When it comes to choosing a new mattress, it's important to know the facts about the different mattress types so you can get that
amazing night's sleep you've been dreaming about. There are two main contestants in these mattress wars: the traditional innerspring mattress and the newer
memory foam mattress.
Should you stick with the old-school choice and go with a spring mattress, or switch over to the world of memory foam? This comparison of the two competitors might help you make the right choice.
The Old-School Mattress
The innerspring mattress has been around since the beginning of the 20
th century. Spring mattresses are made up of a core of steel coil springs, a layer of “cushioning materials,” and a quilted cover.
Innerspring mattresses are appealing because they typically cost less, the springs allow for built-in ventilation, and there is no wait time for the mattress to “conform” to your body (as a memory foam mattress does). However, spring mattresses are lacking in some pretty important areas.
Because innerspring mattresses are made up of steel springs, they have no real give to them. There is an uneven distribution of weight, which in turn causes unwanted pressure on the spine and joints. The springs also tend to push the pressure points of the body, which causes back pain as well as tossing and turning. All of that moving around in the middle of the night can also cause the springs to loosen, which creates lumps on the mattress surface, further disrupting sleep.
Traditional mattresses also have a higher level of upkeep, as they have to be rotated and sometimes even flipped in an effort to prevent the eventual breakdown of the springs, and need to be replaced more often due to the typical wear and tear of upholstered covers and the springs themselves.
The Newer, Innovative Mattress
Memory foam was invented as a byproduct of NASA innovation in the 1980s. The first popular consumer version of a memory foam mattress hit the market in the 1990s.
Memory foam mattresses are made to conform to the body, which enables weight to be distributed evenly. This newer mattress material allows for pressure relief, proper spine alignment, and promotes a decrease in tossing and turning. All of this leads to deeper, undisturbed sleep.
Along with even weight distribution, motion is also much less noticeable. You'll be able to sleep undisturbed even when a partner or pet shifts around.
Memory foam mattresses offer a much more comfortable sleeping experience. They hit the mattress “sweet spot” by being not too soft and not too firm. In addition, foam mattresses are made of highly durable materials that hold strong for great sleep over time and prevent any mattress sagging that may occur with a spring mattress.
And the Winner Is...
After watching these two mattress types fight it out in the categories of comfort and durability, the clear winner of the matchup is the memory foam newcomer. For those that are interested in the best night’s sleep possible, a memory foam mattress is definitely the way to go. Check out the
newer, better way to buy a mattress and start getting the best sleep of your life.
