With the many kinds of mattresses in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Most mattresses either contain innersprings, memory foam or both. Here’s a helpful guide to the differences.
Memory Foam Mattress
As the name suggests, a Memory Foam mattress is made of high-density foam, and these mattresses usually do not use springs or coils like Innerspring mattresses. Memory foam is usually made of viscoelastic polyurethane foam, which is dense and viscous.
Memory Foam mattresses have a unique, adaptable, and supportive feel. It was developed first by NASA to be used as cushioning in spacecrafts. Owing to its versatility, memory foam material is now used in shoes, mattresses, and various other applications.
When you sleep on a Memory Foam mattress, the heat and pressure produced by the body contours the sleeper’s body offering excellent support and a snug feel
ProsConsExcellent conformingOff gassing for 1-3 days Great motion isolation propertiesSome mattresses sleep hotSoft but still provides great supportDoes not have much bounceGood pressure relief Luxury models are expensiveGreat for side sleepers
Innerspring mattress
An Innerspring mattress contain metal coils at the mattress’s core that offer support. The coils are then covered with comfort layers of foam and cloth at the surface and sometimes also at the base.
Innerspring mattresses have been popular among American households for more than 100 years. This design was developed in the 70s and has been popular ever since. These mattresses are affordable and come in many models.
Pros
Cons
AffordableLess motion isolationResponsiveSprings can make some sounds during movementProvides great bounceVisible sagging after yearsProvides excellent firm supportGreat for heavy sleepers
The difference
Both these mattresses perform differently due to their make and construction.
Feel
- Memory Foam mattresses offer no bounce, which sometimes can offer a stuck-in-the-bed feeling. However, they offer excellent motion transfer for sleepers with partners.
- Because of the buoyant nature and the lift of the Innerspring mattress, it easily offers sleepers easy movement.
Body Contouring
- Memory Foam adapts to the sleeper's shape, offering excellent body contouring. When a memory foam is exposed to body heat and pressure, it responds by making an impression that gives a body-hugging feel to the sleeper.
- On the other hand, since Innerspring mattresses are relatively even on the surface, it offers very little or no body contouring.
Pressure Relief
- Thanks to superior body contouring abilities, Memory Foam mattresses support pressure points that help relieve aches and pains. The mattresses offer great spinal alignment and targets pressure points at the neck, shoulders, and hips for side sleepers.
- Innerspring mattresses have a thin comfort layer and are made firmer; the pressure relief offered is less when compared to a memory foam mattress.
Temperature Regulation
- In the temperature category, Innerspring mattresses offer better temperature control when compared to Memory Foam mattresses. The space between coils encourages great airflow regulating the temperature throughout the night. They maintain a cool and comfortable sleeping temperature.
- Memory Foam mattresses have a bit of an "overheating" reputation. Because of the foam layers, heat is trapped in easily. This can be a total bummer for hot sleepers. Well, the good news is that folks at Memory Foam companies are trying to mitigate this issue by incorporating cooling elements like gel to dissipate the trapped heat.
Motion Isolation
- If you are sharing the bed with a partner who tosses and turns a lot, a Memory Foam might be the right choice for you. Memory Foam mattresses absorb movements, so you don't feel anything on your side of the bed.
- Innerspring mattresses have a nice bounce each time you move, resulting in zero to little motion isolation that can cause sleep disturbances.
- ParametersMemory FoamInnerspringSupport materialHigh-density FoamMetal coilsComfort layerMemory foamFabric or polyfoamFirmnessSoft to mediumMedium firm to very firmMotion IsolationHighLow - ModerateTemperature RegulationSleeps hotSleeps coolEdge SupportLowHighPressure reliefHigh supportModerate supportBody contouringSoft and body-hugging with great contouringFirm, flat surface with minimal contouringAverage Lifespan6-7 years6-8 yearsRecommended ForSide and back sleepers and those who share a bed with a partner.Combination sleeping positions.TypesTraditional memory foam
- Gel memory foam
- Plant-based memory foam
- Latex Rubber Foam
- Pocketed coils
- Continuous coils
- Open coils
Can't Decide Between a Memory Foam and an Innerspring mattress?
No one thing is better than the other; it boils down to personal preference. The memory Foam mattress is the latest innovation in the mattress industry, offering immense support and pressure relief.
Whereas Innerspring mattresses have been around since time immemorial, offering excellent spinal alignment and pressure relief.
Hybrid Mattresses
Many brands now feature hybrid mattresses which contain both layers of memory foam and an innerspring core. This can provide the best of both worlds with excellent comfort and superior support.
While hybrid mattresses can seemingly provide the best of both worlds, your best bet is to try the various types in-store.
We strongly recommend picking the mattress that suits your body type and sleeping position.
Not sure what your body type is?
Mancini’s Sleepworld presents SleepMatch, a science-based technology that provides you with a color-coded guide to perfect sleep. This technology matches you to the perfect mattress by scanning your body and takes thousands of data points to match you with the perfect mattress.
Visit your nearest Mancini's Sleepworld to use SleepMatch today!