Memory foam v springs

For many people the most obvious choice when it comes to deciding on a new mattress is whether to get springs or foam and, when it comes to foam, visco elastic memory foam is by far the most popular material.

For this reason our comparison of orthopedic mattress properties starts with springs versus foam. N.B. For the sake of this comparison the spring are pocket springs (the superior of the two main spring options).

Retail price

The cheapest pocket spring based mattress will generally be more expensive than the cheapest visco elastic memory foam mattress, however these cheap memory foams may have very little to distinguish them from regular foams.

When it comes to “high end” beds the sky is literally the limit with both high pocket spring count “spring” mattresses and high density and multi layer construction memory foam mattresses running well into four figures.

Springiness

All spring based mattresses will exhibit a springy bouncy property. Memory foam on the other hand has a unique slow recovery “spring back” action which means that it does not have the same springy feel, i.e. it seconds rather than an instant for the mattress to recover its original shape (or flatness). Some will like this, others will not.

Cool or warm feel

Any spring based mattress will have a comparatively open internal structure and this makes it breathable and well ventilated. For this reason a mattress made of springs is seen a s being neutral.

Memory foam is often described as sleeping warm. This is because it holds the body heat of the person (or couple) sleeping on it. It also deflects based on not just weight, but also weight combined with heat. Those who hate a cold bed may prefer memory foam.

Ability to mould

The big selling point of memory foam is its ability to mould, contour and shape itself around the person lying on it. It is almost as if it fits them snugly like a glove.

Spring mattresses do not work in the same way, however the higher the spring count, the more able the bed will be to mould and shape around the person sleeping on it. For this reason a spring based mattress will always feel more “flat” or “level” than a foam one.

Mattress displacement

Combined with the moulding characteristic described above, memory foam only deflects and shapes around the immediate area surrounding the person resting upon it. This means that if there are two people in one bed, the movements of one are rarely felt by the other.

Even with high spring count pocket spring orthopedic beds there is a degree to which any movement is “rippled” over other parts of the bed. For most people this is not disruptive, however if you sleep with a partner who has a restless fidgety sleeping habit memory foam may isolate you from their movements.

Spring count versus foam density

There is no direct comparison between springs and foams, however it is generally considered that a high spring count equates to a high visco elastic foam density. May memory foam beds will however be composed of two or more layers of different density foam.

Hypoallergenic properties

Memory foam is hypoallergenic. Whilst all modern beds and mattresses will normally be treated with antibacterial treatments, the construction of a spring mattress is slightly more prone to harbour bacteria and external material.

Life expectancy

This is highly variable in both cases, however a good quality spring mattress can last (and may have a guarantee for) a considerable period of time. 15 to 20 years is not uncommon for high quality, high spring count beds.

Visco elastic memory foam beds can have similar life spans (and warranties), however some feel that the ability of the foam to perform at its optimum depreciates more quickly. As a comparatively new mattress material (and technology), this type of foam has yet to prove itself fully.

Turn or none turn

Any good quality memory foam mattress will have a “top side up” surface. This means that it cannot be turned over.

Traditionally all spring mattresses could be turned over (indeed this was recommended). Today an increasing number of these spring mattresses are none turn. This is because one side of the mattress may have been given a special surface padding and ticking. In some cases the material in question may be memory foam.

Cleaning and maintenance

Periodic turning through 180 degrees horizontally is required for all memory foam mattress types. Spring beds may require the same, or turning over (i.e. top to bottom).

Generally cleaning should not be required unless there has been a spill or accident. Consult the manufacturers guidelines for information on cleaning.

Sales popularity

Spring based mattress constructions remain the best sellers, however visco elastic memory foam is the best selling alternative to springs and has seen a massive increase in sales over recent years. Much of this has been marketing and advertising driven.

New or old technology

Springs are a tried and tested technology and variations in quality are based on the nature of the springs and the spring count. The filling of the mattress also reflects the overall quality.

Visoc elastic memory foam uses NASA sponsored technology and it is new, radical and provides a very different feel to springs.

Packing and delivery

Spring beds and mattresses are delivered in their ready to use state.

Some companies supply memory foam mattresses in a vacuum sealed shrink wrapped format. When this is the case they need to be unpacked and allowed to "recover" for anything from 24 to 48 hours. This type of delivery is less common with expensive and high density memory foam mattresses.

Weight

Because high density memory foam is just that, i.e. very dense, it is generally heavier than an equivalent sized spring bed.

Our verdict

There is no actual verdict in terms of one mattress type being better or superior to the other. However they do feel very different and they perform in very different ways.

If you want to feel warm and cocooned or wrapped up by your mattress, then memory foam should be a good option.

If you like to move around and change position in bed, or if you like a predominantly flat and springy surface then pocket springs will probably suit you better. A composite (spring and memory foam) mattress will of course give you a bit of both.

Good quality pocket spring mattresses and medium to high density visco elastic memory foam beds are generally considered to be an orthopedic mattress.