There are four types of mattresses: Spring mattresses and Memory foam mattresses are the ones that are known to everybody. Whenever you buy a mattress in the market, you will encounter these two types, so your common question would be: what is the difference between these two, and which one is better?
The Spring mattress is the other name for the Innerspring mattress. It has dozens of metal springs that support your body while sleeping. On the other hand, Memory foam combines foam and springs which provide great support and comfort. This is the basic difference between these two but let’s find out the detailed difference between these mattress types.
Are Spring Mattresses Better than Memory Foam?
The mattress is one of the most important things for you because it is directly related to your sleep and physical health. When selecting the mattress, you have to be very conscious, but choosing the right option might be hectic. Because both Memory foam and Spring mattresses have some pros and cons, you have to choose the one that suits your requirements.
If you are a side sleeper, you have to go for Memory foam mattresses because side sleepers need a soft mattress that can shape according to their body. But if you are a hot sleeper, you should go for the spring mattress because the innerspring mattress has a good airflow system that keeps you cool while sleeping.
These are some of the differences, but if you are the one who wants to go for the durable mattress, then the best option you have is memory foam because many users recommend Memory foam for long time use. So, now we told you about some main things you can choose according to your requirements.
Difference Between Foam and Spring Mattresses?
Memory foam and Spring mattresses are the two different types of mattresses. When we look closely, there are many differences between these two types that we will share below, so if you want to make an informed decision, you have to keep reading.
What is a Spring Mattress?
It might be new to you, but the Spring mattress is the other name of the Innerspring mattress so, don’t get confused that this is another type of mattress. This type of mattress was introduced back in 1871. This mattress is known for its support and bounce. It has some added layers of coils, which makes the support of this mattress good.
The upper layer of the mattress is called the comfort layer, which is made of upholstery. It adds some level of comfort to your mattress. Some people think the metal and spring layers might be uncomfortable for you, but the top layer of the upholstery makes it comfortable.
The traditional spring mattress is made of many layers, fiber pads, quilts, coils, and springs. It has the most enhanced coil system that makes the airflow better and makes the mattress breathable. The spring mattress is made up of layers of coils of varying densities. The coil layer may benefit stomach sleepers as it naturally prevents them from overarching their backs.
Types of Spring Mattress
There are many springs and coils that make the spring mattress, and how those spring coils are angled determines the different types of spring mattresses. There are five types of spring mattresses: Bonnell coil, offset coil, continuous coil, pocket coil, and coin-on-coil.
Coil-on-Coil Mattress
Coil-on-coil mattresses feature two layers of coils stacked on top of each other to provide excellent support. Coil-on-coil mattresses often have additional material lying over the base layer to reduce bounce and increase support.
Pocket Coil Mattress
The coils in pocket coil mattresses are individually encased in fabric. They are the most expensive spring mattress because they are the latest version of coils and technologically superior to the others. This bed is preferred due to its wrappings that reduce motion transfer.
Continuous Coil Mattress
Thousands of coils are twisted together to make one continuous wire. Due to the close connections between the support layers, this arrangement makes a very durable bed, but it also transfers motion.
Offset Coil Mattress
Individual coils are connected as they sit very tightly together and form a layer of coils that gives the mattress firm support. The connected coils in offset coil mattresses let motion transfer, making them a poor choice for couples.
What is a Memory Foam Mattress?
This is also one of the most common and popular mattress types. This mattress type is made of polyurethane foam. If you are facing back pain, issues then this foam is the best option for you because there are many pressure relief points.
The most interesting thing about the Memory foam is that when you lie on it, the mattress adopts the temperature of your body and then folds according to your body which would feel like a hug to you. Memory foam is the most suitable option for you if you have any joint pains. Memory foam is a natural spinal alignment and lumbar support solution for back and side sleepers.
Types of Memory Foam
Memory foam is a very good option for hot sleepers and people with back pain issues, but there are some temperature issues in this foam, so many brands have manufactured their memory foam types to tackle these issues.
Cooling Additives in Memory Foam
There are some types of Memory foam in which people face temperature regulation issues so, there are many brands that add different cooling additives that are the heat conductors. There are many good heat conductors like graphite and copper added to the mattress to prevent any kind of heat issues.
Plant-Based Memory Foam
As the name says, plant-based Memory foams are made of plants. This is also a very good option for heat regulation. So, if you are a hot sleeper, you should go with this plant-based Memory foam.
Gel Memory Foam
Gel Memory foam mattress contains liquid gel beads, or liquid gel swirled throughout them to enhance their cooling qualities. By placing tiny capsules filled with gel in the bed, gel beads decrease the temperature. Phase-changing materials, or PCM, are the building blocks of the gel that begins solid and change to liquid following the absorption of heat.
