Foam Vs Spring Mattresses

We spend a significant portion of our lives in bed, so it's crucial to make the right choice when it comes to our sleep surface. With the vast array of mattress options available today, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is best suited for your needs.

There are two types of mattresses that are commonly used in households: foam and spring, each with its own set of significant benefits, drawbacks and differences. Whether you're a side sleeper seeking pressure relief or a back sleeper in need of proper spinal alignment, understanding the differences between these will empower you to make an informed decision and buy mattress online.

Here, we'll delve into the inner workings of both of these mattresses, exploring their unique characteristics, construction, and how they influence your sleep quality. We'll also consider factors like durability, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and cost to help you discern which type aligns best with your preferences and sleeping habits. Let's dive in and discover the key factors that will revolutionize the way you sleep!

Foam mattresses and their types

These mattresses are mainly made of layers of foam in a variety of thicknesses, density and quality to cater to different sets of consumers. These mattresses do not have a spring support framework and rely only on foams to provide enough support, cushioning, and comfort. Some of the best advantages of these include their ability to conform to the body, ease pressure points, and provide a comfortable resting environment. Mattress manufacturers utilise several material combinations to achieve the desired outcomes, such as memory foam for cushioning and HR or rebonded foams as a structure or core layer.  

Memory foam is a high-density, viscoelastic foam that conforms to the shape of your body. It responds to pressure and heat to provide superior contouring and support. It is popular among couples because it relieves pressure points and prevents motion transmission which ensures undisturbed sleep. If you are looking for a way to get comfortable and uninterrupted sleep then you can buy memory foam mattress with motion isolation. However, because it absorbs heat from its surroundings, it may become hot the user may feel it and become uncomfortable to sleep, particularly in hot weather.

Polyurethane (PU) foam is less expensive than its counterparts. It comes in a variety of densities, as well as high-resilience (HR) and low-resilience (LR) types. HR foam is firmer and more supporting, whereas LR is softer and less durable. It has bounce and reactivity, making it a fantastic alternative for anyone who prefers a more traditional mattress experience.

Gel-infused foam is created by infusing gel particles into polyurethane or memory foam. The gel is intended to improve airflow and temperature regulation, addressing one of the potential downsides of traditional memory foam mattress that trap heat.

Rebonded foam is an open-cell, high-density foam made of a variety of different foams combined and processed together. This makes rebonded firm, supportive and best for structure. It is specially used in the construction of pain-relieving orthopedic mattress.

Spring | Innerspring | Coil Mattresses & Their Types

Innerspring mattresses are made up of several metal coils suspended in the mattress's other materials. They can provide a lot of support, especially for persons who are heavy or have back problems. A decent quality spring mattress can be comfortable for anyone. Innerspring beds remain popular due to intrinsic features such as bounce and temperature regulation and their availability in a wide range of price ranges.

There are three types of innerspring mattresses: Bonnell coils, pocket coils, and continuous coils. All of these coils are made of metal wires shaped into coils, but their construction differs, resulting in unique features. Bonnell spring and pocket spring mattresses are the most common and popular spring beds. Pocket springs have gained popularity due to their individualised support, motion isolation, consistent firmness, excellent durability, and tailored comfort. Mattress made of Bonnell springs are popular due to their firmness, improved bounce, sturdy structure, ease of movement, and affordable cost. However, the quality, gauge, thickness, and structure of the metal determine the comfort of these coil mattresses. As a result, it is critical to not only determine which spring bed is best for you but also to choose a high-quality one.

Comparison Between Foam And Spring Mattress

While choosing between these two bed types, you might have trouble determining which factors and features will be most advantageous. Though, with the right guidance and information on both these mattresses’ differences and similarities, it becomes effortless to choose the right one. Here is the comparison based on the features:

1. Level of offered support and comfort

Foam mattresses are suitable for various sleep positions and are particularly favoured by side sleepers who benefit from the contouring effect, allowing their shoulders and hips to sink in more comfortably.

