Spring Vs Foam Mattress: How To Choose The Best Mattress Type? 2023

With so many options on the market today, selecting the proper spring mattress can be difficult. But we can help by analyzing your sleep requirements and matching them to several mattress kinds. 

Foam and spring mattresses are two of the most common types of mattresses on the market. Depending on the materials used in their construction, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. 

Each has further divisions that might easily mislead an average sleeper looking for a wonderful cozy bed to sleep in calmly. That's why we've put together this comprehensive foam vs spring mattress comparison, and by the conclusion of this blog, you'll know exactly which mattress type is ideal for you. So, without further ado, let's go into the specifics of foam vs spring mattresses. 

Review of foam vs spring mattresses Comparison of Spring and Foam Mattresses: What Is a Spring Mattress?

Spring mattresses are well-known for their traditional feel and are among the simplest and most economical beds on the market. In 1857, the first steel coils were invented. But it wasn't until 1871 that German inventor Heinrich Westphal created the world's first innerspring mattress by using steel coils in a bed.  Innerspring mattresses have evolved into premium products as new technology and inventive designs have been introduced throughout the years. Spring mattresses, due to their inherent responsiveness, give spinal alignment, bounce, and support that is desired by all sleepers. Today's luxury innerspring mattresses provide a near-perfect blend of comfort and support.mattress spring coils

A spring mattress typically consists of three essential components, namely:

The Comfort Layer: Because sleeping on coils alone is impractical, the core includes a thin upholstery layer on top, typically consisting of soft materials like as foam or fibers. 

The Core: This is the mattress's primary body, where steel coils are arranged for comfort and support. Coil count and gauge differ from mattress to mattress. 

The Foundation: This is the bottom layer, which is often constructed of wool padding or a thin foam layer to support the coils.

Although the fundamentals of an inner spring mattress remain constant, the coil system types differ. The coil system employed in the mattress influences the mattress's quality, comfort, support, affordability, and a variety of other factors.Here are some of the most common coil kinds found in mattresses today. spring mattress-offset-coils Bonnell/Offset Coils Bonnell and offset coils are nearly identical in shape and characteristics. Both coils are hourglass-shaped, with the center being thinner than the edges. The sole distinction is that coils have hexagonal ends, which allows them to lace together better than Bonnell coils. Because of their hourglass form, these coils compress on slight pressure and provide increased bounce and resilient support. The flexible pushback force efficiently relieves hurting joints, weary muscles, and a problematic back by holding your weight. So, if you have backache issues, these coils are the greatest, especially the coils. Bonnell coils perform better in terms of motion control. However, because to the interconnected structure, neither coil is as effective at motion isolation as foam. Due to the large empty spaces between the coils, spring mattresses remain cool even in the hottest weather. Although the wire gauge determines the endurance of these coils, offset coils make a more durable structure. The coils were invented by Frank Karr in the early 1900s, which is why they are also known as Karr coils.

Mattress coils with continuous coils

In the mid-1980s, Leggett & Platt introduced Miracoil continuous coils. A continuous coil unit includes rows of s-shaped coils from head to toe, providing consistent and solid support. Each row is made up of multiple coils that have been twisted from a single continuous wire. For flexibility, the rows are joined to one another through a helical hinge. Some mattresses contain continuous coils that run both lengthwise and transverse. As a result of the increased wire density, these mattresses are suited for heavy sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers will benefit from its solid, uplifting support. When compared to Bonnell and Offset coils, the continuous coil system is more durable, provides superior support, and transfers fewer motion disturbances. Edge support in continuous coil mattresses is excellent because a thick wire runs along the mattress's perimeter. When your partner, child, or pet moves in bed, though, motion disruption is enough to wake you up. Most typical and high-end innerspring mattresses are built with continuous coil systems. 

Coils with Individual Pockets individually-mattress-pocketed-coils

James Marshall devised pocketed coils, often known as Marshall coils, in 1899. These spring units gained popularity only in the late twentieth century, when mass production became feasible. Each coil is individually wrapped with a cloth cover. These pocketed coils are not connected to one another, allowing them to move independently. As a result, even if you share a bed, the mattress efficiently isolates movement and ensures uninterrupted sleep. Furthermore, pocketed coils provide better contouring equivalent to memory foam. For targeted support, these coils adhere to your body curves. They evenly distribute your weight, ensuring that each body part receives the comfort and support it demands.  In their support core, most luxury innerspring mattresses and hybrid beds feature pocketed coils. Due to varied gauge coils in different parts, some of these mattresses also provide zoned support. It also provides pressure relief and spinal alignment, regardless of your sleeping position or body type. Although pocketed coils provide little support at the margins, most manufacturers utilize reinforcements like as edge foams to stabilize the mattress perimeter. What Is A Foam Mattress and How Does It Differ From A Spring Mattress? polyurethane-memory-and-latex-foam Despite the fact that spring mattresses dominated the mattress market due to their low cost and durability, they lacked contoured support and cushioned comfort. That is why many people nowadays prefer foam mattresses, which provide excellent pressure reduction and perfect spinal alignment.It wasn't until the twentieth century that foam became a popular mattress material. With the development of visco-elastic foams in the later half of the twenty-first century, foam mattresses witnessed rapid growth. 

