Written by Nicole Gleichmann, Content Writer
Consumers are fortunate to have a wide range of mattress materials at their fingertips. But to make the best selection, you must know the pros and cons of each.
While most people have firsthand experience sleeping on a traditional innerspring mattress, fewer have spent the night on a latex mattress. We will compare latex and spring mattresses, giving you the necessary information to decide which one is best for you.
What Is an Innerspring Mattress?
Innerspring mattresses have been around for over 100 years. Also known as traditional mattresses, they contain a layer of steel coils that provide support and structure. In addition to the coils, these mattresses contain a variety of foams and fabrics for support, cushion, and visual appeal.
Traditional innerspring mattresses feel bouncy and supportive. The amount of cushion and contouring is dependent upon the makeup of the top comfort layer(s). Both foam quality and coil count are factors that determine the feel and longevity of an innerspring mattress.
Many spring-containing mattresses are hybrids that contain springs and other common mattress materials. Memory foam or latex foam can offer extra comfort in hybrid mattresses.
Explore more durable beds with innerspring construction in our picks for mattresses that don’t sag.
What Is a Latex Mattress?
Latex mattresses can be made from either synthetic or natural materials. Natural latex mattresses are made from the sap of the rubber tree. Synthetic latex mattresses are petroleum-based. Most of the latex beds on the market are blended, meaning that they contain both natural and synthetic latex.
Few consumers are familiar with what a latex mattress feels like. Overall, latex mattresses offer an unparalleled combination of comfort and supportiveness. In comparison to an innerspring mattress, a latex mattress is going to be less bouncy. It will conform more to one’s body than a coil bed, but less so than a memory foam mattress.
How a latex mattress feels will depend largely on how the mattress is made. Latex for mattresses can be constructed via either the Dunlop or Talalay processes. Dunlop yields a firm, supportive mattress. Talalay creates a softer, more conforming mattress. Some latex mattresses contain both types of latex.
Comparing Innerspring and Latex Mattresses
| Innerspring Mattress | Latex Mattress | |
| Cost | 💰-💰💰 | 💰💰💰 – 💰💰💰💰 |
| Materials | Steel coils, foam | Dunlop or Talalay Latex, steel coils |
| Average Lifespan | 5-10 years | 15-20 years |
| Advantages | Cheaper, breathable, bouncy | Cooling, responsive, longer-lasting |
Owner Satisfaction
Latex mattresses win on average when it comes to owner satisfaction ratings. However, some people will prefer the feel of one mattress over the other.
Durability
Latex mattresses usually last longer than spring mattresses. A high-quality spring mattress may last 10 years. A natural latex mattress could top 20 years.
Pain Relief
Latex mattresses conform a bit better to the body than traditional innerspring mattresses. As a result, latex is usually better are relieving pressure point pain.
Support
Innerspring mattresses win when it comes to overall support. The pushback provided by the steel coils is very supportive. Firm latex models are relatively supportive but not as much as coil beds.
Cost
Quality and cost vary widely with both mattress types. Generally, innerspring mattresses are one of the most budget-friendly bed options. There are luxury coil mattresses that cost thousands of dollars. All-natural latex mattresses are quite expensive. You should keep in mind that they tend to last longer than coil beds. Blended latex mattresses can provide a good balance between quality and cost.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness describes how well a mattress “responds” to your movement. Innerspring mattresses are more responsive than latex mattresses. When weight is applied to springs, the force back is nearly immediate. Some people look for this feel when shopping for a bed for sex. Latex is responsive, but not in a springy way. It returns to its original shape quickly, but doesn’t provide much force back. The result is a mattress that is easy to move on at night, but not as good for bouncy support.
Temperature
Innerspring mattresses sleep cooler. They do not retain much heat thanks to the ample breathability provided by the coil core. Latex mattresses are cooler than memory foam, but much less breathable than coil beds.
Sustainability
Natural latex mattresses are considered the eco-friendliest mattress option. Because rubber is tapped from rubber trees, the trees do not have to be cut down. It is also possible to source an organic latex mattress. But, do know that there are eco-friendly coil mattresses and not-so-environmentally friendly latex mattresses. Synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals. And there are coil mattresses that use organic materials and natural flame retardants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an innerspring or a latex mattress better?
Innerspring and latex mattresses have benefits and drawbacks to them, and deciding which is better will depend on your personal needs and preferences.
Innerspring mattresses are going to be considerably cheaper than latex, but latex should have a longer lifespan. Those with allergies may want to try out a latex beds as it is resistant to many allergens, whereas dust mights and mold can build up in traditional mattresses. Both beds should offer good bounce which is beneficial for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
Is a latex or an innerspring mattress better for back pain?
Although there are some innerspring mattresses that will combat back pain, latex mattresses are a better bet in general. Latex often provides excellent pressure relief because it will contour to your body better. Also, latex is responsive, making it easier to change positions. This may help ease back pain because it will be easier to move.
Do latex or innerspring mattresses cost more?
Although you can find great deals on latex mattresses, bringing home a new innerspring bed will cost considerably less. With that being said, latex mattresses are usually more durable and have a longer lifespan than innerspring
To Wrap It Up
To choose the best mattress, consider your unique needs. Remember, no one mattress type is perfect for everyone. If you need a cheap, supportive bed, there are many innerspring mattresses available, but if you have it in your budget, latex mattresses are durable and long-lasting, often making them a better investment.
The Advisor Says
If you still aren’t sure which type to get, we recommend visiting a mattress showroom to test out an innerspring and latex mattress. While performance varies among brands and models, you can at least get an idea of what they each feel like.
Nicole Gleichmann
Content Writer
About Author
Nicole has spent much of her life pursuing health and wellness for herself and those around her. For four years, she has used her education in biology and her passion for a healthy lifestyle to craft educational articles and coach hundreds of people in diet and nutrition. Nicole knows that it takes a holistic view of wellness to achieve excellent health. Even when her clients eat whole foods and exercise daily, they rarely reach their goals without an optimized sleep routine. You will find Nicole reading study after study and following countless wellness experts as a way to acquire abundant knowledge that she can share with her readers. Her mission is to provide others with the foundation that they need to live their best lives.