Memory Foam vs Innerspring Mattress: What’s the Difference?

The materials that your mattress contains impacts your comfort, support level, and ability to get a good night’s rest. Memory foam and innerspring mattresses are both popular amongst consumers. Innerspring mattresses have been around for over 100 years. Memory foam mattresses have been around since the 1990s.

A memory foam bed contains several layers of dense foam. These foam layers are designed to contour to your body and relieve pressure points. Some sleepers describe this contouring feel as the mattress hugging their bodies.

In contrast, an innerspring bed contains a thin top layer of fabric with a coil spring support base. An innerspring mattress provides sleepers with a responsive, bouncy feeling instead of contouring to their unique body shape.

This article will dive into what each of these mattress types is and how they feel. We’ll also help you determine which is best for your sleep needs. Then, we’ll touch on a few other mattress types and key factors to keep in mind when selecting a new mattress.

Memory Foam Mattress: What is it?

Memory foam mattresses have been growing in popularity over the past few decades. A memory foam bed consists of thick layers of foam that wrap around the body of sleepers. This design results in a hugging and cradling sensation. The purpose behind the body contouring of memory foam mattresses is to alleviate pain and release built-up tension.

Your memory foam mattress should contain polyurethane foam, often shortened to polyfoam. Polyfoam is mixed with synthetic chemicals that allow for body holding and shaping. Because it flexes under heat and pressure, memory foam is also known as viscoelastic foam.

Mattress manufacturers rely on different types of foam to construct their memory foam mattresses, with a base layer of resilient foam underpinning the top layer of memory foam.

Memory foam beds can be beneficial for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their side or alternate between sleep positions throughout the night. The material is available in all firmnesses, with plenty of options for back and stomach sleepers available.

Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses come with plenty of benefits that traditional innerspring mattresses don’t offer. The first of these benefits is the intense contouring to a sleeper’s body’s unique shape and curves. The body-hugging support of a memory foam mattress is often the best way to relieve pressure points and soothe tired joints or muscles.

Plus, the design of a memory foam bed provides you with very little motion transfer. This design allows you to stay asleep while your partner moves in bed or gets up out of bed in the middle of the night. The thick layers of foam inside a memory foam bed increase durability and minimize upkeep. Memory foam makes an excellent mattress for couples.

Memory foam itself naturally wards off bacteria, dust mites, and fungi that can aggravate allergies. Memory foam density prevents these intruders from settling inside the mattress.

SEE ALSO: Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide

Drawbacks of Memory Foam Mattresses

While memory foam mattresses are a great option, they aren’t necessarily the right fit for everyone. The dense layers of materials used in the construction of this bed pose a high risk of overheating and night sweats. This retention occurs because there is little space between the bed and your body for body heat to escape.

The density of a memory foam bed can make it heavier than innerspring beds and harder to move by yourself. That said, other  mattress types can be even heavier and difficult to move.

Likewise, the chemical components used in manufacturing can give off a gas odor upon setting up your bed. Usually, this odor dissipates in a few days, but it can lead to headaches and nausea until it disappears.

As mentioned, traditional memory foam mattresses could be uncomfortable for hot sleepers. Often, the memory foam would absorb body heat faster than it could release it, letting it build up until the sleeper wakes up in a sweat.

Nowadays, most companies have a cooler variation on traditional memory foam. Mattress manufacturers use infusions that wick away heat, such as graphite or copper, for a peaceful night of sleep.

Memory foam beds also are not waterproof and need to be covered with a mattress protector to avoid damage. Still, it’s always smart to use a protector, regardless of what mattress type you choose.

The Amerisleep AS3 is a best-selling memory foam mattress, which is why it tops today’s list. This cooling mattress has a medium feel excellent for side and combination sleepers. It’s also great for couples who are looking to compromise on a firmness.

Inside the AS3 is 3 inches of Bio-Pur® memory foam, 2 inches of Affinity foam, and 7 inches of Bio-Core® foam. The mattress’s cover is lightweight and built to wick away heat and moisture so you stay cool all night long.

Normal memory foam is made out of petroleum-based oils, leading to heat retention, oversinkage, and off-gassing. With Bio-Pur®, you won’t have to worry about any of these. Bio-Pur® is made with castor oil, ensuring the foam is breathable, bouncy, and won’t smell!

