The level of working capacity, physical well-being, mood - all this largely depends on the quality of a night's rest. During the night, the human body must fully restore its strength, muscles - relax as much as possible. The quality of rest is influenced by many things: bed linen, the color of the wallpaper in the bedroom, stress, etc. One of the most important factors is the mattress. It is responsible for the comfortable position of the body during sleep. The sleeping surface should have good orthopedic properties, be ideally suited to the size of the bed, serve for a long time, and not require complex care. To choose the right option, you need to understand its types in detail. There are spring and springless mattresses. What are their differences and advantages? All this is described in more detail in this article.
Content
- Main differences between the products
- Springless models: pros, cons
- Spring mattresses: features, types, advantages, disadvantages
- What is best for a child?
- Which model should an adult choose?
- Springs, polyurethane foam or latex?
- Video: How to choose a mattress? Main selection criteria
- Photo gallery for choosing mattresses for an adult or a child:
Main differences between the products
Which is better: a spring or springless mattress? It is difficult to answer this question. First of all, you need to know about the main differences between the models. There are quite a lot of them.
- Dust accumulation. Dust accumulates in the springs at a tremendous rate. Over time, the inside of the product begins to resemble a vacuum cleaner.
- Presence of static electricity. Static electricity has an ambiguous effect on the human body. It is especially dangerous for children. Sleeping surfaces with metal elements (springs) accumulate it in small quantities.
- Corrosion. Latex and polyurethane foam products are devoid of metal parts. When moisture gets into them, corrosion does not form. However, this phenomenon does occur on springs. Over time, corrosion leads to creaking.
- Softness. The softness of spring ones is much higher.
- Service life. Good springless mattresses can serve their owners for about fifteen years, while those with springs last less – about ten years.
- Usage area. The surface of the product with spring blocks is not used completely during sleep. This is due to the presence of reinforced edges. Double models in practice turn out to be not as roomy as they seemed when purchased. The surface of a springless mattress can be used by people in full.
Springless models: pros, cons
So, which mattress is better to choose, spring or springless? It is impossible to give a clear answer to this question. It will be different for each person. However, you can consider in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Based on them, the buyer will be able to easily make their choice.
The category of products without springs includes many different models. They differ in the padding material, main characteristics.
The following materials are used as stuffing materials: cotton wool, fluff, polyurethane foam, latex, memory foam. Cotton wool and fluff are practically no longer used in the production process. Polyurethane foam, latex, and foam are in great demand.
Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed in more detail in the table.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Excellent orthopedic properties. The materials are elastic, resilient. They adapt to the individual characteristics of the human body, ensuring its correct position during rest. | High moisture absorption. Some models absorb moisture like a sponge. They are not suitable for people who sweat a lot. |
| No noise. There are no metal elements in the design. There is simply no place for a squeak to come from. | The occurrence of allergic reactions. This disadvantage applies only to models made from natural raw materials. However, allergic reactions occur extremely rarely. |
| Hygienic. Insects and bacteria never start inside. | High price. The cost of high-quality springless mattresses is above average. However, the high price is fully justified by the presence of a huge list of advantages, a long service life. |
| Absorption of vibrations. The main problem with a bed with springs is strong vibrations when moving. It is uncomfortable to sleep on a bed with two people. When one person moves, vibrations are transmitted to the side where the other person sleeps. Polyurethane foam, latex, and foam effectively absorb such vibrations. | |
| Durability. The service life can exceed ten years. The main thing is to adhere to the basic operating rules. |
Spring mattresses: features, types, advantages, disadvantages
The simplest mattresses of this type first appeared almost 150 years ago. For a long time, their competitors were products made of cotton wool and down. Now, other springless mattresses with improved parameters are being manufactured. Despite the high competition, beds with a spring block are still in demand.
They come in two types:
- with independent spring block,
Independent block - here the springs are not connected, each is hidden in an individual cover, the load is divided evenly between adjacent springs - with dependent spring block.
"Bonnel" - technology with dependent springs is a single block of coil springs, shaped like an "hourglass", and arranged in rows
Products with independent springs have improved orthopedic properties and practically do not creak. Each spring is hidden in a separate cover and is not connected to the others.
Models with a dependent spring block are cheaper and more popular. In them, the springs are fastened together and connected by a steel frame.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Good air exchange. The structure is almost hollow inside. Air circulates perfectly through it. | Lack of orthopedic effect in cheap models. Lack of proper orthopedic properties makes sleep less comfortable. The surface does not adapt to the curves of the body. |
| Affordable price. The cost of classic spring mattresses is quite low. They are available to families with any income level. Models with an independent spring block are much more expensive. | Short life. The service life is less than ten years. The bed may begin to sag after just a few years of use. They especially quickly lose their shape under heavy loads (when used by overweight people). |
| Safety. Products with an independent spring block are absolutely safe during operation. Even if one spring breaks, the surface will not be broken. It will be protected by a cover. | The appearance of a characteristic squeak. Over time, the bed may creak during use. The metal springs inside are to blame. Due to moisture, corrosion forms on them. |
| Availability of different hardness zones. Beds with independent springs can be selected with different hardness zones. This is relevant for married couples where the weight of one of the spouses differs significantly from the weight of the other. |
What is best for a child?
