Spring Mattress VS Foam Mattress

Mattress Type	Pros	Cons
Foam Mattress	Low motion transfer with minimal bounce Provides good pressure relief and cushioning Soft and comfortable surface   Lightweight and easy to move or roll up	May emit off-gassing odours initially Can retain heat Lacks structural support May develop body impressions over time
Latex Mattress	Naturally breathable and temperature neutral  Durable and long-lasting  Offers a responsive yet cushioned feel  Often made with eco-friendly materials	Heavier and harder to move  Higher price point compared to other types  May feel too firm for some sleepers
Spring Mattress	Strong back support with built-in coil structure Better airflow for a cooler sleep  More bounce and responsiveness	Some motion transfer between sleepers  Slightly shorter lifespan  May produce noise from coils

 

What is a foam mattress?

Standard polyfoam

Polyfoam, made from polyurethane, is widely used in home furnishings like sofas, cushions, and mattresses. Basic polyfoam is often included as a comfort layer in mattresses but is not highly durable by itself. Without added support structures or modifications, mattresses made purely from standard polyfoam tend to wear out faster, showing sagging and body indentations, especially when made from lower-density foam.

Memory foam

Memory foam, also a type of polyurethane foam, includes added chemicals to increase its density and body-contouring properties. It is designed to mould closely to the sleeper’s body, providing excellent pressure relief. However, traditional memory foam tends to trap body heat, which can be uncomfortable in India's hotter climates.

Gel-Infused Memory Foam

Gel-infused memory foam has been developed to counteract heat retention. This type incorporates gel beads or pods into the foam structure, allowing for better heat dissipation and quicker response to body movements. Gel memory foam mattresses are particularly useful in India, where a cooler sleeping surface can make a significant difference during warm nights.

Latex mattresses

Latex is a natural material derived from the sap of rubber trees. The sap is processed to create a dense foam material. Mattresses made of latex are noticeably heavier than other types of foam beds. They are responsive, durable and generally more temperature neutral compared to memory foam. Latex mattresses are popular for their hypoallergenic properties and soft-to-the-touch surfaces. Synthetic latex forms are also used in mattresses, ideal for those with latex allergies.

What is a spring mattress?

Spring mattresses, or innerspring mattresses, are another popular choice across India, especially for those who prefer firm support.

Pocket Coils
Pocket coil mattresses feature individually wrapped springs that move independently of each other. This helps reduce motion transfer and targeted pressure relief, adapting to the body's contours. While pocket coil mattresses are bouncy and responsive, they can develop sagging over time as the coils gradually lose resilience, especially in India's humid climates where materials can wear faster.

Bonnell Coil Mattresses
The Bonnell coil system is one of the oldest and most commonly used types of springs in mattresses across India, particularly in affordable and budget-friendly models. These coils are shaped like an hourglass and are connected to form a durable spring unit. Originally designed for carriage seats in the 19th century, today they offer firm support but may not provide the same contouring comfort as modern coil designs.

Offset Coil Mattresses
Offset coils are a modified version of the Bonnell system. They have flattened tops and bottoms which create a hinging action when pressure is applied. This structure improves the mattress's ability to adjust to the body's curves, delivering a firmer, more supportive sleep surface — a feature highly valued by consumers looking for orthopedic support.

Continuous Coil Mattresses
Known in some brands as Miracoil mattresses, continuous coil systems are made from a single continuous wire that forms a network of connected springs. This design minimizes motion transfer, making it a good choice for couples. However, it may offer less responsiveness and poorer body conformity compared to pocket springs, which can be a drawback for sleepers needing pressure relief at joints or shoulders.

Differences between a Foam and Spring?

Feature	Foam Mattress	Spring Mattress
Sleep Position	Best for side sleepers needing extra cushioning	Suitable for all sleep positions with firm support
Back Support	Offers moderate spinal support	Excellent for maintaining spinal alignment
Odour	May experience "off-gassing" of synthetic smells	Mild new mattress scent that fades quickly
Temperature	Can trap heat due to its dense structure	Better air circulation keeps it cooler
Durability	5–7 years for basic foams 10–15 years for memory foam/latex	Moderately durable, usually lasting 7–10 years

 

Sleep Position: Side sleepers need plush comfort to ease pressure on shoulders and hips. Both soft foam and medium spring mattresses work well—just ensure there's enough spinal support.

Back Support: Foam cushions the body but may lack firm structure. For better spinal alignment, choose high-density foam or go with spring mattresses known for their firm support.

Odour: All new mattresses have some smell. Foam mattresses may emit a stronger "off-gassing" odour due to synthetic materials. It fades in a few days. Air out your mattress before use.

Temperature: Foam can trap heat—especially in humid Indian climates. Spring mattresses offer better airflow and stay cooler. Gel-infused foams can also help regulate temperature.

Durability: Go for high-density foam or spring mattresses with quality coils. Low-grade materials sag faster. Always check the warranty before buying!

 

Which mattress is right for you?

The best mattress for you depends on your lifestyle, sleep posture, and comfort preferences. Side sleepers may prefer plusher feels, while back or stomach sleepers often benefit from firmer spring support.

Buying a mattress can be confusing. it’s always a good idea to try it in-store before making a decision. To find a showroom near you, visit the Sealy store locator.

FAQs on spring vs foam mattress

1. Do foam/latex mattresses last as long as spring?
   High-quality latex or memory foam mattresses last the longest, up to 12-15 years. Well-made innerspring mattresses may last 8-10 years.
   Sealy PostureSense mattresses come with a 7-year warranty.
   All other Sealy mattresses come with a 10-year warranty.
   Read more on the warranty information here.
   
2. What type of mattress do most hotels use?
   Most hotels use spring mattresses with a medium to firm comfort level to accommodate their guests. Generally speaking, a spring mattress suits more people than a foam mattress.
   
3. Is a memory foam mattress good for a heavy person?
   Memory foam is soft by nature, and while it can work well for a heavier person, it is important to choose higher density foams to ensure the bed is sufficiently supportive. In some cases, the foam may lose support over a shorter period of time.