Memory Foam vs Pocket Spring: Which Mattress Type Suits Your Sleep Style?

You know that moment when you wake up and can’t quite tell whether it’s your back or your mattress that’s the problem? Or when your partner rolls over, and you bounce like you’re on a trampoline? That’s usually the sign: time to think about what you’re actually sleeping on.

Two types of mattress dominate the conversation today — memory foam and pocket spring. Both are popular, both promise a better night’s sleep, and both are available right here at The Bed Centre. But they feel very different once you’re lying down. So how do you decide which is right for you?

Let’s break it down, simply and honestly.

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What Exactly Is a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam is one of those modern inventions that sounds a bit space-age because, well, it is. It was originally designed for NASA back in the 1960s to cushion astronauts during take-off. Fast forward a few decades and it’s cushioning everyday sleepers instead.

• How it feels: It responds to body heat and pressure, softening to mould around you. Think of it like a gentle hug that holds you in place.
• Motion transfer: Excellent. If your partner tosses and turns, you’re far less likely to feel it.
• Support: The foam spreads weight evenly, which helps relieve pressure points (hips, shoulders, lower back).

You can see our Memory Foam & Latex Mattress collection here.

And What About Pocket Springs?

Pocket springs are the classic reimagined. Unlike the old open-coil mattresses where all springs were tied together, these have individual springs, each sewn into its own fabric pocket. That means they move independently.

• How it feels: More traditional bounce compared to foam. It’s responsive — you move, it moves with you.
• Motion transfer: Reduced compared to old coils, but you’ll still notice a bit more movement than with foam.
• Support: The springs adapt to body weight. The more springs per mattress, the more targeted the support.

Explore our Pocket Spring Mattress range here.

So Which Is Cooler in Spain’s Climate?

This is where local context really matters. On the Costa Blanca, summers are hot and sticky, and expats often struggle with bedding that feels too warm.

• Memory foam has a reputation for heat retention. Newer foams are better ventilated, but it’s still something to keep in mind if you run hot at night.
• Pocket springs naturally allow more air circulation between the coils, so they tend to sleep cooler.

Tip: If you love the feel of foam but worry about heat, consider a hybrid — springs topped with a foam layer. Or add a breathable cotton topper to help regulate temperature.

Who Should Choose Memory Foam?

Let’s keep it simple. Memory foam is usually best if you:

• Sleep on your side and want extra cushioning for hips and shoulders.
• Share a bed and need to cut down on partner disturbance.
• Struggle with back or joint pain and want even weight distribution.
• Prefer a mattress that “holds” you rather than one that pushes back.

A quick scenario: imagine an expat couple where one works long shifts on their feet and the other is a restless sleeper. Memory foam often wins in this case — pressure relief for the tired body, stability for the light sleeper.

Who Should Choose Pocket Springs?

Pocket springs often suit you better if you:

• Sleep on your back or stomach and like firmer support.
• Run warm at night and want more breathability.
• Like the “bounce back” feel when changing position.
• Want durability — a good spring mattress can last many years.

Picture a Dutch retiree who cycles most mornings and likes a bed that feels supportive yet cool in summer. Pocket springs tick those boxes.

The Price Question

You’ve probably noticed: mattress shopping can feel like buying a car. Prices vary widely, and sometimes it’s hard to see why.

• Memory foam mattresses can start lower in price, but premium foams (or combinations with latex) can be at the top end too.
• Pocket springs vary depending on spring count, materials, and hand-finishing. More springs usually equals more cost — but also more comfort.

Here’s where a visit to The Bed Centre showroom helps. You can actually feel the difference, not just read about it.

Common Myths to Ignore

A couple of things you’ll hear, both half-true at best:

• “Memory foam is too hot for Spain.”
  Older foams, yes. But ventilation has improved, and pairing with breathable bedding makes a difference.
• “Springs always sag in the middle.”
  That was the case with old continuous coil mattresses. Pocket springs are a completely different technology.
• “One size fits all.”
  Absolutely not. Your body weight, sleep style, and even the room temperature all play a role.

How to Test Before You Buy

Here’s the tricky bit: lying on a mattress for 5 minutes in a showroom is not the same as sleeping a whole night on it. But you can still get a feel.

• Lie in your usual sleep position. If you’re a side sleeper, lie on your side.
• Check pressure points. Do your hips sink too far? Do your shoulders feel supported?
• Roll around. Do you feel stuck, or can you move easily?
• Bring your partner. You’ll quickly see how much movement travels across the bed.

For Couples with Different Needs

This is one of the biggest dilemmas: one partner likes firm, the other soft. Memory foam vs pocket spring becomes more than just theory — it’s a negotiation.

Options?

• Go for a medium-firm mattress with a topper to tweak comfort.
• Consider a zip-and-link mattress (two sides, joined together).
• Or compromise with a hybrid mattress that combines springs with a foam top layer.

What Expats Often Overlook

Many expats moving to Spain bring old mattresses with them, thinking they’ll “do for now.” But Spanish humidity, different bed sizes, and simple wear and tear mean those mattresses often don’t last.

Switching to a mattress suited to the local climate — and your current lifestyle — makes a bigger difference than most people expect. Better sleep equals better health, especially as we age.

Quick Comparison Cheat Sheet

Memory Foam

• Best for: side sleepers, couples, pressure relief
• Feel: contouring, body-hugging
• Downsides: can run warm, less bounce

Pocket Springs

• Best for: back/stomach sleepers, hot sleepers, those who want durability
• Feel: supportive, breathable, classic bounce
• Downsides: can be pricier at the top end, more motion transfer

Final Thought

Choosing between memory foam and pocket springs isn’t about which is “better.” It’s about which is better for you — your body, your habits, your climate.

The good news? At The Bed Centre, you don’t have to make the decision alone. Our team has helped countless expats and locals find the right fit, and we know the quirks of sleeping in Spain (yes, the summer heat really does change everything).

So ask yourself: do you want the gentle cradle of foam, or the cool responsiveness of springs? Either way, the right mattress is out there — and once you’ve found it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.