Memory Foam Mattress vs Traditional Spring Mattress

How do spring mattresses compare with memory foam mattresses?

Memory foam is quickly becoming the modern day mattress while spring mattresses have been used for years and are considered standard.

Below is a memory foam vs spring mattresses comparison.

Mattress Support Comparison

• Spring Mattresses
  
  

  Spring mattresses may give the illusion of comfort at first, but as the image shows, they do not offer sufficient pressure point relief. To your right is a pressure point test from a leading spring mattress indicating pressure points.

  A spring mattress relies on a varied number of springs which push back against your body, all with the same force. Proper support is impossible because your body does not push evenly. This results in pressure points leading to poor blood circulation, tossing and turning, aches and joint pain.

  Fact: Spring mattresses lose 16% of their support in the 1st year alone.

• Memory Foam Mattress
  
  

  Good quality memory foam mattresses distribute body weight evenly, like having billions of little spring supporting you. Pressure points are significantly reduced, up to 80%, which only memory foam can provide. Tossing and turning is the leading cause of a poor night's sleep which is drastically reduced with a memory foam mattress.

  Pressure is measured in mmHg. 32mmHg or lower is considered to be pressure relieving according to the healthcare industry.

  The lowest mmHg on the market is provided by Essentia's memory foam mattress at 12.43mmHg @ 200lbs.

Mattress Firmness

• Spring mattresses act as a shock absorber and reduce the wear and tear of the mattress. Coil gauges determine firmness and support. The less coils there are, the thicker the springs. Coils which are 1.63mm to 1.37mm in gauge give in easily to pressure while a 1.94mm gauge coil feels firm.
  
  FACT: a coil system only costs just $13.
• Memory foam mattresses can be firm to supple. Since they distribute your weight evenly, a good firm memory foam mattress should give you a firm feeling without compromising your back, hips and joints. Some memory foam mattresses become more supple with body heat, therefore offering you the cradling support your body requires.

Temperature Sensitivity

• Memory foam mattress is know for being temperature sensitive. This is a negative as it takes time for the foam to adjust to your body. This delayed response is a complaint among memory foam mattress owners. If you like a cooler room you'll notice the foam taking more time to adjust and recover. At freezing point the foam is rock hard. The only memory foam that is not temperature sensitive is Essentia natural memory foam.
• Spring mattresses don't adjust on body temperature unless they come with a memory foam topper. The top layer will add comfort and support if made with enough quality memory foam.

Drawback Points

• Spring mattress drawbacks
  • Spring mattresses begin to sag after 1-2 years. In fact they lose 16% of their support in the 1st year alone.
  • Spring mattress warranties allow up to 1.5 inches of normal body impression. Many have been affected by this as it usually means the foam is no longer recovering or pressure relieving. This "normal" body impression often occurs just 3-6 months into ownership.
  • Spring mattresses come with a maximum 10 year warranty.
  • Innersprings have no support for back or spinal alignment.
  • Spring mattresses do not spread body weight evenly. Because each spring pushes back with the same force, pressure points are inevitable.
• Memory foam mattresses drawbacks
  • Top memory foam mattresses are expensive due to the quality of materials used. Cost is typically directly associated with quality because the materials are costly, not the labour.
  • Because they adjust to your body some foams take longer than others to conform and recover.
  • Some memory foam mattresses are made with poor quality foams and may have a pungent unpleasant smell when new.

Maintenance

• Spring Mattresses must be rotated once every three months to even the wear. Avoid folding or bending spring mattresses.
  
• Memory Foam Mattresses do not have to be flipped or rotated. There is no maintenance required.

Conclusion

Spring sleep systems are old technology. Their profit margins are extremely high (83%+) and a spring mattress must be replaced every 5-10 years. This is a billion dollar industry which many depend on.

The Better Sleep Council suggests that a quality mattress should provide 8-10 years of good support and comfort. With an average person spending 30% of their life sleeping, the importance of a healthy and accurate mattress cannot be ignored. A good quality mattress is important for healthy living and this applies to adults, the elderly, young children and babies.

A quality memory foam mattress may be pricy but will certainly contribute to your health for over 20 years with the best support and comfort known to sleep technology.

People who read this article also read:

- Essentia vs Tempur-Pedic Comparison
- How to choose a memory foam mattress
- Spring mattress or memory foam mattress?

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