Foam mattresses have definitely become more popular recently, but they aren’t always the best option for everyone. A traditional pocket sprung mattress sometimes just can’t be beaten. Spring mattresses are better at temperature regulation and motion isolation as well as usually running on the softer side of the firmness scale. They’re also a cheaper option than most foam mattresses, so you’ll be able to save some money at the same time.
If you usually share your bed with a partner, then investing in a pocket sprung mattress is a great idea. Thanks to all the individually wrapped coils, they offer greater motion isolation, so when you move in the night, your partner won’t even notice. Also, thanks to the increased airflow, you’ll also be able to stay cooler throughout the night than you would on a foam mattress.
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Innerspring mattresses work well for the majority of sleepers, especially couples who share the same bed. Their construction helps to keep you cool thanks to the added breathability, and the individual springs help to reduce motion transfer and allow you to sleep undisturbed throughout the night.
Because they are less dense than foam mattresses, they are also easier to move around and often come with a much lower price tag. But, do bear in mind that they are often less durable than foam or latex mattresses.
Firmness/ Sleeping Style
One of the big benefits of an innerspring mattress is the variation on firmness levels that are available to you. While memory foam usually runs on the firm side of things, pocket springs can feel plush and softer while still keeping you supported. And, thanks to the option of getting a hybrid mattress that still uses springs as the main base, you can also access firmer mattresses with the memory foam top layers.
Budget
As we mentioned earlier in this guide, innerspring mattresses often come with a lower price tag so are great options for those who need to stick to a budget. This is mainly because they don’t have as long of a life span as foam mattresses do on average.
Innerspring vs. Hybrid
We’ll go into the differences in more detail below, but if you are looking to buy an innerspring mattress, you need to decide if you want just springs, or a spring and foam hybrid mattress. Both options will provide you with the support you need, but they will offer a different feel and firmness level, so picking the right one for you is vitally important.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine the traditional spring base with one or more layers of foam on top. These mattresses are specially designed to provide sleepers with the breathability and support of a traditional spring mattress with the comfort and sinkage of memory foam. They offer added levels of edge support to keep you feeling secure throughout the night, as well as offering mattresses that fall on the firmer side.
Innerspring
Fully spring mattresses offer an unbeatable level of breathability thanks to the individually wrapped coils that allow air to seamlessly pass through them throughout the night. They also help to reduce motion transfer when you share a bed with your partner, as the individual springs won’t react to their movement. Innerspring mattresses won’t mold to your body as tightly as the foam will though, so if you like the feeling of being enveloped by your mattress, this might not be the best option.
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While experts recommend replacing your mattress every 7-10 years, spring and hybrid mattresses don’t usually last this long and remain in top shape. On average, a spring mattress will last around 8 years, and a hybrid mattress only lasts around 6 years. These figures may vary and will depend on the materials and construction of your mattress, as well as your usage and mattress care.
Yes! Most pocket sprung mattresses do a great job at keeping you supported throughout the night thanks to the way the individual springs react to your body weight. While foam mattresses are more likely to include zoned support, there are a number of spring mattresses that have this feature too. If you’re looking for the best orthopedic mattress on the market, we have a guide for that too!
There are three main differences between foam and spring mattresses. These are:
Cooler sleep – Because spring mattresses allow for greater breathability than a dense foam mattress does, you will find yourself sleeping cooler on them. This makes them ideal for hot sleepers, or those who live in warmer climates.
Motion isolation – While a foam mattress will mold to the shape of your body, innerspring mattresses do a better job at keeping motion transference to a minimum, ideal for couples.
Firmness/ feeling – Foam mattresses are usually firmer and will have more of a sinking feeling when you lie on them compared to innerspring mattresses. Spring mattresses will have more bounce to them when you apply pressure, so this really comes down to your own preference.
Prices will, of course, vary across the market, but as a general rule, they will usually be less expensive than foam or latex mattresses. Most high-quality innerspring and hybrid mattresses fall somewhere between $200 – $500 for a Queen-sized mattress.
There are some budget options available that can help you save money, as well as more expensive luxury mattresses if you feel like splashing out.
Both options offer you personalized support, but with a hybrid mattress, you also get advanced edge support and a firmer feel. At the end of the day, this decision comes down to your personal preferences – neither option is necessarily better than the other.
Hybrid mattresses are usually more expensive than innerspring mattresses too – so for those on a tight budget, they might not be an option.
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