Coir vs. Egg Crate Foam

Coir

Coir or coconut fiber is fiber from the husk of coconuts. Among other uses, it is used as a natural bedding material.

Generally, coir is used in the middle and upper layers of mattresses to provide support or responsive softness by adding more or less density of material.

Those that are allergic or sensitive to foam, may find that this all-natural, non-toxic material is a good addition. It is important to note that coir mattresses may also have additives: such as cotton, wool, or foam so it is important to do your research to make sure those materials are safe.

Pros: Eco-Friendly, non-toxic, and all natural bedding.

Cons: Comfort is dependent on the craftmanship and quality of the coir material. Low quality bedding can be quite uncomfortable.

Egg Crate Foam

Egg crate foam can be any type of foam where one side has an 'egg crate' shape. The purpose of this kind of foam is two-fold. It tends to be more responsive and distributes weight better than a thick layer of foam, and also it has cooling advantages because of the air flow that it provides.

Egg crate foam can be either memory foam or reflex foam, which are both blends of polyurethane foams and could be prone to off-gassing and odor.

The egg crate foam is generally found in the top comfort layers of the mattress, though they could be used in the base layer as well.

Pros: More response and more airflow than flat foam layers.

Cons: Comfort is entirely dependent on the quality of foam -- lower quality foams can be uncomfortable and break down faster.

Material Scores

Overall Score:
Coir: 8.8/10
Egg Crate Foam: 9.2/10

Comfort:
Coir: 8.6/10
Egg Crate Foam: 9.2/10

Softness:
Coir: 8.5/10
Egg Crate Foam: 9.4/10

Cooling:
Coir: 9.5/10
Egg Crate Foam: 8.9/10

Hypoallergenic:
Coir: 9.5/10
Egg Crate Foam: 8.9/10

Odor:
Coir: 9.5/10
Egg Crate Foam: 8.9/10

General Support:
Coir: 8.6/10
Egg Crate Foam: 9/10

Eco-Conscious:
Coir: 9.5/10
Egg Crate Foam: 8.9/10

Price Value:
Coir: 8.6/10
Egg Crate Foam: 9.2/10