A comprehensive guide to understanding the differences between memory foam and spring mattresses. We also listed the pros and cons to help you decide which mattress type is right for you.
What is Memory Foam?
Memory foam was developed by NASA in the 1960s to provide test pilots with appropriate cushioning. The goal was to increase the density and viscosity of polyurethane foam to make it more sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure. Memory foam mattresses are a product of high-quality materials and advanced sleep technology.
Memory foam mattresses are designed to instantly adapt to your body’s temperature, weight, and contours. The top comfort layers soften in response to your body temperature and sink just enough to ease your body into firmer support layers. The capacity of memory foam mattresses to mold to your body enables them to provide equal support for all body parts and promote neutral spine alignment, relieving pressure points and reducing strain that may lead to joint or back pains.
Types of Memory Foam Mattresses
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Traditional memory foam has a closed-cell structure that may trap body heat.
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Open-cell memory foam is more porous, with thermoregulating features or cooling properties like tiny air tunnels and breathable fabric covers to boost airflow, allowing heat to escape.
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Gel memory foam is infused with gel pods on the top layer to increase support and bounciness.
What are Spring Mattresses?
Spring mattresses are the most traditional type of mattress, having been around for over a century. These mattresses are classified based on their coil system, offering various levels of firmness and bounciness depending on the thickness of the metal used, spring density, and how they’re connected.
The metal coils make up the supportive base layer of spring mattresses, while the padded upholstery surrounding and/ or topping the coils would serve as the comfort layers. The softness of spring mattresses will depend on the thickness and type of padding, such as natural fibres, foam, or quilted tops.
Types of Spring Mattresses
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Bonnell spring mattresses have metal coils shaped like hourglasses that sink when pressure is applied. They are the most affordable and traditional mattress option, but they also tend to be less durable and are prone to sag over extended use.
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Offset spring mattresses have hourglass-shaped coils with flat tops and bottoms. They offer stiffer, more durable support that conforms to your body.
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Continuous spring mattresses are S-shaped coils that are twisted and interconnected to offer firm support and reduce motion transfer.
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Pocket spring mattresses are coils individually wrapped or encased in a fabric cover, allowing each spring to function independently for better motion isolation. With more padding, pocket spring mattresses absorb more pressure and are the least noisy variant.
Memory Foam vs Spring Mattresses: Key Differences
Factors to Consider When Finding the Right Mattress
Mattress Type and Preferences
The main difference between mattress types is the materials used in their construction. Memory foam mattresses are made up of different layers of soft to firm high-density foam, providing plush comfort and reliable support. On the other hand, spring mattresses are constructed with steel springs and varying coil variations, offering bouncy support.
Sleeping Position
The best mattress type suits your sleeping position. In terms of memory foam vs. spring mattresses, which do you think will provide you with balanced comfort and support while lying down in your preferred or usual sleeping position? Whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach, or combination, your mattress should help you maintain a neutral spine alignment to prevent body aches and pains.
Body Type and Needs
Your body type, health conditions, and needs influence the optimal level of comfort and support you need while sleeping. The ideal mattress thickness for either foam vs. spring mattresses will significantly depend on body weight and the number of sleepers. For instance, medium to firm mattresses are recommended for pregnant women, while those with back pain will benefit from an orthopedic or medical mattress.
Mattress Size
Both memory foam and spring mattresses are available in different sizes for solo sleepers and those sharing their beds. Choosing the right mattress size depends on the size of your bedroom and the number of sleepers. Single (90 cm x 200 cm) and double beds (140 cm x 200 cm) are extremely space-efficient for solo sleepers. Queen mattresses (150 cm x 200 cm) are versatile, suiting most space layouts and comfortably fitting up to two people. If you want to enjoy abundant space while sleeping, consider King mattresses (180 cm x 200 cm).
Cost and Budget
The choice between memory foam vs. spring mattresses can come down to your cost and budget. Memory foam mattresses may have a higher initial cost since spring mattresses are available at all price points. However, memory foam mattresses may have a longer lifespan and warranty, which may help you save on the cost of replacements in the long run.
