Spring vs Latex Mattress: Things to consider before buying
Skip the overly warm and tight embrace of foam mattresses for these supportive, breathable and bouncier latex and spring options.
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Latex and spring mattresses can be a total dream for those whose cloud nine looks a little firmer and a lot more breathable (aka less sweaty) than those who prefer standard foam mattresses.
Both types of mattresses are pretty similar and are ideal if you’re keen on something which moulds to the contours of your body but bounces back up immediately when you get out of bed.
One wallet friendly option shoppers are liking is the “great value” Casa Decor Pillowtop Bamboo Pocket Spring Mattress (now $464.95, down from $499.95). Many impressed reviewers say it’s “high quality” despite the smaller price tag, with one claiming it “feels like a much more expensive mattress”.
Or if the warm weather is making sleep a nightmare, fans of the Ecosa Pure Mattress agree it has a “perfect balance of softness and coolness” that makes it “incredibly comfortable”. Plus, it’s on sale for $340 off (now $1360, down from $1700).
Please note prices reflect queen size mattresses, unless stated otherwise.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST COOLING SPRING AND LATEX MATTRESSES
Ecosa Pure Mattress, $1360 (down from $1700) at Ecosa
Ecosa Pure Mattress
What You Need To Know
Spring mattresses and latex mattresses tend to be king when it comes to avoiding overheating, and the Ecosa Pure Mattress is a hybrid that blends the best of both. It contains micro coils for airflow and “sag-free” support, plus Dunlop Latex for some bounce, firmness and extra breathability. There are also pocket springs in several ‘ergonomic zones’ as well as the edges to reduce motion transfer.
“I couldn’t be happier with my Ecosa Pure Mattress! The perfect balance of softness and coolness makes it incredibly comfortable to sleep on … The cooling effect is especially brilliant — no more tossing and turning due to heat. If you’re looking for a mattress that delivers on comfort and quality, this is it,” a happy customer reviewed.
You can also easily adjust the firmness level to either medium or medium plush by flipping the upper layer over for a better fit. And if it still doesn’t feel great, you can send it back (as long as it’s within the 100 night trial period, of course). There’s also the option to have your old mattress removed and recycled when they drop off your new bed!
BEST SUPPORTIVE SPRING AND LATEX MATTRESSES
IceCool Plush 2.0, $1503.20 (down from $1879) at Origin
What You Need To Know
Looking for a plush yet highly responsive mattress that springs back up immediately, instead of maintaining that body contouring you see in memory foam mattresses? Hybrid mattresses like this one from Origin (formerly the Origin Hybrid Pro) are worth testing out since they’re pretty similar to traditional innerspring mattresses as they both have a coil system. The difference is hybrid mattresses have soft foam layers, while innerspring mattresses have a firmer and more ‘springy’ feel.
“Highly recommend if you’re looking for back support. I have a baby and without this bed allowing me to get the proper sleep I need, I’m not sure what I would do. It’s so supportive yet soft and comfortable. We couldn’t speak any better about this mattress,” a reviewer wrote.
“We have had the best sleep the last couple of weeks. It is so comfy with minimal (motion) transfer. The mattress also sits high so it’s a really “posh” feeling!” another posted.
The Origin Hybrid Pro is loaded with steel MicroSprings for breathability and responsiveness, and twice tempered springs for durability and support. There’s also a bamboo-infused memory foam layer for contouring and cooling, along with Aussie wool and Tencel to keep you sweat free.
PushCloud Relief 2.0, $2503.20 (down from $3129) at Origin
PushCloud Relief 2.0
What You Need To Know
Another Origin option to check out is the award-winning PushCloud Relief 2.0, which features a mix of titanium springs for back support and graphite latex to minimise the night sweats. Originally the LumbarCloud Mattress, this bedroom essential now has a thicker and more plush IceSilk Tencel pillowtop and edge support that’s said to be four times stronger than previously.
“I’ve been sleeping on Origin’s LumbarCloud for a month now, and I’m absolutely obsessed. As someone who often experiences tightness in my lower back from exercise, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my sleep quality and recovery. A good quality mattress really does make a huge difference,” a shopper raved.
“It took just on seven days to get use to a new mattress, since then it is heavenly. I am a restless sleeper and move around another, so having an even mattress that stays smooth and comfortable means even I have a good sleep each night,” agreed another.
