Mattresses come in different materials and sizes, so you know that you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you. However, with so many different options, the big question is – foam vs spring mattress, which should you choose?

Having so many options can make it difficult when trying to choose a new mattress. You need it to be the right size to start off with. Once you get past this decision you then need to decide which type of mattress you want. This will come down to factors such as comfort, support and how hypoallergenic the material is. So, we’re here to tackle one of the biggest debates when it comes to mattresses – foam vs spring.

Let’s start with the basics…

What is a Spring Mattress?

A spring mattress is the more traditional of the two options. The basic structure uses metal coils or springs as the main support. This is encased in a foam layer which is then topped with upholstery. The purpose of the layered upholstery is to ensure that you don’t feel the coils and springs whilst sleeping.

What is a Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses have gained popularity over the years for many reasons. They are made of multiple soft layers of polyurethane or polyol foam. These layers will typically vary in thickness creating the perfect foundation for a mattress that moulds to your body’s shape with evenly distributed support.

Foam vs Spring Mattresses

Both foam and spring mattresses have their benefits and drawbacks. Deciding which one to choose isn’t ‘black & white’ and really comes down to your own preferences. This includes how warm you are when you sleep, which position you sleep in and any health problems you may have.

Durability

When it comes to foam vs spring mattresses, durability is going to be a top priority. You don’t want to buy a mattress that will only last a couple of years. Typically, memory foam mattresses are known to be more durable due to the lack of coils, which reduces the risk of sagging.

Spring mattresses are fairly durable, but they may not last as long as foam mattresses. This is because of the springs and coils that are used in their construction. Over time, these springs may start to feel like they’re poking into you due to the fabric sagging.

Support

In general, a memory foam mattress will offer more support. This is because of materials conforming to the body’s shape, allowing for each body part to be supported equally.

A high-quality spring mattress can offer decent support, with a balance between springiness and conformity which can work for backache suffers.

Bounce

Memory foam is a very slow-moving material. It is known for forming around your body and retaining this shape for some time. Its recovery time is quite slow, meaning that it is low in ‘bounce’ compared to a spring mattress. This is because spring mattresses have coils and springs which make them bouncier.

Temperature regulation

A good night’s sleep relies on comfort. If your body is not at the right temperature this can disrupt your sleep considerably. Although memory foam mattresses are known to retain more heat, in recent years the introduction of cooling ‘gel’ layers make them far more comfortable to use.

Spring mattresses have very good airflow due to the spread of coils and springs. This makes for good temperature regulation whilst sleeping.

In summary, the foam vs spring mattress debate isn’t an easy one to solve. Different mattress types will be more suited to different sleeping positions. The hardness and support levels of the mattress will also be crucial for those who suffer from poor circulation or bad back pain.

We hope that this guide has helped you understand the differences between foam and spring mattresses a bit better. If you need any help deciding which one will be best for you, we’d be more than happy to help.

With our experience and expertise, we are confident that we’ll be able to help you find the perfect mattress for you. Why not get in touch or pop into our Gloucester showroom?