Spring Vs Foam Mattress – The Ultimate Guide

There has always been a debate on which mattress is the right choice – a spring mattress or the Foam mattress. Although the former preceded the latter, you cannot simply rule out that traditional spring mattress technology is obsolete. You cannot also conclude that memory foam is superior.

We are here with this article to throw some light on both mattresses. We will discuss the distinction between them, their pros and cons, and the materials used in them.

This write-up will make your decision-making process easier. After reading the entire article, you will be able to discern which mattress type suits you the best.

Let us dive into the discussion to know more about the Spring mattresses and the foam mattresses.

Spring Vs. Foam Mattress

To help you with better analysis, here is a table showing the distinctive features of both spring and foam mattresses.

FACTORS	FOAM MATTRESS	SPRING MATTRESS
Sleeping Position	Foam mattresses are the right fit for side and stomach sleepers.	Spring mattress is most suitable for back and combo sleepers.
Support	Memory foam offers support to the body without adding any pressure to it.	Spring mattresses do not offer pressure-free support to the body.
Bounce	Memory foam mattresses offer more responsiveness.	Spring coil mattresses have more bounce than memory foam ones.
Comfort Levels	Foam mattresses are more comfortable than spring mattresses.	Spring coil mattresses are comparatively less comfortable than memory foam beds.
Body Type Preferences	These mattresses are most suitable and often preferred by people with light and average weight body types.	Spring mattresses are best suitable for heavy and average weight body types.
Ventilation	The advanced memory foam models come with a ventilation feature that keeps you cool.	Spring coil mattresses have better heat retention capabilities.
Pressure-Relief	These mattresses offer even distribution of weight and excellent pressure relief.	Because of the uneven distribution of weight and less body conformity, the spring mattress offers average pressure relief.
Spinal Alignment	Most foam mattresses help in maintaining excellent and healthy spinal alignment.	These mattresses are great at offering spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers.
Odour	Foams based on petroleum derivatives may have a mild to a strong smell.	The spring mattresses are odour-free products.
Motion Isolation	Memory foam mattresses have effective motion isolation.	Spring mattresses lack motion isolation.
Temperature Sensitivity	Foam mattresses are sensitive to temperature and may retain body heat.	Spring mattresses are less sensitive to temperature and do not retain body heat.
Durability	The foam mattress is long-lasting and durable.	Spring mattress is less durable when compared to the foam models.
Edge Support	Memory foam mattresses lack edge support.	Spring mattresses offer stable edge support.
Maintenance	Foam mattresses require more maintenance when compared to spring coil mattresses.	Spring mattresses are comparatively easier to maintain than foam models.
Price	A memory foam mattress is very expensive than a spring mattress.	Spring mattress is cheaper when compared to memory foam.
Firmness	The memory foam mattress is softer and guarantees cushioned comfort.	Spring mattresses are usually firm, and offer resilient comfort.

Let us discuss each feature in detail for a better understanding. We will also give our take on which mattress type is the winner in each category. Here we go:

1. Sleeping Position

Let us start with the sleeping position. This is a known fact that not everybody has the same sleeping style. Some sleep to their side, while some on their backs and others on their stomach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for these different sleepers.

Mattress plays a crucial role in giving comfort and support when sleeping in different positions. Hence, every sleeper needs the right fit that best suit this sleeping position. Let us see which mattress type is best suitable for the various sleeping positions.

Spring Mattress:

A spring mattress is undoubtedly the popular and favoured option for back sleepers. Because of its great ability to offer support and comfort to the spine, the spring mattress remains the most preferred option for many. Also, it is effective in relieving off the pressure on the back and other key areas. Not only that, but it even helps the combo sleepers to comfortably switch positions in between without disturbing their sleep.

Foam Mattress:

Coming to the foam mattress, it is the most sought-after choice by the side and stomach sleepers. Since these materials are very soft and easily conform to your body types, a foam model stands first in the preferred list. When sleeping your hips and shoulders must sink as much as needed. Only then will your flank and thighs get the required support to maintain an excellent spinal alignment.

Similarly, stomach sleepers prefer firmer foams to achieve a perfect balance between back support and comfort. Such sleepers should totally avoid sleeping on soft and memory foam.

2. Support

Spring Mattress: 

The spring beds do not offer pressure-free support to the body. Hence, they do not facilitate pain relief. To curb this issue, some models come with a foam pillow top. This helps in relieving the pressure and promotes a healthy spinal alignment. However, most spring mattresses fail to offer this quantity of foam in their mattress topper.

Foam Mattress:

When we talk about the support, memory foam mattress remains unbeatable in offering support to the body without adding any pressure to it. Additionally, it also helps in the even distribution of the body weight and ensures a healthy spinal alignment.

3. Bounce

The next point in our list for comparison is the bounce factor.

Spring Mattress: 

Comparatively, spring mattresses have more bouncing factors than memory foam mattresses.

