Mattress Matters: Foam vs Spring

Choosing between spring and foam comes down to the materials used and the style of construction in each one. Let’s understand the basics of each mattress type.

SPRING MATTRESS
Invented first in the mid-nineteenth century, spring mattresses have been around a long time. They are made of steel or metal springs, or coils, surrounded by layers of various materials like foam, fibre pads and quilting for foundational support, comfort and bounciness.

Types of spring mattresses
There are four kinds of spring mattress available:

Bonnell spring: Effective, reliable and cost-friendly Bonnell spring mattresses are made of hourglass-shaped springs, which are connected by metal wires and don’t move independently. As a result, they are firmer and offer added support to people who toss and turn more while sleeping.

Pocketed spring: This is the most commonly used type of spring mattress. Each spring is independently inserted into its own pocket and not interconnected with any other, ensuring consistent firmness and good body support.

Coil spring: Coil spring or innerspring mattress was the usually the term up to the close of the twentieth century for the traditional spring mattress, such as the Bonnell type. Lately it is more often used to describe pocketed spring mattresses.

Double spring: In this mattress, the coil is inserted using a combination of upper and lower springs. This improves elasticity and offers bounce.

FOAM MATTRESS
Indicative of the name, these mattresses are made of foam and don’t have any metal springs. Foam mattresses are body-conforming and pressure relieving.

Types of foam mattresses
There are three types of foam mattress to choose from.

Latex foam: This foam is made from latex, a natural material manufactured from the milky white sap of rubber trees. Mattresses use two types, named after the two processes of manufacturing – Dunlop and Talalay latex. Dunlop is a firmer and denser variation used in the support core, while Talalay is generally used in the top comfort layers.

Memory foam: Made from polyurethane, this foam is manmade and has viscoelastic properties, so it moulds itself to the body’s shape.

Polyurethane foam: Polyurethane or polyfoam is made using petroleum compounds such as polyol and isocyanates.

Which Mattress Is Right for Your Bed?

Which one is better for you?
Let’s understand what each type of mattress offers to help you make an informed decision:

1. Durability and maintenance
Every mattress can sustain a certain amount of pressure, after which it tends to sag or shows signs of wearing. It’s a general misconception that coil-based spring mattresses last longer. In fact, coils break and lose flexibility much faster. The ideal lifespan is 7–10 years, depending on usage. Spring mattresses are high maintenance, and you have to ensure you:

• Don’t bend or fold it as the coil can break.
• Rotate the mattress 180 degrees from the head of your bed to the foot every 4–6 weeks to minimise sagging. It’s a good idea to flip the mattress as well, but only if it’s double-sided.

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Foam mattresses, on the other hand, don’t break down easily, especially with a high-density foam core. They last 10–15 years, and more if maintained properly. Foam mattresses are comparatively lower-maintenance than spring versions as long as you:

• Read the user manual and follow instructions
• Avoid putting it in the sun.

2. Body weight
Spring mattresses retain their shape and provide pushback support for people on the heavier side.

For an average individual, foam mattresses offer ideal cushioned support. Heavier individuals should opt for spring mattresses, as foam mattresses run the risk of sinking uncomfortably under higher body weight.

3. Temperature
Memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat as it relies on body contouring, which can be a problem in warmer climates. Some memory foam mattresses feature tiny capsules filed with gel, which helps reduce the bed temperature. As compared to foam, spring mattresses are a cooler option, especially for people living in tropical climates.
This is because the coil layer enhances airflow and regulates temperature.

4. Pressure points
Irrespective of its firmness or your sleeping position, a mattress should offer even weight distribution for pain relief. In spring mattresses, uneven weight distribution or pushback can result in coils forming pressure points. This increases joint pain risks, especially around the hips and shoulders.

Foam mattresses, on the contrary, ensure even weight distribution, cradling pressure points and alleviating joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or pain issues, go for foam mattresses.

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5. Smell
Spring mattresses are relatively odour-free, as not too many chemicals are used in the production process.

On the other hand, all foam mattresses except the latex variation contain petroleum derivatives. This can lead to odour, which lasts from a few days and up to four weeks. Spring or latex foam mattresses are better suited for people with sensitive noses.

6. Motion and noise
Light sleepers often wake up when their partner moves. Motion isolation prevents motion transfer when one gets up or shifts in the bed. Spring mattresses lack motion isolation, are noisy and can disturb your partner’s sleep. Pocketed spring ones are slightly less noisy as compared to the other three.

The foam mattress layers absorb movements and have better motion isolation, and are thus recommended for light sleepers.

7. Sleeping position
Spring mattresses support the spinal curve and alignment and are thus suggested for those who sleep on their backs. People who generally sleep on their side and stomach should go for the foam variation as the mattress contours to the body curves, especially the memory foam variation. Latex foam is recommended for those who like sleeping on the stomach as it is firmer. Choose one based on your sleeping position.