Foam vs Spring mattress: Which is Good?

When he is a little chap,

We call him Nap.

When he somewhat older grows,

We call him Doze.

When his age by hours we number,

We call him Slumber.

-John B. Tabb

Sleep has always been romanticized. Why not? After all, it affects every aspect of our lives. Whether it's our mental health or our productivity, sleep plays a major role.

But what's a crucial component that aids your sleep? It's your mattress, of course!

Now, imagine a scenario. You are trying to slide into a deep slumber. You have a big day tomorrow. A number of meetings to tackle along with a more-than-usual load of work. Your plan is to get at least seven hours of sleep and kickstart the day fresh. But then your lumpy old mattress disrupts your sleep. Really unfortunate, isn't it? Now, there's a way out and that's to invest in an ideal mattress.

However, some of the popular mattresses that have been making rounds include foam and spring mattresses. So, which one should you invest in? Or is there a third choice that trumps it all? Well, read ahead to find out.

Foam Mattress: What It Is

A foam mattress is extremely popular today. They are designed to offer excellent comfort and support through innovative materials and construction techniques.

It was NASA who came up with this technology in 1966. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, which rely on metal coils for support, foam mattresses use different types of foam to provide a supportive yet contouring bed for sleepers. However, foam can be further categorized into several types. But the most sought-after include:

1. Memory Foam

One of the main advantages of memory foam is its ability to contour to the body's shape. How it works is that the mattress reacts to heat and pressure and hugs the sleeper's curves. This material provides excellent pressure relief and is popular among those with joint pain or pressure point issues.

2. Polyurethane Foam

Did you think memory foam was it? Well, you have polyurethane. This type of foam is used as a support layer in foam mattresses. It offers durability and support. But wait, there's more. It also helps maintain the mattress's shape and structure over time.

3. Latex Foam

You might think latex is a separate category. After all, it is made from the sap of rubber trees. However, latex foam is known for its responsiveness and durability. It provides a buoyant feel that is both supportive and breathable and is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more responsive sleep surface.

Advantages of Foam Mattress

Here are a few advantages of a foam mattress.

1. Pressure Relief

One of the main advantages of foam mattresses is their ability to distribute weight evenly. Therefore, it reduces pressure points and curbs any pain or aches during sleep.

2. Motion Isolation

The foam absorbs the motion. So, it prevents disturbances from one sleeper to another. So, if you share the bed with your partner, child, or pet, it’s perfect as you can snooze with no interruptions.

3. Customized Support

The contouring properties of foam offer exquisite support as it adapts to the body's unique shape and sleeping position.

4. Durability

High-quality foam mattresses like Latex can offer excellent longevity and maintain their shape and supportiveness for years.

Disadvantages of Foam Mattress

While foam mattresses offer many advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone. Let's look at a few disadvantages.

1. Heat Retention

Foam mattresses can trap body heat. So, especially during summer, it makes it difficult for hot sleepers to enjoy a good night's rest. While advancements in cooling technology help to an extent, some users may still find foam mattresses warmer.

2. Initial Off-Gassing

Foam mattresses emit a chemical odor, known as off-gassing when they are first unpackaged. While this odor must dissipate within a few days to weeks, it can be bothersome. It's also not a great choice for individuals with allergies. However, pure Latex mattresses are hypoallergenic and have no off-gassing.

3. Lack of Edge Support

Foam mattresses don't provide adequate edge support. So, they tend to compress significantly when sitting or lying near the edge. This can make getting in and out of bed more challenging and even reduce the usable surface area of the mattress. It also leads to the sinking-in feeling which most people don't enjoy.

4. Lack of Edge Support

Foam mattresses don't provide adequate edge support. So, they tend to compress significantly when sitting or lying near the edge. This can make getting in and out of bed more challenging and even reduce the usable surface area of the mattress. It also leads to the sinking-in feeling which most people don't enjoy.

5. Cost

High-quality foam mattresses like Latex can be more expensive. While they often offer superior durability and comfort compared to an innerspring, the initial investment may burn a hole in your wallet.

Spring Mattress: What It Is

An innerspring mattress is a traditional type of mattress. It was actually designed by Heinrich Westphal in 1871. However, it was in the 1930s that the concept was brought to life.

The mattress comes with a layer of metal coils or springs as the primary support structure. These coils are mostly made of steel and are interconnected to provide varying levels of support and firmness across the mattress surface. The coils are usually encased in fabric or foam padding to provide additional comfort and cushioning.

Spring mattresses come in different types based on the construction of the coils.

1. Bonnel Springs

Bonnel or open coil springs are interconnected in an hourglass shape. They are the most common and affordable type of spring mattress today.

2. Pocketed Springs

Also known as individually wrapped or pocket coils, these springs are encased in fabric pockets. Each coil moves independently and offers better motion isolation and contouring to the body's shape.

3. Continuous Coil Spring

In this type, the coils are made from a single piece of wire that is twisted into individual springs. They provide consistent support across the mattress surface.

Advantages of Spring Mattress

Now, let’s unpack a few advantages of the innerspring mattress.

1. Support

Innerspring mattresses are known for their robust support because of their coil system. It helps maintain proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure points. The coils offer varying levels of firmness and support to accommodate different sleeping preferences and body types.

2. Breathability

The open structure of innerspring mattresses makes way for air circulation and keeps the surface of the mattress cool. This can be exceptionally beneficial for hot sleepers.

3. Durability

High-quality innerspring mattresses are often durable and long-lasting. They retain their shape and supportiveness over time. The coils are designed to withstand repeated compression and provide consistent support for years.

4. Affordability

Innerspring mattresses are more budget-friendly compared to foam or latex mattresses. This is a great option for cost-conscious consumers.

5. Edge Support

Innerspring mattresses offer sturdy support around the perimeter of the mattress. This can make it easier to sit or sleep near the edge without feeling like you might roll off.

6.Variety

There is a wide variety of innerspring mattresses available on the market. It comes with different coil configurations, comfort layers, and firmness levels to suit individual preferences and needs.

Disadvantages of Spring Mattress

Spring mattresses can be a great choice but they come with certain disadvantages as well.

1. Motion Transfer

Innerspring mattresses may transfer motion across the surface. So, any movement on one side of the mattress can be felt on the other side, which may disrupt sleep.

2. Durability

While high-quality innerspring mattresses can be durable, they may not last as long as foam or latex mattresses. Over time, the coils may lose their resilience and sag or offer uneven support.

3. Noise

With use, the coils in spring mattresses may develop squeaks or creaks, which can be bothersome to some users.

4. Less Conforming

Innerspring mattresses offer less contouring and pressure relief compared to foam or latex mattresses. The coil system doesn't adapt as closely to the body's shape.

Comparison Table: Foam vs Spring Mattress

To make it easier to choose between the two, let’s take a look at the comparison table to give you a quick overview.

The Final Note

This was everything about foam vs spring mattress. You now know all about them. However, if you aren't keen on foam or innerspring mattress, you have another incredible option that offers you the best. We are talking about the SmartGrid mattress.

The Sleep Company's SmartGrid mattress brings you advanced Japanese patented technology. Developed by DRDO scientists, it's designed to give you the best sleep of your life. With 2500+ air channels, these hyper-elastic polymer mattresses offer exquisite comfort and support.

The SmartGrid mattress checks all the right boxes. They are also durable and responsive and cater to various sleepers.