If you’re in the market to buy quality mattresses, it’s almost impossible not to get caught up in the confusion of buying a foam vs spring mattress. The former provides great support but costs more, while the latter is a classic trusted by many people. But one doesn’t have to beat the other — it just needs to suit your needs better.

That’s what we’ll discuss in this guide. Learn the differences between a spring vs foam mattress so you can choose the best one for your sleeping needs.

Foam vs Spring Mattress: Which Suits Whom?

Both mattresses have their best features that suit specific needs. See which is ideal for you below.

Foam vs spring mattress comparison

Person leaving a handprint on a memory-foam mattress

The Comfort of Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses are popular for relieving physical stress and allowing people a good night’s sleep. The advantage of a foam mattress vs a spring mattress is that it hugs you and moulds to the shape of your body. This flexibility means fewer pressure points, which is great for people who suffer from joint pain or sleep on their sides.

Foam is also great at blocking motion, so your partner’s tossing and turning won’t wake you up.

Benefits of a Foam Mattress

  • You’re a side sleeper: for those who spend most nights on their side, a memory foam mattress can be a dream come true. The moulding supports the body’s curves, keeping your spine straight and reducing pain in your shoulders and hips.
  • Experiencing joint pain: if joint pain disrupts your sleep, a foam mattress can offer welcome relief. The body-contouring nature of foam helps alleviate pressure on sensitive areas like achy joints.
  • A motion-sensitive sleeper: do you wake up when your partner rolls over? Foam mattresses excel at isolating motion. Unlike spring mattresses, where movement can transfer across the surface, foam absorbs disturbances.
  • Suffer from allergies: many foam mattresses are hypoallergenic, resisting dust mites and allergens. This makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers who often get stuffy at night.

Types of Foam

  • Memory Foam: the king (or queen) of pressure relief, memory foam mattresses are known for their luxurious body-hugging comfort. It moulds to your curves, distributing weight evenly and minimizing pressure.
  • Latex Foam: the naturally breathable and supportive qualities of latex foam make it a luxurious material for bedding. Great for people who want a balance of comfort and responsiveness.
  • Polyurethane Foam: the most affordable option among foam mattresses. It suits budget-conscious shoppers or those who prefer a firmer feel. May not conform to the body as well as memory foam.
  • Gel Memory Foam: if you sleep hot, gel memory foam might be your saviour. Tiny gel beads added to the foam layers keep the temperature stable and make sleeping cooler.

Read more: How Long Does a Mattress Last?

Person showcasing a pocket spring mattress sample

Spring Toward Sweet Dreams With Spring Mattresses

Traditional spring mattresses might be the best choice if you want a more responsive and supportive sleeping surface. The benefit of a traditional spring mattress vs foam is that it feels more springy, making it better for people who move around at night. Spring mattresses also usually have better airflow, which makes them a cooler choice for people who sleep hot.

Benefits of Spring Mattresses

  • Combination sleepers: do you drift off to sleep on your back, only to wake up on your stomach? Combination sleepers benefit from the versatility of a spring mattress. The supportive coils allow easy movement throughout the night, no matter your preferred position.
  • Hot sleepers: if you wake up sweaty, a spring mattress can be your nighttime hero. Its innerspring core allows great airflow and breathability, keeping you cooler all night.
  • Stomach sleepers: for stomach sleepers, proper spinal alignment is crucial. Some spring mattresses, especially those with firmer support, can help keep your hips up and your spine straight.
  • Budget-conscious shoppers: spring mattresses are usually less expensive than some high-end foam mattresses, making them a good choice for those looking for a quality mattress without the high price tag.

Types of Spring

  • Bonnell Coil: a traditional and cost-effective option. Bonnell coils feature an interconnected design. This provides a supportive feel, but may not offer the same level of individual contour as other spring systems.
  • Offset Coil: a significant leap in comfort compared to Bonnell coils. Their unique hourglass shape allows for more independent movement than traditional coils.
  • Pocketed Coil: individually wrapped in fabric pockets. Thought to be the most comfortable and supportive type of spring mattress — each coil responds to pressure, giving you better body contouring and reducing motion transfer.
  • Continuous Coils: instead of separate coils, continuous coils use a single, long wire to link all the springs in the mattress into a network. This design offers a consistent level of support and is generally more affordable.

Woman lying on top of a foam mattress in a mattress store

Finding Dream Comfort With Surplus Furniture

Now that you’ve explored the differences between a foam mattress vs a spring mattress, it’s time to find your perfect sleep partner.

Finding the ideal mattress is a personal journey, and Surplus Furniture is here to guide you every step of the way. Our sleep experts across our 30+ locations in Canada are passionate about helping you achieve a good night’s sleep. Visit our showrooms or browse our selection online.