-wicking properties: Memory foam can soak up and spread out your body heat, which helps to keep you cool while you sleep.
• Motion isolation: Foam mattresses are designed to absorb and minimize motion transfer, making them a great choice for couples or individuals who are easily disturbed by movement during sleep.

Cons of Foam Mattresses

• Heavier than spring mattresses: Foam mattresses are heavier and more difficult to move than spring mattresses.
• Initial odor: Some foam mattresses may initially have a slight chemical odor due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during production. However, this odor usually dissipates over time.
• Less bounce: Foam mattresses have less spring and bounce than spring mattresses, which may be a preference for some sleepers.

What is a Spring Mattress?

Spring mattresses, or innerspring mattresses, were first introduced in 1871 and became popular for their support and bounce. Before these mattresses, beds were like big pillows filled with materials like cotton, hay, wool, or down, which didn’t provide enough support. The addition of a layer of coils improved mattress support.

The basic structure of spring mattresses consists of metal coils or springs for support, enclosed in foam, forming the “support layer.” This layer is then covered with upholstery to create the “comfort layer.” The layered upholstery ensures that the sleeper doesn’t directly feel the coils and springs, which could be uncomfortable. The upholstered layer includes a quilted top that determines the mattress’s plushness and feel. Traditional spring mattresses are made up of various foam layers, fiber pads, quilts, coils, and springs.

While the quilted top, foams, and fiber pads of spring beds contribute to sleeper comfort, the coil system provides support and promotes airflow within the mattress, making it more breathable. The coil layers come in different densities and form the foundation of spring mattresses. For stomach sleepers, this coil layer can help prevent their body from arching unnaturally.

The feel of spring mattresses varies depending on factors like the type of springs used, the thickness of the metal (gauge), spring density, and how they are interconnected.

Types of Spring Mattresses

Several spring mattresses are distinguished by the specific coils or springs used.

• Pocket coils: Pocket coils are like separate springs covered in fabric. They function independently, conforming to pressure and isolating motion.
• Offset coils: Offset coils have an hourglass shape with flat tops and bottoms joined by helical wires. They offer stiffness, durability, and excellent body conformity.
• Bonnell coils: Bonnell coils are hourglass-shaped and have a wide portion that flexes underweight. They are commonly found in more affordable spring mattresses.
• Continuous coils: Continuous coils consist of a long wire twisted into hundreds of S-shaped coils. They are connected by helical lacing, providing support and motion isolation.

Construction of Spring Mattresses

Spring mattresses typically consist of three layers: a high-density foam base, a layer of coil springs, and comfort materials such as natural fibers, foam, or latex. The type of spring by mattress manufacturers determines the coil type and layout used. Thicker coils provide a firmer feel, while thinner coils offer better body contouring. The construction of spring mattresses allows for more airflow than foam mattresses, resulting in a cooler sleep surface.

Pros and Cons of Spring Mattresses

Spring mattresses come with both pros and cons.

Pros of Spring Mattresses

• Back support: Spring mattresses offer a wide range of firmness levels, making them suitable for individuals requiring additional support.
• Bounce and responsiveness: Spring mattresses have a more reactive and bouncy feel, making it easier to change positions during sleep.
• Budget-friendly options: Spring mattresses are generally more affordable than foam mattresses, making them popular for budget-conscious shoppers.
• Less pressure relief: Spring mattresses may not provide the same level of pressure relief on joints as foam mattresses.

See Also: What Are the Differences Between Innerspring and Memory Foam Mattresses?

Key Differences between Foam and Spring Mattresses

When comparing foam beds and spring mattresses, it’s essential to consider their key differences to determine which option is best for you.

Temperature Regulation

Spring mattresses have an open-cell design that promotes airflow and helps regulate body temperature during sleep. However, many memory foam mattresses now include cooling gels and advanced open-cell structures to enhance temperature regulation. If you prefer a memory foam mattress with cooling properties, opt for one with open-cell foam or foam with gel pods instead of a traditional spring mattress with foam.

Motion Isolation

Memory foam mattresses excel in motion isolation technology, absorbing and minimizing movement transfer during sleeping position. This is especially helpful for couples who might get bothered by their partner moving around in bed. In contrast, spring mattresses tend to bounce and transfer motion, potentially disrupting sleep.

Support

Memory foam mattresses conform to the body’s natural curves, providing targeted support and pressure relief to aching joints. They come in various firmness levels to cater to different preferences. While spring mattresses also offer support, their support is generally less even and more dependent on the specific coil type. Spring mattresses with offset or pocket coils provide better support and conformity than continuous or Bonnell coil mattresses.

Durability

Memory foam mattresses are durable and generally last for about 8 to 12 years, which can vary based on the foam’s density. In contrast, spring mattresses may wear out more quickly, with the springs sagging after 5 to 8 years. However, the longevity of a spring mattress can be extended by using higher-quality materials and thicker coils.

Pressure Relief

Memory foam latex mattresses are good at taking away pressure because they shape your body’s curves and help with spots like your neck, spine, and shoulders that can feel pressured. This feature offers personalized comfort and relief to those with joint pain. While some spring mattresses, particularly those with pocketed coils, offer pressure relief, others may not provide the same level of comfort and support.

Cost

When it comes to cost, spring mattresses tend to be more budget-friendly compared to memory foam mattresses. The cost of a mattress can depend on the materials used and the brand. While memory foam vs. mattresses are generally more expensive, they offer various options to suit different budgets.

Sleep Position

People who sleep in different ways might like different kinds of mattresses. If you sleep on your side, you’d probably enjoy memory foam or pocket coil spring mattresses because they give good support where you need it. If you sleep on your back with your spine straight, you might find Bonnell coil or continuous coil spring mattresses comfy. But the most important thing is to pick the mattress that feels best to you.

Back Pain Relief

When it comes to choosing a mattress for back pain relief, higher-end spring mattresses with offset or pocket coils are often recommended. These mattresses offer a combination of stiffness, springiness, and conformity that can alleviate back pain. Memory foam mattresses are also praised for reducing back pain due to their localized support and body-adapting properties. However, some sleepers may find the feel of the traditional memory foam mattresses to be too soft, preferring the more reactive and springy nature of spring mattresses.

FAQs

Are foam mattresses good?

Foam mattresses are excellent choices for individuals who seek moldable support, even weight distribution, and minimal bed movement. The foam material conforms to your body, providing customized comfort and pressure relief.

Are spring mattresses good?

Spring mattresses are great options for individuals who enjoy a more responsive and bouncy sleep surface. They offer a range of firmness levels and can provide the right lift and support for different body types.

What is the difference between an innerspring mattress and a foam mattress?

The main differences between innerspring and foam mattresses are their construction, feel, and support. Innerspring mattresses have a coil-based support system, whereas foam mattresses are made entirely of foam. Innerspring mattresses provide more bounce and responsiveness, while foam mattresses offer better motion isolation and pressure relief.

Conclusion – Foam vs Spring Mattresses

Deciding between a foam mattress and a spring mattress comes down to what you like and what helps you sleep best. Foam mattresses like memory foam provide personalized support, pressure relief, and motion isolation. On the other hand, spring mattresses offer more bounce, responsiveness, and a wide range of firmness options. By considering factors such as temperature regulation, motion isolation, support, durability, pressure relief, cost, sleep position, and back pain relief, you can make an informed decision and find the mattress that suits you best. If you’re torn between the two, a hybrid mattress that combines memory foam beds and springs may be ideal. Consider your specific sleep preferences and consult with mattress experts to ensure a restful night’s sleep.