Which mattress is better: spring mattress or polyurethane foam?

Which mattress is better - spring mattress or polyurethane foam, how do they differ? Such questions arise from buyers quite often. These types of products top the ratings of the best-selling models, but they have clear differences in performance, comfort level, degree of support. Comparison of options will help to understand which of the mattresses is better for a child and for an adult, will greatly facilitate the process of buying a suitable product.

A spring mattress has been used successfully for several centuries. The first models did not have a high level of comfort. The springs in them were interconnected - there are such models even now, they are called "bonnell". The main discomfort was the hammock effect. The mattress noticeably crumbles under load, people with different weights are not very comfortable sleeping on it. The invention of products with an independent spring unit changed the situation.

The design now features insulated elements to provide individualized support for different areas of the body. Such mattresses are considered orthopedic, capable of evenly distributing the load on the spine. At first, sleeping on them is unusual, the base seems to be rather hard, but after a night spent, the body is well rested, and with regular use, people manage to get rid of many related problems. For example, from edema, feeling of numbness in the arms and legs, circulatory disorders.

At first, a polyurethane foam mattress may seem much more comfortable than a spring mattress. This is due to the soft porous structure, which deforms under the pressure of the human body. There are 2 types of polyurethane foam mattresses.

• Classic... They are inexpensive, they represent a cover with sheets of foam rubber inside - this is the name of the material more familiar to Russian buyers. The thickness of the mattresses is not too high, as is their price. These models do not provide sufficient comfort, they can only be considered as short-term substitutes for a permanent sleeping place.
• Increased density. Such a polyurethane-based material is better known as eco-foam or artificial latex. Bases of this type have a higher level of density, they are elastic, resistant to deformation. Many polyurethane foam mattresses in this category are considered orthopedic.

In terms of comfort, dense polyurethane foam products are quite comparable to inexpensive spring models. The choice of a suitable mattress in this case should be done, taking into account other characteristics.

It is possible to determine how much the PPU mattress differs from the model with a block of independent springs by comparing their characteristics.

• The degree of hardness. Both regular and eco-foam mattresses based on polyurethane foam are much softer than any spring mattresses. High rigidity is not always an advantage. But it is mandatory in cases where you need to form the correct posture or provide a high level of back support in the presence of orthopedic problems.
• Flammability... The spring blocks themselves are made of steel - a material that is not afraid of contact with fire. PPU is flammable; during its operation, safety rules must be observed. But spring blocks have covers and inserts, which can also negatively manifest themselves under thermal exposure.
• Resistant to intense loads. Spring mattresses do not tolerate jumps, bumps and other influences. With such contact, individual elements of the block may fail, tear the outer skin. PPU is not afraid of such loads, but it can deform over time if they occur too often.
• Noiselessness... There is no big difference here. Both the independent spring block and the polyurethane foam allow you to sleep comfortably, without unnecessary noise at the slightest movement.
• Air permeability... For this indicator, the mattresses being compared are also quite comparable. They do not have any problems with providing the necessary air exchange; during sleep, the body "breathes".
• Environmental friendliness... It is equal for both spring and PPU mattresses. But if the first option has additional content, it is worth considering the entire product as a whole. It is worth considering that some polyurethane foam products can retain a specific chemical odor for 2-3 weeks after unpacking.
• Viscosity... It is typical for products made of polyurethane foam. They literally envelop the body, dampen any vibrations during restless sleep. This mattress is ideal for those who are used to tossing and turning in search of the perfect position.
• Moisture resistance... Like a regular foam sponge, polyurethane foam tends to absorb and retain moisture. Children may need a waterproof cover for sleeping. When used in a humid climate, stored in the country, the filler may dry out poorly and emit an unpleasant odor. Spring models are completely devoid of this drawback.

The key differences between spring mattresses and polyurethane foam mattresses are not only in cost. All other things being equal, it is the first option that should be chosen, but only with an independent block. Bonnell models are sometimes also worth considering as a compromise.

When choosing a suitable mattress for a child or an adult, you should focus not only on the cost of the product.It will be much more important to take into account individual needs, the presence of orthopedic problems and wishes for the degree of rigidity of the berth.

Let's consider the main recommendations.

• For the student. You can opt for models with an independent spring block or medium-hard polyurethane foam products. It is worth paying attention to the thickness - from 10 cm, since the requirements for back support at this age change.
• For a preschool child. In this case, the choice should be made in favor of a rigid foundation. Orthopedic springless mattresses made of dense polyurethane foam or with a layer of coconut coir on top are a good choice. Such models will ensure the formation of correct posture.
• For baby up to 3 years old... At this age, it is permissible to use only hard and medium-hard mattresses with a sufficient level of orthopedic support. They are also suitable for newborns and older children who have problems with the lumbar spine.
• For an elderly person... At an older age, minimizing discomfort during sleep comes to the fore. For people over 60 years old, soft and very soft mattresses with PU foam filling will be the optimal solution. They will help to relax muscles at night, relieve stress on the vascular system and joints.
• For an adult. Here we have to take into account the complexion of a person, since body weight directly affects the perception of the stiffness of the mattress. The greater the mass, the lower the softness of the filler should be. People of a fragile and asthenic constitution should give preference to PPU mattresses or the lightest spring mattresses.
• By appointment. If we are talking about a guest berth, you can safely choose a mattress with a dependent spring block or an inexpensive PPU. For constant daily sleep, such models are not suitable. Dense springless mattresses made of polyurethane foam are suitable for sleeping together - they do not convey the movements of another person. For 1 adult, a spring model with an independent block would be a good choice.
• By type of berth. If we are talking about a sofa that is used for daily night sleep, it is worth giving preference to springless PU foam toppers 5-10 cm thick. They will provide the necessary leveling effect and make your sleep more comfortable. On a flexible bed base with slats, it is worth choosing a stiffer mattress with independent springs, since such a structure bends slightly under the weight of the human body.