Memory foam mattress, in particular, contour and adapt to the shape of the body, giving excellent support and pressure alleviation. They adhere to the body's curves, distributing weight evenly and providing personalised comfort. This can help to relieve pressure areas and give even support throughout the body. Whereas HR or Rebonded mattresses provide better bounce, great firm support and comfort leading to a decrease in back pain and pressure point pain.

Spring mattresses are created using a metal coil construction that serves as the main support structure. These coils are more durable and bouncy than foams, providing better support for back and stomach sleepers. The comfort and support of a spring mattress vary depending on the type and quality of the coils, as do its durability and longevity. Bonnell coil, for example, provides a more traditional bouncy feel, whereas pocketed coils have better motion isolation and focused support.

Although a spring mattress does not conform as closely to the body as a foam mattress, it can provide appropriate support for spine alignment, firm support and relief from back pain. Thus, if you wish to invest in a spring mattress, do so without any worry.

2. Motion transfer prevention for undisturbed sleep

Foam mattresses do provide motion isolation, but not every mattress, only memory foam. Memory foam’s ability to absorb motion helps prevent movement from one person on one side of the bed from transferring to the other part of the bed. Making it an ideal alternative for couples who want to minimise sleep disturbances.

Spring mattresses, mainly Pocket springs outperform memory foams in terms of motion isolation. These individually packed coils act individually, yet with connected coils, to conform to your body shape under your body weight and pressure. This prevents motion transmission, resulting in uninterrupted slumber.

The Bonnell Spring, on the other hand, does not provide motion transmission because the entire coil structure functions as a unit. When you apply pressure to one side of the mattress, the entire mattress is affected. The bounce of these springs might cause motion to be transferred across the bed, which may be an issue for light sleepers sharing the bed.

3. Offer durability and longevity

Foam mattresses can be incredibly robust and long-lasting; nevertheless, the quality and density of material used in their manufacture affect their endurance. While higher-quality beds provide more comfort and support and are more durable, lower-quality mattresses are prone to sagging or body impressions sooner than they should. High-quality HR mattress or memory foam mattress is the most long-lasting, lasting between 8 and 12 years. It is recommended to choose a mattress with thicker comfort and support layers for enhanced durability and endurance.

Spring mattresses are less durable than foam mattresses because the springs might wear out, become damaged, and break off. However, this generally takes 5-8 years, or it may wear off much sooner if the springs are of poor quality. The kind, gauge, quality, and construction of the coils determine the durability of spring mattresses. Springs with higher-quality materials and constructions may last longer. The thicker the coils, the longer the mattress will survive.

4. Temperature Regulation for comfortable sleep

Foam mattresses are more prone to retain heat because their construction doesn’t allow for airflow and it can absorb heat with no way out. Traditional memory foam can retain heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people. To overcome this issue, new technologies (such as gel-infused or open-cell foams) have been created. Some of the most recent beddings are also made with cooling technologies, such as copper infusion, which aids in heat dissipation. HR foam or polyurethane is more breathable than standard memory foam since it does not conform completely to your body, allowing for adequate air circulation.

Spring mattress, whether Bonnell spring or pocket spring, regulates temperature better and provides cooler sleep. The spring structure has adequate room and gaps in the coils to prevent heat-trapping and allow for air circulation. This improves breathability, keeping your bed cool and you cooler. 

Conclusion

In summary, both of these bed options have their pros and cons. Foam mattresses are generally preferred for their superior support, pressure relief, and motion isolation, making them a good choice for couples and people with specific body pain issues. On the other hand, spring beds are more suitable for those on a budget or those who prefer a bouncier feel and better temperature regulation, firm support and uniform or customized comfort. Ultimately, the choice between both will depend on your preferences, budget, and specific needs. It's essential to research different options and consider your personal sleep preferences before making a decision.

Springfit mattresses help to keep your back aligned while also providing comfort and cosiness. Designed using the most advanced technology and high-quality materials available. Whether the mattress is foam-based, innerspring-based, or rebonded. We manufacture and deliver it all!!