Foam Mattress:

On the other hand, the foam beds have more responsiveness. This allows the mattress to quickly conform to the body shape when you sleep. The latex foam-made mattress comes with responsiveness and also more bounce factor than the spring ones. However, the elasticity of these beds makes them springier.

4. Comfort Levels

The comfort level is yet another crucial factor for deciding the best mattress. If you want to choose a mattress of the perfect firmness, go for a medium-firm bed. This level is the best bet you can vouch on.

Spring Mattress:

The firmness levels differ for both spring and foam mattresses. In comparison to their counterparts, the spring mattresses are firm. Since the springs possess the flexibility to bounce back under pressure, they tend to be firmer. Because of this, they are able to provide more support to the body and less contouring. The medium-firm spring mattress models are a little firmer than the medium-firm foam beds.

Foam Mattress:

We all know that foam mattresses are popular for being soft and moulding according to your body shape. Needless to say, they are the most comfortable ones and offer more comfort than their spring counterparts. This factor causes them to be less supportive. However, newer models are available in the market that ensures proper support.

5. Body Type Preferences

As mentioned earlier, not all mattresses are suitable for everybody. It may differ from individual to individual, his sleeping positions, body types, etc. While some work well for the general body type, some don’t. If you are on the heavier side, you may need a certain type of mattress. Let us take a look at which mattresses are the best option for your body type.

Spring Mattress:

Heavy people need enough support to prevent their bodies from sinking deeper into the mattress. For such sleepers, a spring mattress is the best option. The springs inside bounce back under pressure and further help in maintaining the shape. As said, it assures a lot of pushback support needed. Spring mattresses are best suitable for heavy and average-weight body types.

Foam Mattress:

Coming to a foam mattress, these models cannot support heavier persons. Since they are soft and often mould according to your body shape, heavy people tend to sink deeper. This makes sleepers uncomfortable. The foam mattresses are most suitable for people with light and average weight body types. They give them the required cushion support, which is ideal for these individuals.

6. Ventilation

The body heat retention feature of the mattress is yet another determining factor. If they have less heat-retaining capabilities, then you can blindly prefer them. If you want to have a good night’s sleep, the sleeping temperature is a crucial aspect and almost 79% of the population agrees with this fact.

Spring Mattress:

The spring mattress help in trapping the inside. They have large pockets between each coil that facilitates heat removal from the mattress, thereby keeping the body temperature cool. You may say that your mattress has thick foam on the top layer. Despite this, you can still sleep at a cool sleeping temperature on the spring mattress.

Foam Mattress:

The significant downside of foam mattresses is that they do not have ventilation, and hence fail to remove the heat. They easily trap your body heat, preserve it, and do not allow the heat to escape. As a result, the body temperature increases. So, heat has no way to escape, and hence, your body temperature increases. Convoluted foam mattresses facilitate airflow through the layers, but they reduce the lifespan of the mattress. Contrary to these, the ventilated and copper-infused foam models diffuse the heat away, thereby allowing the hot sleepers to enjoy a cool sleep on the foam beds.

7. Pressure Relief

What most of us often look for in a mattress is even weight distribution without any additional pressure. Additionally, they should be capable of relieving the pain without any discomfort. This is a very crucial factor for determining the efficiency of the mattress. One should always test this parameter in person before making a purchase.

Spring Mattress:

The coils in the spring mattress are popular for pushback support. However, they do not facilitate even weight distribution of the body. Consequently, it creates pressure points in the body of some sleeper types. Because of the improper spinal alignment, some people may create additional pressure on their shoulders, knees, hips, etc. If you want to avoid stay away from a spring mattress.

Foam Mattress:

Unlike a spring mattress, a foam bed helps in the uniform distribution of weight as it moulds according to your body shape. Because of the contouring, it efficiently closes the gaps along the body curves and relieves the pressure off your joints. Hence, there are fewer chances of complaining about the pressure points. If you have any issues like, arthritis, pains in the muscles and bones, etc., a foam mattress is what you should go for. It cradles your pressure points and takes stress off of your joints.

8. Back Pain Relief/Spinal Alignment

Let us now talk about back pain relief or healthy spinal alignment. Sleeping on the wrong mattress may elevate your back pain and other pains. It is essential to purchase a mattress that ensures excellent spinal alignment and relieves your back pain.

Spring Mattress:

For those suffering from back pain, spring mattresses are the best option. The one having pocketed coils do an excellent job in this. However, other spring units may exacerbate the pain and make it even more, worse. If you are a back or stomach sleeper, a spring mattress is the best option. It guarantees the best spinal alignment by giving you firm support.

Foam Mattress:

Foam mattresses come with layers of foam inside. This helps in offering continuous support and alleviating back pain. Moreover, the foam helps in maintaining a healthy spinal alignment. Since it provides cushioning to the spinal cord, you will not experience any pain. However, some foams may cause you to sink deeper into the mattress. This may make people uncomfortable while increasing the pain.

9. Odour

Some mattresses may release odour or gas-off that can be too strong for you. Let us see how spring and foam mattresses perform in this case.

