Can spring compete with memory foam? Memory foam is becoming the modern day mattress while spring mattresses have been used for many years and are considered standard.

Below is a memory foam vs spring mattresses comparison to find out what these mattresses have to offer.

• Spring Mattresses
  To your right is a pressure point test from a leading spring mattress indicating pressure points. Spring mattresses may give the illusion of comfort at first, but as the image shows, do not offer sufficient pressure point relief.
  
  A traditional spring mattress relies on a varied number of springs which push back against your body, all with the same force. Proper support is impossible because your body does not push evenly. This results in pressure points leading to poor blood circulation, tossing and turning, aches and joint pain.
  
  Fact: Spring mattresses lose 16% of their support in the first year alone.
  

• Memory Foam Mattress
  Good quality memory foam mattresses distribute body weight evenly. This reduces pressure points substantially, up to 80%, which only memory foam can provide. Tossing and turning is the leading cause of a poor nights sleep which is drastically reduced with a memory foam mattress.
  
  Pressure is measured in mmHg. 32mmHg or lower is considered to be pressure relieving according to the healthcare industry.
  
  The lowest mmHg on the market is provided by Essentia's memory foam mattress at 12.43mmHg @ 200lbs.

• Spring mattresses act as a shock absorber and reduce the wear and tear of the mattress. Coil gauges determine firmness and support. The less coils there are, the thicker the springs. Coils which are 1.63mm to 1.37mm in gauge give in easily to pressure while a 1.94mm gauge coil feels firm.
  
  FACT: a coil system only costs just $13.


• Memory foam mattresses can be firm to supple. Since they distribute your weight evenly, a good firm memory foam mattress should give you a firm feeling without compromising you back, hips and joints. Some memory foam mattresses become more supple with body heat, therefore offering you the cradling support your body requires.

• Only a memory foam mattress will adjusts itself to the sleepers body temperature as well as room temperature. At freezing point the foam is rock hard.


• Spring mattresses don't adjust on body temperature unless they come with a memory foam topper. The top layer will add comfort and support if made with thick enough quality memory foam.

• Spring mattress drawbacks
  • Spring mattresses begin to sag after 1-2 years. In fact they lose 16% of their support in the 1st year alone.
  • Spring mattress warranties allow up to 1.5 inches of normal body impression. Many have been affected by this as 1.5 inches because it usually means the foam is not longer recovering or pressure relieving. This "normal" body impression oftentimes occurs just 3-6 months into ownership.
  • Spring mattresses come with a maximum 10 year warranty.
  • Innersprings have no support for back or spinal alignment.
  • Spring mattresses do not spread body weight evenly. Because each spring pushes back with the same force, pressure points are inevitable.


• Memory foam mattresses drawbacks
  • Top memory foam mattresses are expensive due to the quality of materials used. Cost is typically directly associated with quality becasue the materials are costly, not the labor.
  • Because they adjust to your body some foams take longer than others to conform and recover.
  • Some memory foam mattresses are made with poor quality foams and may have a pungent unpleasant smell when new.

• Spring Mattresses must be rotated once every three months to even the wear. Avoid folding or bending spring mattresses. Once a mattress no longer feels supportive, it needs to be discarded. U.S. law requires all new mattresses and pillows to be sold with a descriptive tag which include filling and fabric information.


• Memory Foam Mattresses do not have to be rotated. There is no maintenance required.

Spring sleep systems are old technology. Their profit margins are extremely high (83%+) and a spring mattress must be replaced every 5-10 years. This is a billion dollar industry which many depend on.

The Better Sleep Council suggests that a quality mattress should provide 8-10 years of good support and comfort. With an average person spending 30% of their life sleeping, the importance of a healthy and accurate mattress cannot be ignored. A good quality mattress is important for healthy living and this applies to adults, the elderly, young children and babies.

A quality memory foam mattress may be pricy but will certainly contribute to your health for over 20 years with the best support and comfort known to sleep technology.



- Essentia vs Tempur-Pedic Comparison
- How to choose a memory foam mattress
- Spring mattress or memory foam mattress?


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