Coil Spring vs. Memory 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.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a blend of polyurethane (a polymer made as a byproduct of petroleum refining) and additional chemicals that give the memory foam its low-resilience. It was originally developed by NASA in the 1970s for airplane cushioning and has since become one of the widest materials used in mattresses and pillows.

In plain English, what makes memory foam is its ability to contour to pressure and return to its original shape slowly after pressure is released. This process allows for it to react to pressure differently across its surface and provide a contoured, but aligned feeling for sleepers.

In mattresses, older or lower quality memory foam may sag from the repetitive pressure of laying or sitting. For this reason, those that are heavier should do additional research about soft memory foam bedding as they will sink more than alternatives and could lead to discomfort for some body types.

Lastly, over the recent years, there has been reports of off-gassing and toxic odors released from memory foam. Some lower quality or treated memory foam may have this problem and cause respiratory inflamation. It is important to make sure that memory foam is high quality.

Pros: Contouring comfort, competitive pricepoints, and widespread options.

Cons: Sagging and off-gassing problems with lower quality foams.

Learn More About Coil Spring

Learn More About Memory Foam

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Material Scores

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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