Coil Spring vs. Foam

Coil Spring

Coil spring (also called innerspring) mattresses use metal coils to provide resistance and support. Contemporary bedding use pocket coil systems that are entirely independent from each other so there are less pressure points. The rule of these new pocket coil systems is the more coils that are used, the more independent movement and response is in mattress.

Older coil spring mattresses, however, have one frame with coils interconnected to one another. Although this provides good support across the entire surface, and a longer durability life, there are comfort concerns about these mattresses.

Additionally, most coil spring mattresses have memory foam, latex, or some other type of bedding to provide a soft surface to sleep on.

Pros: Durable materials, and newer pocket coil systems provide comfortable support.

Cons: Older coil spring mattresses can cause more back pain and irritate pressure points.

Foam

Mattress foam comes in multiple different types: memory foam, polyurethane, and latex. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that has lower resistance so it reacts and slowly reforms when pressure is released. It generally makes up the surface layers of a mattress.

Polyurethane comes in multiple different forms - making it useful in the middle and base layers of many foam and memory foam mattresses.

Latex is the natural alternative to memory foam and polyurethane foams. It is created from sap from a rubber tree and is treated to create different densities to cover both soft and firm requirements. Like rubber, it is highly responsive and has a bounce that some sleepers love and some others hate.

Pros: Depending on the foam type, it can be quite comfortable, safe, and responsive.

Cons: Lower quality foams can break down quickly, causing sagging issues within only a few months or years.

Learn More About Coil Spring

Learn More About Foam

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Material Scores

Overall Score:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Foam: 9.3/10

Comfort:
Coil Spring: 9.2/10
Foam: 9.4/10

Softness:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Foam: 9.5/10

Cooling:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Foam: 8/10

Hypoallergenic:
Coil Spring: 9.5/10
Foam: 8.1/10

No Odor:
Coil Spring: 9.5/10
Foam: 8.4/10

General Support:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Foam: 8.7/10

Eco-Conscious:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Foam: 8.5/10

Price Value:
Coil Spring: 8.4/10
Foam: 9.4/10