What type of mattress should I choose? Foam or spring? This question often arises when you want to change your bedding or when your back hurts.
We’ve written this article on foam and spring mattresses (see our comparison of the best beds).
Discover this complete guide to foam and spring mattresses to help you choose your new bedding!
Also, read Mattress vs Cotton bed
Let’s go.
Spring Mattress Vs Foam Mattress Which Is Better
What Is A Spring Mattress?
Spring mattresses are often perceived as being more traditional than foam mattresses. They comprise numerous metal springs attached to the other materials making up the mattress.
These mattresses offer quality support. It is particularly true for overweight individuals, as the steel structure is the most resistant over time.
They are also recommended for people who want a mattress for back pain. Nevertheless, a quality spring mattress is suitable for most sleepers.
Spring mattresses are more traditional, and some consider them a little old-fashioned. Despite this, they are still very popular with sleepers.
They offer good bounce, ideal ventilation, and prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
These mattresses support the body by bouncing with the same level of pressure applied by the body.
One of their potential drawbacks is that the body does not apply the same pressure to the whole mattress in a balanced way.
The parts of the body that apply the most pressure (usually the hips, shoulders, and head) will receive the most stress in return.
Some sleepers may find this sensation unpleasant during sleep.
A brief History Of Innerspring Mattresses
The first steel coil was invented in 1857 for car seats. In 1871, the first spring mattress was born. Before this, mattresses were large cushions stuffed with bags of straw, linen, or horsehair.
By the 1930s, the vast majority of mattresses sold were innerspring. Spring mattresses dominated the bedding market until 1950 and the advent of foam mattresses.
Today, they are still the most popular choice among sleepers.
Making an innerspring mattress
So, what’s the difference between spring and foam mattresses? The middle layer of the mattress is made of springs of different densities.
This layer guarantees the mattress’s firmness, support, and bounce. Many parameters come into play and modify the feel of an innerspring mattress.
These include the type of spring used, the thickness of the metal, the number of springs, how they are assembled, etc.
Springs
Today, there are three main types of springs used in mattresses: bi-conical springs, pocket springs, and continuous-wire springs.
Biconical springs are flared at each end and compressed in the centre. They add softness to the mattress, with a certain amount of pressure felt in the centre.
The pocket springs are individually wrapped in a small fabric bag. They act independently, avoiding any transmission of movement and offering greater precision in spinal support.
Finally, continuous-wire springs use high-density spring layers comparable to a knitted fabric. They absorb body movements perfectly and help sleep as a couple.
What Is A Foam Mattress?
Foam mattresses rely on air enclosed within aerated substances (rather than springs) to provide the necessary support and bounce.
Foam mattresses generally fall into three main categories: polyurethane, memory, and latex.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam often forms the top layer of spring mattresses. Its chemical composition is similar to that of memory foam without its viscoelastic properties.
It means it has more bounce and elasticity than memory foam. It’s also lighter, making it one of the most accessible mattresses.
This foam has been added to mattresses since the 1950s and is still very popular with mattress manufacturers.
More and more companies are now using it as the main component in their mattresses. It is soft, supple, and has good elasticity.
There are three types of polyurethane foam: standard, high-density, and high resilience. Standard and high-density foams are suitable for diapers only.
High-resilience foam is required for a polyurethane foam-only mattress. High-resilience foam is firmer and provides better support but is more expensive.
Generally speaking, a polyurethane foam mattress will combine all three foams to offer the best value for money.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are composed of several layers of foam of different densities. The foam is made of polyurethane.
It was developed to increase the safety of aeroplane cushions. It was then adopted in hospitals to absorb pressure points in bedridden patients.
Finally, from the 1990s onwards, it was used by manufacturers of mattresses for the general public.
Memory foam wraps around the contours of the body and has low reactivity. It means it retains the body’s shape for a few seconds after being pressed in.
Thanks to its perfect distribution of the body’s pressure points, it is the most advanced technology for back pain sufferers.
