Deciding between a memory foam vs an innerspring mattress? There are seven things you need to consider before making a decision.
RELATED: What Is A Pocket Spring Mattress?
Memory Foam vs Innerspring Mattress | What to Know
Construction and Material
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are typically made with a foam mattress foundation topped with a memory foam layer. Widely known as the material that NASA made, memory foam is created with viscoelastic polyurethane foam.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are built with springs or coils at the foundation topped with a foam layer. Hybrid mattresses primarily feature spring mattresses at the foundation and are then padded with other mattress materials, such as foam, memory foam, latex, or a pillow top layer.
Support and Comfort Level
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are known for their excellent contouring and pressure-relieving properties. They do this by evenly distributing your weight across the surface. In effect, this relieves pressure off of your pressure points like your hips and shoulders. And by finely contouring and molding to the unique shape of your body, a memory foam mattress may help promote spinal alignment and good posture.
The downside? Some sleepers experience a sinking feeling with memory foam—literally.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses offer a more traditional and springy feel. The coils underneath provide you with robust support and a responsive surface, making them ideal for sleepers that sleep better on firmer beds. Pocket springs are extra responsive and typically come with at least five zones that respond individually to your movements and the shape of your body.
With springs and coils underneath, the structure of this mattress for more airflow between the layers. The provision for airflow lends itself to temperature regulation and moisture wicking, keeping your innerspring mattress cool, fresh, and sanitary.
Motion Isolation
Memory Foam
Memory foam reigns supreme when it comes to motion isolation. Because it absorbs all your weight, it doesn’t transfer any motion to your sleeping partner. This makes memory foam a great mattress or mattress topper for those who share a bed.
Innerspring Mattress
Generally, innerspring mattresses offer less motion isolation compared to other mattress types. However, keep in mind that there are different types of innerspring mattresses. For example, an innerspring mattress with continuous coils is likely to transfer motion from one side of the bed to the other. On the other hand, pocket springs move individually and are not interconnected, offering adequate motion isolation.
Temperature Regulation
Memory Foam
Memory foam is notorious for retaining body heat and enveloping the sleeper in its warm confines. Standard memory foam mattresses are not ideal for sleepers that sleep hot or those that live in warm climates.
On a positive note, there are many innovative materials, like Serta’s own temperature-sensitive KoolComfort™ memory foam layer. Other hybrid mattresses may also pair a memory foam mattress with cooling gels to help dispel heat. Memory foam mattresses that lay on top of airflow-promoting innerspring mattresses may also not be as warm as conventional memory foam.
Innerspring Mattress
The structure of innerspring mattresses allows air to flow through the coils, keeping the mattress cool throughout the night. What can warm up your innerspring mattress, however, are warm bed linens that retain heat and don’t breathe. Otherwise, spring mattresses are one of the best options for warm sleepers.
Durability
Memory Foam
You can enjoy your memory foam mattress for upwards of six to ten years—given you get your mattress from a trustworthy and reputable brand. A quality mattress will retain its supportive properties for many years. But a poor-quality mattress will lose its shape quickly.
Innerspring Mattress
Focus on the quality of the materials used. Cheap mattresses are generally likely to sag or make loud, creaky noises over time. High-quality models will last up to 10 years, staying very supportive, sturdy, and silent.
RELATED: Hybrid Mattress vs Memory Foam: Which One Should You Choose?
Cost
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses tend to be more expensive than their counterparts.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses typically offer a wider range of models, ranging from affordable to premium price points.
Memory Foam vs Innerspring Mattress | How Do You Choose?
Some sleepers may have more particular needs for their mattress. It could be an allergy and sensitivity towards certain materials, chronic pain, or even an injury. Even a top-of-the-line mattress becomes useless if they don’t satisfy these deal breakers.
Allergies, Asthma, Sensitivities
If you have allergies or are sensitive to certain materials and fabrics, choose a mattress with skin-safe and hypoallergenic materials. You can also find mattresses that are resistant to microbes, bacteria, and viruses. Keep an eye out for mattresses made with potentially harsh or irritating chemicals.
Body Pains & Injuries
Both memory foam and pocket spring mattresses are great for those struggling with body pains or are nursing an injury. Quality memory foam mattresses and pocket spring mattresses offer premium pressure relief and promote spinal alignment.
Bonus Features
Bonus features include unique qualities that improve your sleeping experience in ways to haven’t even considered.
An anti-skid surface can make sure your mattress stays fixed on your foundations and reliably grips onto your sheets. A foam encasement around the perimeter guarantees you’re able to enjoy every inch of your mattress, keeping you from rolling off and providing you with a stable surface even if you sit on the edge.
Warranty Period
Reputable mattress brands typically offer a warranty period of 10 years.
Think of a warranty period as an indicator of the longevity of your mattress. A manufacturer wouldn’t provide warranty coverage beyond the useful life of their product.
Consider how long the warranty period is and if a brand offers a trial period. A month-long trial is enough to test whether a mattress is truly worth the investment. If the brand you’re eyeing doesn’t offer trials, visit their physical store so you can examine the mattress yourself.
Be sure to read up on how to test a mattress before your visit!
The best mattress is largely personal. The best for you may not even be the best for your sleeping partner! So when choosing between a memory foam vs innerspring mattress, decide which qualities are the most important for you. If you can’t make a decision between the two, a hybrid mattress may be your best bet.
Between a memory foam and vs innerspring mattress, which is your pick? Or would you prefer to enjoy the best of both worlds with a Serta hybrid mattress? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you.
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