In store, we’re frequently asked: foam or springs, which mattress should I choose? The answer depends on your preferences and morphology. Springs offer dynamic support and isolate movement, while foams envelop the body and reduce pressure points.
From the start, it’s important to know that there are different types of coils: conventional coils and pocket coils, i.e. each individually wrapped. This type of coil adapts better to the body’s curves, since it adjusts individually to them. This feature also allows them to attenuate the movements that can be felt when sleeping with another partner who moves during the night.
Coils are characterized by their caliber, which corresponds to the rigidity and size of the steel wire they’re made of. The higher the number, the softer the coils. Some mattresses are even made up of coils of different gauges to better adapt to the body. For example, our firm Ironman mattress is made up of softer coils at the head and legs, and stiffer coils in the center, where most of the body weight is located.
As regards foam, many different varieties are available, such as memory foam, also called ” shape memory foam ” or ” visco-elastic foam ” which was made popular by NASA. These different types of foam mould to the body, properly adapting to the curves of each individual. There is also other non-memory foam, such as soya or latex foam. Latex foam is natural, cooler, more airy, more durable and does not normally have a memory effect. There is also foam that can be infused with gel or graphite, as in the case of our PROActiv and Grafit collections, thus improving their durability and making them cooler.
The quality of a foam is determined, amongst other things, by its density (weight). The higher the density, the higher the quality of the foam. A 2 lb. foam is considered high quality, and is found in the Grafit, PROActive and Hotel mattresses.
What are you looking for in a mattress? That it be enveloping? Soft? High support? Whereas a coil mattress provides comfort that can be characterized as ” active “, foam offers a more ” passive ” comfort ” : coils ” push ” us in a manner of speaking, and give the impression of supporting us, whereas foam gives the impression of sleeping flatter, the mattress’ vibration waves are felt less since the foam absorbs them. Shape memory foam, on the other hand, provides an enveloping sensation. The more visco-elastic contained in the foam, the stronger the feeling of sinking in, of envelopment.
Once you have properly understood the difference between foam and coils and that you have established your preferences, it is imperative that you consider your physical condition before choosing your mattress. If you suffer from backaches or aching hips, foam mattresses are probably better adapted to your needs, they hug the body, sometimes within millimetre accuracy, providing an adapted support and eliminating pressure points. However, for heavier people, we would suggest opting for pocket coils and a firmer mattress.
Simply put, there is no quick answer to the question ” coil or foam mattress? “! Meet with experts in the field, try out different options and listen to your body!
Your LA PLACE Specialists
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