Which is better - polyurethane foam or spring mattress?

Over the past 20 years, many mattresses have appeared from completely new materials - orthopene, latex, polyurethane foam. The latter filler is especially popular and relatively cheap. Many people are confused about which mattress is better, spring or polyurethane foam. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and will be appropriate in different situations.

What is a spring mattress

The “heart” of a spring mattress is a spring block. It comes in different types:

• On dependent springs "Bonel". The simplest, budget option. The springs are connected to each other, and therefore bend all at once. It can be uncomfortable to sleep on a bed together.
• With independent spring block. Each spring is separated by a protective cover and reacts to load independently of the others. It's comfortable to sleep on. The springs adapt to the shape of the body. There is no "hammock" effect.
• With small and large springs, combined, in the shape of an hourglass. The more springs in a mattress, the better it is considered. Due to the point reaction of numerous springs, the body takes the most natural position.Expensive models may contain springs of different stiffness in certain areas, which only enhances the orthopedic characteristics of the mattress.

The spring block must have a shell - polyurethane foam, coconut, latex or other inserts. Layers of filler make it possible to give it softness, or, conversely, additional rigidity. Typically, spring models are made in combination - hard on one side, and medium-hard or medium-soft on the other.

What is a polyurethane foam mattress

Polyurethane foam mattresses are made from a sponge-like material. Polyurethane foam is produced by foaming plastic. But unlike ordinary foam rubber, the cells in the structure are small. The material holds its shape well, is elastic and dense enough to resist body weight.

For upholstered furniture, polyurethane foam of the EL and ST brands is used, with a density from 16 to 35 kg/m3. The higher the density, the higher the compressive stress. Material with a density of 16-25 is not intended for long-term loads; it can quickly collapse and sag.

Kinds

Polyurethane foam mattresses can consist of a single layer of polyurethane foam, several layers, or combined with other fillers.

• Products made from one polyurethane foam have a thickness of 12-14 cm. They are the most budget-friendly, usually soft or medium-soft.
• Mattresses made of polyurethane foam and coconut slabs. Relatively inexpensive and very successful combination. A layer of coconut coir adds rigidity to the product.
• Memory Foam. The most expensive option. It has high density and elasticity, but at the same time is able to adapt to the curves of the body. Memory foam provides a pleasant wrap-around feel. “Fingerprints” remain on it, which slowly and completely disappear.

Comparison

Not knowing what to choose, a polyurethane foam mattress or a spring one, you need to compare the characteristics, pros and cons of both types. The table will help with this:

Reviews of polyurethane foam mattresses

There are a large number of reviews about PU foam mattresses, and all of them are contradictory. Most often, comments are left on products from Ikea. Moreover, the same model can be praised and criticized at the same time.

Negative

Negativity towards polyurethane foam mattresses is mostly due to the excessive softness of the filler. Here's what customers write about them:

• Mila: “We bought an extendable couch and thin Malfors polyurethane foam mattresses from Ikea. At first glance they didn’t inspire confidence, but in terms of size they were the only ones that matched the couch. After the first night, my back hurt wildly. This is not a mattress, but a sheet! The head falls in, the butt falls in. She returned to the ancient spring bed. It’s a waste of money, it’s very disappointing.”
• Andrey: “I bought into the advertising. The polyurethane foam mattress was declared as hard, but in fact it cannot even be called medium-hard.An 8 year old child can still sleep normally. And underneath me it collapses so much that you can feel all the slats.”

Positive

Almost all buyers in reviews of polyurethane foam mattresses note the affordable price, ease of transportation, convenience and practicality.

• Valeria V.: “I would never have thought that foam rubber could be so comfortable and keep its shape well. We bought the Moshult model. The material feels very elastic and dense to the touch. My weight is 60 kg, my husband’s is 72 kg. The mattress practically does not bend under us. The only negative point is that after about a year the foam inside turned yellow. But this is not visible in a mattress pad.”
• Margo: “Malfors from Ikea is my first polyurethane foam mattress. This is a real salvation for a tired, sore back. We chose the toughest one. But sleeping on it is very comfortable. It takes the shape of the body. The feeling cannot be expressed in words. Been using it for six months now, no complaints. Same as on the first day of purchase. The mattress cover with a zipper is easy to remove. It doesn't fit completely in my washing machine. I unzip the zipper all the way and wash first one part of the mattress cover, then the other.”
• Arsen: “We bought a budget mattress. The choice was faced with inexpensive spring and polyurethane foam. After lying on both, I felt a noticeable difference. The springs dig into your lower back, and you really relax on the foam. I advise you to take the one that is tougher. It’s just as comfortable, but more durable.”

