Composite v springs

A composite mattress can be either - a mattress made from a composition of different materials (e.g. springs and memory foam), where each material adds a sleeping characteristic of its own. Or it can be made from different layers of the same material, as in the case of high quality memory foam mattress products where different foam densities are used in different layers.

In ether case these composite mattresses are considered to be top performing elite products in the mattress world. All of these mattress variants are regarded as orthopedic mattresses.

High quality, high pocket spring count mattresses are one competitor to the composite material mattress and they also command high prices with spring counts of anything from 2000 to 8000 springs in a double bed.

Retail price

Composite mattresses and high spring count pocket spring mattress products are both expensive, however they provide high levels of comfort an support.

Springiness

Springs provide the classic bouncy mattress feel and the type of springs combined with the spring count can make them very firm or very soft – or anywhere in between.

Most composite mattresses have a pocket spring base with a high performance foam top surface. This means that they have a springy quality combined with the moulding and body hugging characteristic of memory foam or latex.

Cool or warm feel

Both of these mattress constructions tend to sleep neutral (i.e. neither warm or cold). However, having athe top layer of a composite mattress composed of memory foam or latex foam can influence this to be warmer or cooler.

Ability to mould

Pocket spring beds do not have the moulding, wrapping, hugging or contouring effect that memory foam or latex foam have. If you do not like the sensation that these beds provide, then pocket springs offer the best alternative.

Composite beds will typically have a comparatively thin layer of memory foam or latex foam. This means that they offer a degree of body wrapping, but not to the same extent as a single material foam mattress.

Mattress displacement

The degree to which both of these mattress types will displace in the areas around the sleeper is highly dependent upon the spring count. More springs mean more independent flexing and movement which equals a lesser degree of displacement. This displacement will be reduced still further in a composite mattress.

Spring count versus foam density

In both of these beds spring count is the key. More springs equal better and more independent support.

With a composite mattress the memory foam or latex foam will probably be a medium density rather than a high density. This allows the feel of the spring to transfer through the foam.

Hypoallergenic properties

Only memory foam or latex foam are hypoallergenic.

Life expectancy

These are expensive products, so look for long warranties of at least 5 years. Spring beds will often offer longer warranties than composite beds of the same value. This is because the spring technology has a long record of performance and durability.

Turn or none turn

Although some cheaper spring mattresses are flip over models, the more expensive pocket spring versions tend to have a top side. This means that they are no turn. The same is true of good quality composite mattresses.

Cleaning and maintenance

See manufacturers recommendation and instruction for turning.

Sales popularity

Spring based mattresses remain the most popular of all models. High spring count hand finished pocket spring mattresses are still the elite of the mattress world, but composite mattresses are increasing significantly in sale's levels.

New or old technology

Springs are the oldest technology and composite constructions are the newest and most technologically advanced.

Packing and delivery

Delivered ready for immediate use.

Weight

The more springs and other materials there are in a mattress the heavier it will be. Both of these mattress types can be heavy, but they are generally lighter than high density single material memory foam.

New developments

The latest development in the spring mattress design now sees zoned or zonal mattresses where different horizontal areas of the bed have different strength springs or spring spacings. You can find out more here - the zoned mattress.