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7 Best Mattresses Without Springs (2022 Discounts)

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This article has been written by the site owner Dan Cartwright – a mattress testing expert who has been testing products and writing online reviews since 2015 to help buyers make the best purchasing decisions for their needs.


Traditional spring mattresses with a coil core and an upholstered top layer can be comfortable for a wide range of sleepers – especially those on the heavier side or who prefer a mattress with good bounce and responsiveness.

But spring mattresses can have their drawbacks too.

The biggest complaint is that the springs create pressure points – which can be especially problematic if you have a low body fat percentage and have prominent bones and joints that are already sensitive to pressure.

Whilst couples often find that a spring mattress allows for too much noise and motion transfer – making it harder to stay asleep when the other person is shuffling around.

And those with dust mite allergies may find a worsening of their symptoms due to the dust mites taking up refuge in the upholstered top layer or the spacious coil core.

Also, spring mattresses can wear out faster than other types of mattresses on the market.

However, looking for a spring mattress alternative throws you into the often confusing world of memory foam, latex foam, and polyfoam mattresses – where competing manufacturers may provide you with biased information that makes your purchasing decision difficult.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 7 best mattresses without springs that you can buy online for specific needs to make everything a whole lot less painful.

So what is the best mattress without springs?

The best mattress without springs is the Puffy Original because it is suitable for a wide range of sleeping styles – including front, back, side, and combination sleepers under 230 lbs – whilst providing excellent pressure relief and motion isolation.

However, I’ve also included some other mattresses in this list that may be more suitable for you if you have specific requirements.

I have included my own personal video reviews to prove that I have tested these mattresses myself where possible and I’ve linked off to more detailed personal reviews of my own to give you the maximum amount of information should you need it.

And I’ve also appended an in-depth buying guide that helps you to understand the similarities, differences, pros, and cons of the varying mattress types that don’t contain springs if you need more information.

Let’s jump into the main list.

Related: see the 8 best fiberglass-free mattresses here to avoid this harmful irritant.

7 Best Mattresses Without Springs Reviewed

After testing many mattresses, I have decided on the Puffy Original as the best mattress without springs overall because it solves the issues that most people who don’t want springs in their mattress typically face – namely the need for better pressure relief and motion isolation.

More specifically, the Puffy Original has excellent pressure relief, is almost silent, dampens movements very well for couples, and is hypoallergenic for combating allergies.

Plus, the medium-firm firmness and balance between pressure relief, compression, and support makes it suitable for a wide range of sleepers up to the 230 lbs mark.

Click the red buttons to learn more about each mattress, check for discounts, and buy that mattress directly from the manufacturer.

1: Puffy Original – Best Overall

Puffy Original Mattress Review (Personally Tested) – $300 OFF

You can watch the video above to see me physically testing out the Puffy Original mattress first hand.

And you can click here to read my full Puffy Original review for a full analysis.

The Puffy Original is a 10″ all-foam mattress that has 2″ of gel-infused memory foam and 2″ inches of polyfoam in the upper comfort layer and transition layer, that sits over 6″ of high-density polyfoam in the support core.

The reason why I have picked the Puffy Original as the best mattress without springs overall is because its medium level of firmness and layered all-foam design is likely to appeal to the widest range of sleepers.

More specifically:

Sleepers under 230 lbs are likely to be comfortable sleeping on their front, back, or side because the memory foam top layer provides excellent pressure relief on the more angular areas of your body – which is especially useful for side sleepers who need more comfort on their hips and shoulders.

The deeper material compression afforded by the memory foam and polyfoam in the upper layers also allows lighter weighted sleepers to sink more into the materials and remove the compression forces from their joints.

Plus, the all-foam design can help to dampen vertical and cross-motion transfer so that you and your partner don’t wake each other up as you sit on the bed and shuffle around during the night.

And whilst this mattress does contain memory foam, it doesn’t sleep as hot as normal memory foam because the foam is infused with cooling gel and feels lighter and more ‘airy’ than traditional dense memory foam.

Surprisingly, switching positions in the Puffy Original is actually quite easy for a memory foam mattress and doesn’t have that same ‘bogged down’ feeling that is notorious with older types of memory foam mattresses – which is great news if you’re a lighter or average-weighted combination or restless sleeper.

And if you suffer from asthma, dust mite allergies, latex allergies, or have sensitive skin then the hypoallergenic cover and polyfoam design – coupled with the CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX®️ STANDARD 100 certifications – can help to limit the chance of a reaction whilst keeping VOC counts to a minimum to guard against chemical off-gassing.

In summary, I think this is one of the most well-rounded mattresses without springs that you can buy online.

Plus the 101-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty has you covered if anything goes wrong.

See below for more details, or click the button to get $300 OFF the Puffy Original now.

