Types Of Mattress Springs
There are four main kinds of mattress springs, and each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The most popular kind are Bonnell coils, which can both flex and conform to the shape of your body.
They offer a fair amount of motion isolation, and theyre also the cheapest kind of springs.
On the other end of the spectrum, meanwhile, you have pocket coils.
These come individually wrapped in pockets of fabric, which allow them to interact with the different parts of your body individually, rather than as an entire meshwork of springs.
This means they do a very good job of conforming to your body, as far as innersprings go.
To be sure, its not quite as good a job as youll find on a memory foam mattress, but pocket coils dont come with some of memory foams biggest disadvantages .
What Is The Best Box Spring For Memory Foam Mattress
As we have already said, the best option for a memory foam mattress is a slatted foundation, and we highly recommend paying attention to this bed base, as it is firmer and more solid
Choose a foundation with at least 6 slats. Here are some of the best options on the market:
Still, it doesnt mean that there are no alternatives for foundations besides slatted bases. There are more interesting options to choose from.
Foam Vs Spring Mattress: Key Differences
- Foam mattresses are better at preventing motion transfer
- Spring mattresses are normally more cooling
- Hybrids offer the benefits of foam and spring
While the feel of a mattress is often down to personal choice, its worth considering the good and bad points of spring vs foam mattresses, as you might find it makes all the difference to your comfort. Here are some ways in which spring vs foam mattresses can differ:
Motion transfer When it comes to keeping motion to a minimum, then foam is the smarter choice. Traditional spring mattresses with interconnected coils tend to be less stable when sleepers are moving around, although individually pocketed coils are better at reducing motion transfer. If you or your partner are particularly restless, then memory foam will isolate movement the best.
Heat distribution Innerspring mattresses can help if you sleep hot and need a mattress with good airflow, as the open coil construction keeps things cool. However, many foam mattresses now also come with cooling gel technology, as well as more breathable layers, but generally spring mattresses tend to be a better fit if you struggle with your temperature. For more guidance, read our best cooling mattress guide.
Toxicity Many foam mattresses are prone to what is known as off-gassing. This is when they release compounds, gases and chemicals into the air, often accompanied by a smell that can last a few days after unpacking a new foam mattress.
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Latex Is More Durable Than Spring
Spring mattresses usually have a much shorter lifespan compared to latex foams. Springs break down or lose flexibility with use, while latex foams are thick and dense and do not break down easily. However, the heavy layers can tear if you mishandle them. A high-quality latex mattress can last you anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime.
Still Indecisive Consider Hybrid Mattress
If you think none of the above two mattress types are suitable for you. You want hugging support, cooling comfort, a little bounce, but with a peaceful snooze then try hybrid mattresses.
They are the latest fad in the mattress world. During the 21st century, our lifestyle experienced a complete transformation, which also revolutionized our sleep needs.
This led to the development of hybrid mattresses. Typical hybrids consist of an innerspring support core topped by one or many different types of foams for comfort. Commonly, memory foam or latex is used with pocketed coils in premium quality hybrid beds.
As a result, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Together, the foam and coils provide a balance between pressure-relieving comfort and resilient support. They are designed for those who seek the support of innerspring but need the comfort of foam as well.
Hybrids give you a cushioned support to relieve pressure points and maintain spinal alignment, irrespective of your sleep position. Heavyweight sleepers prefer hybrids for their reinforced support and durable construction. These mattresses rarely sag, and with proper care and maintenance, they can last you more than ten years.
Although hybrid beds are relatively expensive, they offer great value for money.
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Pocket Springs Vs Memory Foam: Comfort And Bounce
Pocket sprung
Best for: Easy movementPocket sprung mattresses are super bouncy, and as weve already explained, tend to make the sleeper feel more on top of the bed than in it. The lift of an innerspring means they have excellent mobility, which means you can move around easily on them.
Not so good for: Back painIf you suffer from back pain, innersprings might not be the best choice, as the uniform sleep surface won’t adapt to the contours of your body to ensure everywhere is equally supported. Because each spring pushes back with the same force, pressure points are inevitable.
Memory foam
Best for: Minimising motion transferMemory foam tends to be great at minimising motion transfer, so you won’t notice your partner’s every move. This is a big selling point for those who share a bed with a fidget!
Not so good for: Movement and bounceMemory foam mattresses have virtually no bounce, as the material is designed to absorb and contour your body. With certain brands, this can create a quicksand feeling, which can make it feel more difficult to move around and change positions. Some love this feeling , while others do not. Pay attention to how ‘firm’ your memory foam mattress is and if you’re concerned, choosing a hybrid mattress can be a great way to get the best of both worlds.
