what are the differences ?

June 13, 2021

Researchers assure us: we spend about a third of our life sleeping, between 25 and 27 years old. Restful sleep allows us to spend a day full of energy, to be in a good mood, to lower our stress level… In short, sleeping is a sacred moment that we must privilege at all costs. Whether you are a heavy sleeper or a light sleeper, choosing the right mattress is key to the quality of your nights. On the market, there are several models of mattresses, and it is sometimes difficult to navigate. In this article, we discuss the differences between foam mattresses, and innerspring mattresses, and which one to choose based on your sleep type, and your needs.

The composition of the mattress

The composition of the spring mattress

The spring mattress is the oldest model in existence. The first box springs were made in this way. It is also the one most commonly found in North America and Canada. The composition of this type of mattress is simple, since you have 3 distinct layers: a base, springs (different depending on the model), as well as one or more layers ensuring comfort (made of padding or foam). There are 3 types of springs:

  • Bonnell or biconical springs: these are the oldest springs. With an hourglass (or X) shape, they are linked together by steel wires. The firmness of the mattress depends on their diameter: the larger it is, the denser the mattress will be. Finally, the filling of this type of mattress is generally wool, cotton, foam or wadding.

  • Eccentric springs: these are almost identical to biconical springs, except that their head is square. This provides better comfort, and more conforms to the shape of the body during the night.

  • Pocket springs: a system where each spring is individually “wrapped” in a piece of fabric, so as to reduce noise, without affecting their support efficiency. It is also ideal for a good sleeping independence, since the movements are absorbed. You will not be awakened by the movements of the person sleeping next to you.

The composition of the foam mattress

The foam mattress can be made up of 3 different foams: memory foam, polyurethane foam, or polyether foam. What are the differences between these types of foam, and which one to favor for your sleeping comfort?

  • Memory foam (or viscoelastic foam): this is the great comfort trend in mattresses, and often the relentless marketing argument of bedding brands for high-end sleeping. The types of mattresses equipped with this foam are very popular. Why ? This type of technology captures the heat and pressure of the elongated body, to perfectly match its shape. Your sleeping comfort is guaranteed for all types of sleepers. However, it is a type of foam which does not allow a great aeration, and whose efficiency of shape memory only works when there is a certain pressure and heat. Rest assured, a lot of research is now allowing the development of refreshing and airy memory foam foams (thermo-regulating gel).

  • Polyurethane foam: a very common material, which ensures the best quality / durability / price ratio. In our opinion, it is a very good type of box spring. Why ? Because this type of foam has a wide range of density, which allows personalized comfort and support for each person, and which makes it last over time. Then, as it is composed of open cells, the proliferation of allergens is very limited. You therefore benefit from very good ventilation and a hypoallergenic mattress.

  • Polyether foam: it is the cheapest, but also the least durable. Why ? Its construction in small closed cells reduces ventilation a bit, but offers a firm mattress. Having a tendency to sag a little, it is especially the foam for an occasional mattress, for a guest room for example. However, its entry-level price remains very affordable, which can be a very good choice for extra beds.

Ventilation and comfort of maintenance

Spring mattress provides ventilation and pressure point support

When you are faced with the choice of a mattress, questions of ventilation and comfort are essential, since the quality of your nights will clearly depend on it. The more springs your mattress has, the more it allows for better ventilation. You will therefore be less likely to sweat during the night, and your mattress will be completely anti-mite. For back pain, pocket springs (as well as memory foam) are a great choice. The more springs your mattress has, the better the pressure point distribution will be: your spine is well aligned and your well-being is optimal. Some manufacturers even opt for a mattress design where pressure points are reinforced at the head and pelvis. Also, the large number of springs increases the life of the mattress, which can then last 10 to 12 years. It’s even better if you add a mattress topper! Overall, this is the model to go for if you are looking for a soft bed.

The foam mattress provides exceptional comfort and hugs your build

No wonder the foam mattress is the most popular box spring, it is surely the one that provides the best comfort and sleep among all the ranges on the market. In fact, they are often designed with a high density, even ultra high density, which provides greater support than that which a mattress with springs can offer, in addition to providing them with a long lifespan. For sleepers with back pain, memory foam dramatically reduces pressure points and provides pain relief. It is also the mattress offering the most personalized level of firmness, for a deep and restful sleep. However, we advise people with a large build to opt for a foam with a density of 50 kg / m3, so that it can provide real good support. Overall, this is the perfect mattress for firm, or flexible, support.

The disadvantages of spring and foam mattresses

Spring mattress: heavy, promotes dust mites and not recommended for back pain

Each material also has drawbacks, which should be taken into account before purchasing your new mattress. Spring mattresses are much heavier, so their transport and maintenance is more tedious. Also, if you are a sleeper with back problems, and still want to buy a spring mattress, we recommend that you turn to a pocket coil model, which allows a better distribution of pressure points.

Finally, if the layers of your mattress are made of wool or fiber, this may strongly promote the proliferation of allergens, such as dust mites. It is therefore not ideal for sensitive people.

Foam mattress: not very breathable and expensive

Even though this is the type of mattress most popular with consumers, it is important to know that the foam mattress strongly traps heat and is therefore not very breathable. If you tend to sweat during the night, or get hot, this is not the model we recommend. However, as explained a little above, different technologies exist to regulate the temperature, this is the case of thermo-regulating gels for example, which offer freshness and ventilation.

For the memory foam mattress, its comfort is less during the winter since the foam reacts to your body temperature. The first 10 minutes of bedtime may therefore give you the impression that you are sleeping on a mattress that is too firm. It is also one of the most expensive mattresses on the market. Regarding polyether and polyurethane foams, these sag quickly and have little resistance to humidity, which, in the long term, can create mold and affect the comfort of the mattress.

Our opinion on the best type of mattress:

Buying a mattress should never be a concern, almost all manufacturers now offer a “100 night” guarantee, where you can Review your mattress and see if you are satisfied with the level of comfort.

If we had to advise you on one type of mattress, the foam mattress would win over the spring mattress. With a support / comfort / support ratio, it is the one that offers the best quality of sleep, which is as durable as its spring competitor, and which allows true sleeping independence. However, it should be noted that disparities exist within this category of foam mattress itself: the memory foam mattress retains too much heat, you risk dying of heat in the summer, unless you opt for one. model with thermoregulator, while the polyurethane foam ensures a real comfort of maintenance, while having a good longevity and a moderate ventilation.

Are you looking for a new mattress, and you don’t know where to look with the multitude of choices available? We invite you to consult our guide to buying the best mattresses in Canada, in 2021. A comparison 100% dedicated to the well-being of consumers!