Foam vs Spring Mattress: Which One Should You Buy?

A comfortable mattress sets the tone for better rest and a more inviting bedroom, making it an important part of your home. Quality sleep affects everything from your mood to your productivity, which makes the mattress you choose more than just a comfort decision — it’s a foundation. Exploring our mattress selection can help you narrow down what feels right as you learn how to find the perfect mattress for you.

Still, the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re standing in a store or scrolling online, the choice often comes down to two familiar options: foam or spring. Each offers a distinct feel, different strengths, and a very different sleep experience.

Both have loyal fans and work well in the right context. The key isn’t which one feels softest at first, but how each material supports your body, regulates temperature, and performs with continued use.

This guide compares foam and spring mattresses side by side, so you can understand how they feel, how they function, and which one fits your sleep style best.

Key Takeaways

• Foam mattresses excel at pressure relief and motion isolation, making them a strong choice for side sleepers and couples. Lower-density foams may compress faster over time, while higher-quality foams offer better durability.
  

• Spring mattresses deliver a bouncier, more responsive feel with excellent air circulation, which can be especially comfortable for hot sleepers. More traditional interconnected coil systems may transfer motion, while higher-end designs improve stability.
  

• Your sleep position and body weight matter. Side sleepers often prefer foam for cushioning the hips and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers may benefit from the firmer, more stable structure.
  

• Hybrid mattresses combine foam and spring layers, offering a balanced option for those who want pressure reduction alongside airflow and responsiveness.

What Is a Foam Mattress?

A foam mattress is made entirely from layers of foam, without any metal coils. They are known for the ability to conform to the body, offering strong pressure relief and a more “cradled” sleep experience.

They rose to prominence with the introduction of memory foam, originally developed for aerospace applications, and have since evolved to include a range of materials and technologies designed to improve comfort, support, and durability.

Materials And Construction

Foam mattresses aren’t just one solid block of foam. They’re built in layers, each designed to play a specific role in how they feel and perform as a whole.

• Comfort layer: The top layer typically uses softer foams, such as memory foam or latex, to cushion the body and relieve pressure points.
  

• Transition layer: Sitting beneath the comfort layer, this slightly firmer foam helps distribute weight more evenly and prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
  

• Support core: The base layer is made from high-density polyfoam, providing the structure, stability, and long-term reinforcement that holds it together.
  
  

The density and thickness of these layers have a direct impact on the mattress’s overall feel and how well it holds up with regular use. Higher-density foams often retain their shape and resist sagging longer.

Types of Foam Mattresses

Not all foam mattresses feel the same. The type of foam used plays a major role in how it responds to your body, manages heat, and behaves during sleep.

• Memory foam: The most well-known option, memory foam responds to body heat and pressure, contouring closely to your shape. It excels at pressure reduction and movement absorption, though traditional versions can retain heat.
  

• Latex foam: Made from rubber tree sap or synthetic materials, latex is naturally bouncier and more breathable than memory foam. It offers a cooler sleep surface with a faster, more responsive feel.
  

• Polyfoam: A synthetic foam commonly used in base layers. It’s less dense than memory foam and comes in a wide range of firmness levels, depending on quality and construction.

Foam Mattresses Pros and Cons

If you’re wondering whether a memory foam mattress is a good option for your sleep needs, reviewing both the advantages and the limitations can help you decide whether foam matches the way you sleep and move through the night.

What Is a Spring Mattress?

Also known as an innerspring mattress, a spring mattress is the most traditional type. Its core structure relies on a system of steel coils that create a firm, responsive feel.

They are known for strong edge stability and excellent breathability, thanks to the airflow that moves freely around the coils. This construction tends to feel more lifted and bouncy compared to foam.

Coil Systems And Construction

The heart of a spring mattress is its coil system, which forms the foundation and gives it its characteristic lift and responsiveness. The design of this system plays a major role in how the mattress feels and functions.

• Coil system: A network of steel springs forms the core. The type of coils used, their number, and the gauge (thickness) of the wire all influence firmness, durability, and motion transfer. A lower gauge number means thicker, firmer wire.
  

• Comfort layers: Above the coils, manufacturers add cushioning layers made from materials such as foam, fibre fill, wool, or cotton. These layers influence the initial feel, while the coils underneath provide stability and responsiveness.

Together, these elements determine how the mattress feels, how effectively it limits movement, and how well it maintains its shape over years of use.

Types of Spring Mattresses

Not all spring mattresses feel the same. The type of coil system used affects how responsive it feels, how much movement you notice, and how evenly weight is distributed across the body.

