Pocket spring or memory foam mattresses for your back

Deciding between a pocket spring mattress or a memory foam mattress ultimately comes down to a very personal preference: do you prefer support that responds to your movements or a mattress that cradles you and relieves pressure? Pocket springs offer dynamic firmness, almost as if you were floating, ideal for those who move around a lot. Memory foam, on the other hand, envelops the body for pinpoint comfort.

There is no single answer or clear winner. But truly understanding how each technology works is the first step toward completely transforming your sleep.

Decoding technologies: what happens under the covers?

When you immerse yourself in the world of rest, two materials take center stage: pocket springs and memory foam. Each one offers a different approach to achieving restful sleep, and the right choice depends on your habits, how you sleep, and even whether you share your bed. Understanding how they work is key to truly investing in your posture and well-being.

A look at the key differences

The big difference lies in how they manage weight and adapt to you. Pocket spring mattresses work like an army of tiny independent pistons. Each one reacts only where pressure is applied, ensuring very natural spinal alignment and fantastic motion isolation.

On the other hand, memory foam works with your body temperature and weight to mold itself to your silhouette. Its mission is to eliminate pressure points, creating that famous "hugging" sensation that distributes weight evenly. It's a joy, especially for those who suffer from joint pain.

The starting point: Think of springs as active support, gently propelling you and facilitating movement. Memory foam is passive comfort that cradles you and molds to your body. This difference completely defines how you feel when you lie down and move during the night.

To help you see these differences at a glance, we have prepared a table summarizing the key concepts. It will help you get a clear idea from the outset before we go into detail.

Quick comparison between pocket springs and memory foam

This table summarizes the fundamental differences to give you a clear overview from the outset and help you understand the key concepts we will be discussing.

Decision criteria	Pocket spring mattresses	Memory foam mattresses
Support and firmness	Reactive firmness and point-by-point support. Actively keeps the spine aligned.	Progressive adaptability. Relieves pressure and molds to the contours of the body.
Breathability	Excellent. The space between the springs allows for constant air circulation. Ideal for hot weather.	Variable. Depends on density and technology (open cell). Can retain heat.
Independence of beds	Very high. Each spring absorbs movement individually, minimizing transfer.	Excellent. The foam absorbs movement, preventing it from being transmitted to the other side of the bed.
Feeling when sleeping	Feeling of buoyancy and ease of movement. You don't feel "trapped."	"Hugging" or enveloping effect. The mattress slowly adapts to you.
Durability	High, especially with high-quality steel. Less prone to permanent deformation.	It depends on the density of the foam. Low-quality foams may lose their properties.

This table is just the beginning. Now we're going to take a closer look at how each technology actually works so you can understand not only what they do, but how they do it and what that means for your daily rest.

How pocket spring support works

 

 

To truly understand whether a pocket spring or memory foam mattress is right for you, the first thing to do is look at what's inside it, how its support is designed. And no, pocket springs have nothing to do with those old spring mattresses that creaked at the slightest movement. Technology has come a long way.

Imagine hundreds, sometimes thousands, of small individual springs, each tucked into its own little fabric pouch. That's the secret to their success: they work independently.

When you lie down, only the springs directly beneath your body compress. The rest remain unaffected. This creates a precise, point-by-point response to the unique shape of your silhouette.

The key is independence

You've probably heard of "bed independence. " It is undoubtedly the star benefit of this technology, and with good reason. Since each spring reacts independently, movement does not spread from one side of the mattress to the other.

This means that if your partner moves, turns over, or gets up in the middle of the night, you will hardly notice. For those who are light sleepers or sleep with someone who seems to be training for a marathon while they sleep, this feature is a game changer. The result is a more uninterrupted and, therefore, much higher quality rest for both of you.

Active and responsive support

Unlike the more enveloping feel of memory foam, the support provided by pocket springs is responsive and dynamic. What does this mean? It means that the mattress not only molds to your body, but also offers a slight push back that helps you change position effortlessly.

This quality is pure gold for those who move around a lot at night. You won't feel that "trapped" sensation sometimes associated with very dense foams. You'll be able to turn and find your ideal position without having to fight against the mattress.

That responsiveness translates into a feeling of buoyancy, of freedom of movement that many people find incredibly comfortable. It's a support that works with you, not against you.

• Postural alignment: Keeps your back in a natural position, sinking only where it should.
• Ease of movement: The subtle bounce of the springs helps you turn without waking up.
• Balanced firmness: Get sturdy support without feeling like you're sleeping on a board.

