Is memory foam or pocket sprung better for back pain?

Pocket sprung mattresses tend to suit back pain sufferers who need firmer, more responsive support, since each spring reacts independently to keep the spine aligned. Memory foam can also work well if you choose a medium-firm or firm density, since it contours to relieve pressure points, but a very soft foam mattress can let the hips sink too far for good spinal alignment.

Do memory foam mattresses sleep hot?

Traditional memory foam retains more body heat than pocket springs because it's a dense, closed material with less airflow. Modern memory foam mattresses often include cooling gel layers or open-cell foam to reduce this, and hybrid mattresses address it directly by combining a foam comfort layer with a sprung base for airflow.

Which is more expensive, memory foam or pocket sprung?

It varies by spec rather than material alone. Entry-level memory foam mattresses are often cheaper than pocket sprung, but at the premium end, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses with higher spring counts and natural fillings typically cost more than an equivalent memory foam mattress.

Can I put a memory foam mattress on any bed base?

Memory foam mattresses need a firm, flat, well-supported base, such as a platform top divan or a solid slatted frame with slats no more than 6 to 7cm apart. A sprung edge divan base or widely spaced slats can cause the foam to sag unevenly over time.

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Memory Foam vs Pocket Sprung Mattress: Which Is Right for You?

Hartley Dreams Sleep Experts·27 July 2026

mattressesbuying guide

Memory foam and pocket sprung are the two most common mattress types sold in the UK, and the choice between them affects almost everything about how a mattress feels: support, temperature, motion transfer, and price. Here's how each actually works, and which one is likely to suit you.

How Memory Foam Mattresses Work

Memory foam is a viscoelastic material that softens in response to body heat and pressure, then slowly returns to shape once the pressure is removed. Instead of pushing back against your body the way a spring does, it moulds around it, spreading your weight over a larger surface area. This is what gives memory foam its distinctive "sinking in" feel and why it's particularly effective at relieving pressure on the shoulders and hips.

How Pocket Sprung Mattresses Work

A pocket sprung mattress contains hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individual springs, each stitched into its own fabric pocket. Because each spring moves independently, the mattress responds precisely to the shape and weight distribution of your body, giving support exactly where it's needed rather than across the whole surface at once. This independent movement is also why pocket sprung mattresses transfer less motion across the bed than an old-style open coil spring mattress.

Pros and Cons Compared

Memory Foam Pros and Cons

Pros: excellent pressure relief, very low motion transfer (good for couples), contours closely to the body. Cons: can sleep warmer than springs, softer designs may feel too enclosing, quality varies significantly by foam density.

Pocket Sprung Pros and Cons

Pros: strong edge support, better airflow and temperature regulation, precise responsive support. Cons: higher spring counts add cost, can transfer slightly more movement than foam unless paired with a foam comfort layer (a hybrid design).

Firmness Interaction: Why Material Changes How Firm a Mattress Feels

Firmness and material aren't the same thing, but they interact. A medium-firm memory foam mattress and a medium-firm pocket sprung mattress can carry the same firmness rating and still feel noticeably different: the foam version will feel firm at the surface but soften as it warms to your body, while the sprung version feels consistently firm the moment you lie down and stays that way. If you tend to run warm at night, that difference matters more than the firmness number alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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