• Pocket coils: Also known as individually wrapped coils, encase each spring in its own fabric pocket, allowing them to move independently for better motion isolation and more targeted support. This is the most common construction in modern spring mattresses.
  

• Bonnell coils: Hourglass-shaped coils connected by a wire. They’re known for their durability and affordability, but because the coils move together, they tend to transfer more motion.
  

• Continuous coils: Made from rows of wire that span the length of the mattress and are connected by helicals. This design creates a very firm, stable, and durable sleep surface.
  
  

Spring Mattresses Pros and Cons

Spring mattresses are known for their responsive feel and lifted sleep surface. If you want to know whether a spring mattress is a good option, looking at how it handles movement, temperature, and edge stability can help determine whether this construction aligns with how you rest.

First Impression: How Each Mattress Feels

The difference between foam and spring mattresses is immediate, and for many people, it makes the decision clearer. That said, many models feel slightly different after a few nights, once the materials settle and your body adjusts. 

• Foam mattress: When you lie down, you feel a slow, gentle “hug” as the foam contours to your body. It cradles your curves and relieves pressure, creating the sensation of sleeping in the mattress rather than on top of it.
  

• Spring mattress: The response is instant. You feel a buoyant lift and familiar bounce, with it pushing back as you move. The result is a more “on the mattress” feel that makes changing positions easier.

Sleeping Experience Over the Night

How a mattress performs over a full night matters just as much as how it feels when you first lie down.

• Spinal alignment: Over the course of the night, it should help keep your spine in a neutral position. Foam mattresses tend to adapt to the body’s contours, while spring mattresses offer a flatter, more stable surface that limits excessive sinking.

• Repositioning: Over the course of the night, ease of movement becomes important. Spring mattresses respond quickly and make turning over feel effortless. With denser memory foam, the slower rebound can make changing positions feel slightly more deliberate, particularly for active sleepers.

Support & Comfort by Sleep Position

How you sleep plays a major role in which mattress will feel comfortable and supportive night after night.

• Side sleepers: Foam-based options are often considered the best mattress type for side sleepers, as they contour to the curves and help ease pressure-related discomfort.
  

• Back sleepers: Maintaining the natural curve of the spine is key. Both foam and spring can work well, as long as they offer a medium-firm to firm feel. Spring mattresses tend to provide more noticeable reinforcement through the lower back, while foam fills in the natural gap at the lumbar area.
  

• Stomach sleepers: In many cases, a firm and very firm mattress proves best for stomach sleepers, helping prevent the hips from sinking too deeply.
  

• Back pain considerations: There’s no single answer that works for everyone. When comparing a foam vs spring mattress for back pain, many people find foam helpful for pressure reduction, while spring ones may offer greater stability, particularly for heavier sleepers.

• Body weight: Lighter individuals often prefer softer models that allow for more contouring. Heavier sleepers typically benefit from firmer, more durable constructions, such as spring mattresses or high-density foam options, that hold their structure longer.

If you’re still not sure, try browsing mattresses by comfort level to help you find the firmness that feels best for you. 

Temperature & Breathability

If you tend to sleep hot, temperature regulation can make or break your sleep experience.

• Spring mattresses: Thanks to the open space within the coil system, spring models allow air to move freely through the mattress. This airflow helps dissipate heat throughout the night, which is why these products are often the cooler-feeling option, especially for people who tend to sleep warm.
  

• Foam mattresses: Traditional memory foam is denser and has a reputation for retaining heat. That said, many modern foam options now incorporate cooling features such as gel infusions, open-cell foam structures, or graphite to improve air movement and temperature regulation. Even with these updates, foam tends to sleep slightly warmer than spring for most people.

Sharing the Bed

Sleeping with a partner or a pet adds a few practical considerations, especially when it comes to how much movement you feel and edge support.

• Motion isolation: Foam mattresses excel here. The material absorbs movement, making it less likely you’ll feel a partner shifting or getting up during the night. Pocket-coil spring mattresses also limit motion effectively, while traditional interconnected coil systems tend to transfer more movement across the bed.
  

• Edge support: Spring mattresses generally offer stronger, more reinforced edges. This creates a more stable sleep surface and makes it easier to sit or sleep near the edge of the bed. Foam models can compress more at the edges, depending on construction.

Long-Term Performance & Durability

A mattress is a long-term investment, so durability matters just as much as comfort. As with most things, construction quality matters more than the type alone. Better materials generally translate to longer-lasting comfort, regardless of whether you choose foam or springs.

• Foam mattresses: If you’re wondering how long it lasts, durability often comes down to foam density and overall build quality. High-quality memory foam typically lasts around 8–10 years, maintaining a consistent feel over time. Lower-density foams may soften sooner and can develop permanent body impressions with extended use.

