Sprung vs Foam Mattress: Which Should You Choose?
Buying a new mattress is a sizeable investment, so it's understandable to want to get it right. With so many options – from pocket-sprung to coil-sprung, latex and memory foam – it can be hard to know which type will best suit your needs, both for comfort and for any physical or medical requirements. If you'd like a broader checklist first, see our mattress buying tips.
Pocket-sprung mattresses
Firmness, your sleeping position, problem pains and certain medical requirements all tend to inform the decision. The most popular mattress in the UK is the pocket-sprung mattress, which supports the entire body for what many feel is a comfortable night's rest, particularly if you share a bed. Because each spring moves independently, these mattresses typically prevent the "roll-together" feeling often encountered when sharing.
Open coil-sprung mattresses
Open coil-sprung mattresses are the traditional option and offer good value, in a range of comfort grades that are usually medium to firm. Some people find they dip with prolonged use and report the "roll-together" problem, where you feel your partner's movements. Their added firmness can also be uncomfortable for those who suffer from back and hip pain. Some sprung mattresses are unsuitable for allergy sufferers too, as they're often filled with natural materials such as lambswool, and can be heavy and difficult to turn.
If it's only comfort holding you back from a sprung mattress, it's worth investing in a foam or memory foam mattress topper. These suit a range of orthopaedic and comfort complaints, offering superior feel at a fraction of the cost, and we make them to your exact comfort, size and composition.
Foam and memory foam mattresses
Another option is a foam mattress. Many people have only encountered a low-quality, thin foam mattress on an old fold-out bed, so their impression isn't always positive – but foam mattresses are an excellent choice for value and premium comfort. Foam, and especially memory foam, offers pressure-point relief, motion absorption, personalised comfort and support, washable covers, and long-lasting quality without toxic chemicals.
The benefits of memory foam are seemingly endless, and you can read more about them here. Foam mattresses suit all sleepers – back, front and side – as they can be custom made with this in mind. Different foams can be combined to reach your ideal comfort and support: for a firmer mattress, a denser polyurethane base topped with a thinner memory foam layer; for a luxurious yet firm feel, half high-density polyurethane with memory foam making up the top half. The choice is yours, in any size and depth.
If you're weighing up branded options too, it's worth reading why we suggest you avoid big-brand memory foam mattresses. For more advice on foam mattresses and how eFoam can help, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular mattress in the UK?
The pocket-sprung mattress is the most popular in the UK. Because each spring moves independently, it supports the whole body and helps prevent the "roll-together" feeling when sharing a bed.
What is the difference between pocket-sprung and open coil-sprung mattresses?
In a pocket-sprung mattress each spring moves independently for even support, while an open coil-sprung mattress uses connected springs. Open coil is the traditional, good-value option but can dip over time and transmit a partner's movements.
Are foam mattresses any good?
Yes. Foam mattresses, particularly memory foam, offer pressure-point relief, motion absorption, personalised support and washable covers, and can be custom made for back, front or side sleepers.
Can foams be combined for a custom mattress?
Yes. Different foams can be layered to achieve your desired feel – for example a denser polyurethane base topped with memory foam for a firm yet cushioned surface, made to your chosen size and depth.
