Spring vs. Foam: Which Mattress is Better for Your Sleep Needs?

Shopping for a new mattress can get overwhelming, especially for the first-time buyers, thanks to the plethora of many choices available. But, you can make the whole buying process seamless and a lot easier by narrowing down your choices to two mattress categories: Spring mattress and foam mattress. Why? Because among all, these two are considered best for improving sleep quality, and they are also widely available at reasonable prices.  

Now, the question is: which mattress is better: spring or foam? Should you buy a foam mattress or a spring bed? There’s no clear-cut answer to this, as it depends largely on your sleep needs and preferences. 

Let's compare foam and spring mattresses and see what you should get for a truly amazing sleep experience. 

What is a Foam Mattress?

Foam mattresses are incredibly popular, especially among back sleepers for their ability to provide targeted support. Most foam mattresses you will see on the market are usually a blend of  impression and memory foam or only polyfoam. Some advanced mattresses are made from the Pro Nexa foam, an innovative foam by India’s mattress giant Sleepwell. If you want to buy a new mattress, you can consider them for their targeted support.  

Foam beds also come in varying firmness levels, from soft to firm, and can be from budget-friendly and luxurious, offering a wide variety to choose from. Their firmness hugely depends on the type of foam used. Let’s see the types of foam commonly used in these mattresses:

Pro Nexa Foam

Developed by Sleepwell, India’s leading mattress brand, it isn't just another run-of-the-mill foam—it's an advanced foam that’s unlike regular memory foam. It mimics smart recovery properties and provides unmatched support and comfort. Its unique cell structure also allows proper airflow, eliminating the occurrence of sweaty nights.

Mattresses made from the Pro Nexa Foam typically come under the luxurious mattress category but they can also be affordable.  They may also have a top layer made from a more comfortable quilting layer for enhanced comfort and a plush feel.

Polyurethane (Poly) Foam

Commonly known as polyfoam, it’s a common ingredient in modern foam mattresses. Many people find it bouncier and springier than other types of foam, such as memory foam. It is often found in both all-foam beds and as a comfort layer in spring mattresses.

That said, polyfoam can be of different types, including:

• Regular Polyfoam: It is soft and used mainly in transition layers.

• High-Density Polyfoam: It is firmer than regular polyfoam and used for support layers.

• High-Resiliency Polyfoam: It is very supportive and durable, but more expensive and less common.

Memory Foam

Made from a similar material as polyurethane but with added ingredients for density and viscosity, memory foam is another most commonly used material in all-foam mattresses. It has been a popular choice because of its ability to contour to the body for excellent pressure relief. However, it is not suitable for all types of sleepers and traps heat causing you to sweat during sleep.

Now, memory foam can also be of varying types, such as:

• Standard Memory Foam: Soft, supportive, and affordable. 

• Open-Cell Memory Foam: Designed with tiny cells for better airflow, keeping it cooler.

• Gel Memory Foam: Contains gel beads for enhanced cooling and airflow.

Most foam mattresses combine different types of foam layers to create a balanced and comfortable bed. Typically, you'll find 2-5 layers in a foam mattress, each serving a specific purpose. While budget mattresses may use a single layer of polyfoam, most modern mattresses use a blend of materials for optimal comfort and support.

What is a Spring Mattress?

Spring mattresses need no introduction to the mattress world. Also known as innerspring mattresses, they are the second most popular choice after foam mattresses. They feature metal springs that act as a sturdy support layer, which are complemented by a softer, plush layer for top comfort. 

Many people find spring mattresses better than foam mattresses in terms of support, especially those who are heavier or sleep on the side. That said, not all spring mattresses offer the same level of comfort and top feel. Several factors play a role in their comfort and support. 

Coil Count: The more individual coils the mattress has, the better will be the support. High-quality spring mattresses typically have around 400 or more coils encased in a queen-size bed. However, a higher coil count doesn't always mean superior quality. Why? Because the quality of the coils also influences the support and comfort of a mattress.

Foam Layers: Surrounding the coils are often foam layers, with a plush or polyfoam comfort layer on top. The quality, material, and thickness of these layers significantly determine the mattress's comfort.

Coil Gauge: This refers to the wire thickness used in the coils, influencing the bed's firmness. Since most manufacturers mention the intended firmness in the product description, you don’t need to worry too much about the coil gauge.

It’s also worth noting that spring mattresses no longer rely on a single type of spring. Today, many types of coils are available, each offering a different level of comfort and support. Let’s look at these types of coils. 

Bonnell Coils

These are the original springs used in the first spring mattresses. They are hourglass-shaped coils that can be either soft or firm depending on the wire gauge. They are simple and cost-effective.

Pocket Coils

Also known as pocketed coils, these are individually wrapped in fabric sleeves, allowing them to move independently. This reduces noise and provides targeted pressure relief, making them common in higher-end mattresses.

Offset Coils

Joined together with hinged wires, these coils flex under soft pressure but offer firm support when needed. They are often used in firmer mattresses but are less common overall.

Continuous Coils

These coils feature a single wire that forms an entire row of coils, which are then connected by helical wires. This design provides great firmness but since each component is welded together, it offers less contouring to the body.

By understanding these elements, you can better choose a spring mattress that meets your needs for support and comfort.

Which is Better for Your Sleep Needs: Mattress with Springs or Foam? 

To be honest, selecting the perfect mattress goes beyond just comparing between memory foam vs polyurethane foam. With a variety of high-quality, comfortable, and supportive options available, it's all about finding the right model for you.

Most people find a high-quality foam mattress, such as the Pro Nexa Mattress, better for their sleep quality. Why? Because quality foam provides an excellent middle ground, offering support and pressure relief while maintaining a soft and luxurious feel. Even if you sleep on your side, you will love sleeping on a foam mattress. This is because it does a fantastic job of conforming to the shape of the body, ensuring a cosy night's sleep.

For those who tend to sleep hot, a spring mattress could be the answer. Innerspring beds boast significantly better airflow, which helps keep the bed cool throughout the night. Approximately 40% of sleepers who experience night sweats or hot flashes opt for spring mattresses due to this cooling advantage. This doesn’t mean foam mattresses are unfit for these sleepers. 

Today, foam mattresses feature cooling technology, such as gel infusion or cell structure that allows for superior airflow, regulating the temperature and keeps you cool. Sleepwell’s Pro Nexa Comfort mattresses are a good example of such foam beds.

Heavier sleepers or those who favour sleeping on their stomachs should look towards innerspring or very firm foam beds. These options offer the essential support needed, preventing the uncomfortable sinking of the spine that can occur with softer foam models. Studies show that 85% of stomach sleepers find greater comfort and spinal alignment on firmer mattresses.

One of the best parts of mattress shopping today is the flexibility offered by online brands. They now provide free trial periods, allowing you to test the bed for up to several months. If you're unsure about your choice, this trial period can give you the confidence to find the perfect fit without the pressure of immediate commitment.

With these insights, you can confidently choose a mattress that meets your comfort and support needs, ensuring many restful nights ahead.

Conclusion

While mattress shopping can be overwhelming, you can have an easy time should you narrow down your options to mattresses with spring and foam. Between these two choices, you can benefit the most from investing in a high-quality foam mattress, preferably made from the Pro Nexa foam. This type of mattress will suit your sleep needs and preferences in all likelihood, offering you a refreshing sleep experience you always crave.