When it comes to the bouncier game of mattresses, spring mattresses have always won the competition. Despite having firmer support than the memory foam mattress, we cannot deny that it has a more bouncing effect than the foam mattresses, making it a popular choice for many. However, this perfect mattress is not safe from having pros and cons, which is essential to consider before you check out your favourite mattress online store—the spring mattress you've been eyeing for a while now.
Let us help you make an informed decision on how to choose the perfect mattress for you as we discuss in this article the advantages and disadvantages of spring mattresses for a good night's rest.
What is a Spring Mattress?
A spring mattress, also known as an innerspring mattress, is a popular type of mattress that uses a coil system or coiled springs as its primary support system. Spring mattresses offer a blend of support and comfort because the coil system provides firm support while allowing some bounce and responsiveness, making them a popular choice for many people.
The mattress coils within are typically steel and provide the mattress with its structure and support. Here are the different types of spring mattresses:
- Open-coil mattresses, or Bonnell coils, consist of a connected coil system that may be interconnected in rows.
- Pocket or pocketed coil mattresses have individually wrapped coils that can move independently, allowing for better contouring to your body shape and reduced motion transfer and isolation.
- The continuous coil type of mattress features a single continuous wire forming the coils, which can provide good support but may not contour as well as pocket coils.
Spring mattresses have been around for more than a century. In contrast to traditional innerspring mattresses that consist of an open coil system or Bonnell spring with limited contouring and motion isolation, modern spring mattresses, such as pocket coil or hybrid mattresses, now feature more advanced coil designs and technologies.
Advantages of Spring Mattress
Now, let's discuss the common reasons why spring mattresses are preferred by many.
Support and Comfort
Spring mattresses are designed with a network of coiled springs or coils that support your body while sleeping. These coils conform to the shape of your body, offering comfort and support, which can help with pressure relief and alleviate back pain.
Durability
Spring mattresses tend to be quiet, especially compared to other types of mattresses like foam mattresses, because high-quality spring mattresses can last for many years, making them an excellent long-term investment.
Temperature Regulation
The open structure of spring mattresses offers better air circulation, which can help regulate your body temperature during sleep and is particularly beneficial if you tend to sleep hot or are a hot sleeper and need a mattress that stays cooler.
Edge Support
Spring mattresses typically have strong edge support due to the perimeter of coils, which makes it easier to sit or sleep near the edge of the bed without feeling like you might roll off.
Cost
Spring mattresses are often more affordable than other mattresses, like memory foam mattresses or latex mattresses. This affordability can make them a more accessible option for many consumers.
Availability
Spring mattresses are widely available in various sizes, firmness levels, and price ranges, making it easier to find one that suits your preferences and budget.
Bounce
The springy nature of these mattresses provides a natural bounce, which some people find preferable, especially for kids who love to play around.
Longevity
High-quality spring mattresses can have a long lifespan, especially when well-maintained. Also, the durability of the coil system can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Easy to Rotate
Spring mattresses can be rotated or flipped to prolong their lifespan, especially with double-sided models. This simple maintenance step can even out wear and sagging.
Availability
Spring mattresses are widely available in various retail stores, making them easy to find and test before purchasing.
Maintenance
Spring mattresses generally require less maintenance compared to some other types of mattresses. They don't need to be regularly fluffed or reshaped like foam mattresses, and they are less susceptible to heat retention, which can be a concern with some memory foam mattresses.
Disadvantages of Spring Mattress
No matter how perfect spring mattresses may seem, they still have disadvantages that make people opt for other mattresses.
Lack of Support
Spring mattresses often provide uneven support, with some areas having firm support and others being too soft, which can lead to poor spinal alignment that may result in discomfort and back pain, especially for people with back or joint issues.
Durability
Spring mattresses wear out relatively quickly compared to other mattresses. Over time, the springs lose support and resilience, leading to sagging.
Motion Transfer and Motion Isolation
Innerspring mattresses are notorious for transferring motion. So, if you have a sleeping partner that moves around more at night, they can disturb your sleep because the springs don't effectively have motion isolation.
Noise
The springs in these mattresses can be very noisy. Creaking and squeaking sounds can occur when you or your partner change positions at night, which can be disruptive.
Allergens and Dust Mites
The open structure of the spring mattress makes it more susceptible to collecting dust, allergens, and dust mites, which can be problematic for people with allergies and asthma.
Customisation
Spring mattresses generally need more customisation options than other types of mattresses, such as foam mattresses or latex foam mattresses, so you can only easily adjust the firmness or other characteristics to suit your preferences.
Inadequate Pressure Relief
Spring mattresses often struggle to relieve sufficient pressure, leading to discomfort, especially for side sleepers or individuals with chronic pain.
Bounciness
While some people like the bounce of a spring mattress, others find it uncomfortable, especially when it causes motion transfer or when they want a more stable and motion isolation kind of surface.
Weight Limitations
Spring mattresses have weight limitations as they can't distribute weight evenly. So heavier individuals may find that they compress the springs too much, leading to inadequate support and durability issues.
Variability in Quality
The quality of spring mattresses can vary widely based on factors such as coil count, coil gauge, and the materials' quality. Cheaper models often exhibit these disadvantages to a greater extent.
Heat Retention
Heat retention in spring mattresses can also be a disadvantage because their composition, which typically includes foam layers and tight-fitting covers, inhibits proper airflow that traps body heat, unlike mattresses made from natural materials like latex foam or latex mattresses that promote ventilation.
Does Spring Mattress Help to Improve Sleep Quality?
If you are planning to purchase a spring mattress, it is important to consider the pros and cons that we discussed and factors like personal comfort, sleeping position, and any underlying health conditions that all have a significant role in determining whether a spring mattress is suitable for enhancing your sleep quality and for a good night's sleep.
Nevertheless, spring mattresses can potentially improve sleep quality for some individuals. It's worth noting that these mattresses have been around for a century now, and they are designed to provide support and distribute body weight evenly, reducing pressure points for more pressure relief and promoting better spinal alignment. Additionally, the spring system allows for better air circulation, which can help regulate body heat or body temperature during sleep.
However, the effectiveness of a spring mattress in improving sleep quality depends on individual preferences and needs. Some people may find spring mattresses comfortable and supportive, while others may prefer memory foam mattresses, modern memory foam mattresses, or latex mattresses. What matters most in choosing the perfect mattress for you is, of course, your personal preferences and ensuring not only a good night's sleep but also your overall well-being.