Pocket Sprung vs Memory Foam Mattress | Which One Is Best for You?
Pocket Sprung Mattress vs Memory Foam: What’s Best for You?
Choosing the right mattress isn’t just about comfort — it’s about waking up pain-free, sleeping deeper, and genuinely enjoying your time in bed. If you're comparing a pocket sprung mattress vs memory foam, this guide is your go-to source for clarity.
We’ll walk you through the key differences, pros and cons, and who each type is best suited for — complete with real product examples from each category.
Table of Contents
- Why Your Mattress Choice Matters
- What Is a Pocket Sprung Mattress?
- What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
- Foam vs Sprung Mattress: What’s the Difference?
- Which Mattress Should You Choose?
- The Best of Both: Pocket Sprung and Memory Foam Hybrid
- Comparison Table
- Final Word: Memory Foam or Pocket Sprung?
Why Your Mattress Choice Matters
Whether you're dealing with morning aches, tossing and turning all night, or just haven't slept well in ages — your mattress could be the culprit.
The right mattress supports your spine, regulates your temperature, and relieves pressure points. So when comparing a memory foam or pocket sprung mattress, there’s a lot more to consider than just comfort.
What Is a Pocket Sprung Mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress contains hundreds or thousands of small springs, each in its own fabric pocket. These springs respond individually to your movements for zoned, balanced support.
Pros:
- Excellent airflow for cooler nights
- Targeted support for all body types
- Minimised partner disturbance
Cons:
- Heavier and harder to move
- Less contouring than memory foam
- Support varies by spring count
Best for:
- Stomach or back sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Fans of a traditional, firmer mattress feel
Product Example: The Embra 2000 Pocket Sprung Mattress – Medium-firm tension with 2000 individually wrapped springs, ideal for cooler and more supportive sleep.
What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses mould to your shape using your body heat and pressure. They provide even support and are known for relieving pressure on the back, hips and shoulders.
Pros:
- Excellent for joint and spine relief
- Superb motion isolation
- Tailored comfort that adapts to your body
Cons:
- Can trap heat
- Some sleepers dislike the ‘sinking’ feel
- Requires time to expand and settle after delivery
Best for:
- Side sleepers
- People with back or joint pain
- Couples or light sleepers
Product Example: The Belgravia Memory Foam Mattress – Cooling gel layers and pressure-relieving foam for side sleepers and back support.
Foam vs Sprung Mattress: What’s the Difference?
Support and Pressure Relief
Pocket sprung: Responsive and firm for body-wide support.
Memory foam: Contours and cushions pressure points, especially around joints.
Motion Isolation
Memory foam is superior at absorbing movement.
Pocket sprung: Still effective but may transfer some motion.
Cooling and Breathability
Pocket sprung: Excellent airflow between springs.
Memory foam: Can retain heat unless designed with gel or ventilation.
Back Pain Support
Memory foam is often better for spine alignment and pain relief.
Pocket sprung works well for firmer preferences.
Price and Longevity
Both offer long-term value. Pocket sprung mattresses can last 8–10 years. Memory foam usually lasts 7–9 years before softening.
Which Mattress Should You Choose?
For Back Pain
Memory foam offers excellent spine alignment and cushioning.
Product Example: The Scorpio Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress – Extra Firm support with responsive foam layers.
For Hot Sleepers
Pocket sprung keeps air flowing through the mattress, reducing heat build-up.
Product Example: The Knightsbridge Pocket Sprung Mattress – Breathable fillings with climate-control comfort.
For Couples
Memory foam minimises motion transfer, ideal for light sleepers sharing a bed.
Product Example: The Capricon Memory Foam Mattress – Soft supportive base with a motion-absorbing top layer.
For Sleep Position
- Side Sleepers: The Belrgravia Memory Mattress
-
Back Sleepers:
- Memory foam: The Capricorn Memory Foam Mattress
- Pocket sprung: The Knightsbridge 1000 Pocket Sprung Mattress
- Stomach Sleepers: The Scorpio Extra Firm Pocket Sprung Mattress
The Best of Both: Pocket Sprung and Memory Foam Hybrid
A pocket sprung and memory foam mattress combines spring support with foam cushioning — perfect if you want bounce and contouring.
Product Example: The OrthoDeluxe Mattress – Pocket coils plus comfort layers for pressure relief and breathability.
Pocket Sprung vs Memory Foam Comparison Table
| Feature | Pocket Sprung | Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Responsive, firmer support | Deep contouring comfort |
| Pressure Relief | Good | Excellent |
| Motion Isolation | Moderate to Good | Excellent |
| Cooling | Very good | Moderate |
| Ideal Sleepers | Back & stomach sleepers, hot sleepers | Side sleepers, joint pain sufferers |
| Price Range (UK) | £200 – £1,500+ | £150 – £1,200+ |
| Maintenance | Rotate every few months | Rotate and protect from sagging |
Final Word: Memory Foam or Pocket Sprung?
If you want bounce, airflow, and traditional feel — choose pocket sprung.
If you want deep pressure relief, contouring, and excellent pain support — choose memory foam.
Still torn? A hybrid mattress combines both technologies for the best of both worlds.