Is Memory Foam or Innerspring Better? 

It’s an age-old debate–or at least as old as the invention of memory foam in 1966. Is memory foam or innerspring better for your bed’s construction? The fact is, there are no right or wrong answers as to which type of bed is better. Because each type of bed has its pros and cons, it all comes down to personal preference.

Memory Foam Mattress Pros and Cons

What is a memory foam mattress? If memory foam feels astronomically comfortable, it might be because it was initially invented for astronauts. The super-cushioning foam helped reduce the pressure of intense g-forces during takeoff. In a bed, the material conforms to your body’s shape to provide even and thorough support.

Many people may consider getting a memory foam mattress to upgrade their old innerspring. While memory foam mattresses offer top-of-the-line support and are an excellent option for many people, not everyone prefers how they feel. If you’re trying to figure out whether memory foam or innerspring is better for your sleep, you might want to consider whether memory foam would suit you.

The Pros of a Memory Foam Mattress:

• Support: Memory foam is excellent for cushioning pressure points and avoiding pain, especially for side-sleepers.
• Motion isolation: If you toss and turn in your sleep, you won’t have to worry about bothering your partner. Memory foam minimizes the movement transferred from one part of the bed to the other.
• Great for allergies: Memory foam is hypoallergenic and often comes with a detachable cover for easy cleaning.

The Cons of a Memory Foam Mattress:

• Heat: Most models have begun incorporating cooling technology, however some lower quality memory foam mattresses may trap heat.
• Cost: Memory foam tends to be inexpensive, higher quality memory foam tends to be more expensive than an innerspring mattress.
• Lack of response: As you shift positions in bed, you sink into the memory foam so it can support your body. In lower quality models the foam can take a little longer to adjust to the contours of your new position. Some people might find that lack of responsiveness less comfortable.

Checkout our selection of memory foam mattresses: Shop Now

Innerspring Mattress Pros and Cons

On the other hand, what is an innerspring mattress? As the name suggests, an innerspring mattress contains several spring coils to support your body’s weight. This bed style has been around since the mid 19th century and remains an excellent option.

Here’s what you need to know when asking, “is memory foam or innerspring better?”

The Pros of an Innerspring Mattress

• Response: Compared to memory foam, an innerspring mattress is bouncier and quicker to respond as you shift positions.
• Durable: Innerspring mattresses can last longer than lower quality memory foam, which may eventually begin to sag as the material breaks down
• Affordable: Innerspring mattresses are usually a lower cost compared to memory foam mattresses in the same support level.

The Cons of an Innerspring Mattress

• Comfort: Some people might not get enough support or pressure relief from an innerspring mattress.
• Hygiene: Cleaning an innerspring mattress is extremely difficult. Regardless of how long an innerspring can last, the mattress usually doubles in weight within a 10 year period from sweat, skin cells, and dust mites. Even with a mattress protector, it is usually recommended to replace an innerspring every 8-10 years.
• Movement: These mattresses tend to be less effective than memory foam at minimizing motion transfer. While some people find the movement easier, it is not usually the goal to be moving while you sleep.

Checkout our selection of innerspring mattresses: Shop Now

The Final Verdict: Is Memory Foam or Innerspring Better?

So, is memory foam or innerspring better in the end? As we’ve seen in the pros and cons above, each person must discover the answer for themselves. The best thing to do is to try them out for yourself. Whether you live near one of our numerous locations or are interested in our free delivery guarantee, the BedMart team looks forward to helping you discover whether memory foam or innerspring is better for you.