Coil Mattress vs Foam Mattress

There are few things as crucial as a good night’s sleep. You’ll spend one third of your life sleeping, which is why it is so important to choose a mattress that suits your needs. However, there are so many different types of mattresses out there that it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

Which is the better option if you are buying a bed - a coil mattress or a foam mattress? These types of mattresses are both very popular - so let’s take a closer look at the differences between them so that you can choose the one that fits your sleep needs the best.

What is the Difference?

Coil mattresses (also known as innerspring mattresses) were invented in the late 18th century. They contain steel coil springs that support you while you sleep and give the mattress a bit of bounce. There are many different types of coils, from bonnell coils to continuous coils to offset coils and much more - each offering a unique performance and advantages and disadvantages.

Foam mattresses are made from a material developed by NASA in 1996, which is essentially polyurethane with other chemical ingredients added. It is a material that absorbs shock, is very soft and - when in contact with the human body - will mould around you to create a unique cushioning effect. Then, when you get out of bed it will return back to it’s original shape.

So, which one is best for you? Below are the pros and cons of each of these types of mattresses, so that you can decide for yourself.

Coil Mattress

Pros

● A mattress with coils is generally more affordable than a memory foam mattress.

● If you are the type of person who prefers to sleep on a firm surface, a coil mattress will be more comfortable than a foam mattress for you. You will not feel the sensation of “sinking into” the mattress.

● Coil mattresses are generally cooler and have less risk of causing you to overheat while you sleep.

● Coil mattresses are better for having sex, because they give a little bit more bounce and traction.

Cons

● Motion isolation may be an issue. So, if your partner moves around in bed you might feel it on your side of the bed, which can be disruptive to your sleep.

● Maintaining a spring mattress is a little more involved, as it will need to be rotated often and also flipped.

● If you have back or joint pain, coil mattresses won’t offer any contouring support to alleviate the stress from your pressure points and help you to maintain spinal alignment.

Foam Mattress

Pros

● Memory foam is designed to shape itself according to your body, which can help to relieve the pressure on your joints and give you a more comfortable sleep. Many people report that it helps with shoulder, back and neck pain.

● Many people like the way that the foam envelops you as you sink down into it, making you feel cradled and gently “hugged” by the mattress. Some even say that it feels like you are sleeping “in” the mattress rather than on it.

● Foam mattresses are often great at motion isolation, which means that even if your partner moves around a lot during the night you won’t feel a thing.

Cons

● Some people dislike the feeling of being cradled by the mattress, they feel like they are sinking into it and cannot move around as easily. If you have these preferences, you will be happier in a firmer bed.

● Some sleepers complain that memory foam beds tend to get hotter than other types of mattresses and may cause you to sweat in the middle of the night.

● If the top layer of memory foam is too thick, you’ll sink into it too far before coming into contact with the support layer. This will make it feel like you are sleeping in a hammock and can cause back ache.

● Sometimes, over the years, a memory foam mattress can develop a lasting physical impression of your body. In order to avoid this, it is recommended that you rotate the mattress from the head to the feet every three months.

The choice of memory foam or coils is up to you and will depend on your personal sleep preferences. Neither of these types of mattresses is better than the other - they are just different. Make sure that you shop around and take your time finding the right mattress for your needs. It is a long term investment that will make a big difference in how alert and refreshed you feel every morning when you wake up.

Our team of writers edited this article for informational purposes only. The content provided herein should not be considered or relied upon as a professional or expert advice.