Does a Memory Foam Mattress Have Springs? (Explained)
Fundamentally, a memory foam mattress is a composition of different materials in specific layering order. It is this design that allows it to provide the intended performance.
However, does a memory foam mattress have springs?
Memory foam mattresses do not have springs in them. A memory foam mattress typically consists of 3 to 5 layers of foams of varying density, including a layer of memory foam at the very top.
What Is a Memory Foam Mattress Made of?
Memory foam is primarily made up of polyurethane, a material commonly used as the top layer of cushioned seats and car seats. Its sensitivity to pressure and heat allows it to mold to the shape of the individual’s body.
It is this inherent “hugging” property that makes memory foam mattresses popular, in response to traditional innerspring mattresses which are “bouncier”.
Regardless of which manufacturer a memory foam mattress comes from, the basic concept of layering the mattress is pretty much the same. It is this layering of foams of varying density in a specific order that gives it the performance.
From the top to the bottom of a memory foam mattress, this is the composition of layers that you will usually find:
- A soft and breathable fabric cover (for protection and comfort)
- A layer of memory foam
- A support layer of latex, or ventilated memory foam (for airflow and heat dissipation)
- A layer of high-density foam (as the foundation)
Manufacturers have since introduced design enhancements where layer(s) of higher quality material were added to improve the performance of memory foam mattresses, as well as make them sleep cooler.
Perhaps it was the layers of higher density foam underneath the top memory foam layer that gives it the slight “bouncy” feel and thus the impression that there are springs in the mattress.
Is Memory Foam Better Than Spring Mattress?
In the evolution of the mattress industry, traditional spring mattresses were the common type of mattress before the memory foam mattresses came on the scene.
A spring mattress consists of one network of interconnected springs that spreads across the entire widths of the mattress. As such, motion isolation became the most prominent issue that users face, amongst others.
Memory foam mattresses are better than spring mattresses from the following points of view:
- Improved support for the body
Memory foam performs better at supporting the curves of the body. It helps to keep the bodyweight evenly distributed and thus promotes better spinal alignment.
- Higher mattress durability
The coils within a spring mattress tend to deteriorate and break over time. When this happens, indentation and sag can form leading to uncomfortable sleeping position.
Memory foam is a material that has a degree of elasticity to it. Couple that with the other supporting layers made from higher density foams, a memory foam mattress tend to last longer.
However, this is contingent on you caring for the mattress and that includes rotating the mattress periodically to even out the wear.
- Better motion isolation
Springs naturally create more bounce when pressure is applied making a spring mattress fare poorly in motion isolation. This is a common complaint among couples sharing a bed.
A memory foam mattress, on the other hand, absorbs motions better allowing for less disturbance when a partner moves into bed while the other is asleep.
The memory foam mattress is not without its drawbacks. Chief among them is the heat that it tends to retain. This raises the overall temperature of the mattress and makes it warm and uncomfortable to sleep on.
Depending on the advancement in mattress design to address the heat issue, memory foam mattresses can now stay cool for longer.
However, mattress designs differ from one to the other, and from manufacturer to manufacturer. Research thoroughly before buying one.
