Did you know their explanation that the only reason springs are still used in mattresses is because they are cheap?
It’s hard to believe that mattress companies can get pocket-spring systems for only $30. They make BIG money and your back is the one that loses. Are memory foam mattresses better?
So how can you overcome the challenge of mattress salesmen and misleading advertising? Or do you simply choose the best mattresses that are designed for your health and comfort?
Comparing spring mattresses and memory foam mattresses in terms of comfort is quite easy.
Comparison of the support provided by mattresses
Spring mattress
Spring mattresses might give the illusion of comfort at first, with those luxurious pillow top covers, but as the picture shows, they don’t offer enough pressure point relief.
See all that red? That’s the pain you’ll feel due to the lack of blood circulation.
The spring mattresses push up against your body, with the same force. Proper support is impossible because your body does not push evenly. This results in pressure points that cause poor blood circulation, tossing and turning, and joint and other pain. You don’t want that.
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, which would be like having billions of tiny springs to support you. Pressure points are significantly reduced, up to an incredible 80%, which is something only memory foam can offer.
Tumbling in bed is the main cause of a bad night’s sleep and this is dramatically reduced with a memory foam mattress.
Pressure is measured in mmHg. Those of 32 mmHg or less are considered to relieve pressure, depending on the health industry. Memory foam is below 18, while spring mattresses are above 30. ouch!
Essentia provides the lowest mmHg on the market with its memory foam mattresses: 12.43 mmHg at 200 lbs.
THE POSITIVE
PROS of spring mattresses
Low cost. There’s nothing cheaper than a spring mattress… well, maybe a futon or a second-hand mattress.
Durability. A good spring mattress can last over 10 years. The firmer it is, the better.
PROS of memory foam mattresses
Low cost. A durable foam mattress can be obtained for less than $650.
Pressure distribution. Relieves pressure better than any other type of mattress.
Does not transfer motion. The mattress will not shake, in other words, it does not transfer movement so you will not wake your partner.
Hypoallergenic. A solid block of foam means that mites can only live on the surface and not on the inside.
THE NEGATIVE
BACK of spring mattresses
Loss of support. Usually, spring mattresses start to sag after 1 or 2 years. In fact, in the first year alone, they lose 16% of their support.
Suspicious warranties. Spring mattress warranties allow for normal body impression of up to 1.5 inches. This usually means that the foam is no longer good for recovery or pressure relief. This “normal” body impression often occurs as little as 3 to 6 months from the time the mattress was first used.
Poor back support. Inner springs do not provide good back support and do not take into account the alignment of the spine.
Painful. Spring mattresses don’t distribute body weight evenly. Because each spring pushes upward with equal force, pressure points are inevitable.
Not hypoallergenic. The soft, fluffy polyester top and the space between the springs means that the mattress becomes a good nesting place for dust mites.
BACK of the memory foam mattress
Price. The best memory foam mattresses can be expensive depending on quality and brand. Generally, cost is directly associated with quality because materials are expensive, not labor.
Feels like quicksand. Because they conform to the contours of the body, some foams take longer than others to take shape as well as return to their original form.
The smell. Some memory foam mattresses are made from poor quality foam and can have a very strong odor when new.