The Affinity foam in the AS3 uses Amerisleep’s HIVE® technology. This support technology has specially-designed cutouts arranged into five zones to better support and cushion different parts of your body.

Bio-Core® base foam promotes healthy spinal alignment to prevent pain and discomfort. Not only that, but the foam fights off lumps, soft spots, and sags.

The Amerisleep AS3 comes with a 100-night trial and 20-year warranty. It also includes free shipping and returns.

Innerspring Mattress: What is it?

Innerspring mattresses use a system of metal springs and coils as the base support layer. The most common type of coils used are offset coils, continuous coils, and pocket coils. A layer of foam is wrapped around the coil base. A higher coil count or thicker coil gauge impacts the feel of your innerspring mattress.

A top comfort layer provides sleepers with a soft sleep surface and prevents coils from poking through the bed. The comfort layer includes a thin layer of fabric with some padding. Both sides of an innerspring mattress have a comfort layer. This dual-sided design allows you to flip the mattress.

Innerspring beds are ideal for heavier sleepers and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers may find the bed too firm for comfort. Mattresses for side sleeping should promote a soft, conforming feel for pressure relief.

Benefits of Innerspring Mattresses

Sleeping on an innerspring bed is optimal for sleepers who want a responsive sleep environment and bouncy support. Those with mobility issues, such as arthritis, should find an innerspring mattress doesn’t give them a sinking or sunken feeling.

The spring system of an innerspring mattress allows for good breathability. This increase in airflow eliminates overheating and is helpful for those who suffer from night sweats. Hot sleepers seeking a cooling mattress on a budget might enjoy an innerspring bed.

Innerspring beds are also cheaper than memory foam beds since they don’t contain dense layers of foam.

Drawbacks of Innerspring Mattresses

There are some major drawbacks to the lower cost of a spring mattress. The biggest drawback for some is its shorter lifespan. Innerspring mattresses are prone to early sagging and can have issues with springs poking through the surface. Most innerspring mattresses only last 5 to 6 years.

Along with this decreased durability, is less joint support and pressure relief. The thin comfort layer of a memory foam bed isn’t designed to contour to the body or provide an intense level of support.

Many sleepers may feel the bed lacks support or too firm for a comfortable night’s sleep. The firmer support is usually due to the thin layers of foam and fabric covering the mattress’s springs. Innerspring beds are also known to creak or squeak as you roll over or get out of bed.

One of our favorite innerspring mattresses is the Zoma Hybrid, a medium-soft bed built to improve your sleep quality while soothing achy muscles. It’s a great choice for side sleepers dealing with chronic hip and shoulder pain.

The Zoma Hybrid is 12 inches thick and contains gel memory foam, Reactiv™ transition foam, pocketed coils, and a thin base foam. Since the Zoma Hybrid is actually a spring alternative to Zoma’s flagship model, you can get this bed in an all-foam variation if you prefer.

The gel memory foam inside of the Zoma Hybrid draws heat away from the body, keeping you cool and comfortable. The memory foam, itself, is cushiony without feeling uncomfortably soft or unsupportive.

Next is the Reactiv™ layer, which offsets the softness of the memory foam and keeps your body lifted while you sleep.

Zoma wraps each of the coils in their beds with a lightweight, yet durable fabric to reduce wear, noise, and motion transfer. Pocketed coils are great at closely supporting your spine and maximizing airflow throughout your bed. The coils on either side of the bed are extra-firm to minimize sags.

The base of the Zoma Hybrid is a thin foam which protects the coils and helps your bed last.

When you purchase the Zoma Hybrid, you receive free shipping, a 100-night trial, and a 10-year warranty. If you decide the Zoma Hybrid isn’t right for you, returns are free and easy!

Major Differences Between the Two

Which is the Best Mattress for Me?

Which of these mattresses is best for you depends on your personal preferences and sleep needs. Innerspring mattresses are better for those sticking to a strict budget who don’t have intense support or pressure relief needs. Larger framed stomach sleepers are most comfortable on an innerspring bed.

