Foam Mattress vs. Spring Mattress: Which Is Right for You?

OCT 21, 2025

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When it comes to choosing the perfect mattress, many people find themselves stuck between the two most popular types: spring and foam. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one will provide the best comfort, support, and durability for your needs.

In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the spring and foam mattress options, comparing the pros and cons of each, explaining their key differences, and helping you make an informed decision.

In this article

1. What is Spring Mattress？Pros and Cons? 2. What is Foam Mattress? Pros and Cons? 3. What are the Differences Between Spring and Foam Mattress? Which One is the Best for You? 4. FAQs about Foam Mattress Versus Spring

What is a Spring Mattress? Pros and Cons?

Spring mattresses, also known as coil mattresses, are a classic and widely-used mattress type. They feature an internal coil or spring system that provides support and structure, offering a responsive sleep surface. These coils can either be Bonnell springs, pocket springs, or continuous coils, each with its own unique set of benefits.

Bonnell Springs: Traditional, interconnected coils offering firm support but more motion transfer.
Pocket Springs: Individual coils wrapped in fabric, providing targeted support and reducing motion transfer. They’re the best option for comfort and durability.
Continuous Coils: Long, continuous wire forming coils, offering decent support but less motion isolation than pocket springs.

Among these, pocket springs are the top choice for their superior comfort and motion isolation. For the best of both worlds, the Newentor Hybrid Mattress combines pocket springs with memory foam for excellent support, pressure relief, and minimal motion transfer. It’s a great choice for those looking for long-lasting comfort and durability.

Pros

Strong Support: Spring mattresses are great for people who need firm support, as the coils provide a solid foundation that helps keep the spine aligned.
Breathability: The space between the coils allows for better air circulation, making spring mattresses a good option for hot sleepers.
Bounce and Responsiveness: Spring mattresses are known for their bounce, making them more responsive than foam mattresses. This is especially beneficial for combination sleepers who switch positions frequently.
Affordable Options: Spring mattresses are generally more budget-friendly than high-end foam mattresses, making them a good choice for those on a budget.

Cons

Less Pressure Relief: While they offer solid support, spring mattresses may not provide as much pressure relief as foam mattresses, especially for side sleepers who need additional cushioning for their hips and shoulders.
Motion Transfer: In traditional spring mattresses (especially models with interconnected coils), movement on one side can easily be felt on the other side, which might disturb a partner’s sleep.
Durability Issues: Lower-quality spring mattresses can start sagging or losing their shape over time, reducing comfort and support.

What is Foam Mattress? Pros and Cons?

Foam mattresses come in various styles, often blending different types of foam for comfort and support. Here's a breakdown of the most common foam types:

Standard Polyfoam: Made from polyurethane, polyfoam is a common material used in many mattresses. It's typically added as a soft comfort layer. However, without added support structures or special additives, polyfoam mattresses have a short lifespan and may sag over time, especially low-density versions.
Memory Foam Mattress: This foam is denser than standard polyfoam and molds to the body for excellent pressure relief. While it provides great support, it can trap heat, making it less ideal for hot sleepers.
Gel-Infused Memory Foam: Similar to memory foam, but with added gel beads or pods that help absorb heat and improve comfort. These mattresses feel cooler to the touch and offer better support.
Latex Mattresses: Made from dense latex, these mattresses are heavier and have a soft, hypoallergenic surface. While they can trap heat, they’re known for being durable and ideal for those with latex allergies when synthetic latex is used.

Each foam type offers unique benefits, with memory foam and gel-infused options providing superior comfort and pressure relief, while latex is known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties.

Pros

Pressure Relief: Memory foam is excellent at relieving pressure points, making foam mattresses ideal for side sleepers or people with joint pain.
Motion Isolation: Foam mattresses excel at reducing motion transfer. If you share your bed with a partner, a foam mattress can help ensure that movements on one side of the bed don’t disturb the other side.
Body Contouring: Foam mattresses, especially memory foam, offer great body contouring, which helps to provide proper spinal alignment, improving overall sleep quality.
Durability: High-quality foam mattresses tend to last longer than lower-end spring mattresses, especially if they’re made with high-density foam.

