Coil Spring vs. High Density Foam

Coil Spring

Coil spring (also called innerspring) mattresses use metal coils to provide resistance and support. Contemporary bedding use pocket coil systems that are entirely independent from each other so there are less pressure points. The rule of these new pocket coil systems is the more coils that are used, the more independent movement and response is in mattress.

Older coil spring mattresses, however, have one frame with coils interconnected to one another. Although this provides good support across the entire surface, and a longer durability life, there are comfort concerns about these mattresses.

Additionally, most coil spring mattresses have memory foam, latex, or some other type of bedding to provide a soft surface to sleep on.

Pros: Durable materials, and newer pocket coil systems provide comfortable support.

Cons: Older coil spring mattresses can cause more back pain and irritate pressure points.

High Density Foam

High density foam is a very firm foam that generally makes up the bottom layer of popular memory foam mattresses. Other types of mattresses such as innerspring or hybrid may also use high density foam to support the spring systems.

High density foams generally are not used to create the entire mattress because they are just too firm. So, generally they are used as a foundation for the bed or to provide edge support.

High density foam is made of a blend of polyurethane and has a tendency to off-gas. If you are susceptible to lung issues, please do additional research on the quality of foams before purchasing.

Pros: Structural firm foam used by many mattresses to provide foundation and shape.

Cons: Off-gassing problems with lower quality foams and it is too firm to make a mattress in its entirety.

Learn More About Coil Spring

Learn More About High Density Foam

See Our Top Mattress Choices

Material Scores

Overall Score:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
High Density Foam: 8.9/10

Comfort:
Coil Spring: 9.2/10
High Density Foam: 8/10

Softness:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
High Density Foam: 7.5/10

Cooling:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
High Density Foam: 8/10

Hypoallergenic:
Coil Spring: 9.5/10
High Density Foam: 8.1/10

No Odor:
Coil Spring: 9.5/10
High Density Foam: 8.4/10

General Support:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
High Density Foam: 9.3/10

Eco-Conscious:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
High Density Foam: 8.5/10

Price Value:
Coil Spring: 8.4/10
High Density Foam: 9.4/10