Spring mattress vs memory foam mattress: How much do you know about the differences between the two? Read on to learn more about the differences between them.

Did you know that you should replace your mattress after 6 to 8 years? Afterward, the bed will start to sag or lose its bounce simply due to wear and tear. Before you buy just any bed, let’s look at spring mattresses vs. memory foam mattresses. 

We’ve investigated the similarities and differences between the two. That way, you can decide which mattress type is right for you and your family. 

Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s an in-depth look at a spring mattress vs. a memory foam bed: 

What Is a Spring Mattress? 

Spring mattresses have been around since the late 1800s and, as such, are known as traditional mattresses. Spring mattresses contain metal coils in one or more layers to provide some bounce to the bed. 

The type and number of coils vary between mattresses. To ensure the mattress is well cushioned, spring mattresses contain either foam or natural fiber between each layer of springs.  

The pros and cons of a spring mattress include: 

Pros

• Often cheaper than memory foam mattresses 
• Good edge support  
• Long-lasting 
• Durable
• Tend to have more bounce than memory foam mattresses 

Cons  

• Can be nosey 
• Be too firm 
• It tends to sag with time  

Types of Spring Mattresses 

Spring mattresses come in four distinct coil types. To better understand each coil and its features, we’ve broken them down below: 

Pocket Coils

Pocket coils come individually wrapped and help with decreasing motion transfer. So, if one person gets on the bed or rolls around, you won’t feel their movement as much. The positioning of the coils helps them adapt to the pressure and motion of the sleeper.  

Since these coils consist of the latest coil technology, they will undoubtedly increase the price of the mattress. Most pocket coil mattresses are sold for about $700 to $1,500, depending on the brand and size, making them the same price as memory foam mattresses.  

If you want to purchase a high-quality spring mattress, there’s no higher quality than pocket coils. They offer the best of both worlds by being firm but soft for those that like an in-between texture. However, since they are still a new addition to the spring mattress, only a few brands carry them, making pocket coil mattresses hard to find. 

Offset Coil 

Offset coils are made in an hourglass shape but come with flat ends and spiral wires. These coils are known for their stiffness and ability to conform to the body. 

Unlike other coils, these are made to last long and decrease sagging over time. Since they are more on the high-end spectrum, offset coil mattresses cost as much as $700 to $1,000. 

Since offset coils have been on the market longer, most brands will feature them in their mattresses. So not only are offset coils cost-efficient, but they are also easier to find, making them the ideal coil type. 

Continuous Coils  

Continuous coils consist of wires twisted in an s-shape with spiral wires attached to the meshwork of the mattress. These coils are the best at providing comfortable support for your entire body. 

The positioning and shape make it good at reducing motion and providing temperature relief. Generally, continuous coil mattresses cost about the same as offset coils.

So you can find a bed for about $700 to $900 from pretty much any brand, making it budget-friendly and easily accessible. If you like softer mattresses, you’ll want to pick this coil type over the others. 

Bonnell Coils  

These coils consist of an hourglass shape and help soften the bed or make it firm. Bonnel coils have a long history and were used in one of the first adaptations of the spring mattress. 

They’re in use today; however, due to outdated technology, they are not that popular or recommended by professionals. Bonnell coil mattresses are among the cheapest spring mattresses on the market. Generally, you can find a Bonnell coil mattress for $200 or less, making it a budget-friendly option. 

Plus, since Bonnell coils have been on the market for so long, every mattress brand has one, making it easily accessible. Although, due to its outdated technology, chances are the mattress won’t be incredibly comfortable or long-lasting.  

Reasons to Buy a Spring Mattress 

We have the perfect solution if you’re still torn on whether a spring mattress is right for you. We’ve listed three reasons to buy a spring mattress over a memory foam mattress. Read on below: 

Gets Rid of Heat 

Spring mattresses are notorious for their distribution of body heat. Due to the mattress’s unique air flow abilities, you won’t find yourself hot or sweating at night. 

You can get to and stay asleep much easier with its heat dispersion. After all, you won’t have to take off any blankets or have a fan on you. Your body heat will instead be absorbed and scattered; that way, you stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.  

Health Reasons 

Since spring mattresses don’t localize body heat, they’re great for your health. People going through menopause or have hyperhidrosis will love spring mattresses. Not to mention, those with low blood sugar, infections, or hormonal issues, won’t have to worry about sweating at night or getting hot. 

Spring mattresses are perfect if you have an ongoing medical issue that makes you hot, clammy, or sweat. Since the spring mattress doesn’t concentrate heat but instead distributes across the bed, you’ll be able to stay comfortable even when you are at your warmest. 