Models such as the Morfeo Hybrid Original are the perfect example of this engineering, combining a pocket spring core with comfort layers to achieve that ideal balance between support and adaptability.

Superior breathability for cool nights

Finally, one of the great advantages of its structure is its excellent ventilation. The space that naturally remains between each pocket spring creates air channels that allow air to circulate continuously.

This constant airflow helps dissipate body heat and moisture that build up during the night. For people who tend to get hot, this makes the difference between sleeping comfortably and tossing and turning all night. If you want to learn more about this and other points, check out the advantages of pocket spring mattresses on our blog.

And it's not just a question of comfort. Good breathability also creates a more hygienic sleeping environment, as it prevents the proliferation of dust mites and bacteria.

The adaptability of memory foam under the microscope

If pocket springs are the reactive answer, memory foam is undoubtedly the master of adaptability. Its magic lies in its unique ability to react to both pressure and body temperature, molding itself almost perfectly to your silhouette. Herein lies the real dilemma when choosing between pocket spring and memory foam mattresses: are you looking for dynamic support or comfort that embraces you?

Unlike springs, memory foam does not push back or offer resistance. Quite the opposite: it gradually yields exactly where you need it, distributing your weight incredibly evenly across the entire surface.

This slow adaptation mechanism is responsible for that famous feeling of being "embraced" or floating. The mattress welcomes you, releasing all the tension you have accumulated during the day.

Pressure relief as the primary objective

The great strength of memory foam is its impressive ability to eliminate pressure points. Areas such as the shoulders, hips, and heels, which bear more weight when sleeping, sink gently into the material. This releases tension that often turns into aches and pains.

For people with joint pain, back problems, or fibromyalgia, this quality can make a huge difference in sleep quality. The foam absorbs pressure rather than pushing it back, allowing muscles to relax completely throughout the night.

Memory foam does not seek to align the spine with firm support, but rather to relieve pressure on each vertebra and joint so that the body can find its natural posture without forcing anything. It is an approach based on passive comfort and pure support.

This enveloping effect is also a great ally for sleeping with a partner. As the foam absorbs movement in a localized way, it prevents it from being transmitted to the rest of the bed. No more waking up because your partner has turned over.

The challenge of temperature and subsidence

If you ask anyone about the disadvantages of memory foam, they will probably mention heat. Historically, its main criticism was its tendency to retain body heat. The first generations of closed-cell foams trapped hot air, which was a nightmare for those who tend to get hot easily.

In addition, low-quality or low-density foam could cause an excessive feeling of "sinking," as if you were trapped. This made changing positions at night a real effort.

Fortunately, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. At Morfeo, for example, we have incorporated state-of-the-art solutions to leave those old problems behind:

• Open-cell memory foam: Its structure allows air to circulate freely through the foam, dissipating heat much more effectively. No more sweltering nights.
• VisCool Technology: This innovation goes one step further. It incorporates thermoregulatory particles that actively manage temperature to maintain a cool and comfortable sleeping surface throughout the night.
• Optimized densities: We use high-density foams that offer that much sought-after adaptability, but without sacrificing support. This prevents that feeling of being trapped in the mattress.

Thanks to these advances, today you can enjoy all the benefits of memory foam without suffering from its former drawbacks. If you want to learn more about this fascinating material, you can find out what a memory foam mattress is in our comprehensive guide. Choosing between pocket springs or memory foam is no longer a question of sacrificing freshness for comfort.

Direct comparison to choose the ideal mattress

At this point, the question of "pocket springs or memory foam" is no longer a matter of technologies you are unfamiliar with. Now it is a personal decision, based on feelings and, above all, practicality. To help you find the answer, we are going to compare each important criterion, applying it to situations that are sure to ring a bell.

The choice is not the same for someone who sleeps alone and gets hot as it is for a couple with very different weights where one suffers from lower back pain. That's why we're going to break down how each material performs in what really matters night after night.

Back support versus pressure relief

This is perhaps the most controversial point and the one that raises the most questions. On the one hand, pocket springs offer firm and responsive structural support. Their architecture allows the spine to maintain its natural alignment, as each spring adjusts to the weight it supports without affecting the springs next to it.

On the other hand, memory foam focuses on pressure relief. It molds to your body shape so that your shoulders and hips sink just enough, releasing accumulated tension. Its approach is more passive, seeking comfort through total support.

The practical verdict: If your main problem is maintaining correct posture and you need support that actively corrects your back alignment, pocket springs are an excellent choice. If, on the other hand, you suffer from joint or muscle pain and are looking for a feeling that "embraces" you to eliminate pressure points, memory foam is your best ally.

