Foam vs Innerspring Mattress
Is foam better than innersprings?
See the Test that the mass-producers don't want you to know about.
After rigorous (200,000 passes by a 220# Rollator!) testing, we were able to prove what common sense makes obvious – steel is stronger than polyurethane foam!
FakeNews
Steel is stronger than foam, in every way possible. But many mattress salesmen want you to believe the opposite about foam-core beds.
Learn MoreAbove are the results of additional firmness testing of the two sample cores. The sample cores were subjected to ASTM F 1566-09 Firmness testing in the previously tested section and compared to sections that have not been subjected to any physical testing. The samples consisted of the Queen unit’s innerspring core, the Full units core with the 2” piece of foam that was adhered to the core and of the core with the 2” cushion removed (core only).
The firmness testing shows the innerspring core to have 4..9% softening between the untested and tested areas which could be attributed to the relaxation of the pocket material which is normal after a 100,000 cycle durability test. The foam core with the 2” foam cushion attached showed 32.9% softening between the untested and tested area. The core alone showed 20.3% softening between the untested and tested area.
These results would indicate that the innerspring after a full durability test retains essentially all its firmness characteristics and that the cushioning material used to complete the mattress assembly is where the majority of the change of firmness does occur. The results also indicate the foam core of the full size sample contributed significantly to the amount of change in the mattress sample.
If you have any question, instruction or if I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.
Garold Swaim
Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
Manager, International Technical Center
What Are Innerspring Mattresses?
Innerspring mattresses are the most popular type of mattress on the market today. They have been around for over a century and feature an interior core consisting of interconnected springs or coils. The coils offer support to the body and can vary in terms of thickness, size and shape depending on the sleeper’s preferences.
What Are Foam Mattresses?
Foam mattresses are a more recent innovation in the mattress industry, offering a unique range of benefits over traditional innerspring mattresses. Instead of relying on coils for support, these mattresses feature layers of different types of foam to form the mattress core. This can include memory foam, latex foam and poly foam.
Pros and Cons of Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. They are comfortable, supportive and relatively affordable. But how do you know if a foam mattress is right for you? Here we will outline the pros and cons of foam mattresses so you can make an informed decision before you buy one.
Pros
- Comfortable: Foam mattresses are incredibly comfortable. They conform to your body shape and help with pressure relief.
- Supportive: Depending on how well they are constructed, foam mattresses can be very supportive and keep your spine aligned. The contouring abilities make it easier for the mattress to adjust to your body’s shape.
- Affordable: Foam mattresses are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of mattresses on the market. This makes them more accessible for people on a budget.
Cons
- Heat Retention: Foam mattresses retain body heat more than other mattresses as they don’t allow air circulation like traditional spring models. If you tend to sleep warm, this may not be your best option.
- Off-Gassing: Some foam mattresses may emit a chemical smell when first used due to the foam materials used in their production. This smell should dissipate over time but can be bothersome at first.
- Durability: While some high-quality foam mattresses can last up to 10 years, they are generally not as durable as traditional innerspring or hybrid models, which last longer due to their sturdier construction.
These are just a few of the pros and cons associated with foam mattresses. Considering the cost of replacing the foam mattress sooner than expected and the heat retention issue if you tend to sleep hot is essential.
Why Choose an Innerspring Mattress?
Innerspring mattresses offer an outstanding balance between comfort and support. They are also more durable than foam models, so they last longer. The innerspring mattress type is likely your best choice if you’re in the market for a traditional mattress that will provide support and motion isolation. With their durable metal coils, innerspring mattresses may offer more value for your money as they are less prone to sagging or wear and tear than foam mattresses.
How Do Foam and Innerspring Mattresses Differ?
A traditional innerspring mattress is firmer and better suited for stomach sleepers who need maximum spinal alignment and motion transfer prevention. Memory foam mattresses have a soft, contouring feel that provides cushioning comfort to side sleepers or those with hip pain.
Temperature-wise, foam beds absorb and retain body heat more than innerspring. Durability-wise, innerspring models use solid steel coils, which endure much longer than foam’s softer materials that can sag and break down over time due to certain conditions like heat or moisture exposure.
Hybrid Mattresses Offer the Best Features of Both Mattresses
A hybrid mattress is the perfect combination of foam and innerspring models. This type of mattress offers support from the metal coils but also provides comfort with layers of foam on top. Hybrid mattresses can be tailored to a specific body type or sleeping style, such as hot sleepers, side sleepers needing pressure relief or stomach sleepers seeking spinal alignment. They can also be adjusted to a range of firmness levels, making them one of the most versatile mattresses available.
Hybrid mattresses are advertised as combining the best features from both innerspring and foam beds in order to give you an optimal sleeping experience, whether you prefer a softer or firmer mattress. You’ll enjoy superior comfort, support and greater durability with a hybrid mattress, making them a great choice for all sleepers and sleeping positions.
If you’re in the market for a new mattress and aren’t sure what mattress type is best for you, Comfort King can help! Contact us today with any questions you may have, or to get a quote on the mattress of your dreams.