Affordability  

If you’re looking for a cost-efficient mattress, spring mattresses are for you. They tend to cost under $1,000 at any mattress store. You can also find many discounted mattresses for under $300.

Keep in mind the lower the price, the lower quality. So if you purchase a mattress for under $100, it will likely not last over a year. 

But if cost is an essential factor for you, buy a spring mattress over a memory foam mattress. Spring mattresses are available at various prices, making them affordable for any budget. 

What Is a Memory Foam Mattress? 

Memory foam was first used in beds in 1991, revolutionizing the market and making it a best seller worldwide. Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to mold around the sleeper’s body. 

Making a customized contour for the body helps sleepers with body aches and pains while resting. To understand more about the memory foam mattress, we’ve listed the pros and cons below: 

Pros  

• Durable 
• Easy to maintain 
• Good weight distribution 
• Comfortable for all types of sleepers

Cons  

• Is prone to odor issues  
• Often expensive 
• Has heat distribution issues  
• Not long-lasting 
• Prone to staining 

Types of Foam Mattresses 

There’s no doubt that memory foam helps you get the rest you desire, but were you aware that there are different types of memory foam? To help you decide which kind of memory foam is right for you, we’ve listed the four types of memory foam below: 

Traditional Memory Foam 

Traditional memory foam is by far the most popular choice when it comes to buying a memory foam mattress. It consists of polyurethane, making the mattress pressure absorbent and soft. It’ll form around the body, making the mattress distribute your weight and allowing less pressure on your back and legs. 

Traditional memory foam has been around for over a decade, so every brand has a memory foam mattress. Although, just because it’s accessible doesn’t make it affordable. 

Due to its comfortable technology, it’s one of the most expensive mattresses on the market. Memory foam mattresses often cost around $1,000 to $3,000. However, they wear out quickly, so you may have to purchase mattresses more often than a spring mattress.  

Open-cell Memory Foam  

Open-cell memory foam is similar to traditional memory foam, although it contains a different inner structure. As the name implies, it has an open cell design which increases airflow and makes heat escape. 

This mattress is perfect if you find it hard to get comfortable because you’re warm. The improved airflow makes the mattress cool to the touch, so it’s comfortable to lay on and can regulate your body temperature. That way, you’re not constantly hot or start sweating at night.  

The open-cell memory foam makes the bed thicker and softer, which is excellent for those who need support. It also has a bit of bounce to it. That way, you don’t just sink into the mattress; instead, there’s a bit of firmness to prop you up. 

However, its innovative technology makes open-cell mattresses often expensive and hard to find. Currently, only a few brands offer a mattress with open-cell memory foam, so if you want it, you’ll have to pay $1,000 to $2,000 for it.    

Gel Memory Foam 

Gel memory foam mattresses can be made in one of two ways. They can contain implanted gel pods or, in some cases, a top layer of gel over a traditional memory foam bed. 

The purpose of the gel is to provide comfort and coolness for the sleeper. After all, traditional memory foam can localize your body heat, making you warm throughout the night. 

Having gel in or on top of your mattress enables the memory foam to disperse heat better. That way, you stay cool whether you’re lying on the bed or getting a night of restful sleep.   

The addition of gel also provides more of a bounce to the mattress. With traditional memory foam mattresses, some people feel they sink into them, leaving them without support. 

The gel provides more firmness to the bed and enables the bed to bounce back with added pressure. As such, gel memory foam mattresses provide the best support for back and side sleepers.  

Due to the advanced technology, these mattresses cost more. You can find them for about $2,500 to $3,000. However, unlike open cell mattresses, almost every brand has a gel memory foam mattress, making it easy to find at any mattress store. 

Cooling Memory Foam 

The cooling memory foam consists of cooling additives like copper or graphite, which have high absorption rates, making the bed release heat quickly. Now, you’re probably wondering, how is this mattress different from other cooling mattresses like open-cell and gel memory foam? 

That’s a good question; unlike gel and open-cell mattresses, cooling memory foam is not firm, nor does it contain any added bounce. It’s just like traditional memory foam but with additives to make the mattress cool when pressure increases. If you like the look and feel of a traditional memory foam mattress, you’ll certainly like this mattress type. 

Like traditional memory foam, this mattress type is generally sold at about the same price of $1,500 to $3,000. Plus, many brands tend to carry it, so you won’t have trouble finding it. 

Reasons to Buy a Memory Foam Mattress   

Memory foam mattresses are beloved by many; however, just because they are popular doesn’t mean they’re for everyone. To find out why you should purchase a memory foam mattress over other types, we’ve listed three reasons below: 

Pain Relief 

Memory foam is known for its pain relief qualities. After all, memory foam decreases pressure off your body, making you feel like you’re laying on a cloud rather than your back, side, or stomach. 