Bed independence: an analysis for couples

Both technologies, in their high-quality versions, offer outstanding bed independence. And when you sleep with a partner, this is essential to avoid declaring war in the middle of the night.

Memory foam absorbs movement in an almost magical way. The energy from a turn or someone getting up dissipates into the foam itself, preventing it from spreading to the other side of the bed. It is an almost perfect solution to this problem.

Pocket springs, which operate independently, are also incredibly effective. Each spring encapsulates movement, minimizing its transfer. In high-quality mattresses, the difference is practically imperceptible.

• Advantage of springs: Their responsiveness makes it easier for the person moving to do so effortlessly. This can result in less abrupt movements and, therefore, less noticeable to others.
• Advantage of memory foam: It has total absorption capacity. It's as if the surface cushions any disturbance before it reaches you.

Breathability and nighttime temperature

Here, the difference is clear and striking. The structure of the pocket springs creates natural channels that allow for constant air circulation. This continuous airflow dissipates body heat and moisture, keeping the surface of the mattress cool and dry.

Memory foam, due to its dense nature, tends to retain more heat. Although modern technologies, such as open cell or VisCool-type gels, have dramatically improved its thermal performance, pocket springs are still, by design, superior in this regard. For people who run very hot, this may be the feature that tips the scales.

To help you easily see how your needs guide you in this choice, we have created this decision tree.

 

 

As you can see, the chart illustrates that the choice depends on whether you prioritize structural support for your back or adaptability to relieve those annoying pressure points.

Durability and sleeping comfort

The lifespan of a mattress, whether it is pocket spring or memory foam, depends directly on the quality of its materials. High-quality steel in the springs and high-density foam in the memory foam are the best guarantee of durability. There is no clear winner in terms of technology, but rather in terms of manufacturing quality.

Finally, the feel is the most subjective aspect of all. Pocket springs offer responsive firmness with a slight feeling of buoyancy that allows you to move easily. Memory foam, on the other hand, provides enveloping adaptability that slowly cradles you.

This differentiation is reflected in market trends. The evolution of the Spanish mattress market is in line with global trends, where pocket spring, memory foam, and hybrid models are increasingly concentrating added value. Globally, the mattress market was valued at $54.75 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $91.23 billion in 2032. In Spain, this trend translates into a greater presence of models that combine pocket spring cores with memory foam layers, such as Morfeo hybrids, which offer medium-high firmness, great bed independence, and superior ventilation. You can read more about mattress market trends in this comprehensive research by Fortune Business Insights.

When to choose a hybrid mattress as the ultimate solution

 

 

At this point, if you are still unsure whether to choose the firmness of pocket springs or the adaptability of memory foam, the solution is probably not to choose one or the other, but to combine them. And that is where hybrid mattresses come in, offering a smart solution that combines the best of both technologies.

A hybrid mattress is not simply a mixture of layers. It is pure sleep engineering, designed so that the advantages of one material compensate for the weaknesses of another. Imagine having the responsive support and freshness of springs, but without sacrificing the soft comfort and pressure relief that only memory foam can provide. That, in essence, is a hybrid.

The structure of a quality hybrid

The secret to a good hybrid mattress lies in its construction. The base, the heart of the mattress, is always a pocket spring core that guarantees robust support, fantastic motion isolation, and air circulation that keeps heat at bay.

One or more comfort layers, usually made of high-density memory foam, are placed directly on top of this base. These layers support your body, molding to your curves to eliminate pressure points and provide a feeling of total comfort.

This combination creates an almost perfect balance: the springs give you the support you need to prevent you from sinking, while the memory foam envelops you in premium comfort.

The result is an incredibly versatile mattress, capable of satisfying a wide range of sleepers. From couples who need to sleep without being woken up by each other's movements, to people with back pain who are looking for support without feeling like they are sleeping on a board.

Who is a hybrid mattress ideal for?

Hybrid mattresses are, in short, for those who don't want to compromise. They are the perfect choice in very specific situations:

• Couples with different preferences: If one seeks firmness and the other prefers a soft feel, the hybrid is the ideal compromise.
• People who run hot and love memory foam: Enjoy the comfort of foam without the heat, thanks to the constantly ventilating spring core.
• Restless sleepers: The responsiveness of the springs facilitates turning, while the memory foam instantly adapts to each new position, relieving pressure.
• Those looking for a long-term investment: The combination of high-quality materials usually translates into a more durable mattress with performance that lasts over time.

