Spring mattress vs memory foam: differences and which to choose

The main difference between a spring mattress and a memory foam one lies in how they distribute weight and how they behave when you move on the bed. Each type suits a different kind of sleeper best. In this guide we explain the real differences to help you choose.

Spring Mattress: Features and Advantages

Spring mattresses have a core made up of metal coils or foam-encased springs. There are three main types:

• Biconical springs (Bonnell): the most classic type. All the springs are connected to each other, which gives firmness but little independent support for each sleeper.
• Pocket springs: each spring is encapsulated separately and works independently. They are the best choice for sleeping as a couple.
• Foam-encased springs (Transpiral): injected foam with a spring structure. No metal, quieter, highly breathable. Exclusive to Moraplex.

Advantages of spring mattresses:

• Greater breathability — air circulates between the springs, ideal for people who feel hot at night
• Constant firmness — it doesn't “sag” or lose shape as quickly over time
• More responsive — makes it easier to change position during the night
• Better for people who are overweight — the support is more even
• More competitive price in the entry range

Disadvantages:

• Less pressure-point relief (shoulders, hips) compared with memory foam
• Biconical springs transfer movement to your bed partner
• They can make noise if the steel springs lose tension over the years

Memory Foam Mattress: Features and Advantages

Memory foam is a foam that reacts to body heat and adapts to the shape of the body. The “memory” effect means the mattress moulds to the sleeper and returns to its shape when they get up.

Advantages of memory foam mattresses:

• Pressure point reduction — relieves pain in the hips, shoulders and knees
• Precise body contouring — especially beneficial for side sleepers
• Motion absorption — if your partner moves, you barely notice
• Quiet — no noise when moving
• Ideal for people with joint or muscle pain

Disadvantages:

• Less breathable than springs (although modern models with graphene or open cells make up for this)
• A “sinking” feeling — can make it harder to change position for those who move a lot
• More expensive at equivalent quality levels
• Can retain more heat in low-density versions

Hybrid Mattresses: Springs + Memory Foam

Hybrid mattresses combine a pocket spring core with a top layer of memory foam or HR foam. They offer the best of both worlds: the support and breathability of springs with the pressure relief of memory foam.

They're the most recommended option for general use, especially for couples, since they combine independent support for each sleeper (pocket springs) with superior comfort (memory foam). Examples: Dupen's Titanium Tech (~€396), Moraplex's Biomemory 3.0 (~€395).

Direct Comparison

Which should you choose, based on your situation?

• You sleep on your side and have shoulder or hip pain: memory foam (relieves pressure points).
• You get very hot at night: pocket springs or foam-encased springs (more breathable).
• You sleep as a couple with different weights or sleeping positions: hybrid with pocket springs (better independent support for each sleeper and contouring).
• Tight budget: biconical springs or spring-free HR foam in the entry range.
• Lower back pain: memory foam with a reinforced lumbar zone (such as Dupen's LumbarTech) or hybrid.
• Older people or those with reduced mobility: medium-firm memory foam (easy to get up from) or natural latex.
• You move around a lot during the night: pocket springs (more responsive and easier to change position).

Frequently asked questions

Do spring mattresses last longer than memory foam ones?

It depends on the quality. A good-density pocket spring mattress lasts 10-15 years. A high-density memory foam one (D70 or higher) has a similar lifespan. Low-density memory foam (D30-D40) sags more quickly.

Can someone with back pain sleep on a spring mattress?

Yes, if you choose medium-firm pocket springs. The problem with biconical springs is that they don't isolate pressure points well. For lower back pain, the best option is a hybrid mattress (springs + memory foam with a reinforced lumbar zone).

Is it true that memory foam makes you hot?

In low-density models or those without thermal treatment, yes. Modern memory foam mattresses with graphene, open cells or ventilation channels significantly reduce heat build-up. If you tend to feel hot easily, choose memory foam with graphene or a hybrid model.

What's better for a heavier person: springs or memory foam?

For people who are overweight or weigh over 100 kg, high-density pocket springs tend to perform better in the long run. Memory foam can sag more quickly if the density is low. If you prefer memory foam, choose models of D70 or higher.

Do spring mattresses make noise?

Steel biconical springs can become noisy over time. Modern pocket springs and Transpiral foam-encased springs are quiet. If noise is a concern, choose pocket springs or foam-encased springs, or go for a spring-free mattress altogether.