Memory foam mattresses can also support the curvature of your spine. In doing so, memory foam beds are a great source of support and comfort for any type of sleeper. 

Motion Isolation 

Do you sleep next to another person? If you do, memory foam mattresses are the way to go. 

After all, memory foam can absorb pressure, decreasing the mattress’s movement. That way, you don’t feel when your partner gets into bed or moves around. Motion isolation will help you get to sleep and stay asleep since you won’t feel your partner’s movements. 

Premium Quality

Another reason to buy a memory foam mattress is its premium quality. Memory foam mattresses offer total comfort, the best support, and the ability to limit movement. 

Of course, memory foam mattresses cost more. But look at it this way, do you want a bed that costs less but only meets some of your needs for the next six to eight years, or do you want a bed that meets all your needs but is more expensive? 

As a bonus, you can make different customizations to a memory foam mattress to meet your needs. However, with a spring mattress, customizations are minimal. 

So do you want to constantly purchase a different cheaper mattress or buy an expensive one and have it for years to come? The premium quality of memory foam mattresses makes them a popular purchase and a good investment for sleep constancy and comfort. 

Mattress FAQ’s 

Now that you know a little about each mattress, let’s look at some frequently asked questions. We’ve included four of the most asked questions to help determine which mattress is for you. 

1. Which Type of Mattress Is Right for Kids? 

If you’re looking for a mattress for you’re growing child, look no further than a spring mattress. Kids need a firm or medium-firm mattress to support their back and joints as they grow and age. If you purchase a memory foam mattress known to be softer, it can damage their spinal ailment, which can cause back and neck pain throughout the night. 

Plus, spring mattresses have the best edge support, which will help your child not fall off the bed. They’re inexpensive, meaning you can get a twin bed for under $500. After all, this won’t be your child’s last mattresses, so it’s beneficial to save when you can. 

While spring mattresses are the best mattress type for kids, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the best for a teenager. Teens will generally want a more comfortable bed, which is where the option of memory foam comes in. Since teenagers have developed their spine correctly, there’s no need to worry if memory foam will benefit them. 

Consider your child’s age to determine which mattress type is right for your child. If they’re aged four to 12, purchase a spring mattress; however, if your child is 13 to 18, purchase a memory foam mattress. It’s that easy!

2. What Type of Mattress Is Best for Couples? 

If you sleep next to your partner, you should purchase a memory foam mattress. Memory foam beds have good movement isolation, meaning you won’t feel when your partner gets into bed or rolls around. Motion isolation is an excellent feature that can help you fall asleep, especially if you and your partner have different sleep routines or schedules. 

Since traditional memory foam often traps heat, buying a cooling memory foam mattress is better. That way, you and your partner don’t get hot at night and instead enjoy a restful sleep. 

3. How Do You Clean a Spring and Memory Foam Mattress?  

The steps for cleaning are the same for both mattresses, which may surprise some. However, to get rid of dried stains, mix one cup of mild laundry detergent with two cups of water, then spray the mattress lightly with the mixture.  

You’ll want to ensure that the bed doesn’t get too wet because the mixture will be hard to remove and mold on your mattress. Once you finish spraying, scrub the mixture gently in circular motions with a damp rag. Once the stain is gone, switch to a slightly damp rag and go over the wet areas. 

Then grab a dry rag and lightly press on the damp areas to help the mattress dry. Remember, beds can take a long time to dry, so ensure a heating source is nearby, whether it be a fan or direct sunlight. If the bed is not dry in 24 hours, the mattress has likely developed mold or mildew.  

4. Which Mattress Size Should I Choose? 

The mattress size you should buy depends on the room it’s going in and the people sleeping on it. To ensure you get the right size, measure the room’s dimensions, then compare them with the mattress measurements. 

A queen bed can usually fit into any standard size room. However, if you want a king-size bed, you may have to maneuver some of your bedroom items, limiting your ability to decorate your bedroom. 

Always choose the mattress that will fit comfortably into the room; that way, you can easily maneuver around it and put other items into your bedroom. If you have to squeeze it in or have limited walking space, the mattress is taking up too much room, which can make a cluttered environment.  

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

Purchasing a new mattress can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what you want. Now that you know the pros and cons of a spring mattress vs. memory foam, you can choose which mattress fits your needs. If you’re still teetering between the two, ask yourself, do you want firm support or customized cushioning?

Spring mattresses will give you the support you need at a fraction of the cost. However, they can be nosey and have bad motion isolation.  

Memory foam mattresses are popular for their ability to contour to the body and help with aches and pains. Although, they tend to be expensive and have problems with temperature regulation.  

Contact us today to purchase your preferred mattress in Jacksonville, FL. We look forward to helping you find the right mattress for you and your family!