Spring Mattress vs. Latex Mattress: Which Is Better?

Are you torn between a spring mattress and a latex mattress? Choosing between these two mattresses can be difficult, especially if you’ve never used them before.

A spring mattress is made from a series of titanium or steel coils that are usually placed underneath layers of fabric or foam. Latex mattresses, on the other hand, are made primarily from latex. They are highly durable and have a good reputation when it comes to pressure point relief.

In this article, we will compare the spring and the latex mattresses based on their features, pros, and cons. Read on to learn the best option for your needs.

Comparison Table: Innerspring vs. Latex Main Features

Innerspring vs. Latex Mattress: All You Need to Know

Let’s break down the similarities and differences between the spring and latex mattresses.

How They Feel

Innerspring mattresses are known for their bounciness, a feature that usually varies depending on the number of springs used. The bounce rate of a spring mattress also depends on the material used in manufacturing the entire mattress. For instance, wool and foam provide different responses when used on spring mattresses.

Latex mattresses are also buoyant and highly responsive, but unlike spring mattresses, they tend to contour to the user’s body shape and weight, thus providing additional comfort. A latex mattress also comes in different levels of firmness depending on the density of foam used and the method of production.

Motion Transfer

Due to their high rate of motion transfer, innerspring mattresses are not ideal for couples. Movement on one side is easily transmitted to the other side, making it difficult to sleep through the night, especially for light sleepers.

Latex mattresses are known for their firmness. And although they are relatively bouncy, these mattresses do a great job in regards to absorbing motion. You won’t feel much of your partner’s movements as compared to spring mattresses.

Durability

Both innerspring and latex mattresses are known for their durability. The durability of a spring mattress depends on several factors such as coil count, construction of the coil frames, types of coil as well as the layers used in the mattresses. The average lifespan of an innerspring mattress is around eight to ten years.

Latex mattresses are industry leaders when it comes to durability. Natural latex mattresses can last for more than 15 years if well maintained. Even better, these mattresses are known to maintain their firmness and bounciness for years, making them ideal as long-term options.

Cost

A spring mattress can be expensive, depending on the types of springs used. Since spring mattresses integrate different foams and materials in their makeup, their cost can go up, especially when high-quality foams are used to provide cushioning.

Buying a latex mattress, however, will cost you more than a spring mattress. The costs associated with harvesting and processing natural latex are usually high, which explains the costly nature of latex mattresses.

Latex Mattress vs. Innerspring Mattress: The Advantages

Spring Mattress

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Easily Available

Spring mattresses are sold by almost all mattress retailers. As arguably the most popular type of mattress, you won’t need to hop from store to store in search of a spring mattress.

Wide Variety

There are different types of spring mattresses available in the market. You can choose from pocket coils, continuous wire coils, offset coils, and bonnet coils.

Comfort

Innerspring mattresses come with additional comfort layers aimed at increasing firmness and overall support. Some more expensive brands also use micro-coils to preserve the bounce while increasing responsiveness.

Sleeps Cool

Innerspring mattresses are among the best when it comes to sleeping cool. These mattresses don’t contour to the body, thus reducing heat retention due to continuous airflow.

Affordable

Compared to memory foam and latex beds, spring mattresses are much more affordable.

Latex Mattress

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Contours Nicely

Latex mattresses have a reputation for providing great relief to pressure points. While not as soft as memory foam, a latex mattress will contour better than a spring mattress.

Resilient and Firm

Latex is an elastic material that quickly rebounds once the pressure is lifted. Although not as bouncy as spring mattresses, a latex mattress will absorb pressure and distribute weight evenly across the surface.

Eco-Conscious

Organic latex is environmentally friendly and has reduced the chances of allergic reactions compared to other mattress types.

Sleeps Cool

Latex mattresses are better than foam mattresses when it comes to sleeping cool. However, a spring mattress tends to sleep cooler compared to latex.

Durable

Mattresses using organic latex tend to last longer compared to other types of mattresses.

Quiet

Latex mattresses are ideal for amorous activities as they rarely make noise.

Latex Mattress vs. Innerspring Mattress: The Disadvantages

Innerspring Mattress

Sags After Continuous Use

Spring mattresses tend to sag after years of use. While an innerspring mattress can last for close to a decade, its durability can’t be compared to that of a latex mattress.

Limited Pressure Point Support

Innerspring beds provide less pressure point support compared to latex mattresses. Many people, especially slide sleepers, register complaints about spring-bed related pains that occur after continuous use of spring mattresses.

Poor Motion Isolation

Spring beds are known for their poor motion isolation ratings. A slight movement on one side can easily be felt on the other, which makes innerspring beds a poor fit for couples and light sleepers.

Noisy

While the noise levels are usually low to moderate when new, a spring mattress will gradually get louder as it ages. The squeaky noises, especially when moving in and out of bed, can be annoying for couples.

Latex Mattresses

Heavy to Move

Though sturdy and durable, latex mattresses tend to be heavy, making them extremely difficult to move around or turn.

Costly

Latex mattresses are easily among the most expensive in the market. Despite the gradual reduction of mattress prices over the years, their prices rarely come down, meaning you’ll have to fork out more to get a mattress made from organic latex.

Latex or Spring Mattress: Which One Should You Go For?

If you are a stomach or back sleeper, then a latex mattress will suffice due to its ability to cushion the neck and abdomen areas without allowing excessive sink.

Also, latex is a popular pick for sleepers with higher body weight due to its durability, stability, and firmness. Firm mattresses help heavy people to sleep comfortably without worrying about sagging or sinking.

Latex mattresses are also ideal for people with existing joint or muscle pains due to their pressure point relieving properties.

A spring mattress is an ideal option if you like sleeping on a bouncier surface or if you need better temperature control. A medium-firm innerspring bed can also reduce mild back pain while also providing adequate spinal support.

Final Thoughts

With latex, you get a blend of firmness and comfort in one mattress, which makes it highly therapeutic if you have existing back and joint pains. However, with a spring mattress, you get a whole lot of bounce that brings the fun into bed, especially if you’re a heavy sleeper.

Whichever option you choose, you can rest assured that both mattresses are durable and rank highly in terms of quality and user experience.

Based on our review, the latex mattress takes the day due to its low bounce rate, firmness, and contouring ability. But if you want a cheaper option that’ll also guarantee comfort, going for the spring mattress isn’t bad either. Remember to inquire about the type of springs used before settling for a particular spring mattress.