Spring Mattress:

Spring mattresses do not use any chemical-derived material during production. The material used is mostly stell, which does not release any strange smell.

Foam Mattress:

Most foams are petroleum-derived materials. Depending on the material used, these mattresses may have mild to strong smells. However, this strange odour will soon fade away in a few days. Even the governing bodies ensured that the off-gas from these products is safe and within the limits.

10. Motion Transfer Isolation

Motion isolation is another key parameter to consider when purchasing a mattress. Your mattress should be capable of preventing the motion transfer to keep your partner or kids undisturbed during sleep. Let us see which mattress wins this test.

Spring Mattress:

Are you someone who has the habit of moving frequently on the bed? Or, do you change your sleeping positions when sleeping? If yes, then a spring mattress is definitely not your thing. When moving or getting in or out of the bed, it promotes motion transfer. As a result, your partner or kids’ sleep will get disturbed. If you are looking for motion isolation as a vital factor, then look for a mattress that limits the motion transfer.

Foam Mattress:

A foam mattress does not promote motion transfer. It is highly efficient in absorbing the movements and ensures zero transfer of the motion. This is undoubtedly the best option if you are planning to share the bed with a light sleeper. Be it your partner, children, or pets, you can prefer this mattress for a motion transfer-free sleep.

11. Temperature Sensitivity

Temperature sensitivity is another crucial aspect to consider. The outside weather and the room temperature may have a significant impact on the mattress. Hence, it is essential to look for this feature if you are living in hot regions.

Spring Mattress:

We all know that spring mattresses have better heat retention capabilities. Because of this feature, you may not notice any difference when sleeping. Moreover, the heat will not have any impact on the coils. The air circulation between the coils also helps in keeping the temperature low when sleeping.

Foam Mattress:

Memory foam mattresses are soft in nature and hence they contour according to your body shape. When you sleep on them, it keeps you comfortable. However, it may cause you to experience more heat. To tackle this issue, newer models have come with new techniques that keep your mattresses cool. The latex mattress is one such example. It is naturally cool and neutral to temperature, just like the spring units.

12. Durability

Durability or a longer lifespan is what we look for in any product. It is no surprise that we will not neglect it for a mattress. However, proper care and maintenance may increase the lifespan to a couple of years. Let us look at the longevity of both products.

Spring Mattress:

While we may think that spring mattresses are the ones with a longer life span, actually, they are not. The spring coils can break easily and even lose flexibility because of excess pressure or bounce. The life span of a spring mattress falls under the range of three to seven years. However, it is entirely dependent on the quality of the mattress and your usage.

Foam Mattress:

A foam mattress has a longer life span than a spring unit. Unlike them, the foam models do not break easily because their core consists of high-density foam. They have a shelf life of about eight years when you maintain them properly.

13. Edge Support

Let us talk about edge support.

Spring Mattress:

Spring mattresses offer stable edge support. Hence, they are the most suitable option for the elderly and also kids.

Foam Mattress:

Unlike their counterparts, memory foam mattresses lack edge support. Since they sink quickly under it may take a while for them to come back to their original shape.

14. Maintenance

Most of us may not consider maintenance as a serious criterion for purchasing a mattress. Yet, it is something you cannot neglect, too. If you want to increase the lifespan of your mattress, you need to maintain it properly. And, this is a simple rule.

Spring Mattress:

If you do not take proper care of your spring mattresses, it is more prone to wear out quick. Also, there are specific instructions to follow when using this product. You should not fold or bend these mattresses, as it will break the coils. It is advisable to rotate or flip the mattress every six months to prevent uneven wearing.

Foam Mattress:

Foam mattresses require more maintenance when compared to spring coil mattresses. When rotating or flipping it, read the instructions carefully to prevent any damage. These products require additional care like you should not dry them in the sun. It will spoil the foam inside. In case of any spills, it will take more time to dry and may damage the foam. Ultimately, it will reduce the longevity of the product.

15. Price

Affordability is something that we prioritize in the list of our requirements. Let us learn which mattress is cost-effective and can come within your budget range.

Spring Mattress:

Spring mattress is cheaper when compared to memory foam.

Foam Mattress:

Foam mattresses are more expensive because of their various features like comfort, longer lifespan, and usage of technologies. However, basic models are available at affordable prices. On the other hand, latex mattresses are the costliest of all foam mattress types because of their many benefits.

16. Firmness

This is the last parameter in our discussion.

Spring Mattress:

Spring mattresses are usually firm and offer resilient comfort.

Foam Mattress:

The memory foam mattress is softer, and guarantees cushioned comfort.

Conclusion:

I hope this article gave you a complete understanding of spring and foam mattresses. Now that you identified your sleeping needs, choosing the right mattress will no longer be an overwhelming task. I believe this discussion made it easier for you. Choose wisely to enjoy a peaceful and undisturbed sleep.

Write to us in the comments section below and tell us what mattress would you choose. Let us know if you find this article helpful and informative. Feel free to add your inputs to this article. Also, please let us know if we missed out on any points.

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