Cons

Initial Odor: Some foam mattresses, especially memory foam, may emit a temporary chemical odor when first unpacked, which typically fades after a few days.
Less Bounce: Foam mattresses have less bounce compared to spring mattresses, which may be a disadvantage for people who prefer more movement or responsiveness in their bed.

What are the Differences Between Spring and Foam Mattress?

Feature	Spring Mattress	Foam Mattress
Support	Firm, with coil systems providing solid support.	Body-contouring, provides more pressure relief.
Comfort	Less body contouring, may feel bouncier.	Excellent pressure relief, molds to body shape.
Motion Isolation	Higher motion transfer, especially with Bonnell springs.	Minimal motion transfer, ideal for couples.
Temperature Regulation	Better airflow, cooler for hot sleepers.	May trap heat (unless gel-infused or breathable).
Durability	Can last long with good quality coils, but may sag over time.	High-density foam is durable, but lower-quality foam may sag.
Pressure Relief	Not as effective, especially for side sleepers.	Excellent, especially for people with joint pain.
Body Contouring	Less contouring, provides a firmer feel.	Great contouring, adapts to body shape.
Weight	Lighter than foam mattresses.	Heavier, especially latex or high-density foam.
Ideal For	Those who prefer traditional support and better airflow.	Side sleepers, those needing pressure relief and motion isolation.

Which One is the Best for You?

The best mattress for you depends on your sleeping style, comfort preferences, and budget. Here’s a guide to help you decide:

Choose a Spring Mattress if:

You prefer a firmer, more traditional feel.
You tend to sleep hot and need better airflow.
You are on a budget and looking for an affordable option.
You prefer a responsive surface with some bounce.

Choose a Foam Mattress if:

You need pressure relief, especially for joint pain or side sleeping.
You prefer a softer, body-hugging feel.
You share your bed with a partner and need minimal motion transfer.
You don’t mind spending a bit more for enhanced comfort and durability.

If you’re torn between the two, a hybrid mattress that combines the benefits of both pocket springs and foam might be the best option. The Newentor Hybrid Mattress combines the responsive support of pocket springs with the comfort and pressure relief of memory foam. This makes it a great choice for people who want the best of both worlds: solid support and body-contouring comfort.

For those who are particularly focused on comfort and pressure relief, the Newentor Hesperis Memory Foam Mattress offers customizable firmness with its innovative three-layer foam construction, allowing you to switch between a soft and medium-firm and firm feel. This mattress is ideal for those who want personalized comfort and pressure point relief, particularly for side sleepers.

FAQs about Foam Mattress Versus Spring

1. What mattress is best for back pain?

For back pain, a medium-firm mattress is generally the best option. Foam mattresses, particularly memory foam, are highly recommended because they contour to your body, providing excellent pressure relief and helping with spinal alignment.

Hybrid mattresses that combine foam and pocket springs can also offer a good balance of support and comfort. If you prefer a spring mattress, pocket springs are often the best choice because they provide targeted support without transferring too much motion.

2. Which mattress lasts longer, spring or foam?

Foam mattresses tend to last longer than traditional spring mattresses, especially those made with high-density memory foam. A high-quality foam mattress can last up to 10–15 years with proper care. In contrast, spring mattresses, depending on the coil quality, usually last around 7–10 years. However, hybrid mattresses (which combine springs and foam) offer better durability than purely spring mattresses.

3. Are hotel beds spring or foam?

Most hotel beds use a combination of spring and foam to ensure a balance of comfort and support for a wide range of guests. Many upscale hotels opt for hybrid mattresses, which feature pocket springs for support and foam layers (often memory foam) for comfort. However, you may still find spring mattresses in more budget-friendly hotels, especially if they are designed to be more durable and easy to maintain.

Bottom Lines

Choosing between a spring and foam mattress ultimately comes down to your individual preferences. If you value traditional, firm support with good airflow, a spring mattress may be the right choice.

However, if you prefer a softer, more contouring feel with excellent motion isolation and pressure relief, a foam mattress might be the best option for you.

For those looking for a combination of both, the Newentor Hybrid Mattress or Newentor Hesperis Memory Foam Mattress offers a balanced, high-quality solution for optimal sleep comfort.

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