There is no single formula for comfort in a mattress. Comfort is a concept that is incredibly personal, weighing different factors like physiology and preference. And while many manufacturers have devised many different ways to design a mattress, two kinds have persisted: memory foam and spring.
In this article, we are going to discuss the differences and benefits of each type of mattress, so that you have an understanding of what type of mattress to select when you finally need to make a switch.
The Spring Mattress
The spring mattress is made from a basic pocket-coil design wrapped in fabric. It consists of metallic springs held in place by many layers of fabric meant to provide support.
Some of the pros of spring mattresses are as follows:
- They are easy for the budget. They are cheaper, but still have more luxurious models with foam pillow tops added for comfort.
- They are durable. A spring mattress can last between 7–10 years.
And some of the cons are:
- They degrade easily. They generally lose about 16% of their support in the first 1–2 years alone.
- They have bad support. Their back support is generally considered poor and can worsen or lead to back problems.
- They have uneven support. Spring mattresses do not distribute your body weight evenly and tend to push the pressure in the buttocks.
- They’re generally not hypoallergenic. The empty spaces between the springs and in the core of the mattress become a breeding ground for mites and other parasites.
The Memory Foam Mattress
This is a relatively new technology designed by NASA to create a better and more supportive bed that is conducive to supporting the body.
Some of its pros are:
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- They have low costs. Its costs are competitive with spring mattresses, with some durable models under $950.
- They have fantastic support. It relieves pressure more than any other type of mattress and can distribute your body weight more evenly.
- They absorb motion well. It does not jiggle or bounce at all, reducing the risk of waking up sleeping partners.
- They are hypoallergenic. It is a solid block of foam. Whatever mites are to be had on a memory foam mattress are easily cleaned off its surface.
And some of the cons of such mattresses are:
- Better quality mattresses cost more. The best models often cost quite a lot of money because of the cost of materials.
- It can feel like quicksand. The foam can take a while to contour to your body as well as return to its original shape. People have reported feeling stuck in the mattress as though they sank into quicksand.
- They are sensitive to high temperatures. Such mattresses can suffer from a lack of airflow, leaving owners sweating in their sleep from the heat being unable to escape. This problem is increased without air conditioning or in hot environments.
- They can smell bad. New memory foam mattresses can come with a strong and unpleasant smell depending on the quality.
Conclusion
While it seems that memory foam does have the upper hand when it comes to comfort, it still boils down to preference. Some people are perfectly comfortable on a cheaper spring mattress, while others prefer the soft support of a foam mattress. Whatever the case may be, it’s good to know the pros and cons of each before buying a brand new mattress.
And if you’re looking for great deals on spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and other related products, why not read our content at Mattress Review Guru? We provide the best content and reviews about the different types of mattresses for you!