Shopping for a mattress can be a real head scratcher.
There seems to be an endless selection of different types and materials. Every brand has its own ‘special’ design that they claim is better than all others.
Don’t be confused by all the marketing talk.
There are really only two types of mattresses: foam mattresses and spring mattresses.
Foam mattresses are made from memory foam, latex foam, poly foam or a combination of foams (hybrid mattress). Some companies also create their own special foams.
Spring mattresses use coils or springs to help boost support and contouring. They also often contain a layer or two of foam on top, to make things softer.
In the foam category, memory foam mattresses are the most popular. They are the ones you are most likely to find when shopping for a mattress.
That is why we are pitting memory foam against spring mattresses. Which one should you buy?
Questions To Ask Yourself
There is no better mattress between the two types. A spring mattress has its pros and cons and so does a memory foam mattress.
What matters most are your sleeping needs and preferences. So we have developed this simple questionnaire to help you buy the ideal mattress for your needs.
1. What is your sleeping position?
Are you a side, back or stomach sleeper? Side sleepers need more pressure relief. A memory foam mattress is better that that than a spring one.
But if you sleep on your stomach or back, then either mattress is fine as long as it provides adequate support and contouring. For stomach sleepers, get a mattress that is firmer than average. The Loom and Leaf Firm is a great example.
If you don’t have a specific sleeping position, I’d recommend a memory foam mattress. But if you want a spring mattress, find one with a foam layer at the top.
2. Do you have back pain?
A lot of experts recommend memory foam mattresses for people with lower back pain. It is better than an innerspring mattress at molding to the body, which improves spine alignment and pressure relief.
I’d also recommend a memory foam mattress for seniors experiencing limited mobility and pain in various joints and muscles.
That being said, there are some high quality innerspring orthopedic mattresses. They can be as good as a memory foam mattress but will often be much more expensive.
3. What is your body weight?
A heavier person will apply more pressure on a mattress. If the mattress sinks in too much, it reduces the level of support to the sleeper.
Your body will be in an unnatural position and you might wake up experiencing pain in the back, neck and hips.
Most mattresses display a weight limit, usually 300 pounds. But that doesn’t mean it won’t sink too much or sag after just a few months of use.
That’s why I recommend spring mattresses for heavier persons weighing around 200 pounds and over. They are better able to take on more weight without compromising support or reducing durability.
Even couples might want to consider getting a spring mattress which can better handle your combined weight.
Memory foam tends to sink in too much and may not last long. If you still want a memory foam mattress, buy a firm one.
4. Do you share your bed with your partner?
Because of the weight issue I mentioned above, get a spring mattress if you share your bed.
A spring mattress is also better at reducing motion transfer. This is especially the case with modern pocketed coil mattresses. The coils retain disturbance at one point only, ensuring you won’t wake up your partner when you turn at night or wake up to use the bathroom.
Another reason I recommend spring mattresses for couples is that they are better for sex – for three reasons:
- They don’t get as hot and stuffy as memory foam mattresses.
- They provide a nice bounce that save energy and ensure you don’t get stuck in one position.
- They tend to be tougher and more durable.
5. Are you sensitive to temperature?
No one likes sleeping hot. But some people are extra-sensitive to even a little temperature increase in a mattress.
If you absolutely hate sleeping hot, get a spring mattress. It is better at regulating temperature than memory foam. Most memory foam mattresses have to be equipped with extra features such as open-cell foam and gel to counter their tendency to get hot.
6. Do you prefer a bouncy mattress?
Bouncier mattresses are better for sex.
If you like a good bounce, then get a spring mattress.
Some latex foam mattresses have tried to create a springy feel by adding a different foam material but they don’t come close.
7. What’s your budget?
Since memory foam was introduced by NASA in the 1960s, it has grown to become the most popular mattress material. This has resulted in cheap production costs.
You can easily find cheap low quality memory foam mattresses for just a couple hundred bucks. But even high quality foam mattresses are cheaper than spring mattresses.
Online memory foam mattresses cost between $600-$999 for a Queen size mattress. Spring mattresses average between $800-$2,000 for the same size. And that’s just online. Expect to pay as much as $3,000 or more in a traditional mattress store.
If you are on a tight budget, get a memory foam mattress.
If you still want a spring mattress and it’s beyond your budget, find spring mattress sellers that provide financing options. Saatva allows easy monthly payments through Klarna. Leesa provides financing for its innerspring Sapira mattress through Affirm.
Most memory foam mattress companies also have financing available, usually through Affirm.
To learn more about each mattress, see our in-depth memory foam vs. spring mattress comparison. It includes details about construction, support, comfort, temperature control and durability of each type of mattress.
Affiliate Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase a mattress after clicking a referral link or using a coupon code on this site. That said, all content and opinions on this site are my own and are NOT affected by these payments.
This site participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
*Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.