Most of us grew up sleeping on bouncy innerspring mattresses that rely on metal coils for support. Yet today, many people are choosing memory foam instead. Why? To put it simply, memory foam tends to offer superior comfort. However, spring mattresses still have their perks. Today, we discuss the differences between spring and foam mattresses to help you choose the right option for your preferences and needs.
What You Need to Know About Foam Mattresses
A true foam mattress does not contain springs but a solid core of high-density foam. It’s heavy and dense with very little bounce. Most mattresses you see today are hybrid, meaning they have springs and foam beneath the topper.
When we mention foam, you probably think of a memory foam mattress. However, there are many different types of foam mattresses out there.
Polyfoam
A cost-effective mattress foam made from polyurethane. Polyfoam mattresses come in different densities to offer various levels of support.
Memory foam
A polyurethane foam with additional polymers to offer little resistance. Memory foam mattresses mold to the shape of your body to provide personalized cushioning.
Latex Foam
A natural alternative to memory foam made from rubber tree sap. The foam is breathable and won’t retain heat while you sleep.
Gel Foam
A memory foam mattress infused with liquid gel or tiny gel beads. The gel helps to keep the sleeper cool at night by trapping heat from the foam.
The best type of foam for a mattress is latex. However, it can be costly. For this reason, many people choose a cooling memory foam that offers comfort and support.
Advantages of Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses offer better weight distribution than spring mattresses, providing superior pressure relief for the heaviest parts of your body. Some of the best mattresses for back pain are made from foam. They also provide excellent motion isolation, conforming to your body so you don’t feel your sleeping partner moving around during the night.
Memory foam is durable, and most of these mattresses have a warranty of at least 10 years. While some softening may occur over time, it provides a personalized sleep experience for longtime bed owners. Eventually, the mattress will conform to your body, “remembering” your favorite sleeping positions for maximum support.
Disadvantages of Foam Mattresses
Low-quality foam mattresses may sink too much under your weight, not providing enough support for your back and neck. That’s why it’s always necessary to choose a mattress made from high-quality materials. A good foam mattress will cost you at least $1,000.
The only real drawback of a memory foam mattress is its poor breathability. Solid foam traps heat and can make sleeping uncomfortable in hot climates. Thankfully, new technologies such as gel-infused or copper-infused mattresses help mitigate this problem.
Everything You Need to Know About Spring Mattresses
Although spring mattresses have been around since the 1870s, their technology has evolved considerably. They contain flexible steel coils that compress slightly under your weight, offering bouncy, springy support.
Innerspring Mattresses
An interconnected system of metal springs lies at the center of the mattress. A traditional innerspring mattress uses Bonnell springs.
Pocket Spring Mattresses
Also known as pocket coils, these mattresses consist of many unconnected springs individually wrapped in fabric.
Advantages of Spring Mattresses
Springs offer more support than many types of foam and are ideal for people who like a firm mattress. They are also cost-effective and provide more value for money than similarly priced mattresses made from polyfoam or low-density memory foam. Spring mattresses are bouncy and flexible, and the gaps between the coils allow for better airflow and temperature regulation.
Disadvantages of Spring Mattresses
Pocket coil and innerspring mattresses are not as plush as memory foam alternatives. They won’t cushion your body as much and offer less support for pressure points when sleeping on your side. Innerspring mattresses are also notorious for motion transfer, so you will feel it if your partner tosses and turns often. If you want more motion isolation in a spring mattress, consider pocket coils instead.
Foam Mattress vs. Spring Mattress: Which is Better?
So the question remains: Which is better, a foam or a spring mattress? Now that you know the pros and cons of each, you can make an informed comparison. Thankfully, for those who can’t decide, hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds.
Comfort and Support: Foam Mattress
Softness does not always mean support. A spring mattress with a super fluffy pillow top for added comfort and luxury might look inviting, but this is all an illusion if you delve into science. Spring mattresses create pressure points on your body and offer uneven support. The mattress will push back against the heaviest parts of your body, which can eventually cause aches and pains.
On the other hand, a memory foam mattress does not resist your weight. Instead, it delivers a pressure-relieving effect as you sink into the foam. Mattress thickness will play a role here—heavier people should always opt for thicker memory foam to maintain a neutral spine position.
Memory foam tends to be more comfortable than springs, especially for side sleepers and people with back pain.
Durability: It’s a Tie
Both memory foam and spring mattresses can be durable, provided they are made of high-quality materials. For both types, you should only notice signs of wear and tear around the seven-year mark, depending on how you used it. Always read your warranty carefully before purchase because some spring mattress manufacturers do not cover damage to the springs themselves.
No matter which type of mattress you choose, firmness also affects its longevity. Super plush pillow tops compress easily, making them more prone to sagging over time. A firm or medium-firm mattress may serve better if durability is your priority.
Finally, the type of bed frame you choose can also affect your mattress’s longevity. Slatted beds create gaps below the mattress, causing it to sag unevenly as it ages. We always recommend using a flat-topped box spring for foam and spring mattresses. If you still want to store items under your bed, a storage bed is better than slats.
Upgrade Your Sleep With a Mattress From Home Zone
There are countless health benefits to sleeping on a quality mattress. At Home Zone, we supply only the best memory foam, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses, so you can upgrade your bedroom and enhance your sleep. For more information about our range or for help choosing the right mattress size and material, contact us today.
