Memory foam or springs? Considering that these are two of the most popular materials used in mattresses nowadays, I understand why you’re asking about this issue. The truth is, both can make fantastic beds, but there’s only one that really stands out in my opinion.
After discussing their unique histories and qualities, I’m going to tell you which one will last the longest, which is the most affordable, and what I believe will be the best fit for you. It’s going to be Innerspring vs. Memory foam for this one.
You are reading: Innerspring vs Memory Foam Mattress Comparison
Layla is once again to be thanked for her generous support of this video! Check out my Layla mattress review and my Layla pillow review for additional information on the brand. The whole interview with Layla’s founder Akrum Sheikh is also available for your viewing pleasure.
First, a Brief History
Innerspring
German inventor Heinrich Westphal built the world’s first innerspring mattress in 1871, despite the steel coil spring being invented in 1857 and patented for chair support. It took off quickly and has since become a bedtime must-have for people all around the world. Known for their “traditional” feel, innerspring mattresses are favored by those who want to sleep “on top” of their beds rather than “in” them.
The bulk of an innerspring mattress is made up of a steel coil support structure that is topped by a relatively thin layer of foam.
I normally recommend these mattresses for stomach and mixed sleepers because they lack a lot of giving.
As other mattress materials, such as memory foam, have entered the market, the innerspring has lost some of its lusters. This is because it has been the standard for most of modern mattress history (really, beds didn’t deviate much from this form until the early 1990s).
Pros & Cons of an Innerspring Mattress
Pros
- Coil systems are extremely robust, which means they have a higher lifespan than memory foam types.
- Use a sturdy foundation that has been used in the business for over a century.
- Memory foam is increasingly often seen in innerspring mattresses.
- Typically less expensive than memory foam mattresses.
- An innerspring model offers every form of comfort imaginable.
- For those who want a more conventional feel, this is an advantage because it is more sensitive (easier to move around).
- Perfect for people on a tight budget!
Cons
- If the bed is not a good fit for the sleeper’s body type and sleeping posture, they may feel the springs.
- Some mattresses need to be rotated and flipped to enhance their lifespan.
- It’s tough to remove the cover to clean them, and it’s not always possible.
- Many innerspring models are being phased out in favor of hybrid alternatives.
- Motion transfer is not as well reduced as it may be (although pocketed coil systems and memory foam layers on top have improved this aspect quite a bit).
Memory Foam
Memory foam is the furthest thing from innerspring in terms of density and density distribution. When NASA first developed memory foam in the 1970s to increase the comfort of spacecraft seats, it was recognized for its sinkage and body-contouring capabilities. Even while it’s no longer solely made of interstellar materials, the clothing nevertheless has a somewhat futuristic vibe.
In my experience working with the material, I’ve found that it’s really resilient and able to take a lot of punishment. In the same way that you can stretch out on a soft piece of grass, a memory foam mattress will gradually adapt to the specific contours of your body. You’ll feel more “in” than “on top” of this mattress, which may be ideal for side sleepers in need of cushiony support around the shoulders and hips, as opposed to an innerspring.
Pros & Cons of a Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
- Reduces painful pressure points to an art form.
- Comfort options for a wide variety of preferences are available.
- Motion isolation is excellent, so you won’t feel your partner’s emotions.
- Many memory foams now have cooling technology built in to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
- Memory foam is hypoallergenic because it prevents dust mites from accumulating.
- Most have a machine-washable cover that makes cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- In general, they cost a little more than innerspring mattresses.
- Over time, the edges of some memory foam mattresses may begin to sag.
- Certain forms are better at retaining heat than others.
- The stench of off-gassing can take some time to go away.
- The lack of reactivity isn’t liked by everyone.
Main Differences Between Memory Foam and Innerspring
The most striking distinctions between the materials’ profiles are now clear, so let’s explore them more! You may break down their differences in any way you like, but I’m going to use the three categories of heat, sinkage, and bounce. soreness.
![Zinus 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress [New Version], Fiberglass Free, Medium Firm Feel, Zoned Pressure Relief, Certified Safe Foams & Fabric, Bed-in-A-Box, Queen](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51lmtTd04IL.jpg)
![Zinus 10 Inch Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam Mattress [New Version], Fiberglass Free, Medium Firmness, Cooling Gel Foam, Certified Safe Foams & Fabric, Bed-in-A-Box, Queen](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iUftxoF2L.jpg)
Heat
Memory Foam
- Memory foam has a bad rap for getting too hot while you’re trying to sleep. The material is extremely dense, allowing it to easily absorb and retain heat from the wearer’s body. The deeper they sink into the memory foam structure, the hotter they get. This can be a serious problem for people who sleep hot at night.