In contrast, those who have a more flexible price point or joint pain are better off with a memory foam mattress. Memory foam beds are ideal for lightweight sleepers who sleep on their side or alternate between sleep positions. If you’re a light sleeper who plans to share your bed with a partner, a memory foam mattress is best.

Other Mattress Types

Back sleepers and others with varying health issues may not be comfortable on an innerspring or memory foam mattress. This is where hybrid and latex beds come into play. A hybrid mattress is perfect for those who want the best of an innerspring and memory foam mattress. Latex beds are good for those with back pain who have allergies or are prone to overheating.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses feature a 2 to 3 inches thick comfort layer. This comfort layer is composed of either memory foam or latex foam. Then, a transition layer rests above the mattress’s pocket springs. Hybrid beds are known for being quiet and their responsive feeling.

Some sleepers have an issue with night sweats, due to the thick foam layer on top of the hybrid mattress. The moderate amount of body-holding support this bed offers is ideal for those who don’t get the right level of support from a memory foam mattress. Hybrid beds last on average 7 to 10 years.

Latex

Latex beds are great for heavier sleepers or those who sleep on their back. The responsive design of a latex mattress prevents your body from sinking into your bed and promotes a proper spinal alignment. The natural components in a latex mattress keep you cool at night and avoid skin or allergy irritation.

If you’re a light sleeper, latex is the way to go. You won’t have to worry about being disturbed as your partner tosses and turns at night. Most latex mattresses have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years and aren’t prone to early sagging.

FAQs

How long do memory foam beds last?

The durability of your memory foam bed depends on how thick the foam is and the interior arrangement of support layers. On average, high quality memory foam mattresses last 7 to 8 years before they need replacing.

However, some memory foam beds come with a warranty of 20 years or more. Check your mattress warranty to see if it’s time to replace your memory foam mattresses. Some warranties cover everyday wear and tear like sagging, while others do not.

Is gel memory foam better than regular memory foam?

Gel memory foam isn’t necessarily better than a regular memory foam mattress. Gel memory foam mattresses have been on the market since 2011. The cooling gel in these beds eliminates night sweats and overheats during the summer months.

Heat retention is a common issue for some sleepers who choose to purchase a memory foam mattress. Mattress manufacturers infuse the foam with gels for a cooling memory foam mattress, promoting uninterrupted sleep. However, a gel memory foam bed may be slightly firmer and more responsive than a traditional memory foam mattress. It may also be more expensive.

Can you use an innerspring mattress on a platform bed?

Yes, you can use an innerspring mattress on a platform bed. When doing so, make sure there’s enough room and a high enough weight limit for a box spring. You can put some innerspring mattresses on a platform bed without a box spring. However, this isn’t always the case.

For more information, read our platform bed vs box spring guide.

What is better, coil or memory foam?

Whether coil or memory foam is better depends on the type of person sleeping on the bed. Coils can be more comfortable and supportive for larger sleepers who don’t have joint issues. Memory foam is best suited for sleepers who are lightweight and have specific joint support needs.

Memory foam is also better for those who have a flexible budget and sleep on their side. Coil beds can be cheaper and optimal for stomach sleepers who need a firmer sleep surface. Still, firm mattresses with memory foam do exist.

Do you need a boxspring with an innerspring mattress?

You always need to pair an innerspring mattress with some type of mattress foundation. In most cases, a box spring is the best foundation. However, this is dependent on the type of bed frame you choose for your mattress. You can also use a bunkie board underneath your innerspring mattress instead of a box spring.

What Is the Right Mattress for Me?

Memory foam and innerspring mattresses are both great options. Which type of mattress you decide to buy depends on your:

• Size
• Support needs
• Budget
• Sleep position

Memory foam mattresses tend to be better for smaller side sleepers who need extra joint support for their hips, shoulders, and neck. Back and stomach sleepers may also find a firm memory foam mattress maintains a neutral spine alignment.

Innerspring mattresses are cheaper than memory foam. They’re best suited for heavier sleepers who don’t require an immense amount of support. Memory foam mattresses are more durable and offer better motion isolation.

Other mattress types to consider include latex and hybrid mattresses. Hybrid beds are a great middle-ground option if you’re stuck between choosing a memory foam and an innerspring mattress. Latex beds are suitable for green shoppers seeking natural  products.