BEST BUDGET SPRING AND LATEX MATTRESSES
Casa Decor Pillowtop Bamboo Pocket Spring Mattress, $464.95 (down from $499.95) at Myer
Casa Decor Pillowtop Bamboo Pocket Spring Mattress
What You Need To Know
A particularly popular and affordable pick among Myer shoppers, this pocket spring mattress has five zones of support to offer targeted pressure relief for the head, shoulders, lower back, knees and feet. It also features a cool-touch bamboo charcoal knitted fabric cover, plus moisture wicking properties, to keep you feeling dry and comfortable.
One impressed shopper described the budget buy as “great value” and “high quality”.
“Feels like a much more expensive mattress”, they raved.
“Affordable, good quality and comfortable mattress. Left to inflate for 48 hours and is perfect. Can’t fault it,” another praised.
Ergopedic Mattress 5 Zone Spring Mattress, $419.95 at Myer
Ergopedic Mattress 5 Zone Spring Mattress
What You Need To Know
Latex options can also include pocket spring mattresses like this one from Ergopedic, which features a 100 per cent natural latex layer for cushioning and support as well as metal coils to offer pressure relief and improve motion isolation.
Impressed shoppers are loving the “slightly firm and extremely comfortable” feel, and not to mention the “good quality” and wallet friendly price tag. One fan even said they had the “best night sleep”.
“Bought online in (a) queen size. It arrived vacuum-sealed in a box and I was surprised that it could be used that night. My son says that it is really comfortable for sleeping. Excellent value and quality and cheaper than most mattresses I considered,” praised one reviewer.
“Very comfy and easy to fall asleep. Bought for a 60+ year old person and she is happy with it,” agreed another.
“Soft and so comfortable. Best night sleep I’ve had in a long time,” a third posted.
Latex vs spring: What’s the difference?
Unlike spring mattresses, a latex mattress doesn’t have any coils or springs. They’re considered one of the most comfortable types of mattresses and typically don’t sag until much later in their lifespan.
Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites and mould, making it ideal for people with sensitivities since other types of mattresses are usually treated with a protectant.
Alternatively, innerspring mattresses tend to have better edge support, which is especially useful for older people and those with mobility issues.
Below are a few other differences.
Cost and availability
In Australia, latex foam mattresses can be a little more difficult to find than spring mattresses and tend to be more expensive.
Firmness levels
Latex mattresses are highly responsive so they can feel soft at first (with some sinkage) before ‘bouncing’ back up to a firmer and more supportive feel. Talalay latex undergoes a more complex manufacturing process and has a softer feel, while a Dunlop latex mattress feels firmer. Meanwhile, spring mattresses have a wider range in terms of firmness and are bouncier due to the metal coils.
If you want a foam mattress but don’t like the way it sinks in, latex foam is actually a great alternative because it still provides some contouring but doesn’t hug your body as much and isn’t as ‘springy’ as spring mattresses.
Lifespan
Spring mattresses typically have a shorter lifespan and sag earlier compared to latex foam. A latex mattress is said to last between 10 and 20 years, while spring mattresses can survive between eight and 10 years.
Design
Spring mattresses contain metal coils for support and foam for comfort, while latex mattresses are made with high density foam.
Motion isolation (partner disturbance)
Latex mattresses tend to be better at minimising motion transfer, especially compared to innerspring mattresses that have an interconnected network of coils. If you want a spring mattress with decent partner disturbance, an option with pocket springs is the better way to go.
Suitable sleeping positions
Latex mattresses may be more suitable for all sleeping positions since they’re usually a little softer than traditional innerspring mattresses, which are usually best for stomach and back sleepers.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is latex?
• Natural latex: This is made using the sap from rubber trees, which is processed two different ways — Dunlop and Talalay. Talalay latex is usually softer and more breathable, which makes it ideal as a comfort layer, while Dunlop latex is generally used as a base layer since it has a high density and firmer. Either way, it’s more durable than synthetic latex, naturally breathable, hypo-allergenic and bouncy. The downside is it’s expensive.
• Synthetic latex: This is usually made from petroleum-based chemicals (although sometimes it’s blended with natural latex). While some people prefer natural latex to minimise allergies, synthetic latex is ideal for those with latex allergies. Plus, it’s usually cheaper and has a firmer feel that’s great for back and stomach sleepers.
More Coverage
What is a spring mattress?
A spring mattress is essentially a mattress which uses springs or coils in the support layer and foam for the comfort layer. You can choose between an innerspring mattress, which has an interconnected coil system, and a pocket spring system which is made up of individually wrapped coils. The benefits and disadvantages vary depending on which type of spring mattress you opt for, especially in terms of cost, motion isolation and pressure relief.
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