Differences Between Foam And Spring Mattresses
Your choice of mattress type affects sleep quality profoundly. Proper support and comfort are crucial for a well-rested night. Only finding out the right type of mattress offers you the chance to enjoy all the benefits of sound sleep.
Thats why weve spared no details in this foam and spring mattress comparison so you can easily identify the most suitable choice for you.
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Why Do The Slats Need To Be Less Than 3 Inches Apart
The Editors of Sleep Junkie highly suggest getting a foundation with slats no more than 2.75 inches apart and at least 0.5 inches tall. Adhering to these conditions will provide a setup promoting a solid surface supportive of the sleeper and bed, and prolongs the memory foams life.
Mattress bases not meeting these recommendations may cause premature material disintegration. The wider the slats are spaced, the more material is allowed to dip below the slats. If sagging between slats occurs, the mattresss weight will press more generously on the slats, which quickens material decay and increases the risk of sagging and indentations.
Differences Between Memory Foam And Spring Mattress
A particular mattress type may be more suitable to a certain sleep position or body type than the other. If you dont choose the right mattress with a certain blend of cushion and support, then your mattress may sag, affecting its durability.
Memory foam beds are available in varying firmness levels for different body types and sleeping positions. While a softer mattress is recommended for lightweight sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds, a firmer mattress usually suits those weighing above 230 pounds so that their weight does not bear down on the mattress giving them a sinking feel.
Plus-size sleepers may even benefit from sleeping on a spring mattress because the coil and spring layer enhances the beds breathability. Usually, those on the heavier side tend to sleep hot and sweat morea spring mattress may improve airflow and bounce. The coil layer also offers a much-needed pushback against the weight of a sleeper, preventing them from experiencing a sinking feel.
Spring mattresses may not be as durable as memory foam. To counter this disadvantage and to blend in the benefits of other types of beds, the hybrid mattress was born.
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Choosing Which Mattress Is Right For You
Every sleeper is different. They type of mattress that works for you may not work for the next person. Thats why determining a true winner of the memory foam vs. spring mattress debate is a tough one. Its important to look at your typical sleeping environment and weigh the pros and cons of each type of mattress. Memory foam is great for those who want motion isolating technology and a mattress that conforms to their body and pressure points. However, while memory foam is softer in texture and feel, if you want a firmer feeling, the spring mattress will be the best bet for you. Your choice will come down to personal preference and hopefully our guide above will help give you the insight needed to make that tough decision. Make sure to pair your mattress with some comfortable bedding and a huggable pillow for the perfect sleep space.
Do Foam Or Spring Mattresses Last Longer
A quality foam mattress tends to last longer than a spring mattress. An innerspring mattress is more likely to sag as its coils wear out, which can happen in as little as three years if the coils are thin and low-quality. On average an innerspring mattress lasts five to six years, while the average memory foam mattress lasts about 7 years.
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Do Memory Foam Mattresses Need A Box Spring
To get the most out of your mattress, its important that you place it on a suitable foundation. That’s because even the best mattress for your sleep needs a proper base to help it perform at its most comfortable and supportive, but not all foundations are suitable, especially if you have a memory foam bed.
Before the best memory foam mattresses came along, the most popular bed choice was innerspring mattresses. Most of these need a box spring a fabric-covered wooden frame containing springs, providing extra support, minimizing motion transfer and stopping the mattress from sagging.
So do memory foam mattresses need a box spring? Not always. All-foam models are made differently to innersprings and as they are usually constructed in layers with a firm base, you might not need the extra features provided by a box spring. Some all-foam models also sag when placed on a box spring that has slats spaced too far apart.
Here we explain what you need to know about memory foam mattresses and box springs, including the alternative foundations worth considering.
History Of Spring And Memory Foam Mattresses
Just a little background for you – spring mattresses have been around for a very long time. The first mattress with innersprings was invented by Heinrich Westphal in 1871. Heinrich took the humble wool filled mattress which was popular in those days, added springs, and sleepers quickly fell in love with the gentle bounce and increased support of this reinforced mattress design.
Fast-forward to 1966, and things start to get really comfy. NASA engineer Charles Yoast, tasked with designing a material that would allow astronauts to feel adaptive-support in changing environments, invents a revolutionary viscoelastic foam with a soft yet firm feel.
Now more commonly referred to as memory foam, this mattress without springs took the industry by storm redefining previous conceptions of comfort and support.
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Memory Foam Vs Pocket Sprung Mattress: Verdict
Buying a mattress is a very personal choice. As we know, we spend so much time in bed, that the more you can invest in a good mattress, the better you will sleep. Restful sleep, in turn, has a knock-on effect on your overall health and wellbeing. So, which will you choose?