It is made of some synthetic materials and chemicals that are relatively harmless. Mattress manufacturers closely guard the exact composition of PCM.
Traditional Memory Foam
The Memory Foam is an open-cell Memory Foam, but every brand takes it to another level when it comes to brand. The manufacturers of these Memory foams expand the mattress cells; this is also a good technique to solve the heat retention issue.
Memory foam is open-cell, but some companies expand the cells for even better airflow. This combats the heat retention issue.
Strengths of Memory Foam
Durability
The first strength of the memory foam mattress is durability. There is a reason why these Memory foams last long with you, and the reason is that it has a limited number of coils that reduce the chances of sagging.
Support
Support is the second strength of Memory foam. The Memory foam supports all the body parts uniformly, and it feels like the mattress is trying to hug you, and it feels great.
Pain-Reducing
It relieves joint and back pain by molding your body and providing pressure relief. Your spine is aligned with the curve of the mattress, so you get better support. If you face joint pain issues, then going with memory foam is the best option for you.
Weaknesses of Memory Foam
Bounce
This is the first weakness of the memory foam in that it is not very good with the bounce. The reason for this is that it does not have the kind of springs and coil layer that we have in the Innerspring mattress so, if you are looking for the bounce, then memory foam is not for you.
Temperature Regulation
Memory foam is not very good at temperature regulation, and in all types of mattresses, the memory foams are the one that retains the heat more than any other type of mattress. But different brands add some cooling additives to the mattress to regulate the temperature, so this is an issue in memory foam.
Strengths of Spring Mattresses
Temperature Regulation
This is the first strength of the Spring mattress that is very good at temperature regulation. This mattress type has many coil layers that enhance the airflow in the mattress so, if you are a hot sleeper, then this is the mattress you should go for.
Bounce
This is also a strength of the mattress that it is very good at bouncing so if you are someone who enjoys the bounce of the mattress, then a spring mattress is for you. The reason it has more bounce than other types of mattresses is that it has more springs as compared to others.
Price
The innerspring mattresses are cheap compared to some other types of mattresses so, if you are on a budget, then going with the spring mattress is a good option for you.
Weaknesses of Spring Mattresses
Motion Transfer
This mattress is not very good at motion transfer. That means if you sleep with your partner, this is not for you because when your partner moves while sleeping, you will feel the movement on the other side of the bed.
Durability
This is also a weakness of the spring mattress which means it won’t last for a long time with you. This mattress has springs and coils that would sag after a long time of use with you.
Pros and Cons of Spring Mattress
Pros and Cons of Memory mattress
Comparison Between the Memory foam and Spring Mattress
Points | Memory Mattress | Spring Mattress |
Price | If you don’t have any kind of budget issues, then this is the best option for you. | But if you are someone with a limited budget, you should go with the spring mattress because it is cheaper than some other mattresses. |
Temperature Regulation | Memory foam is not very good at temperature regulation; many brands add some heat conductors to the mattress. | This is very good at Memory foam in temperature regulation because the coils of the mattress provide great airflow. |
Pressure relief Points | This mattress has some good pain relief points, so if you face temperature issues, then this is a good option for you. | These are not good for people with these joint pain issues, and it supports the body uniformly, which damages the pressure release points. |
Sleeping with partner | If you sleep with your partner, memory foam is Memoryion because it provides you with the best motion transfer features. | But if you are going with the spring mattress, it might not be good for sleeping with a partner and might cause a disturbance. |
Bouncy and Soft | Memory foam is the soft foam in the market, and you feel like someone is hugging you when you lay on it. | The spring mattress is very bouncy because of the springs in it. |
Support system | The memory foam provides great support to every part of your body. | The support system of the spring mattress is not very good compared to the memory foam. |
Long-lasting | The memory foam tends to last more than the other types of mattresses. | The spring mattresses are not very durable and do not last with you for a long time as the memory foam. |
Spring Mattress Vs. Memory Foam – FAQs
Our Verdict
When it comes to a mattress, there are many things that you need to look at because it is directly connected to your health. We tried to explain all the differences between the memory foam and the spring mattresses, so; if you are looking for a recommendation on which one is better, then it depends on your requirements.
If you have back pain problems, then choosing the memory foam would be the best option for you, but when it comes to temperature regulation, the spring mattresses are the best option so, now it depends on you which one is your priority.
If you have read the above article, you might know what things are important for you, and you will be able to choose the best option for yourself. If this article helps you to make an informed decision, then make sure that you share this with your friends and family members who might need this information.
