Choosing a mattress can be hard enough without having to figure out what different terminology actually means for your sleep. When you’re trying to choose between a foam or coil mattress, it’s important to know the differences and how that might affect you.
Foam or coil mattress choices are the two most common options on the market. They are very different when you sink into them. Choosing what is right for you will ultimately depend on what your body needs for support and rest.
Take a look at these details to better understand your options.
Understanding Mattresses
How much do you know about the creation of a mattress? There are multiple layers inside that outer coating of your mattress. What you see externally is made to be visually appealing, but it’s what lies inside that really counts.
What you will find is that every type of mattress contains foam, but not every mattress contains coils. A coil mattress will generally have foam in it to create a base for the coils. The amount of foam might determine the plushness of the mattress.
From the foam, different types of mattresses will build varying layers into the mattress. The layers dictate how firm or how soft the mattress you lie on is going to be.
Now, let’s compare the two.
Foam Mattresses
Occasionally, a foam mattress might contain some sort of coils deep within its layers. However, it is more likely that the mattress creators simply use specific foam to create the layers.
How firm or soft they want the mattress to be will be defined by the density of the foam layers. You have a foam base that starts in the center, then the creators build on the center to create the desired effect.
Foam mattresses have become increasingly popular in recent years. As technology advances, we discover new and exciting ways to create high-quality foam mattresses.
Here are some of the key qualities to know about a foam mattress:
-
Foam forms to your body’s needs
-
Reduced motion transfer on the mattress
-
Multiple foam layers can be unique
-
Not as many pressure points
-
Foam can be hot but cooling layers can be added
-
The luxury of the mattress depends on the foam combination
Foam mattresses can be made firm or plush. More foam layers often leads to higher costs and increased luxury on the mattress top.
Coil Mattresses
Now, when you look at a coil mattress, you do see some difference in the design. These used to be the standard mattress option, and they remain popular despite the uptick in foam options.
At one time, people assumed that coils would always be firmer than foam, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Yes, you can achieve more firmness, but you can also have a plush and soft coil mattress.
How firm the mattress is will depend on the types of coils placed within. Coils are measured by gauges, and those gauges determine the firmness of the completed mattress.
Here are the characteristics to know about coil mattresses:
-
Variety of options and firmness solutions to choose from
-
The coils determine the firmness levels
-
Coil can be paired with foam in some cases
-
Increase in motion transfer
-
Potential pressure points from coils
The style of coil mattress that works for you will depend on your needs.
Foam or Coil Mattress: Making a Choice
When it comes down to making your final decision, think of things like support and comfort. Your body will have particular needs in these areas. Get to know the details about the coils or the foam that might affect you.
One type of mattress is not necessarily better than the other, but you might find that one is the best choice for your needs.