• Spring mattresses: Well-made innerspring models generally last around 7–10 years, depending on construction quality and materials. Lower-quality systems may experience coil fatigue or sagging over time, while pocket-coil designs tend to retain their structure longer than traditional interconnected coils.

Using a protector and other mattress essentials can help extend the product’s lifespan and preserve comfort year after year.

Cost & Value Over Time

Price is often part of the decision, but true value comes from how a mattress holds up through years of use, not just its upfront cost.

• Entry price: Spring mattresses, especially traditional innerspring models with Bonnell coils, are often available at lower price points, making them a budget-friendly place to start.
  

• Upfront investment: Foam mattresses cover a wide range. Basic polyfoam options can be inexpensive, while high-quality memory foam and latex products tend to cost more initially.
  

• Long-term value: Denser foams and well-constructed latex mattresses often justify their higher price by maintaining comfort and support longer. Advanced pocket-coil spring options with added comfort layers can reach similar price ranges, offering strong durability in a different form.

Overall, spring mattresses usually offer a lower entry point, while high-quality foam mattresses can deliver excellent value through lasting comfort.

Characteristics Summary

After exploring how foam and spring models differ in construction, comfort, and performance, this side-by-side summary highlights the defining traits of each type.

Quick Decision Guide

If you’re still weighing foam versus spring, the right choice usually becomes clearer when you think about how you sleep — not just what a certain model is made of.

A foam mattress may be the better fit if:

• You sleep on your side and need cushioning at the hips and shoulders
  

• You share a bed and want to minimize sleep disruptions from movement
  

• You experience joint discomfort and prefer a softer, more pressure-relieving surface
  

• You like the feeling of being gently cradled
  
  

A spring mattress may make more sense if:

• You tend to sleep hot and want maximum air circulation
  

• You sleep on your back or stomach and prefer a firmer, more supportive feel
  

• You value ease of movement and a responsive surface when changing positions
  

• You often sit or sleep near the edge of the bed and want a stable perimeter

Linen Chest Picks

Once you have a sense of what feels right for your sleep, exploring your options becomes much easier. Our Simmons Beautyrest and Tempur Pedic collections reflect different sleep styles and comfort preferences, making it easier to find the perfect mattress for you based on how you sleep.

• Shop Foam Mattresses

• Shop Spring Mattresses

Conclusion

The foam versus spring debate doesn’t have a single winner. It comes down to the option that suits your sleep needs best. By thinking about your sleep position, how warm you tend to run at night, and whether you share your bed, you can choose the option that supports your rest most naturally.

Foam mattresses offer a more enveloping, pressure-relieving feel, while spring ones provide a responsive surface with added airflow. Each brings different strengths, and the right choice depends less on trends and more on how you prefer to sleep.

Whichever direction you choose, a well-made mattress does more than improve sleep. It shapes how you wake up, how your body feels the next day, and how comfortable your home feels overall. Taking the time to choose thoughtfully is one of the simplest ways to enhance your sleep experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which mattresses lose firmness faster, foam or spring?

It depends on the quality of the materials. Lower-density foams can soften more quickly, while high-density memory foam is designed to maintain its shape. In some cases, well-made foam models can outlast lower-quality spring systems.

Do foam and spring mattresses need different bed bases?

They often do. Foam mattresses usually require a solid platform or a slatted bed base with closely spaced slats to ensure even weight distribution, while spring ones tend to work well with traditional box springs or supportive slatted frames.

Do spring mattresses provide better support?

For some sleepers, yes. Heavier individuals or stomach sleepers often appreciate the firmer, more responsive support spring mattresses provide, which can help prevent the hips from sinking too deeply.

Do spring mattresses last longer than foam ones?

Longevity depends more on construction quality than on the type. A well-made foam or spring mattress can last around 7 to 10 years, while higher-end materials, such as latex foam or pocket coils, may last longer.

Are foam mattresses good for back pain?

Many people find foam mattresses helpful for back pain, especially side sleepers. Foam contours to the body’s natural curves, which can ease pressure at the hips and shoulders and encourage a more neutral spinal position.

Do foam mattresses require more maintenance than spring ones?

Maintenance is similar overall. Most modern models are designed to be rotated head to foot to encourage even wear, particularly during the first year. Flipping is generally not required, as the majority of foam and spring mattresses are built with a single-sided design.

What is a hybrid mattress?

A hybrid model combines a coil support system with comfort layers made from foam or latex. This design aims to balance breathability and responsiveness with pressure relief, making it a popular option for sleepers who want features from both foam and spring ones.