Choosing the right mattress can be challenging, especially when deciding between innerspring and latex options. Innerspring mattresses offer plush support and comfort layers, while latex mattresses are durable, hypoallergenic, and offer contouring support. Both have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and your sleeping style.
With so many options on the market, finding the perfect mattress can be tricky. If you’re looking for something that gives you a comfortable, slightly springy sleep, you’ve likely narrowed your choices down to an innerspring or latex mattress.
While these two types of mattresses are similar, they also have some important differences. Let’s explore the key differences between innerspring and latex mattresses to determine which one can help you get the best sleep possible.
What’s the difference between a latex and innerspring mattress?
When choosing the ideal mattress type for you, you’ll want to consider construction, cost, and features like firmness level and motion isolation.
Latex mattresses are made with high-density, hypoallergenic latex foam. These mattresses are known for their body-contouring abilities and durability. These mattresses are a softer, more plush option than traditional innerspring mattresses.
Innerspring mattresses use a metal coil system to offer a higher level of support for your pressure points. They often feature a plush comfort layer on top but still have a firmer side.
Key benefits of latex mattresses
Latex mattresses are made from layers of latex foam, which is produced from the sap of rubber trees. These mattresses have been around for a long time but have not always been popular due to their higher price tag. However, they have gained popularity in recent years due to their long list of high-quality benefits.
Some of their key features include:
High-density, durable foam layers:
Latex mattresses offer some of the highest density and longest-lasting foam on the mattress market. They tend to have a lifespan of 15 years or more.
Increased airflow and breathability:
Latex foam mattresses can help keep you cool throughout the night with increased airflow and better breathability.
Hypoallergenic:
Natural latex mattresses are also hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to mold and dust mites. However, synthetic latex does not have the same hypoallergenic properties.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness: Because latex is a natural material, purchasing a latex mattress can be appealing to people looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly product.
Soft and luxurious feel:
Although latex mattresses have a higher firmness rating than memory foam, they still offer the same comfortable cushioning.
Disadvantages of latex mattresses
While latex mattresses have many benefits, they do have their drawbacks. The biggest thing that deters people from purchasing a latex mattress is the cost.
High cost:
Durability doesn’t come cheap. Due to the cost of harvesting and processing the material, organic latex mattresses tend to be more expensive than other mattresses.
Lack of support:
Latex mattresses may not offer the same level of support and spinal alignment as coil mattresses. If you suffer from back pain, this mattress may not be the right mattress for you.
Weight:
Latex mattresses are often harder to move around in due to their weight.
Latex mattress: ideal sleeping style
Ultimately, the ideal mattress type comes down to personal preference and your ideal sleeping position.
When it comes to buying a latex mattress, here’s how your sleeping style can influence your decision:
Back sleepers will find that a latex mattress offers ample support for pressure points in their back throughout the night.
Side sleepers will find that latex foam offers contouring support and can ease lower back pain.
Stomach sleepers may find that latex foam doesn’t provide enough support for their backs. They need a firmer sleeping surface and should look for a latex mattress with zoned support if they prefer this type of sleeping surface.
Key benefits of an innerspring mattress
Innerspring mattresses get their shape and primary support from a series of steel or titanium coils in the mattress core. The coiled core is then covered with layers of fabric, foam, or other padding and sometimes even another layer of springs.
Innerspring mattresses offer a number of benefits over latex mattresses, including:
Extra support:
Innerspring mattresses offer a level of support that can't be found in foam mattresses. They won't sag as much.
Unique feel:
The hallmark of an innerspring mattress is its softness, thanks to all the springs in the core of the mattress. However, the feel of the mattress will be determined by the comfort layer or pillow top material. These materials can include wool, foam, and other padding.
Low cost:
A high-quality innerspring mattress can cost half the price of an organic latex mattress.
Adjustable coils:
There are a variety of coils to choose from when shopping for an innerspring mattress. They can help determine the different features of your mattress. For example, pocketed coils will offer a lower level of motion transfer.
Cons of an innerspring mattress
While innerspring mattresses offer many benefits, they do have their drawbacks.
Firmer feel:
Many people are drawn to materials like latex or memory foam because of their plush, comfortable feel. Spring mattresses have a smaller comfort layer, which makes them a little more bouncy.
Shorter lifespan:
Innerspring mattresses don’t have the same lifespan as latex mattresses. In general, innerspring mattresses should be replaced every six to eight years, while latex mattresses can last more than 15 years.
Low motion isolation:
Motion isolation is what keeps you from feeling your partner move around throughout the night. Because they’re so bouncy, innerspring mattresses have a much lower level of motion isolation.
Innerspring mattresses: The ideal sleeping style
Determining whether an innerspring mattress is the right mattress for you depends on your sleeping style. Let’s take a look at how each sleeping position is affected by an innerspring mattress.
Back sleepers will get the right level of support for their back and neck throughout the night.
Side sleepers are more likely to experience back and neck pain when sleeping on an innerspring mattress. The hard surface doesn’t allow your body to mold to the contours of the mattress and can irritate your pressure points.
Stomach sleepers will find relief from an innerspring mattress. Because it offers so much support, your back and neck can stay comfortable throughout the night.