- Several firms, such as Layla, have found ways to reduce this problem by adding specific components like gel or copper to their memory foam layers. A cooling effect is achieved through the use of these infusions.
Innerspring
- As a result, innerspring mattresses sleep cooler than memory foam ones because the spaces between coils allow for more airflow. During the night, this breathability helps keep the temperature stable.
- All of this, however, is very dependent on the other elements that go into an innerspring bed. For example, if the mattress has a thick layer of foam on top, it may not be as cool to sleep on.
Sinkage
Memory Foam
- Memory foam has a lot of sinkage because of its sluggish response to pressure. Allows each sleeper’s individual curvature to adjust to the material and provides a lot of relief and comfort.
- But not all memory foam mattresses sink to the same degree; it actually depends on the amount of material utilized and the quality of the material itself. For example, Layla’s sinkage is just right; it won’t leave you feeling suffocated.
Innerspring
- Innerspring mattresses, as previously discussed, are highly bouncy and so don’t have a lot of sinkages. Sleepers may feel more “on top” of these beds than “within” them as a result.
- This isn’t always the case, as the other materials in the mattress play a significant role.
Bounce
Memory Foam
- Because memory foam absorbs rather than counteracts pressure, there is no bounce to the material, as we discussed in our sinkage explanation above.
- This can sometimes give the impression of being “trapped” in bed, making it difficult to get up and move.
- For people who sleep with a snoring partner, this means that memory foam mattresses are excellent at transferring motion.
Innerspring
- Innerspring mattresses, on the other hand, are extremely bouncy and may leave the sleeper feeling more like they’re on top of the mattress rather than inside it.
- Combo sleepers should be able to move around with ease thanks to the lift provided by an innerspring.
Durability
Aside from the obvious distinctions, the long-term usefulness of each material must also be taken into account. With that in mind, the lifespan of a new mattress is likely to be one of the most important considerations when purchasing one. If only because high-quality steel coils are known to last for a long time, innerspring mattresses offer an edge over memory foam ones.
Read more : Nectar vs. Lull Mattress Comparison
Even yet, the quality of the materials used in the bed is what really determines the bed’s long-term endurance. For the most part, a high-quality memory foam (think: thick and dense) will outlive the coil support system, if not outlive it by a significant margin.
It’s always a good idea to check the warranty to see if a mattress is made of high-quality materials. Products with a longer warranty are more durable (usually).
Cost
Finally, you may be thinking about which material will be the most expensive for your project. Innerspring mattresses tend to be less expensive than memory foam ones, but this isn’t a sure thing. Nevertheless, it’s important not to confuse a low price with “value,” which takes into account the bed’s features, benefits, and overall quality as well.
Regardless of how cheap an innerspring mattress maybe, a side sleeper who wants profound pressure relief will not be satisfied. Back sleepers who don’t have a lot of trouble sleeping generally don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a luxury memory foam mattress because the Internet says it’s the greatest.
I believe that a mattress like the Layla finds an excellent mix between value and affordability, delivering all the advantages of memory foam (plush pressure relief, comfy sinkage) at a price that won’t break the bank.
Recommendations
Since we’ve gone through each material’s background and differences, talked about how long they’ll last, and weighed their relative costs, it’s time to offer a few final suggestions to help you decide between innerspring and memory foam.
Memory Foam
- Ideal for individuals who prefer a supple and comfortable night’s sleep with plenty of sinkages and body contouring support.
- As a result, memory foam mattresses are my go-to choice for side sleepers in need of pressure alleviation at the hips and shoulders.
Innerspring
- It has a lot of bounce, which could be ideal for those who need to shift positions frequently as they sleep.
- Since memory foam mattresses tend to be softer, folks who like a firmer mattress may prefer innerspring models.
Instead of focusing on the relative merits of innerspring and memory foam, it’s more important to consider your individual sleeping habits and preferences before making a final decision.
Are you still on the fence? Send me a message on Facebook or Twitter or leave a comment on the video I posted above.
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses have their advantages and disadvantages, just as innerspring beds. Memory foam mattresses are excellent at relieving pressure. Sleepers are cradled by the material, which eliminates pressure on joints and heavier areas of the body.
Memory foam is excellent for contouring because of its softness and breathability. Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to mold to the shape of a person’s body as they sleep.
Additionally, memory foam isolates motion fairly well for couples. There should be no movement on the other side of the mattress save for that of your companion. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, are virtually noiseless. A spouse should be able to go to the restroom three times a night without being disturbed. For couples, these mattresses are among the best available on the market.
