Spring Mattress vs Memory Foam Mattress: which is better for you?

Who finds Spring Mattress beneficial?

Spring mattresses suit a broad range of sleepers, whether they are light or heavy. Specifically, individuals who sleep on their stomachs often find greater comfort in spring beds because memory foam mattresses can tend to sink under their weight, making it more challenging to get out of bed.

Who might want to reconsider spring beds?

Typically, those who sleep on their sides might not favor spring beds due to their inability to provide the same spinal alignment as memory foam mattresses. Additionally, Bonnel or continuous spring beds lack motion isolation, meaning movements from your partner could impact your sleep as the motion transfers through the springs to the other side of the bed.

Why opt for spring beds?

Spring mattresses present various advantages:

• Continuous coil spring mattresses are typically more budget-friendly compared to memory foam mattresses. Even innerspring or pocket spring beds, while similar in price to memory foam ones, usually tend to be cheaper overall.
• Spring mattresses have a shorter break-in period, around 30 days, compared to memory foam, which might take up to 60 days to fully adapt. Latex foam mattresses have an even shorter break-in period, approximately 14 days.
• There’s better airflow between the coils in spring mattresses, allowing for a more refreshing sleep compared to memory foam, which tends to retain heat and might become uncomfortable.
• Spring beds provide a bouncier and more responsive feel, especially for those who feel like they might sink too deeply into memory foam beds, particularly if they are heavier-built.
• Spring mattresses can be flipped over and used on both sides, although it can be challenging to do so due to their weight.

Points of concern:

• Spring mattresses are the least flexible among various mattress types, making transportation difficult, especially for people moving frequently or living in rented spaces.
• Compared to memory foam, spring mattresses tend to have a shorter lifespan due to the potential tearing of coils through the cover, leading to potential injuries. Additionally, they often have shorter warranties.
• They might not provide adequate support for those with backaches as they lack proper comfort layers, potentially worsening discomfort due to pressure from connected spring coils.
• Motion isolation is generally poor in spring mattresses, causing movements from one partner to disturb the other.
• While reversible, flipping spring beds can be challenging due to their weight, particularly for a single individual.

Durability:

In my experience, spring mattresses typically endure for about five to ten years, but their longevity heavily relies on their build and how frequently they’re used. Over time, consistent use can lead to the springs losing their bounce and developing sagging areas. However, pocket spring mattresses tend to have more durable coils, offering better longevity compared to other spring mattress types.

Who should go for Memory Foam Mattress?

People experiencing mild back discomfort often find immediate relief when sleeping on memory foam mattresses as they conform to the body’s shape, ensuring optimal spinal alignment. Side and back sleepers especially appreciate the comfort of memory foam beds. For those with a history of back issues, opting for a medium-firm memory foam mattress can alleviate discomfort.

Who might not benefit from them?

Heavy individuals or those who favor sleeping on their stomachs might find memory foam mattresses less suitable since they tend to sink into the bed due to their weight, making it challenging to move comfortably.

Similarly, individuals with severe back pain should avoid memory foam beds and seek guidance from their orthopedic specialists to find a mattress better suited for alleviating their specific pain. Memory foam mattresses may not be the best choice for individuals dealing with serious back issues.

Memory foam mattresses offer several advantages over spring beds based on my personal experience:

• These beds distribute body weight evenly, relieving pressure points and soothing minor aches, promoting a comfortable night’s sleep.
• While memory foam typically absorbs heat, recent advancements like gel foam and other cooling technologies help dissipate body heat, enhancing comfort even during warmer seasons.
• Memory foam mattresses tend to last longer than spring beds. They maintain their shape over extended periods without sagging due to continual use.
• They come in various firmness levels, ranging from ultra-soft to medium-soft or medium-firm based on individual preferences.
• Memory foam mattresses are easier to transport as they can be vacuum-sealed and shipped in a compact box, simplifying unpacking.
• Though you can’t flip a memory foam mattress, regular rotation every three months helps distribute weight evenly, prolonging its lifespan.

There are some drawbacks as well:

• Memory foam mattresses tend to retain body heat, causing discomfort, especially in warmer weather, though gel foam variations have improved this issue.
•  Different qualities of memory foam exist; while higher-quality ones last longer, cheaper versions may have a lifespan of only six to eight years.

Durability: 

Based on my experience, a high-quality memory foam mattress can offer comfortable use for eight to ten years or even longer with proper maintenance. Ensuring a strong support base is essential as these beds generally maintain their shape well and don’t sag easily. Additionally, rotating the mattress every three months, especially if it has a square shape, helps distribute weight evenly and prevents continuous stress on specific areas.

Final thoughts:

Selecting the perfect bed that caters to everyone’s needs within the family can be quite a task. For individuals dealing with back pain, spring mattresses might not be the most suitable option. In such cases, opting for a medium-firm memory foam mattress could be a better choice as it conforms to the body’s shape and offers adequate relief.