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.
Latex is made from the sap of a rubber tree. Over generations, people have learned how to tap the trees without having to cut them down. This means that it is one of the most eco-conscious and sustainable ways to create bedding.
After the latex is harvested from the rubber tree, it is treated to create foam. The two most common ways of treating latex for bedding is Dunlop and Talalay. The result is a high response and heavy piece of foam that can be used for bedding. By changing the density, the latex can be more or less responsive.
Those that are used to a memory foam feel (a slow response) will be surprised to know that most latex is highly responsive, meaning that although it will react to ones body, it has a natural bounce. Some sleepers prefer this, though others not so much.
Recently, there has been an explosion in latex bedding with the higher demand for eco-conscious foam alternatives. Though latex is natural, there are some that mix it with memory foam. For those that are looking for pure latex bedding, be careful to do your research on the entire bed.
Pros: High response, differing firmness options.
Cons: High expense vs memory foam, some don't like the latex responsive feel.
Overall Score:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Latex: 9.7/10
Comfort:
Coil Spring: 9.2/10
Latex: 9.4/10
Softness:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Latex: 9.4/10
Cooling:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Latex: 8.5/10
Hypoallergenic:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Latex: 8.5/10
Odor:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Latex: 8.5/10
General Support:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Latex: 8.5/10
Eco-Conscious:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Latex: 9/10
Price Value:
Coil Spring: 8.4/10
Latex: 8.4/10