Every parent knows how important sleep is for a growing organism. During sleep, the baby gains strength before active wakefulness, and his organism continues to develop. In childhood, it is very important to provide decent conditions for the child's growth. One of these conditions is choosing the right bed. The sleeping surface should be elastic, flexible, and safe. You should definitely not skimp on buying a mattress. Saving can lead to serious diseases of the spine and joints.
Important! Each child is individual. You shouldn't rely on general recommendations when choosing a bed. It's better to additionally consult an orthopedic doctor. The doctor will be able to suggest a good option, taking into account the characteristics and needs of your baby.
It is known that spring mattresses under load can create vibrations. In the first years of life, this is dangerous for the baby's health. Vibrations can negatively affect the condition of the spine. Low resistance to loads is also a contraindication.
You can't jump on the surface. This threatens rapid wear. For these reasons, it is better to choose orthopedic ones based on latex, coconut coir for your baby.
When choosing a model, be sure to focus on several parameters.
- Naturalness. It is better to prefer natural raw materials. An exception may be the presence of allergies in the baby.
- Size. The selected springless mattress should fit the bed perfectly. The discrepancy in size is allowed up to two centimeters. Large differences will cause significant discomfort during sleep, negatively affect the child's well-being.
Children's mattress size chart - Cover material (additional availability). The cover is the most vulnerable element during operation. It is advisable to buy designs with a removable cover made of durable, high-quality material. Many leave positive feedback on jacquard covers. This fabric does not wash out, has a nice design, and is highly resistant to physical wear.
Types of covers for children's mattresses - Hygiene. The structure must "breathe". Otherwise, it will become a breeding ground for bacteria, which is dangerous for the baby's health.
Which model should an adult choose?
In adults, the skeleton is already fully formed. However, there are a number of other issues that need to be taken into account when choosing. Each person has their own, so recommendations for choosing a model vary.
- If you have problems with your spine or joints, you should definitely get professional advice from a doctor. In this case, surfaces that are too soft or too hard are contraindicated. The doctor will help you choose the best option, taking into account your existing health problems.
- If you have good health, you can rely on your own feelings when choosing. It is necessary to buy the most comfortable bed.
- Cheap spring mattresses are best purchased for temporary use only. This option is suitable for a summer house. For daily use, it is better to choose a sleeping surface with an independent spring block, or without springs.
The properties of dependent and independent blocks differ significantly, so it is worth choosing the temporary and permanent option. - The size of the sleeping surface should correspond to the size of the bed. Large differences in size will lead to discomfort during rest. If the sleeping bed has non-standard dimensions, you will have to overpay a little. Companies make individual orders at higher prices.
- When buying a double bed, you can choose different levels of firmness for the two halves. If the weight of the sleeper exceeds 80 kg, you need to buy a firm model. A lower level of firmness will suit people weighing from 50 to 70 kg.
Springs, polyurethane foam or latex?
Most often, modern consumers choose from three options: natural latex, polyurethane foam, with an independent spring block. Which of them will serve better? Let's consider a brief comparative characteristic in tabular form.
| Characteristics | Type of product | ||
| Latex | Polyurethane foam | With independent block | |
| Price | Expensive product. The cheapest option costs no less than 13,000 rubles. | Budget models. The cost ranges from 750 to 3000 rubles. | There are different price categories. The price ranges from 8,000 to 100,000 rubles. The high price is due to the difficult technological process of production. |
| Service life | Many manufacturers claim that latex blocks can serve for about twenty years. Artificial latex is not so durable. It can withstand no more than six years of use. | The service life is, on average, five to six years. In difficult operating conditions (high humidity, temperature changes) the service life will be much shorter. | With independent springs, the bed will last no more than eight years. |
| Allergenicity | All natural materials can cause allergies. Latex is no exception. If you have an allergy, it is better to give preference to an artificial analogue. | Polyurethane foam itself is not capable of causing a severe allergic reaction. However, harmful substances may be added to it during production. They may provoke an attack. | It all depends on the filler. If desired, you can choose a hypoallergenic model. |
| Orthopedic properties | They perfectly take the shape of the body, supporting the spine in the correct position throughout the night. | They are elastic, perfectly follow the curves of the body. The properties are high, but short-lived. Over time, polyurethane foam begins to sag. | Independent springs easily adjust to the body of the sleeping person. Orthopedic characteristics are high. |
| Moisture resistance | Due to its natural porous structure, latex has excellent air exchange. It does not absorb moisture, provides proper thermoregulation. | Not resistant to moisture. Quickly absorbs liquid. Acts like a sponge. It is better not to use polyurethane foam in rooms with high humidity. | It “breathes” well, and moisture does not remain inside for long. |
| Health safety | The products do not accumulate dust inside themselves. This makes them accessible even for asthmatics. Bacteria, mold, and fungus do not multiply inside the material. | Due to high humidity, the material can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This is unsafe for human health, especially for children. | Over time, a lot of dust accumulates inside spring covers. This is a good basis for the development of harmful microorganisms. |
Video: How to choose a mattress? Main selection criteria
Photo gallery for choosing mattresses for an adult or a child:
I used to sleep on a spring mattress, now I bought a springless one, I like it better, my back feels better on a hard one. And so, probably, the filler is an acquired taste, the main thing is to choose a quality mattress. So that the springs don't shoot out, and so that nothing falls through.