For those wavering between foam and spring mattresses, its feel can be compared to billions of tiny springs.
Latex Foam
Unlike memory foam, latex bounces back. It means it feels firmer and relieves pressure points. Another advantage of natural latex mattresses is their positive environmental impact.
The materials used are natural, and their production process can be very healthy. It is particularly true of the AFFILIATE mattress in 100% organic natural latex.
There are two types of latex mattresses: natural latex and synthetic latex. Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of the Amazonian rubber tree.
Synthetic latex mattresses blend natural latex and synthetic latex, bridging the gap between the different types of latex.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine springs with memory foam or latex layers. These mattresses have been designed for sleepers dissatisfied with foam or spring mattresses.
These mattresses promise to offer the best of both worlds. Foam provides a soft welcome and relieves pressure points, while springs guarantee optimum back support.
A hybrid mattress is an exciting option for hesitating between foam or spring mattresses.
Hybrid mattresses usually use pocketed conical springs. It provides the ideal enveloping feel and sleeping independence.
A thick top layer of memory foam or latex complements this layer of springs. It reduces the bounce of the springs, which in turn provides the necessary support for sleepers.
It’s the ideal combination for people who don’t like the feeling of sleeping “in the mattress” of some foam mattresses.
Foam Or Spring Mattresses: What Are The Differences?
There are many differences between foam and spring mattresses. Choosing the right mattress can be pretty complicated.
Both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you’re looking for. Here are the main criteria where the differences between foam and spring mattresses are most striking:
Price: whether spring or foam mattresses, both are available at affordable prices to suit all budgets (see our guide to the top cheap beds). However, some mattresses with innovative compositions can be sold at higher prices.
Durability: between foam and spring mattresses, foam mattresses are supposed to last longer than spring mattresses (10 years vs. eight years on average).
This durability is often reflected in mattress warranties. Although some innerspring mattresses last longer, their comfort diminishes after prolonged use.
It is because springs become less uniform over time. They can sag or dig into sleepers’ backs.
Support: Sleepers looking for a mattress for back pain are often drawn to memory foam mattresses. This technology supports the body’s natural curvature and aligns the spine correctly.
Bounce: spring mattresses still offer the best bounce. However, there are several levels of bounce between foam mattresses. Latex foam mattresses are more responsive than memory foam mattresses.
Sleeping independence: if you share your bed with a partner, a mattress with springs, especially biconical springs, can be a problem.
When they move, the springs will move you too. A foam mattress generally absorbs movement better. However, pocket-spring mattress technology reduces this inconvenience.
Ventilation: one of the main problems with foam mattresses is that they often feel hot at night. Memory foam is all the more prone to heat retention due to its thermo-sensitive properties.
Spring mattresses are generally better ventilated than foam. However, there are foam or hybrid mattresses with properties specifically designed to cool sleepers.
Price range: because of their age, spring mattresses are often available at a broader range of prices on the market. They also offer pretty different sensations in terms of firmness and support.
Odour: One of foam mattresses’ main drawbacks is the chemical odour often noticed on unpacking. Even if this odour quickly disappears, the initial sleep experience can be impacted.
Sleeping position: stomach sleepers prefer firmer mattresses, such as latex. Side sleepers will prefer something softer, such as memory foam mattresses.
Back sleepers prefer firm and supple mattresses, such as hybrid ones. Spring mattresses can also be an exciting option.
Once again, as models and sensations vary significantly from one mattress to another, we recommend you consult our mattress reviews page to help you find the best mattress for your needs.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between foam and spring mattresses, the final decision on whether to choose a foam or spring mattress is yours.
It mainly depends on what you prefer. Spring mattresses may lack uniformity, but the enveloping feel of foam may also displease.
In any case, once you’ve decided which mattresses are best for you, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences rather than the main characteristics of each type of mattress.
We have an extensive article stating: Which is better for your back, spring or foam?