Foam Mattress Vs. Innerspring Mattress

Institutional and Dormitory Mattress with Waterproof Covers: Foam Mattress vs. Innerspring Mattress

The information here is geared toward decision makers in student housing, group homes, transitional housing, camps, detox and rehab facilities.

People always ask “should I buy a foam core mattress or an innerspring mattress for my facility?”  The answer to this question has to do with six different considerations.

Who is sleeping on the mattress?

Typically adults want to sleep on an innerspring mattress and innerspring mattresses are usually the best sleeping option for them.  Adult sized people will also wear out a foam core mattress much faster than children (this depends on the quality of foam in the foam core).

How often will the mattress be slept on?

If the mattress is going to be slept on for more than a few nights at a time, by an adult, innerspring mattresses are the best option.

Safety: will people be sleeping on the mattresses that are not allowed to have sharp objects?

Mattress innersprings are made out of steel and with some considerable effort can be dismantled enough to make a sharp object.  Tearing apart a mattress and yanking out a coil is not easy but it can be done.  If your facility is working with clients or residents that are a danger to themselves or others foam mattresses are a great option.

Does the mattress need to be moved carried or lifted often?

Innerspring mattresses are heavier than foam mattresses and do not bend.  If a mattress in your facility will be moved often or needs to be stored in a closet than a foam mattress will work best.

What size mattress is needed?

Foam core mattresses can be manufactured in a wider variety of sizes than innerspring mattresses. If an odd or nonstandard size is needed, foam mattresses are probably the best option.

Mattress Shipping Costs?

Foam mattresses weigh less than innerspring mattresses. One of the two main factors for calculating shipping costs is weight.  If you’re on a budget, foam mattresses may be a good pick.

Hopefully this helps to make the decision about foam mattress vs. innerspring mattresses a little easier.