Models such as the Morfeo Nature or the Hybrid Original are clear examples of how this technology can be refined for very specific profiles. At Morfeo, we see hybrids as the answer to increasingly demanding sleepers who are looking for real health benefits. If you want to learn more, you can find out more about hybrid mattresses and how they combine the best of both worlds on our blog.

This trend is confirmed by purchasing habits in Spain, where hybrid and memory foam mattresses are now considered a key investment in home comfort. In fact, average spending on sleep products increased by 17% in 2024, to €427 per person. For brands such as Colchón Morfeo, which offer a 100-night trial, this shows that people are willing to invest when they understand the value of improving their sleep and relieving their back pain.

Frequently asked questions when comparing these mattresses

Even after understanding the theory, it's normal to still have practical questions. After all, deciding between pocket spring or memory foam mattresses means thinking about your daily life, how you really sleep, and whether you share a bed.

To leave you in no doubt, we are going to answer the most common questions that arise at this final stage. These are the key questions that connect all the information to your personal situation.

What type of mattress is best if I sweat a lot at night?

Here, the answer is quite straightforward: pocket spring mattresses are generally the best option for people who tend to get hot. The secret lies in their structure. Imagine hundreds of individual springs, each in its own fabric pocket, creating small air channels throughout the interior.

This design is like a natural ventilation system. It allows air to circulate freely, carrying away the body heat and moisture you generate while sleeping. The result is a feeling of freshness that lasts all night long.

It's true that memory foam has come a long way with gels like our VisCool or open-cell designs, but the pure ventilation of springs is hard to beat. If heat is your main enemy, a spring core mattress, especially a hybrid, will give you the coolness you need without sacrificing adaptability.

If my partner and I have very different weights, what option is best for us?

This is one of the big questions when buying a mattress for two, and rightly so. Both pocket springs and high-quality memory foam offer great independence of beds, but they achieve this in different ways.

Pocket springs shine in this scenario. As each spring works independently, when the heavier person lies down, their springs compress just enough, without dragging or affecting the other side of the bed. This avoids the typical "hammock effect" where you end up rolling toward the center.

High-density memory foam is also very effective, as it absorbs movement locally and molds to each body. However, if the weight difference is very large, a pocket spring core provides a firmer and more robust structural base, ensuring that everyone receives the correct support without interference.

Our recommendation: For significant weight differences, a hybrid mattress is the perfect solution. You get the individualized support of the springs in the base and the adaptability of the memory foam in the comfort layer. The best of both worlds to ensure that you both sleep wonderfully.

Do I need a specific base or box spring for each type of mattress?

Yes, absolutely. The base is the foundation of your rest and can enhance or ruin the properties of your mattress. Not all supports are suitable for all mattresses.

• For pocket spring mattresses: The key is a firm and completely smooth surface. This ensures that each spring has uniform support. Rigid upholstered bases, box springs with solid tops, or slatted bases with very wide, closely spaced slats are ideal. A slatted base with narrow, widely spaced slats is your worst enemy, because the springs could become deformed by sinking into the gaps.

• For memory foam mattresses (100% foam): Your priority is breathability. You need a base that allows the mattress to "breathe" so that moisture does not accumulate. Slatted bed bases are perfect for this. A completely closed base, such as a box spring without vents, could cause the mattress to retain moisture and heat.

This is another advantage of hybrid mattresses. Since their spring core is already self-ventilating, they work great with both rigid and breathable bases, giving you much more flexibility when it comes to choosing.

Which of the two types of mattresses lasts longer?

Here, the debate is not "springs vs. memory foam," but rather "quality vs. poor quality. " A premium mattress, regardless of the technology used, will last much longer than a basic mattress made with the opposite technology.

In a pocket spring mattress, durability depends on the steel used in the springs (their thickness and treatment to prevent fatigue) and the fabric that surrounds them. Good steel will last for years without losing its firmness or becoming deformed.

In memory foam, the key factor is the density of the foam (kg/m³). High-density foam (above 50 kg/m³) is much more resistant and will maintain its support and adaptability properties for years. Low-density foams, on the other hand, tend to sink and lose their "memory" much sooner.

A good indicator is always the warranty. Brands that trust their materials, such as Morfeo with its 10-year warranty, are telling you that their product is built to last.

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At Colchón Morfeo, we know that the ideal choice is a very personal one. That's why we've created a range of mattresses that combines the best sleep technology with the highest quality materials. Discover the model that will change your nights and remember that you have 100 nights to try it out with no obligation at https://www.morfeo.com.