Mattress Comfort Comparison Tool

Comfort Qualities

Memory Foam

Latex

Spring Mattress

Unique benefit

Temperature-responsiveness

Body conformity without being gripped or sleeping hot

Availability

Support

Very Good

• Body contouring abilities

• Good weight distribution

• Temperature-responsiveness

• High density

• Firm mattress core

Very Good

• Good weight distribution

• High density

• Firm mattress core

• Body contouring abilities

Somewhat Good

• Only for back sleepers
• Springs push back to constrict circulation
• No body contouring
• Pocket spring models are more supportive 

Spine Alignment

Very Good

• Body contouring

• Good weight distribution

• Temperature-responsiveness

Very Good

• Good weight distribution

• Body contouring abilities

Poor

• No body contouring 

Pressure Relief

Very Good (around 15 mmHg)

• Open-cell structure which doesn't push back

• Good weight distribution

Very Good (less than 32 mmHg)

• Open-cell structure which doesn't push back

• Good weight distribution

Poor (more than 32 mmHg)

• Springs push back to constrict circulation
• No body contouring 

Firmness

• Soft or hard depending on temperature

• Commonly 10-16 ILD

• Softer than other foams, used only as comfort layer

• Soft or hard depending on latex formula

• Commonly 14-34 ILD

Soft or hard depending on coil shape and type 

Moisture

• May become squishy in humid environments

• Absorbs moisture well but doesn't dry out quickly

• May cause sweating as less skin is exposed to air

• Does not affect how it works

• Latex absorbs moisture and dries out quickly

Does not affect how it works 

Sleeps Hot

Yes

• Less skin is exposed to air which prevents cooling

• Depends on environment temperature

No

• Latex provides good ventilation

No

Weight Distribution

Very Good

• Temperature-responsiveness

• Open-cell structure

• Body contouring

Very Good

• Body contouring abilities

• Open-cell structure

Poor

• No body contouring 

Air Circulation

Good

• Open-cell air structure promotes airflow

• Extremely dense cell structure inhibits airflow somewhat

Very Good

• Latex promotes good airflow

Good

Body Contouring

Very Good

• Temperature-responsiveness

• Open-cell structure

Very Good

Open-cell structure

Poor

• Spring/coil functioning system 

Cold/Warm Environments

• Softer when warm

• Firmer when cold

Not Affected

Not Affected

Sagging, Expected Wear

Yes

• Loses rebound recovery in time

• May be 3-6 years before it begins to sag

Yes

• Loses rebound recovery in time

• May be 3-6 years before it begins to sag

Yes

• Sagging and lumps in 1-2 years
• Breaks-in under overweight sleepers
• Loses bounce-back over time 

Temperature Effects

Yes

• Responds to body temperature

• Softens when warmer

• Hardens when colder

No

No

Tossing & Turning

No

• Helps relieve pressure, cause of most tossing and turning

No

• Helps relieve pressure, cause of most tossing and turning

Yes

Springs exerts pressure

Noise

No

No

No

Odors

Yes

• Unpleasant off-gassing when new

Yes

• strange smell when new

No

Motion transfer

No

• Open-cell structure reduces motion transfer

No

• Open-cell structure reduces motion transfer

Yes

Springs transfer motion

Requires getting used to

Yes

• Requires 2-8 weeks getting used to

Yes

• Requires 2-4 weeks getting used to

No