Mattress foam comes in multiple different types: memory foam, polyurethane, and latex. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that has lower resistance so it reacts and slowly reforms when pressure is released. It generally makes up the surface layers of a mattress.
Polyurethane comes in multiple different forms - making it useful in the middle and base layers of many foam and memory foam mattresses.
Latex is the natural alternative to memory foam and polyurethane foams. It is created from sap from a rubber tree and is treated to create different densities to cover both soft and firm requirements. Like rubber, it is highly responsive and has a bounce that some sleepers love and some others hate.
Pros: Depending on the foam type, it can be quite comfortable, safe, and responsive.
Cons: Lower quality foams can break down quickly, causing sagging issues within only a few months or years.
Open coil mattresses are also called traditional innerspring mattresses. They have interconnected coils in a metal mesh that provide even support across the mattress surface.
Many open coil systems use hour glass shaped springs in their interconnected systems so that the evenness is distributed from the top to bottom.
Though this system is good at providing even support, there are complaints of aggravated pressure points and discomfort with open coil systems.
Pros: Durable materials and traditional even feel.
Cons: Pressure point discomfort and motion transfer issues.
Overall Score:
Foam: 9.3/10
Open Coil: 8.7/10
Comfort:
Foam: 9.4/10
Open Coil: 8.7/10
Softness:
Foam: 9.5/10
Open Coil: 8.4/10
Cooling:
Foam: 8/10
Open Coil: 9.5/10
Hypoallergenic:
Foam: 8.1/10
Open Coil: 9.4/10
Odor:
Foam: 8.4/10
Open Coil: 9.4/10
General Support:
Foam: 8.7/10
Open Coil: 8.9/10
Eco-Conscious:
Foam: 8.5/10
Open Coil: 8.7/10
Price Value:
Foam: 9.4/10
Open Coil: 9.5/10