Memory Foam Mattresses: Pros and Cons
Spring Mattresses: Pros and Cons
Memory Foam Mattresses to Suit Any Needs and Preferences
Massaggio Deluxe: Massaging System with Firm Support
The Massaggio Deluxe mattress enhances microcirculation with its integrated massaging system, providing a continuous micro-massage that rejuvenates the skin and ensures exceptional well-being. The Memoform layer gently adapts to your body, while the Elioform layer offers firm support.
The mattress cover features soft Viscose on one side and breathable 3D fabric on the other, delivering differentiated support for the head, shoulders, back, legs, and ankles, and distributing weight evenly. The anti-allergenic, breathable fiber enhances comfort and hygiene, making Massaggio Deluxe a premium choice for restful sleep.
MagniCool 10 Firm: Cool Comfort with Firm Support
MagniCool mattresses enable you to maintain the optimal temperature for deep sound sleep. Constructed with comfort and support layers, the 100% Italian-made mattress conforms to your body shape and weight. It will also disperse body heat effectively with a breathable moisture-wicking fabric cover.
Experience the cooling sensation of MagniCool mattresses from Magniflex - a worthy investment to wake up feeling refreshed.
MagniCool 10 Soft: Gentle Support with a Refreshing Feel
MagniCool mattresses enable you to maintain the optimal temperature for deep sound sleep. Constructed with comfort and support layers, the 100% Italian-made mattress conforms to your body shape and weight. It will also disperse body heat effectively with a breathable moisture-wicking fabric cover.
Experience the cooling sensation of MagniCool mattresses from Magniflex - a worthy investment to wake up feeling refreshed.
Dolce Vita Dual 10: Italian Elegance, Personalized Comfort
The Dolce Vita Dual 10 mattress features a Memoform layer that adapts to your body for pressure-free comfort and improved circulation, and an Eliosoft layer that provides supportive, responsive orthopaedic support. Its breathable Viscose and Outlast® cover regulates temperature, is removable for easy washing, and includes a 2 cm Memoform padding for added comfort.
With Magniflex's Dual Core system, each partner can choose their preferred support level by rotating between the adaptive Memoform side and the firmer Eliosoft side, ensuring personalized comfort for everyone.
MagniStretch 9: Endorsed by Chiropractors
Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and developed with Zaragoza University, MagniStretch 9 is a cutting-edge mattress designed to stretch and align the spine. It features layers of Eliosoft and Elioform orthopedic foam with inclined support zones that use your body's pressure to gently increase space between vertebrae and evenly distribute weight. This helps reduce tension, muscle contraction, and back pain, promoting overall well-being.
Armonia Dual 12: Luxury Sleep with Dual Support
The Armonia Dual 12 mattress combines Memoform or Magnigel toppers with Eliosoft and Elioform layers for customizable comfort. Memoform prevents pressure points and enhances circulation, while Magnigel offers cool, soft support.
The innovative Dual Core system allows you to switch between comfort levels with a simple zip and flip. Choose the preferred support level—Soft or Firm—by adjusting the Eliosoft and Elioform layers.
The Dual Core system caters to individual preferences, allowing couples to enjoy customized comfort on each side of the mattress.
Maestro Dual 14: Luxury Redefined with Dual Comfort
From our Magnifico collection, the Maestro Dual 14 mattress combines luxury with exceptional comfort. Featuring a reversible dual core of Mallow foam, Memoform, Aquabreeze, and Elioform, all wrapped in Viscose Satin fabric, it includes a cover padded with Cashmere, Wool, Linen, and Silk.
The Mallow foam offers soft support with anti-inflammatory benefits, while Memoform provides pressure-free comfort. The Aquabreeze layer (3 cm) delivers "Medium Soft" support with 5 differentiated zones for optimal body support. The Dual Core system allows couples to customize their comfort by rotating the mattress cores.
Why Choose Magniflex Memory Foam Mattresses
Magniflex promotes restorative and harmonious sleep experiences. We offer innovative sleep solutions with memory foam that champion personal needs and preferences so that no one, not even those sharing a bed, has to compromise their desired levels of comfort and support.