Read more : Layla Hybrid vs. Nest Bedding Mattress Comparison
As a result, memory foam’s primary flaw is its inability to regulate body temperature. Memory foam, to put it frankly, can make you sleep hot. Sleeping on a hotter surface is actually possible because of this material’s ability to insulate. As a result, the temperature of the sleeper can rise during the night as a result.
However, not all memory foam mattresses are going to cause you to overheat while you sleep. Many industries use gel, graphite, or copper cooling infusions to help dissipate heat. If you’re considering a memory foam mattress, you should keep a lookout for infusions like these. Be sure to check out our explanation of “gel memory foam” in our related post.
Memory foam mattresses are less responsive than innerspring mattresses, as I noted earlier. Memory foam mattresses are notorious for making it difficult to get out of bed. Those who frequently change roles or have mobility challenges should be especially aware of this.
Mattresses made of memory foam can also emit an unpleasant chemical odor when they are unpacked. At first, “mattress off-gassing” can be a bothersome odor. As a result, it will go away in a few days.
Finally, the memory foam can sag. Low-density memory foam mattresses can begin to reveal body indentations after a few months of use. Consequently, the mattress will not provide the necessary level of comfort and support for the person sleeping on it.
Who Should Get An Innerspring Mattress?
- Those who like to sleep on top of the mattress. Sleepers won’t sink too deep if they’re on top of an innerspring mattress. Those who don’t like to sink into their mattress will find this sort excellent.
- People who want to move around easily. In terms of responsiveness, innerspring mattresses outperform memory foam mattresses. A mattress with an innerspring core is a good choice for persons who sleep in a variety of positions and for those who have mobility concerns.
- Hot sleepers. The heat retention of memory foam mattresses is well-known, although this isn’t always the case with innerspring mattresses. Having a cool night’s sleep is made easier by the mattress’s coils that allow air to flow through it.
- Those who need more support. Memory foam mattresses’ support foam typically falls short of the coils’ ability to deliver the same level of comfort and support. This makes innerspring mattresses great for stomach sleepers, heavier persons, and those who require additional support.
Who Should Get A Memory Foam Mattress?
- Those who like to sink into the mattress. Memory foam is unmatched in its comfort and convenience. It allows for a gradual sinking of the body into the mattress. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for those who want to sleep “in” rather than “on top” of their mattress.
- Side sleepers. Pressure alleviation is the name of the game when it comes to side sleeping. Memory foam is one of the few materials that provide as much pressure relief as it does. Especially thicker comfort layers of memory foam mattresses cushion pressure points like shoulders and hips, making for a more comfortable night’s rest.
- People with pain issues. Joint and muscle pain sufferers may find that memory foam is an excellent choice. Memory foam is all about relieving pain and discomfort. For many who suffer from chronic pain, this cradling effect can be very relaxing.
- Couples. One of the greatest materials for motion isolation is memory foam. When two people sleep together, the motions they make can be absorbed by memory foam, which separates these movements on each side of the bed. Memory foam mattresses are better for couples to sleep on.
Overall
We’ve won this round. Memory foam vs. an innerspring mattress comparison should be a lot easier at this stage. It’s understandable that you’d be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information at your disposal. A less stressful experience can be had when making a mattress purchase if the following information is kept in mind.
Please leave a comment if you have any questions or need a personal suggestion!
FAQs
What is an innerspring mattress?
In the mid-1800s, innerspring was originally employed for chair support, and later in mattresses, to provide support. The bulk of an innerspring mattress is made up of a steel coil support structure topped with a thin layer of foam.
What is memory foam?
To begin with, memory foam was developed by NASA as a cushioning material for bedsheets, but it is now widely employed in mattress construction. Known for its sinkage and body-contouring characteristics, it progressively adapts to the specific curves of the body.
Do memory foam mattresses sleep hotter than innerspring mattresses?
Even while memory foam has been criticized for its tendency to get hot when sleeping, many companies have begun incorporating cooling features into their mattresses to combat this problem. Because of the improved ventilation provided by the spaces between the coils, innerspring mattresses often provide a more comfortable night’s sleep than memory foam ones.
Will a memory foam mattress or innerspring mattress last longer?
Generally speaking, memory foam and innerspring mattresses are built to survive for many years, although the innerspring mattresses have a tiny advantage over memory foam when it comes to longevity. Steel coils made of high-quality steel are known to last longer.
Source: https://bestpillowsleepers.com
Category: Comparisons