Pocket spring mattress
- Breathable qualities they keep you cool at night
- Firm support the more springs, the more even the support
- Easy movement you sleep on top rather than sinking in
- Lasts around 8 years or more if turned regularly
Memory foam mattress
Pros And Cons Of Spring Mattresses
Spring mattresses offer a few key benefits.
- They may be cheaper. A basic spring mattress may be less expensive than a decked-out memory foam mattress with lots of bells and whistles, like cooling gel foam.
- They offer great support. Coils are designed to support your weight, so theres no sinking feeling.
- They move with you. If you dislike feeling stuck, a spring mattress will give you more bounce.
Like memory foam mattresses, spring mattresses have some drawbacks, too.
- Theyre not as good with motion isolation. More bounce means youre more likely to feel your partner move around if they toss and turn at night.
- They can be noisy. Springs can sometimes make noise as you move around. Foam is quieter.
Memory foam and spring mattresses will provide totally different sleep experiences. To figure out which one is best for you, think about your main concerns.
Choose a memory foam mattress if you:
- want a mattress that conforms to your body
- sleep on your side, as the softness may relieve pressure on your hip and shoulder
- want motion isolation
Choose a spring mattress if you:
- are looking for better back and spinal support
- sleep hot, since air can move between the coils, allowing the mattress to breathe
- want the mattress to move with you
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Key Benefit Of A Spring Mattress
The key benefit of sleeping on a coil spring mattresses is that you will experience a greater level of stability and a slight bouncy responsiveness when you move around.
There is a combination of benefits and drawbacks that come with sleeping on a spring mattress. Here are a few to consider:
- Transport: while beds with newer technology are able to be vacuum sealed and transported in small boxes, moving a spring bed into your home may require a pickup truck and a few capable hands. Beware apartment-dwellers!
- Variety: generally, you can find a decent spring mattress for a reasonable price, making it a good option for those on a strict budget. Unfortunately, there is a definite lacking in firmness variation as springs and pocketed coils will always cause a medium firmness feel.
- Support: if you arent fond of the contouring and cradling effect that memory foam has, spring mattresses may be the way to go as they are generally firmer and more rigid .
- Maintenance: most spring mattresses require you to rotate and flip them throughout their life for proper maintenance.
- Durability: spring mattresses generally have a shorter lifespan than foam beds and it is also possible that the comfort quality will degrade as time goes by.
- Temperature: spring mattresses generally have no issues with keeping cool.
- Motion Transfer: spring mattresses have notoriously high motion transfer, so co-sleepers may have issues with an active sleeper in bed.
Foam Vs Spring Mattress: What Is A Foam Mattress
- Foam mattress are made from memory foam, poly foam, or latex
- They provide excellent pressure relief
- They can be more expensive than spring mattresses
Foam mattresses are a fairly recent invention and are made using materials such as memory foam, poly foam, or latex foam, which can vary widely in quality, price and feel. Foam mattresses can use one type of foam or comprise several different blends or layers with each delivering different qualities.
For instance, a more durable high-density foam might be used for the base of a mattress to provide a stable foundation, while a softer foam will provide a cozier, more breathable surface at the top layer. Many of the best mattresses in a box use memory foam, and all-foam models typically have the following qualities:
Supportive Foam contours to your body to support or cradle it holding your posture in the best position for sleep. If you are a side-sleeper then a foam mattress can also be more comfortable.
Responsive If you apply pressure to foam it bounces back pretty quickly, this is ideal for keeping motion transfer to a minimum, important if you share a bed with a restless partner.
Cozy Foam is excellent at cushioning pressure points and delivering coziness, without compromising on stability.
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What Other Foundations Should You Use With A Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are designed to deliver everything you need to enjoy better sleep: support, breathability, minimal motion transfer and pressure-point relief. Placing yours on a suitable stable foundation will help it perform at its best, so its crucial to find the right base.
As mentioned, a good foundation for an all-foam mattress need to have a solid foundation or slats spaced no further than 2.75″ apart. Options for a suitable base or foundation include the following:
Platform beds These provide a sturdy surface for all mattresses including memory foam and hybrids. They are useful if you need extra storage space and come in a wide range of styles and prices.
Adjustable frame If you need more flexibility, then a memory foam mattress is a good fit for an adjustable frame, as the foam easily conforms to the frame. However, its important to have a good-quality memory foam mattress that is supportive as much as it is flexible.
Bunkie board These solid or slatted wooden 13″ platforms are placed on top of a bed base to add more support under a foam mattress. They help prolong its lifespan by providing a stable surface. This is an inexpensive way to add stability to your existing bed frame and make it suitable for properly supporting your memory foam mattress.
