Can’t stop tossing and turning in your bed every night? You might be sleeping on the wrong mattress!
There are several things you need to consider when choosing a mattress. This includes the size, the thickness and the type of mattress. Spring mattress and memory foam are the two types of mattresses that are used most commonly around the world. The debate between these two bedding systems is a never-ending one. But which one should you pick for a good night’s sleep?
In this article, we will discuss the features of spring and memory foam mattresses, along with the benefits and drawbacks of choosing each of these for your bedroom.
What Is a Spring Mattress?
Traditional spring mattresses were first invented in 1871 by Heinrich Westphal and have been used globally since then. They are still a popular choice because they are the most affordable mattresses out there. A spring mattress has three layers: the foundation layer at the bottom, the core and the top comfort layer.
The topmost layer is usually made of latex foam, wool or cotton. The layer is thick enough, so you don’t feel the sharpness of the coils in the core.
The core consists of a coil system with a number of springs that provide support by pushing our bodies back with the same amount of pressure that we apply. Spring mattresses usually have 4 types of coils:
- Pocket coils: Pocket coils are most common amongst newerspring mattresses. They are made of individual pieces of wire that have a uniform width. These coils are wrapped in fabric; hence, they are called “pocket” coils. Some pocket coils have a target support system that provides varying levels of support to different body parts.
- Offset coils: Offset coil cores are made of many individual coils set way too close to each other. While these coils provide excellent support, they make the mattress too firm.
- Bonnell coils: Bonnell coils are found in the oldest spring mattresses. They have an hourglass shape that is broader at the ends but thinner in the middle. Such coils are more likely to break easily and do not provide as much support as other types.
- Continuous coils: As the name suggests, a continuous coil core is made out of a single piece of wire shaped into spring coils. These coils ensure sturdiness and durability. However, since all coils are connected, there is a lot of motion transfer throughout the mattress.
The foundation, the bottom-most layer, supports the coils and gives the mattress its structure. The foundation is made of sturdy wool or foam.
Pros of a Spring Mattress
- Way cheaper than a memory foam mattress.
- Coils in a spring mattress allow airflow and give a bouncy feel.
- Gives instant gratification; easier to settle in.
Cons of a Spring Mattress
- Doesn’t hug your body the same way a foam mattress does.
- Will droop in areas over time; needsreplacement earlier.
- Can’t be vacuumed and delivered in a sealed box; need a truck.
- Pressure of coils can increase joint and muscle pain.
What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
A memory foam mattress consists of several soft layers of polyol or polyurethane foam. The layers create the perfect foundation and provide even support because they vary in thickness. Memory foam was first designed in 1960 to help NASA astronauts counteract pressure in the Earth’s outer atmosphere. Today, memory foam mattresses are used widely in hospitals, hotels and homes.
Sleeping on a memory foam mattress feels like a luxury experience. The foam has an open-cell structure that supports your body without a push-back, making you feel like you are resting on a cloud. It supports your body weight evenly, reducing back pain, repairing muscles and relieving joints. Memory foam mattresses come in different sizes and thicknesses. The most common is a 10–inch memory foam mattress, which is the perfect choice for you if you are switching from a spring mattress.
The three main types of memory foam mattresses are:
- Gel memory foam: Gel memory foam mattresses were invented because traditional memory foam is said to trap a lot of heat, making your bed hot to sleep in. These mattresses have a layer of gel microbeads that absorb the body heat and keep it within the mattress.
- Convoluted memory foam: A convoluted memory foam mattress, also called eggshell foam, forms peaks called air pockets that release body heat that gets trapped in the mattress. The release of hot air helps keep the mattress cool.
- Channelled memory foam: A channelled memory foam mattress has ventilated air routes that help promote air circulation throughout the mattress as you sleep. These mattresses will make you feel less suffocated when you sink into them.
Pros of Memory Foam
- Contours to your body shape.
- Helps in pain relief; suitable for the
- Have a long lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
- Can be vacuumed and delivered in a compact box.
Cons of Memory Foam
- Expensive than spring mattresses.
- Will trap heat at the top if of low quality, makingyour bed hot.
- Takes some time for you to adjust.
Spring Mattress or Memory Foam: How to Decide?
1. Support
A 10 inch memory foam mattress available at M.A Global will provide ideal support to the curves of your body without adding any pressure or push-back, unlike a spring mattress. It will also distribute your body weight evenly.
2. Price and Durability
While a spring mattress is much affordable than a memory foam mattress, it doesn’t last as long (maximum 5 years) and will need a replacement, increasing your total investment. A memory foam mattress will end up saving your money as it will last much longer (8 to 10 years). However, many brands like M.A Global are now offering memory foam mattresses at affordable rates (even cheaper than spring mattresses!) because of their increased popularity.
3. Temperature
A complaint that many people have against memory foam mattresses is that they trap heat. For this reason, higher-quality memory foam mattresses with gel layers and air pockets have been developed to keep heat away from the body. Though coil mattresses are cooler and allow greater airflow, an advanced memory foam mattress can do the same for you.
M.A Global Limited Has Both!
At M.A Global Limited, we have a wide collection of both spring and memory foam mattresses to suit your bedding needs. When deciding between a spring mattress or memory foam, give us a call at 07710793859. We would be happy to help you make your pick so you can sleep peacefully.