Pocket-Spring Vs. Memory Foam: Which Mattress Is Best?

In your search for a new mattress, you’ll come across two leading competing technologies – pocket-spring and memory foam.

Pocket spring and memory foam mattresses have very different characteristics. While springs are bouncy, memory foam is squishy. While springs are supportive, memory foam is contouring. One sinks, the other doesn’t.

However, both mattresses are a good choice. The truth is that a high-quality mattress, irrespective of type, is excellent to sleep on. The question is, which type suits you more, and which will have you waking up happy?

This article compares pocket-spring and memory foam mattresses to help you decide which type of mattress is best for you. 

Pocket-spring mattress characteristics 

The pocket spring mattress has individual springs sewn into pockets to form a support layer. This support layer is beneath a mid-layer of high-density foam and a softer comfort layer. The stiffness of the springs (how tightly they are wound) determines the feel of the mattress, which is usually medium or firm.

Pictured: Inside a pocket spring mattress

Support

The big reason to choose a pocket spring mattress is support, which may have anywhere from 600 to 3,000 pocket springs to deliver support. The springs are zoned, and each spring can move independently, adapting to your weight.

Firmness

Pocket-spring mattresses are firmer than memory foam mattresses. The springs can have different gauges, reflecting how firm the mattress can feel when sleeping.

Breathability

Pocket-spring mattresses are extremely breathable because air can flow through the materials. In contrast, memory foam mattresses retain heat with low airflow. If you are a hot sleeper, a pocket-spring mattress is better.

Downsides

• Pocket springs are susceptible to wear and tear over time, so pocket-spring mattresses tend to have a lower lifespan (but still a decade).  
• Some people don’t like the sensation of sleeping on top of a mattress. If you prefer to sink into it, memory foam is better.
• While pocket springs deliver support, some people find they cause pain in their joints and limbs. Memory foam relieves pressure better.

Memory foam mattress characteristics 

The memory foam mattress is made from several layers of foam bonded together. These typically include high-density support foam, a mid-density reflex foam, and a soft layer of memory foam that contours to your body. Some mattresses have more than five layers, and generally, thicker mattresses are more expensive.

Contouring

Memory foam mattresses conform to the shape of your body, relieving pressure on your joints and limbs and aligning the spine. A memory foam mattress will probably help more than a pocket-spring mattress if you sleep with pain.

Squishiness

Memory foam mattresses are super-squishy, compressing under your weight, so you sink into them. Whether you like this sensation is a matter of personal preference. If you do, memory foam is the best choice. 

Movement isolation

Memory foam mattresses have unbeatable movement isolation, especially with a layer of reflex foam. 

Pictured: Inside a memory foam mattress

This means you won’t notice your partner getting into bed. While pocket-spring mattresses are okay at this, memory foam is better.

Downsides

• Memory foam retains a lot of heat. A way around this is to get a mattress with a cooling gel layer or a charcoal-infused mattress that improves airflow.
• The softness and squishiness of memory foam aren’t for everyone. The sinking sensation can make some people uncomfortable.
• Because memory foam compresses and absorbs energy, it restricts mobility, so tossing and turning may be more challenging (this could be a pro or con).

Overall 

Choose a pocket spring mattress if you need firm support and want to sleep on top of the mattress. If you want to sink into the mattress more and prefer a squishy feel, a memory foam mattress will suit you best.

If the characteristics of both mattresses sound appealing, consider a hybrid mattress. These mattresses have pocket springs and memory foam; however, they are neither as supportive nor as squishy as pocket-spring and pure foam options.