Foam vs Spring Mattress: Definitions, Types, Pros and Cons
Nothing feels better than getting a cosy night's rest after facing a long, tiring day. Having a conducive bedroom for sleeping means having a sturdy bed frame, pleasant and uncluttered surroundings, and a supportive mattress.
Mattress quality is measured by many factors, like the materials used, firmness, size, and the like. A good mattress should provide the proper comfort, back support, and temperature. When it comes to getting the right mattress, quality all boils down to your individual sleeping needs. Whether you are getting a foam or an innerspring mattress, it is essential to know if the mattress that you are getting will fit your requirements.
If you are in a mattress shopping dilemma, take a look at this quick guide to help you decide what mattress to purchase.
What is a Foam Mattress?
A foam mattress is known for its contour comfort and gentle pressure relief. This mattress conforms to the shape of your body when you lie down to help alleviate neck, back, and shoulder pains. This mattress works with the air within the open-cell materials. This air helps the mattress mould to the body during sleep and return to its original form afterwards. It usually consists of multiple layers, from a firmer high-density foam base, polyurethane foam, or memory foam to the soft foam topper or support.
Foam mattresses are popular among online retailers and shoppers because of their versatility. Foam mattresses offer multiple firmness rates, from soft mattresses to extra firm, and they range from budget varieties to hybrid and high-end mattresses.
There are three primary types of foam mattresses that you commonly encounter on the market: Polyurethane foam, Memory foam, and Latex foam.
Polyurethane Foam Mattress
Polyurethane foam is a popular material that responds well to pressure and is thus present in many mattress products. Because of its lightweight and springy feel, polyfoam is usually used as a top layer in creating modern innerspring mattresses.
Polyfoam comes in three grades: regular grade polyfoam, high-density polyfoam, and the less common high-resiliency polyfoam. Based on its name, regular grade polyfoam is the standard soft variety and is only recommended as a mattress support layer. High-density polyfoam is also used as a firmer support layer. High-resiliency grade polyfoam is a more expensive grade that presents a more supportive, firm property.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattress is more viscous and denser than one created with regular polyurethane material. This mattress is made with multiple layers specially designed for pressure relief. Memory foam was initially designed for aircraft and is adapted by mattress manufacturers to help improve pressure relief and alleviate body pains during sleep.
Memory foam mattresses are known for their contour comfort and ability to bounce back to their original shape after use, as the name describes, "memory foam." A memory foam mattress is suitable for combination sleepers who require proper support to target their pressure points.
Latex Mattress
If you are looking for natural sleep support, latex foam is made with a natural rubbery material that is firmer and bouncier than memory foam. This firm material is ideal for heavy sleepers or those who suffer from back pain. Latex foam does not conform to the body contour but evens out the distribution of your weight during sleep, alleviating pressure from some parts of your body.
Read further: What is a Latex Mattress?
What is a Spring Mattress?
A spring mattress uses materials other than foam to provide support during sleep. The "spring" refers to suspended coils located inside the mattress that bounce with movements during sleep. Some spring mattress varieties follow movements individually, which makes them suitable for shared use. Because of the additional spring support aside from the plush mattress material, spring mattresses work well with heavy sleepers.
Spring mattresses typically come with a mix of foam materials and comfort layers to provide the proper support. The coil count also plays a significant role in determining the comfort a spring mattress may provide. The shape and size of the springs are also important.
Bonnell Spring Mattress
Bonnell spring system consists of hourglass-shaped coils working together to provide firm support. Think about the mattress varieties that endured through time. The Bonell spring was used by the early mattress manufacturers and is still part of the industry. Bonell spring mattresses are more affordable than other spring varieties.
Pocketed Spring Mattress
As part of the newer mattress spring system and high-end mattresses, pocket springs follow independently with every movement. This is because these coils are individually arranged inside the mattress. Because of their individual sleep support, pocketed spring mattresses are ideal for partners with different sleep support needs.
Foam Mattress vs Spring Mattress: Pros and Cons
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Foam Mattress Pros |
Foam Mattress Cons |
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Foam mattresses offer efficient contour comfort since they are made with versatile materials that can conform to the shape of your body |
Foam mattresses usually trap heat which may not be suitable for those who perspire a lot during sleep |
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The feel of the foam mattress is soft, bouncy, but still resilient |
Unlike spring mattresses, foam mattresses are less bouncy and more focused on body contour |
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Foam mattresses come in various firmness rates and materials, giving you enough choices for your sleeping needs |
It takes some days to comfortably use a foam mattress because it requires time to fully get into shape and release odours |
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Available in budget mattresses to high end varieties |
High-end mattresses are usually expensive |
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Spring Mattress Pros |
Spring Mattress Cons |
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Spring mattresses are bouncier than foam mattresses, thus providing firmer body support |
Spring mattresses, except for those with individual pocketed spring systems, transfer motion along with their bouncy feel |
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Spring mattresses are more breathable and do not trap body heat during sleep |
Cheaper spring mattresses are more prone to sagging than mattresses made with a combination of foam materials |
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Suitable for heavy sleepers |
High-end spring mattresses are usually expensive |
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For partners, pocketed spring mattresses offer individual movement response for uninterrupted sleep |
Spring mattresses may produce squeaky sounds, especially when they age |
Choosing the right mattress depends on your needs and preferred materials. Both foam and spring mattresses come with their pros and cons. Whether you are getting a high-end unit or a budget mattress, it is crucial to know what you need for comfortable sleep. It is also essential to understand what works with your sleeping position and back condition.
When buying your next mattress online in Singapore, make sure to check the firmness rate along with the materials used. Do not hesitate to ask questions and get further details to make sure that you will make a fulfilling mattress purchase.