Memory Foam Mattress Vs Sprung Mattress – Which One Suits You Better?

Have you been having trouble sleeping lately? Do you wake up feeling unrested? Or is your partner tossing and turning more than usual these days? It could be down to several factors – stress, the weather, lifestyle changes – but it could also be your mattress. How long has it been since you changed it?

If the answer is more than eight to 10 years, then it is very likely your current mattress has worn out. If you notice it is sagging in the main weight bearing spots, if it creaks or you can feel springs poking into you, then it is definitely on the way out. And if you happen to sleep in a different bed, and notice you feel much better in the morning, then the evidence is clear – it is time for a new one. But which type should you get? How many are there? And which is better… memory foam or sprung?

What is a sprung mattress?

A sprung mattress consists of a wire frame enclosed with a sturdy fabric such as wool or silk. The internal structure comes from more wiring – usually steel – which is wound into a spring shape to provide support. The remaining space is then stuffed with more fabric for cushioning and comfort. There are two types of sprung mattresses: coil sprung and pocket sprung, and both come in soft and firm varieties.

Coil sprung mattresses

In a coil sprung mattress, the internal wires are wound into long, continuous springs which run the length of the mattress. Coiled mattresses provide good, firm support and are budget-friendly, but they can start to sag after a few years and lose their supportive qualities. They also have high motion transfer, which means that movement on one side of the bed can cause bounce on the other.

Pocket sprung mattresses

In a pocket sprung mattress, individual pockets are sewn into the internal structure of the mattress, each with its own wire spring. This means that each spring can move independently of all the others, providing better overall support for the body and reducing motion transfer. Pocket sprung mattresses don’t sag as much as coil sprung mattresses and therefore last much longer; for this reason, all our sprung mattresses are pocket sprung.

Who should use a sprung mattress?

If you don’t suffer from any painful or mobility-limiting conditions then a good pocket sprung mattress can provide plenty of adequate support – although back and stomach sleepers should choose a firmer model, such as our Leda 2150. Pocket sprung mattresses are also flexible enough to be used on an adjustable bed, are easy to turn and can be steam cleaned if necessary.

While a single person will sleep well on a coiled or pocket sprung mattress, couples may find the low-motion transfer properties of a pocket sprung mattress make it a better choice for sharing. Sprung mattresses are also very breathable, being stuffed with natural materials, and are therefore an excellent choice for those who don’t like to overheat at night.

Memory foam

Memory foam is an artificial material originally developed by NASA to improve cushioning for airline pilots and passengers. It begins as polyurethane foam, a substance derived from crude-oil products, and has certain chemicals and gases added which give it the open-celled structure that allows it to return to its original state when compressed – hence the name ‘memory’ foam.

Memory foam is highly flexible yet has a slow response time, meaning that when compacted it doesn’t bounce back immediately. It uses the body’s heat to soften and mould to the new shape, creating a cocoon around joints and heavier body parts. For this reason, memory foam mattresses are very comfortable, and because they don’t have any wiring they don’t squeak or need turning. They’re also highly durable, and will last up to 15 years if maintained properly.

Who should use a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam retains its heat when moulded and is therefore well suited to people who feel the cold at night. This heat retention, along with its cocooning properties, also make it a great solution for easing achy, arthritic joints and sore backs.

Additionally, memory foam helps distribute body weight and eliminate pressure points, making it a good choice for users with circulation problems or for people at risk of pressure sores. Highly flexible, a memory foam mattress can bend and return to its original shape many times, so is ideal for using with an adjustable beds.

Memory foam has a slow response time and low motion transfer, so is a helpful choice for couples or people who move a lot in their sleep. Its strong supportive qualities make it suitable for side sleepers, and firm options (such as our Jupiter model) can support weight of up to 25 stone. Memory foam is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, so it’s great for those with hay fever, asthma and other lung conditions.

Combination mattresses

If you can’t decide between memory foam vs sprung mattresses, or you feel your requirements are somewhere in the middle, then you could consider a combination mattress. These are ideal for people who change position a lot during the night, or for couples who have different support requirements.

Our mattress range includes . The Saturn model combines a pocket sprung base with a memory foam top, so is perfect for those who desire the comfort of memory foam without the price tag. Alternatively, the Venus model has a pocket sprung base with a top layer of latex, which means it has all the cocooning features of memory foam but is much cooler, and it’s made from all natural materials.

The bottom line

There is no magic formula for finding the best mattress, although determining your individual requirements will help narrow down the options. These could be based on several factors including your lifestyle, environment and support needs, but ultimately the questions of spring vs foam mattress should come down to personal preference.

Considering you’ll be spending a third of your life on it, it’s worth taking the time to find the right one – after all, if you look after it, it will be supporting you and your dreams for many years to come!