Visco elastic foam is another term for memory foam. It is a blend of polyurethane foam that was developed for airplane cushions by a NASA contract in the 1970s.
The difference between visco elastic foam and other types of polyurethane foam is its slow response and low resistance. Its soft surface allows for contouring and its slow response lowers bounce.
Visco elastic foam, like all polyurethane foam, is made from a blend of substances and has a tendency to off-gas. Those with lung sensitivities should do additional research about the quality of foam to ensure that it won't aggravate them.
Pros: Contouring comfort, competitive pricepoints, and widespread options.
Cons: Sagging and off-gassing problems with lower quality foams.
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.
Overall Score:
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.3/10
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Comfort:
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.4/10
Coil Spring: 9.2/10
Softness:
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.5/10
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Cooling:
Visco Elastic Foam: 8/10
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Hypoallergenic:
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.1/10
Coil Spring: 9.5/10
Odor:
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.4/10
Coil Spring: 9.5/10
General Support:
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.7/10
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Eco-Conscious:
Visco Elastic Foam: 8.5/10
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Price Value:
Visco Elastic Foam: 9.4/10
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
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