Buying a new bed can be overwhelming. With so many types of mattresses available, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you.
In this post, we’ll provide you with answers to one of the most common concerns on the mattress market: the memory foam vs. spring mattress debate.
Spring mattresses have been around for decades and are arguably one of the most traditional types of mattresses. They offer bouncy support in a variety of coil and spring types. On the other hand, foam mattresses are a lot more modern, with soft and dense features that have the ability to conform to the body and evenly distribute weight.
So how do you choose? Use our comparison guide below to weigh the pros and cons of foam vs. spring mattresses in order to choose the option best suited for your sleeping needs.
Foam mattresses are made out of different types of foam to provide both support and softness. NASA invented memory foam in the 1970s, after which it became the most well-known type of foam mattress.
Memory foam is dense, durable, soft, and has a plush to medium firmness with a lifespan of about 10 years. It’s lauded for its heat-wicking abilities and the ability to evenly distribute weight.
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There are three types of foam mattresses: traditional memory foam, open-cell foam, and foam with gel pods. Each type has its own unique qualities and features.
Memory foam mattresses are composed of several layers of foam with a polyurethane foam base. Polyurethane foam is made with several different density levels. The higher the density, the more durable the foam is.
However, the construction of your memory foam mattress will depend on what type of memory foam is used. On top of the polyurethane base is a transitional layer of support foam followed by several layers of memory foam. These layers can consist of several different materials including latex foams, memory foams, memory foam hybrid mixes, and more.
The firmness of a memory foam mattress is measured in indentation load deflection (ILD). This refers to the weight required to make an indention in the mattress. The lower the ILD, the softer the mattress. Memory foam densities range from low (1.5 to three pounds per cubic foot) to medium (four to five pounds per cubic foot) to high (six to eight pounds per cubic foot).
Here at Casper, we know what award-winning comfort feels like. When choosing a foam mattress, you’ll want to buy from a brand you trust so you can get the snooze-worthy sleep you need. Here’s some information about our top-rated memory foam mattress.
The Casper® Original Mattress is our most popular bed, engineered for cool, comfortable sleep. It’s designed with Zoned Support™ that includes three zones of support to help align your spine for all-night comfort. In addition, its AirScape™ technology adds a layer of perforated foam that helps keep you cool all night.
Spring mattresses, also known as innerspring mattresses, are the most traditional type of mattress. They are great for back sleepers and those with lower back pain. They are also an ideal option for individuals who find that foam mattresses do not offer the support they need.
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The different types of spring mattresses can be identified by the specific coils or springs that are used. The thicker the coils of an innerspring mattress, the firmer it is. Thinner coils are less firm but are able to shape to your body profile a lot better.
There are four different types of innerspring mattresses: pocketed, offset coil, Bonnell coil, and continuous coil. The higher the coil count, the better the mattress will conform to your body shape.
Innerspring mattresses are generally made of three layers. A high-density foam base is followed by a layer of coil springs. These springs are surrounded by layers of comfort material that include materials like natural fibers, foam, or latex.
The metal coils are cushioned by supportive layers on the bottom and a comfort material at the top. The type of spring mattress you choose will determine what coil type and layout is used.
So, what are the main differences between memory foam and spring mattresses? Below we discuss some of the key features to keep in mind when choosing between a foam vs. spring mattress.
Spring mattresses have an open-cell design that increases airflow. However, in recent years, many memory foams also now include cooling gels and advanced open-cell structure to help regulate body temperature.
If you’re set on a memory foam mattress but are looking for cooling properties, choose one with open-cell foam or foam with gel pods as opposed to traditional foam. Check out some of our best cooling mattresses for your ideal sleeping temperature.
Best option: Cooling foam mattress or Spring mattress
When it comes to motion isolation technology, a memory foam mattress is going to be the better choice. If you sleep with someone who tosses and turns each night, a memory foam mattress will help absorb that movement so you don’t feel it on your side.
Spring mattresses will likely bounce with movement, resulting in you moving whenever your partner does. In addition, the springs may make some noise as you move. Be sure to learn how to fix a squeaky bed before you buy a spring mattress.
Best option: Memory foam mattress
Memory foam is made of several layers with properties that conform to the body’s natural curves, offering pressure relief to aching joints. If you need additional support, memory foam mattresses come in a range of firmness levels.
Spring mattresses offer some support as well, but their support is a lot more uneven. If you’re looking for a spring mattress that provides the most support, choose one with offset or pocket coils. That’s because continuous coil and Bonnell coil mattresses offer less support and conformity than other spring options.
Best option: Memory foam mattress or spring mattress with offset or pocket coils
While spring mattresses can last a while, the springs can sag after five to eight years of use. However, the thicker the coils, the longer the mattress will last.
Memory foam is generally considered to be the more durable option, lasting between eight and 12 years. The durability of a memory foam mattress relates to its density. The higher the density, the more long-lasting your mattress will be.