Reviews about spring mattresses

Most people are satisfied with the purchase of a spring mattress. Both inexpensive models from Ikea and high-quality Ascona and Ormatek are praised. Among the negative aspects, buyers most often point out the high price, damage to the product due to careless handling (jumping).

Reviews about spring mattresses:

• Olga: “Ikea Chareid is the first spring mattress in our house. It cost 16 thousand rubles, which is quite cheap for this category. Pocket springs (187 springs/sq.m.), on top there is a layer of polyurethane foam with a massage effect. With his appearance, I learned what it was like to sleep like a baby. It's incredibly comfortable. We plan to buy one for our son when he grows up.”
• Vyacheslav: “Two years ago I bought a budget Hovog spring mattress from Ikea for 9 thousand rubles. It is one-sided and moderately hard. Weighs about 30 kg. It was delivered rolled up. At first I was disappointed - it felt like I was sleeping on the floor. And then he lay down and became the way he needed to be. A good thing, no worse than expensive Ascona.”
• Mikhail Alekseevich: “We have been using the Askona Terapia Cardio mattress for 5 years. Orthopedic, high, the springs are not felt. Sleeping together is comfortable, even if there is a difference in weight, and someone likes to toss and turn in their sleep. I began to sleep very well. We bought a mattress for 20,000 rubles. Not little, but not prohibitively expensive either, considering that we will be using it for at least 10 years.”
• Sasha: “I had a negative experience with spring mattresses. The slats on the bed were broken. They didn’t notice it right away, and it managed to become deformed. We bought another one, cheaper. But the springs dug into my back so much that I had to sell them to friends. For the same money we bought polyurethane foam with memory effect. Heaven and earth."

Which is better to choose?

It is impossible to say for sure which mattress is better - polyurethane foam or spring. They differ in hardness, cost, thickness and many other parameters. Different models differ greatly from each other.

Polyurethane foam mattresses can be too thin and soft, while spring mattresses can be hard, with noticeable springs and poor-quality lining.You need to pay attention to the quality of the product and take into account the operating conditions.

A spring mattress is better suited for:

• For people with heavy weight.
• In situations where an orthopedic effect is needed.
• For beds with high sides.
• For people who prefer to sleep on hard.

A polyurethane foam mattress is usually chosen:

• For shallow couches, beds with flimsy slats.
• For active children who love to jump on the bed.
• For older people.
• For a summer residence, rented housing.
• For healthy young people who prefer to sleep on soft things (weighing up to 70-90 kg).
• As a topper on a hard bed or old sofa.

Questions and answers

How to properly use a polyurethane foam mattress?

After purchase, you need to unroll the roll, place it on a hard horizontal plane, and leave it for 72 hours. After 3 days, the mattress can be used as usual. Care consists of regular washing of the mattress cover. The product can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. To maintain its shape, it is recommended to frequently turn it on different sides.

Which mattress to choose if you need an orthopedic effect?

There are different types of problems with the spine. Some people are advised to sleep on a hard one, while for others the back support will be sufficient. You need to consult with an orthopedic doctor. Taken as a whole, the most pronounced orthopedic effect is found in polyurethane foam with memory effect and an independent spring block. A spring mattress should not contain many layers of coconut coir, felt, or polyurethane foam. It is best when the springs are covered with one layer of latex or Memory Foam.

All mattresses are important, all mattresses are necessary. Products made from polyurethane foam and spring blocks are equally in demand, but are suitable for different people and situations.Typically, polyurethane foam models are considered as a budget alternative. For dachas, people with low weight, nothing more is needed. A good spring mattress costs 2-5 times more and requires careful handling. But you can choose it to suit your weight and preferences, and it will last twice as long.