Recommended For

  • Side sleepers – the memory foam in the top layer provides excellent pressure relief on your hips and shoulders. I personally found that the memory foam in the Puffy Original did a great job of reducing the pain in my arthritic shoulders that are very painful at night normally.
  • Front and back sleepers – even with the all-foam design and deeper compression in the upper comfort layers, the mattress has good support for front and back sleeping up to around 230 lbs.
  • Combination sleepers – although not as buoyant as a spring or even a latex mattress like the Nolah Natural, the Puffy Original is surprisingly responsive for an all-foam, memory foam mattress that should suit lighter and average weighted combo sleepers.
  • Lighter weighted sleepers – the deeper compression afforded by the upper comfort layer means that lighter weighted sleepers under 150 lbs can sink further into the materials to experience pressure dissipation on their joints.
  • Those with muscle and joint pain – if you have arthritis, chronic pain, or other kinds of musculoskeletal pain, then you may find that the Puffy Original can provide some relief because the all-foam design allows your body weight to be distributed more evenly across the mattress surface to soften the pressure on your body.
  • Skinny sleepers – the pressure relief afforded by memory foam in the upper comfort layer can help to remove the discomfort on the more angular regions of your body if you have a low body fat percentage.
  • Couples – the all-foam design can dampen movement and reduce noise better than many spring-containing mattresses so that you can both sleep undisturbed. I couldn’t feel my bed partner moving around all that much when we slept in the Puffy Original together.
  • Allergy sufferers – the hypoallergenic cover can inhibit dust mite penetration, whilst the CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX®️ STANDARD 100 certifications ensure that toxic chemicals like formaldehyde are absent, and VOCs that could cause airway irritation are kept to below 0.5 parts per million indoors [1].

Considerations

  • Sleepers over 230 lbs – although the Puffy Original does provide a great balance between pressure relief and support, I would actually recommend upgrading to the Puffy Lux Hybrid if you weigh more than 230 lbs for better support. Yes, this means having a mattress with springs, but the pressure relief afforded by the foam means that pain points are less likely to be a problem and the coils do a fair job of dampening movement if you sleep as a couple. I would also consider the hybrid if you’re a combination sleeper to add more buoyancy to the mattress and guard against sinkage.
  • Poor edge support – because the Puffy Original is an all-foam mattress, the edge support isn’t the best. So I would recommend upgrading to the Puffy Lux Hybrid if you are an edge sleeper.

Other Benefits

  • Durable materials – Puffy use high quality materials to make their foams which means that body impressions and premature sagging are less likely to be an issue when compared to cheaper foam mattresses.
  • Works with most frames – the Puffy Original is compatible with adjustable, slatted, and platform frames, as well as box springs and the Puffy Foundation.
  • 101 night sleep trial – gives you more than 3 months to ensure that you are happy and comfortable in your Puffy Original mattress (free returns for a full refund if not).
  • Lifetime warranty – smashes the industry average of 10 years to protect you against manufacturing defects.
  • Financing available – spread the cost to make paying for your new Puffy Original mattress more affordable (click the button below to learn more).

2: Naturepedic EOS Trilux – Best For Couples (Plus No Toxins)

The Naturepedic EOS Trilux Organic Mattress.
The Naturepedic EOS Trilux Organic Mattress (Naturepedic.com)

If you’re looking for a mattress that doesn’t contain springs but is also free from memory foam, poly foam, and any synthetic chemicals then the best one that I could find is the EOS Trilux Organic Mattress from Naturepedic.

This high-end 10″ mattress is made with an organic quilt (includes organic cotton fabric, organic wool batting, and a plant-based PLA comfort layer), over 9″ of GOLS certified organic latex wrapped in organic cotton fabric.

Plus there’s an organic cotton fabric and fill zip-off cover that allows you to go into the mattress and switch the latex layers around to alter the comfort if required.

I highly recommend the EOS Trilux if you’re a couple looking for a spring free mattress because you can choose to have different levels of firmnesses for each half of the queen, king, or Cal. king sizes.

This could be a great option if you each have conflicting sleeping styles – such as a lighter weighted side sleeper who needs a plush level of firmness on one side, versus a heavier weighted front sleeper who needs firm or extra firm on the other side for better hip support.

You can choose from different combinations of plush, medium, cushion firm, firm, and extra firm to suit each of your sleeping requirements.

Plus the lack of springs makes this mattress very quiet and the latex foam should do a good job of dampening movement so that you don’t wake each other up as you move around.

I also highly recommend the EOS Trilux if you’re looking to sleep on a toxin free mattress.

Because not only are Naturepedic one of the few companies that sell legitimate organic mattresses – as certified by GOLS, GOTS, and the Organic Content Standard – they are also certified by MADE SAFE® to ensure that the entire mattress is free from carcinogens and a range of other toxins that could show up in other types of mattresses (see all certifications here).

