Foam vs Innerspring Mattresses: Which One Is Right for You? (2026 Buyer’s Guide)

Choosing the right mattress isn’t just about comfort — it affects your sleep quality, back health, and how you feel every morning. Two of the most common mattress types people compare are foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses.

But which one is actually better for you?

In this guide, we’ll break down the real differences between foam vs innerspring mattresses, including comfort, support, durability, cooling, and who each type is best suited for — so you can make a confident, pain-free decision.

What Is a Foam Mattress?

A foam mattress is made primarily from layers of foam rather than metal coils. The most common types include:

• Memory foam – Known for pressure relief and body contouring

• Polyfoam – More responsive and supportive than memory foam

• Latex foam – Naturally cooler, more durable, and bouncier

Foam mattresses became popular for their ability to reduce pressure points, absorb motion, and adapt to your body shape.

Pros of Foam Mattresses

• Excellent pressure relief (great for joints and back pain)

• Minimal motion transfer (ideal for couples)

• Quiet — no creaks or squeaks

• Works exceptionally well on adjustable bases

Cons of Foam Mattresses

• Some retain heat (unless designed with cooling features)

• Less bounce than innerspring

• Can feel too “hugging” for some sleepers

What Is an Innerspring Mattress?

An innerspring mattress uses a steel coil support system topped with comfort layers (foam, fiber, or pillow-top materials).

There are different coil types, including:

• Bonnell coils

• Continuous coils

• Pocketed (individually wrapped) coils

Traditional innerspring mattresses are known for their bounce and airflow, but modern versions vary widely in quality.

Pros of Innerspring Mattresses

• Strong edge support

• Cooler feel due to airflow through coils

• Responsive and bouncy

• Often more affordable at entry-level price points

Cons of Innerspring Mattresses

• Limited pressure relief

• Motion transfer can disturb partners

• Can wear out faster than foam or hybrid designs

• Not all models work well with adjustable bases

Foam vs Innerspring: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Mattress Is Better for Back Pain?

For most people with back pain, a foam mattress performs better because it:

• Reduces pressure on the spine

• Supports natural alignment

• Distributes weight evenly

That said, some sleepers prefer the firmer support of an innerspring mattress — especially stomach sleepers or heavier individuals — as long as the comfort layers are adequate.

👉 Best overall for back pain: Foam or hybrid mattresses
👉 Best for firm, traditional feel: Innerspring (high-quality models only)

Which Is Better for Side Sleepers?

Side sleepers need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.

• Foam mattresses excel here

• Innerspring mattresses often feel too firm unless heavily padded

👉 Winner for side sleepers: Foam mattresses

Which Mattress Sleeps Cooler?

Cooling depends more on materials than mattress type, but generally:

• Innerspring mattresses allow more airflow

• Foam mattresses with cooling gel, copper, or phase-change materials perform well

• Latex foam is naturally temperature-neutral

👉 Naturally cooler: Innerspring
👉 Coolest overall: High-quality foam or hybrid with cooling tech

Foam vs Innerspring for Adjustable Beds

If you’re using an adjustable base, foam mattresses are the clear winner.

Foam mattresses:

• Flex easily

• Maintain shape in zero gravity

• Reduce strain on motors

Innerspring mattresses may:

• Resist bending

• Wear unevenly

• Be incompatible depending on coil system

👉 Best for adjustable bases: Foam (or hybrid)

Durability: Which Mattress Lasts Longer?

• Foam mattresses typically last 7–10 years, depending on foam density

• Innerspring mattresses often last 5–7 years, especially budget models

Sagging and coil fatigue are common reasons innerspring mattresses wear out faster.

What About Hybrid Mattresses? (The Best of Both Worlds)

Many modern sleepers skip this debate entirely and choose a hybrid mattress, which combines:

• Foam comfort layers

• Pocketed coil support

Hybrids offer:

• Pressure relief from foam

• Support and airflow from coils

• Better cooling than all-foam

• Better durability than traditional innerspring

👉 If you’re torn between foam and innerspring, hybrid is often the safest choice.

So… Foam or Innerspring? Final Verdict

Choose a foam mattress if you:

• Have back or joint pain

• Sleep on your side

• Share a bed

• Use an adjustable base

• Want quiet, pressure-relieving comfort

Choose an innerspring mattress if you:

• Prefer a firmer, bouncy feel

• Sleep hot

• Want strong edge support

• Like a traditional mattress experience

Still unsure? A hybrid mattress may give you the comfort of foam with the support and cooling of coils.

Need Help Choosing the Right Mattress?

Explore our latest mattress guides and reviews to find the best fit for your sleep style, comfort needs, and budget — or visit one of our sleep experts in-store for personalized recommendations.