Pocket Sprung vs Memory Foam Mattress - What is the Difference?

Pocket sprung vs memory foam mattress - what is the difference?

A good night’s sleep is essential to your health and mood. Research shows that 36% of UK adults struggle to get to sleep at least once every week.

A prolonged lack of sleep can lead to focus issues, irritability and brain fog, resulting in longer-term low mood conditions like anxiety. Additionally, continuous bad sleep patterns could make you more prone to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Finding the right mattress is essential for setting your sleep up for success. There are a few different mattress types to choose from with the pocket sprung mattress vs memory foam being the traditional front runners. Both are great options and have their benefits and less positive features, so it is important to understand which is right for you.

To help you get the most comfortable and relaxing sleep possible, we’ve created a guide to support you to understand the properties and benefits of a pocket sprung vs memory foam mattress.

What is a memory foam mattress?

A memory foam mattress is made from viscoelastic foam that’s constructed to be pressure and temperature-sensitive. This means when you lie down, the mattress softens around and supports the curvature of your body, evenly distributing your weight and alleviating stress on any pressure points. This makes a memory foam mattress a great option if you suffer from back or joint pain.

Pros and cons of a memory foam mattress

To help you decide if this is the right mattress for you, we’ve listed some benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

• Supportive: a memory foam mattress moulds to the shape of your body, offering optimum support and making it a great choice for people with back or joint problems
• Long-lasting : viscoelastic foam has been designed to stand the test of time and bounce back to its original shape after every use
• Movement absorbing: if you sleep with a partner, you won’t feel their movements as much due to the mattress’s non-spring construction
• Hypoallergenic: if you suffer from asthma, allergies or any respiratory issue, this mattress would be ideal as it does not collect dust

Cons

• Heat insulating: as the mattress moulds to your body, it retains more heat and makes temperature regulation more difficult. Not all memory foam mattresses will have this issue, but it’s best to check before you buy
• Sinking sensation: some people dislike the feeling of a mattress moulding around their body. If possible, it’s a good idea to try one out during a home appointment before making a decision

What is a pocket sprung mattress?

Pocket sprung mattresses are constructed with each metal spring sewn into individual fabric pockets. Each mattress will contain 1,000 to 2,000 individual metal pocket springs which will move independently when pressure is applied. This means pocket spring mattresses are much more comfortable and supportive than traditional designs. With even pressure and good shock absorption, they’re great for people who like firm support.

Pros and cons of a pocket sprung mattress

The following advantages and disadvantages will help you determine if these mattresses are best for your needs.

Pros

• Cooler: with your body sitting on top of the mattress and plenty of air circulation around each pocket spring, temperature regulation is good, helping you stay cool
• Customisable: there are a range of different spring quantity options available, meaning you can select the one that feels right for you
• Helps posture: the individualised pocket springs distribute your weight and provide great support, making them great for people with joint or back pain
• Shock absorption: the pocket springs take the weight and impact where contact occurs. This is beneficial if you sleep with a partner, as it won’t bounce every time they move

Cons

• Bouncy: the firm support means you’ll be lying on top of the mattress, rather than sinking into it, which might be less comfortable for some
• Maintenance: over time, the springs of a pocket-sprung mattress will begin to sag. To combat this, flipping your mattress every few months is recommended, which could be difficult for some

Which is best for you? Pocket sprung vs memory foam mattress

Buying a new mattress is an investment for your comfort and your health, so it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons and how they affect your sleep style.

At the end of the day, selecting a new mattress comes down to personal preference as there’s no clear answer of which is the best. When it comes to settling the debate of the pocket sprung vs memory foam mattress it’s important to choose what will work for your health requirements and comfort which will be different for everyone.

Oak Tree Mobility is proud to offer both pocket-sprung and memory foam mattresses that are compatible with our beds. If you have any questions please do get in touch as our knowledgeable team would be delighted to assist.