This means that there’s no toxic flame retardants, glues, adhesives, polyfoam, memory foam, or fiberglass in this mattress.

Which is also great if you’re a sensitive sleeper that tends to react to chemical off gassing, have sensitive skin, dust mite allergies, asthma, or eczema.

And finally, the abundance of organic latex and natural materials means that this mattress could last you many, many more years when compared to cheaper polyfoam mattresses.

Recommended For

  • Couples – choose split firmnesses for individual comfort preferences.
  • Front and back sleepers – the firm and cushion firm options are likely going to be the best choice if you’re a front or back sleeper that prefers a firmer mattress; especially if you’re over 200 lbs.
  • Side sleepers – the medium and plush firmnesses are probably the best firmnesses for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
  • Lighter weighted/skinny sleepers – the plush option should allow you to sink further into the materials for deeper compression and pressure relief on your joints.
  • Combo sleepers – the latex makes this mattress more responsive and more ‘bouncy’ when compared to foam mattresses so that you can switch positions more easily; especially in the firmer options.
  • Sensitive sleepers/allergies – the organic materials means that this mattress is free from toxins that might otherwise aggravate asthma or inflammation based conditions, whilst the organic cotton cover may help with sensitive skin and eczema.
  • Warmer sleepers – the highly breathable latex layers should help to encourage airflow and facilitate a cooler sleep; especially when compared to heat-trapping memory foam.
  • Sweaty sleepers – in addition to keeping you cool, the natural fibers can help to wick away moisture to keep you dry.

Considerations

  • Higher cost – this is a high-end mattress that uses organic materials in abundance so you might like to consider the monthly payment plan to spread the cost out.

Other Benefits

  • Minimal smell – the lack of poly foams and toxins means that this mattress shouldn’t smell heavily; a light aroma of vanilla is sometimes common with latex mattresses like the Trilux.
  • Long lasting – you can expect this mattress to last up to 8-12 years or more due to the highly durable latex and organic materials.
  • Guards against sagging – premature sagging, body impressions, and indentations are less likely with the Trilux compared to softer polyfoam and cheaper memory foam mattresses due to the greater durability of the latex.
  • Made in the USA – for greater quality reassurance.
  • 90 night sleep trial – full refund available if required.
  • 20 year warranty – double the length of the industry standard.

3: Natural Bliss – Best Wool Free Vegan Mattress

The Natural Bliss Mattress With Pillows.
The Natural Bliss Mattress (PlushBeds.com)

If you need your spring-free mattress to be free from wool and animal products then the Natural Bliss is a well priced vegan mattress that’s suitable for a wide range of sleepers.

More specifically, you can order this mattress in soft, medium, medium-firm, and extra-firm to cover just about all sleeping positions and body weights.

Couples will also enjoy how well the latex absorbs movements and the lack of springs makes for a quiet mattress.

Whilst the natural latex and organic cotton cover can help to inhibit mold growth and the presence of dust mites, whilst also being kinder to your skin.

You’ll also find that this is a very well priced mattresses considering the amount of natural and organically certified materials that it contains.

Recommended For

  • Side sleepers – the medium and soft options should be ideal for you if you weigh less than 230 lbs; with the firmer options potentially being better if you’re heavier.
  • Front and back sleepers – the medium and medium-firm options should give you the hip support you need if you’re under 275 lbs; with the extra-firm option available for even heavier individuals.
  • Heavy sleepers – the extra-firm option might be better for you if you’re over 275 lbs; I would go for the 10 inch profile too for the most amount of compression and support capacity too.
  • Lighter/skinny sleepers – the softer level of firmness can help to provide deeper sinkage and more joint/surface pressure relief.
  • Warmer sleepers – the latex doesn’t trap heat like many memory foam mattresses do.

Considerations

  • Latex allergies – I don’t know if the allergy inducing latex proteins have been removed from this mattress. Check out the Essentia Tatami in the next section if you need a latex mattress that doesn’t contain the latex proteins that cause allergies.

Other Benefits

  • Toxin free – certified by GreenGuard Gold, eco-INSTITUT, and OEKO-TEX®️ STANDARD 100 to ensure that harmful chemicals like mercury, lead, CFCs, cyanide, and PBDE flame retardants are absent; whilst VOCs are minimised for a better smelling mattress that doesn’t produce unwanted allergens.
  • Eco Fire Barrier – doesn’t contain fiberglass and is instead made with natural plant fibers.
  • 100 night sleep trial – full refunds and free returns available.
  • Surprisingly affordable – reasonably priced for a mattress with so much organic and natural materials but 0% APR financing is available at check out if you need to spread your payments out to increase affordability.