A typical foam mattress is built in the following manner:

The Comfort Layer is constructed of softer foams to give a cushioned sleeping surface. High-end mattresses may contain many foam layers for insulation and transitional support, as well as quilted foams on top for quick relaxation and pressure alleviation.

The Support Core: This is the mattress foundation, which is often comprised of high-density foam to prevent sagging and extend the life of the mattress. 

There are different sorts of foams, each with its own set of characteristics, benefits, pricing, and other advantages and disadvantages. Let's have a look at three different varieties of foam.

Polyurethane Foam Mattress polyurethane foam mattress

Polyurethane, often known as polyfoam, is the most commonly used foam in the mattress industry. It became popular in the late 1950s as an alternative to natural fiber fillers like cotton and wool. 

It is a petroleum-derived synthetic substance created by mixing the chemicals polyol (a complicated type of alcohol) and isocyanates. Polyurethane is produced in three grades and densities, which influence its performance, quality, and durability. Because the material is inexpensive and simple to compress, it is often utilized in bed-in-a-box mattresses. It molds to body shapes efficiently for pressure-relieving comfort, although not as much as pocketed coils or memory foam. However, unlike memory foams, it responds quickly and efficiently returns to its original shape. It isolates motion better than traditional innerspring beds, unless they include pocketed coils. Polyfoam is a very resilient and sturdy foam that is commonly used in the support core of foam mattresses. Its variants are also utilized as the foundation foam in spring mattresses. 

Memory Foam Mattress Blue Memory Foam Mattress

NASA developed memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, as a shock absorber for astronauts in the mid-1960s. It was initially utilized in airplane seats before Tempur-Pedic began employing memory foam in their mattresses in the 1990s. Memory foam was invented by engineer Charles Yost as a highly conforming substance. It is made in the same way as polyfoam, but with a few additional chemicals to bring out its distinct properties. Memory foam responds to changes in temperature and body weight. As a result, your body curves are contoured for optimal conformance and pressure reduction. It indicates you have proper spinal alignment and weight distribution in all sleeping postures.Its robust structure effectively isolates movement, allowing for a peaceful nap. At the same time, the tightly packed cells make it a hypoallergenic substance that repels dust mites and keeps allergies at bay.The mattress is available in a variety of densities and firmness levels to accommodate all sleeper profiles. People frequently complain about heat retention on memory foam mattresses, making them unsuitable for hot sleepers. Body heat softens it as well, causing excessive sinkage and a stuck-in feeling.Manufacturers, on the other hand, use novel approaches to address these difficulties. They make open-cell memory foam with a porous structure to allow air to flow. Memory foam is infused with gel, copper, and other cooling chemicals to keep it cold and supportive.

Foam of Latex

 In 1929, chemists E.A. Murphy and Eric Owen utilized whipped latex to create foam. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that latex foams were employed commercially in furniture and mattresses. Rubber tree milk or sap is churned into frothy foam, which is then put into a mold to make latex beds. Because latex is a natural material, it is popular among environmentally aware sleepers. Because it is naturally hypoallergenic and chemical-free, it ensures that you and your family have a clean and allergy-free sleeping surface. This healthy material has a number of advantages, including durability, buoyancy, and comfort. Latex mattresses adhere to your body curves well, relieving painful joints and muscles. Although latex is slightly firmer than other foams, it nevertheless provides enough pressure relief regardless of your sleeping position. Latex is good for hot sleepers because it is naturally cold.Natural latex foams are classified into two types: Dunlop latex and Talalay latex. There are many subtle distinctions between both, but in a word, Dunlop is denser and firmer, making it ideal for back and combination sleepers. At the same time, Talalay is light and flexible, making it ideal for side and stomach sleepers.  

Differences Between Foam And Spring Mattresses foam vs spring mattress comparison

The type of mattress you choose has a significant impact on your sleep quality. Proper support and comfort are essential for a restful night's sleep. Only by determining the proper sort of mattress will you be able to reap the benefits of restful sleep. That's why we've included every element in this foam vs. spring mattress comparison so you can simply find the best option for you.