For more information about your mattress’s lifespan, refer to our guide about how long a mattress lasts.
Best option: Memory foam mattress
Memory foam is boasted for its ability to adapt to the body’s natural curves and target pressure points such as the neck, spine, and shoulders. This feature offers relief to those major pressure points and a more personalized comfort than spring mattresses.
Generally, the metal construction of spring mattresses can be less comfortable than memory foam. Bonnell coil and continuous coil spring mattresses do not offer much pressure relief. However, the individual springs of a pocketed coil mattress tend to offer the pressure relief many seek.
Best option: Memory foam mattress or spring mattress with pocket coils
Both types of mattresses have set prices for a variety of budgets. In general, spring mattresses tend to cost less than memory foam — the more expensive the material, the more expensive your mattress will be. Some sleepers may want to invest in a memory foam mattress if it means getting their comfiest sleep yet.
The all-foam Casper Element® Mattress costs $995 for a queen size. Meanwhile, the combination of springs and memory foam with cooling gel pods on the Casper® Wave Hybrid Mattress costs $2,895 for a queen size.
Best option: A budget-friendly foam mattress or spring mattress
Side sleepers tend to prefer memory foam mattresses and pocket coil spring mattresses because they need support that molds to their pressure points. Since back sleepers rest with their spine in a neutral position, they don’t need much individualized support.
Back sleepers typically would be fine with a Bonnell coil or continuous coil spring mattress. In general, picking a mattress based on your sleep position is all about what feels most comfortable for you.
Best option: Memory foam mattress, spring mattress with Bonnell or continuous coils
When choosing the best mattress for back pain, higher-end spring mattresses like offset coil and pocket coil are often better because they offer a solid combination of stiffness, springiness, and conformity. Bonnell coil and continuous coil spring mattresses will not offer the support and comfort many backache sufferers need.
On the other hand, research has boasted memory foam for its abilities to reduce back pain. Memory foam is known for its localized support and ability to adapt to the sleeper’s body. However, some sleepers find the feel of a memory foam mattress to be too soft, whereas spring mattresses are more reactive and springy.
Best option: Memory foam mattress, spring mattress with offset or pocket coils
Another type of bed you may want to consider is the hybrid mattress. A hybrid mattress combines an innerspring system with memory foam, latex, or gel. For sleepers stuck between a foam or spring mattress, a hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds.
Casper offers a range of hybrid mattresses suited for a variety of sleepers. Read about some of our best hybrid options below.
The Casper® Wave Hybrid Mattress is our most supportive mattress, combining foam and springs for added lift, airflow, and edge support. Its Zoned Support™ Max and gel pods ergonomically align your spine in two layers with gel pod support that cradles hips.
In addition, the AirScape™ 3 + cooling gel makes it our coolest mattress yet, circulating air away from you and keeping your mattress cool to the touch. Finally, there are hundreds of resilient springs that add lift, airflow, and a bit of bounce.
The Casper Nova® Hybrid Mattress is our most soothing mattress, combining foam and springs for added lift, airflow, and edge support. Its Zoned Support™ Pro technology includes seven ergonomic zones to help keep your spine aligned.
The AirScape™ 2 technology provides two layers of perforated foam to help keep you cool all night. It also has hundreds of resilient springs that add lift, airflow, and a bit of bounce. The mattress is soft and inviting while still giving you the support your body needs.
Still have lingering concerns about the foam vs. spring mattress debate? Take a look at all the answers we provided below.
Foam mattresses are excellent choices for those who want moldable support, even weight distribution, and less bed movement throughout the night. The foam material cradles you with comfort while keeping your bed in place as your partner tosses and turns.
Spring mattresses are great options for those who want to stay cool at night and enjoy bouncy support. They can also provide the right amount of lift for all body types and come in a range of prices for all budgets.
There are several differences between an innerspring vs. foam mattress. Here’s a quick breakdown of each one:
Temperature: innerspring is more cooling, while some foam mattresses can trap heat
Movement: innerspring mattresses bounce as you move, while foam stays in place
Support: innerspring mattresses offers uneven support, while foam distributes weight
Durability: foam typically lasts longer than innerspring
Pressure Relief: a foam mattress targets pressure points better than spring mattresses
Cost: innerspring and foam mattresses come in a range of price points
Sleep Position: both innerspring and foam mattresses can suit your sleep position
Back Pain: foam is great for back pain, and higher-end innerspring mattresses may provide relief
Every sleeper is different. Depending on your preferred mattress feel, sleeping position, and price point, one mattress may be better for you than another. It’s important to weigh all the differences between a foam vs. spring mattress to determine the best pick for you.
Can’t choose between a foam vs. spring mattress? Check out our Casper® Wave Hybrid Mattress and Casper Nova® Hybrid Mattress for a dream combo of innerspring and foam.