Spring Mattress Vs. Foam Mattress: Which One Is Right For You?

Foam Mattress

Spring Mattress Vs. Foam Mattress: Which One Is Right For You?

Mattresses have come a long way. Some mattresses used to be stuffed with sawdust, hay or even Spanish moss full of bedbugs and chiggers. Both kinds of bugs left a nasty bite, hence the saying, “sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite.” As if there weren’t enough reasons to appreciate modern technology.

Nowadays there are so many varieties of mattresses to choose from, each as intricate or as basic as the next. However all mattresses on the market today are either made of foam, constructed with springs, or a hybrid of the two. Here’s a guide to determine which kind of mattress is right for you.

The Spring Mattress
A spring mattress, like this Queen Calhoun Firm Innerspring Mattress by Sealy, is sometimes called innerspring or coil mattresses.

Spring mattresses a more traditional mattress. It’s the type of mattress you probably slept on as a kid. It consists of a flat bed of coils suspended in soft filler material. They offer tons of support and a good quality spring mattress can be quite comfortable. They’ve got great temperature control, a lot of flexibility and they have a wide range of price points.

The spring mattress works by resistance. When you lay on the bed, the coils push back against your bodyweight to support you. The springs or coils can be pocketed, conjoined, or constructed in different shapes to offer different types of support. But, because you body never applies even pressure across a spring mattress, can get uncomfortable. The coils can also deteriorate, which can cause your mattress to malfunction and sag.

Pocketed Coil
Pocketed coil spring mattresses, like this Coaster Delano Pocket Coil Mattress below, are made up of coils that are encased in fabric and move independently of each other. They offer a more support and snugness than other coil mattresses.

Continuous Coil
This is exactly how it sounds; the bed is made of a continuous, connected strand of coils. This is one of the oldest types of spring mattresses.

Bonnell Coils
Bonnell coils are hourglass shapes and intertwined to give uniformity. Unlike the continuous coils, Bonnell coil mattresses have separate coils that are attached to offer both snugness and uniform pressure.

Foam Mattress
Foam mattress are pretty self-explanatory, they are made out of foam. Foam is a synthetic substance that has been aerated, like shaving cream or whipped cream, and then allowed to dry. The air pockets on the foam function much like the springs in the way they support your body, only instead of metal springs, the trapped air resists against your body.

There are three major types of foam; memory foam, polyurethane foam and latex foam. Foam mattresses rely on air trapped within aerated substances (rather than springs) to offer support and bounce.

Memory Foam
Memory foam is the most popular type of foam used in mattresses. It is polyurethane type foam, but because it has several different densities, it’s able to mold to your body better.

This Sealy Wondrous Ultra Plush Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a prime example of the lush support a memory foam mattress can offer. It’s slow to bounce back, which is doe to the varied densities of the tiny air pockets. The slow bounce-back is how it got its name, because it “remembers” your distinct position long after you’ve gotten up. And this slow bounce back is how it can cradle those who sleep on it so well.

Polyurethane (“Poly”) Foam
You’ll commonly find polyurethane foam in the top layer of most spring mattresses or the base layer of some foam mattresses. Poly foam is very similar to memory foam, without the varied densities or boosted viscosity. This means, Poly foam soring’s back much faster than memory foam. This also makes it lighter and more maneuverable than memory foam.

Foam Latex
Foam latex is made from rubber tree sap, much like latex gloves. And much like polyurethane foam, it’s aerated to create firm, supportive foam. In fact, latex flam has more “push back” than memory foam or polyurethane foam, so it’s more firm and supportive. It’s also more environmental friendly, because its raw materials are natural and biodegradable. It’s a good choice for someone who is concerned about Mother Earth.

Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress is a combination of memory foam or latex foam and coils. It offers the relief of memory foam or latex foam with the support and durability of a spring mattress. Hybrid mattresses are sometimes called “pillow top” mattresses.

This Stearns & Foster Villa Udine Plush Hybrid Mattress offers the best of both worlds in comfort and support. It has the benefits of both foam and spring mattresses.

Foam Vs. Spring
Foam mattresses and spring mattresses are very different, so comparing them to each other would be like comparing apples and oranges. However, your personal sleep needs ultimately dictate which is right fort you. So here are some of the best qualities and some of the drawbacks of each to help you decide.

Benefits Of Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are more durable and lightweight. So if you’re a single person trying to carry a mattress into your room, you may consider a foam mattress in a box. It’s the easiest mattress to transport and set up.

This Ashley Signature Design M726 Chime Queen Memory Foam Mattress comes to you in a box. You roll it onto your bed, allow it to inflate, and voila! Your bed is unpacked.

Memory foam and latex foam are better for supporting someone with back pain and alignment issues. If you’re sharing a bed with a partner (and kids or pets), you may consider a foam mattress because it absorbs movement. So even if your toddler or man’s-best-friend are restless sleepers, it won’t disturb your side of the bed.

Benefits Of Spring Mattresses
If cost is an issue, spring mattresses are still the more cost effective choice at the moment. Memory foam is quickly catching up, or better put coming down to spring mattress prices. Spring mattresses are bouncier and don’t allow you to sink-in to your mattress. This may sound silly, but for people with mobility issues, sinking in to a mattress can make it very difficult to get out of bed.

The biggest issue sleepers have with foam mattresses is temperature control. Remember foam is made up of tiny air bubbles that trap heat, this can make it hard to regulate temperature. While some love a warm bed, others find foam to be clammy and sweaty.

Benefits Of Hybrid Mattresses
Just like it’s construction, the hybrid lies somewhere in the middle on all things but weight. Because they contain both foam and springs, they tend to be heavier than both foam and spring mattresses. Your comfort level depends on the foam to spring ratio, so examine the criteria above and consider how much foam and how much spring works best for you.

Do You Still Have Questions About Which Mattress Is Right For You? Ask Value City, NJ
Value City NJ is your premier mattress retailer in New Jersey and the greater tri-state area. Contact us for more info on how we can find the right mattress for you.

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