Memory Foam vs Spring Mattress: Which Is Right for You?

The debate between memory foam and spring mattresses has been ongoing since memory foam became widely available to consumers in the 1990s. Both types have passionate advocates, and both have genuine strengths that make them suitable for different sleepers. Rather than declaring one type definitively "better," this guide will help you understand how each works, where each excels, and which is likely to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Understanding Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam, originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve aircraft cushion safety, is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam that responds to body heat and pressure. When you lie on memory foam, it softens and moulds to your body shape, then slowly recovers when you get up. This unique property gives memory foam its characteristic "body-hugging" feel.

How Memory Foam Works

The foam's responsiveness comes from its cellular structure, which collapses under pressure and body heat. Higher-density memory foams (typically 50-80 kg/m³) provide more support and last longer, while lower-density options (30-50 kg/m³) feel softer but may wear out more quickly. Most quality memory foam mattresses layer different densities to achieve both comfort and durability.

Modern memory foam has evolved significantly from early versions. Traditional memory foam tends to retain heat, but contemporary formulations include gel infusions, copper infusions, graphite additions, or open-cell structures that dramatically improve temperature regulation. Plant-based memory foams replace some petroleum-based components with plant oils, reducing off-gassing and environmental impact.

Pros of Memory Foam

• Excellent pressure relief: The contouring nature distributes body weight evenly, reducing pressure on joints and sensitive areas
• Motion isolation: Memory foam absorbs movement, making it ideal for couples or restless sleepers
• Spinal alignment: Quality memory foam maintains proper spinal alignment by supporting the body's natural curves
• Hypoallergenic: Dense foam structure resists dust mites, mould, and other allergens
• Quiet: No squeaking springs to disturb sleep

Cons of Memory Foam

• Heat retention: Despite improvements, memory foam generally sleeps warmer than springs
• Initial off-gassing: New memory foam mattresses may emit a chemical smell that takes days to dissipate
• Slow response: The gradual recovery can make changing positions feel sluggish
• Edge support: Memory foam edges may compress easily, reducing usable sleep surface
• Weight: High-density memory foam mattresses can be heavy and difficult to move

Understanding Spring Mattresses

Spring mattresses (also called innerspring mattresses) have been the dominant mattress type for over a century. They use metal coil systems to provide support, topped with various comfort layers including foam, fibre, or fabric padding. The spring system creates a responsive, bouncy feel that many sleepers find familiar and comfortable.

Types of Spring Systems

Bonnell coils are the traditional hourglass-shaped springs connected by wire. They're durable and affordable but transfer motion easily and may not contour well to body shapes.

Offset coils are similar to Bonnell but with flattened tops and bottoms for better conforming and reduced motion transfer.

Continuous coils use a single wire formed into rows of springs. They're durable but can transfer motion similar to Bonnell systems.

Pocketed coils (also called individually wrapped or encased coils) are each wrapped in fabric and operate independently. This design dramatically improves motion isolation and body contouring while maintaining spring responsiveness. Pocketed coil systems are found in higher-quality spring and hybrid mattresses.

Pros of Spring Mattresses

• Breathability: The open coil structure allows excellent airflow, keeping the mattress cool
• Responsiveness: Springs respond instantly to movement, making position changes easy
• Edge support: Spring mattresses generally offer better edge support, maximising usable surface area
• Familiar feel: The traditional bounce is comfortable for many sleepers
• Price range: Available at all price points, including very affordable options
• Durability: Quality spring systems can last many years without losing support

Cons of Spring Mattresses

• Motion transfer: Except for pocketed coil systems, springs can transfer movement
• Pressure points: May not contour as well to body curves, especially in cheaper models
• Noise: Springs can squeak over time as components wear
• Allergen accumulation: Open structure can harbour dust mites if not protected
• Sagging: Lower-quality spring mattresses may develop permanent impressions

The Hybrid Middle Ground

Can't decide between the two? Hybrid mattresses combine pocketed coil systems with substantial foam comfort layers—often including memory foam—aiming to deliver the benefits of both technologies. The coil base provides support, breathability, and responsiveness, while the foam layers add contouring and pressure relief.

Hybrids have become increasingly popular because they genuinely achieve this balance for many sleepers. They tend to sleep cooler than all-foam beds while offering better pressure relief than traditional spring mattresses. However, they're typically more expensive than basic versions of either type.

Making Your Decision: Key Factors

Sleep Position

Side sleepers often prefer memory foam because the contouring relieves pressure on shoulders and hips. Spring mattresses can work for side sleepers, particularly those with thick, quality comfort layers or pocketed coil systems.

Back sleepers can be comfortable on either type, though many prefer the supportive responsiveness of springs or hybrids. Memory foam works well if it provides adequate support for the lumbar region.

Stomach sleepers generally need a firmer surface to prevent hip sinking, which makes firmer spring mattresses or firm hybrids often preferable. Some firm memory foam options also work, but ensure the surface is supportive enough.

Combination sleepers who change positions frequently often prefer springs or hybrids because the responsive surface makes moving easier. Memory foam's slower response can feel restrictive for those who shift throughout the night.

Body Weight

Lighter sleepers (under 60kg) may find memory foam feels firmer because they don't compress the foam as much. Springs or softer memory foam options often work better.

Average weight sleepers (60-90kg) can usually choose based on personal preference as most mattresses are designed for this weight range.

Heavier sleepers (over 90kg) may find memory foam retains more heat and compresses significantly. High-density foam or spring/hybrid options often provide better support and longevity.

Temperature Preferences

If you sleep hot, spring mattresses generally offer better temperature regulation due to airflow through the coil system. Gel-infused or other cooling memory foams have improved significantly but typically still sleep warmer than springs.

Partner Compatibility

If you share a bed and your partner's movements disturb your sleep, memory foam's motion isolation is a significant advantage. Pocketed coil springs offer good (though not quite as effective) motion isolation as a middle ground.

Budget

Both types are available at various price points, but quality matters enormously. A cheap memory foam mattress may use low-density foam that breaks down quickly, while a cheap spring mattress may have inadequate coils that lose support. At budget levels, spring mattresses often provide better value because basic spring technology is more forgiving than basic foam. At mid-range and premium levels, both types offer quality options.

Try Before You Commit

Given how personal mattress preference is, take advantage of trial periods to test your choice. Many online mattress companies offer 100-night or longer trials, allowing you to sleep on the mattress in your own home before making a final decision. Pay attention to how you feel after the initial adjustment period (usually 2-4 weeks)—your body may need time to adapt to a different mattress type.

Ultimately, the "best" mattress type is the one that gives you comfortable, restorative sleep. Use this guide to narrow your options, then let your personal experience make the final call.