4: Essentia Tatami – Best For Latex Allergies

The Essentia Tatami.
The Essentia Tatami (MyEssentia.com)

If you want a spring-free mattress but also want to avoid cheap polyfoam/memory foam and you have a natural latex allergy, then you’re not going to have a great deal of options.

However, the latex mattresses made by Essentia apparently do NOT contain the proteins that trigger natural latex allergies in most people.

And I’ve picked out the Tatami because it’s the cheapest out of all of their mattresses and has a ‘mid-contour’ firmness that should provide the firmness that front and back sleepers need whilst also providing a degree of pressure relief that should be suitable for most side sleepers.

You can go for the 0% APR to spread the cost out and increase affordability too.

Recommended For

  • Front and back sleepers – the firmer feel can aid with hip support.
  • Side sleepers – if you’re an average or heavier weighted side sleeper then the pressure relief should be sufficient on your hips and shoulders.
  • Couples – the all-foam design should limit cross and vertical motion transfer quite well.
  • Dust mite allergies – the ‘natural memory foam’ apparently is able to repel dust mites.

Considerations

  • Higher price – Essentia make some of the most expensive mattresses on the market; consider the 0% APR financing option to make this mattress more affordable.

Other Benefits

  • Made with natural and organic materials – this mattress is made with ‘patented natural memory foam’ which consists of hevea milk, GOLS certified organic latex, Dunlop latex, organic essential oils, and natural plant extracts.
  • 20 year warranty – double the industry average.
  • 120 night sleep trial – refunds or exchange available.
  • Safe for latex allergies – Essentia’s mattresses apparently pose ‘no risk to a latex allergic person in terms of potential exposure to latex allergens’ according to Dr. Robert G. Hamilton, Ph.D at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (click the button below to learn more).

5: Latex For Less – Best Double Sided Mattress

Latex For Less Mattress
The Latex For Less Mattress is Two-Sided

If you want your spring-free mattress to also be flippable then have a look at the Latex For Less mattress.

Where one side is medium for average weighted front, back, and side sleepers – whilst the other side is ‘firm’ for heavier weighted sleepers.

This is also a well priced option for a latex containing mattress.

Recommended For

  • Front and back sleepers – the medium or the firm side should be fine.
  • Side sleepers – the medium side will likely work best if you weigh between 130 lbs and 230 lbs whilst the firmer side might be better if you’re heavier than 230 lbs.
  • Combo sleepers – the latex coupled with the differing firmnesses should give you the buoyancy and surface tension that you need to switch positions easily without getting bogged down in the materials.

Considerations

  • Very light side sleepers – if you’re under 130 lbs then you may find both sides a little bit too firm for side sleeping.

Other Benefits

  • Ships in a small box – comes in a compressed box for better manoeuvrability.
  • 20 year warranty – double the industry average.
  • 120 night sleep trial – plenty of time to adjust to the mattress and decide if you like it or not.

6: Amerisleep AS Range – Best Memory Foam Mattress Line

The Amerisleep AS3
The Amerisleep AS3 (Amerisleep.com)

If nothing has taken your fancy on this list of the best spring-free mattresses so far then my final suggestion is to check out the AS memory foam mattress range from Amerisleep.

Because across 5 individual mattresses, just about every single sleeping style is catered for.

However, the AS3 model with its medium level of firmness will suit most sleeping styles and provides a great blend of pressure relief and support – whilst the all-foam design can dampen movement very well for couples.

Amerisleep’s mattresses are also very reasonably priced for the high quality they offer – especially the AS1, AS2, and AS3 models.

Recommended For

  • AS1 – the firmest option for stomach, back, and combo sleepers.
  • AS2 – medium-firm for front, back, and combination sleepers; plus heavier weighted side sleepers or those with back pain.
  • AS3 – medium that will suit average weighted front, back, side, and combination sleepers.
  • AS4 – medium-soft for side and lighter weighted sleepers, or anyone that prefers a softer feel.
  • AS5 – the softest option for those who need maximum pressure relief and material sinkage.

Considerations

  • More support and bounce – you may wish to consider the hybrid spring options for the selected models if you want more support and buoyancy whilst still retaining the pressure relieving qualities of the foam.
  • Unsuitable for children – Amerisleep say that none of their mattresses are suitable for children under 8 years old because memory foam poses a suffocation risk (this is typically true for most memory foam mattresses).

Other Benefits

  • Suitable for heavier weighted sleepers – unlike many all-foam mattresses that cave under heavier loads, all of Amerisleep’s mattresses are suitable for sleepers over 230 lbs.
  • Sleeps cooler than memory foam – Amerisleep use their own Bio-Pur® foam to help you sleep cooler when compared to other foams.
  • More responsive than memory foam – the Bio-Pur® foam is also designed to change shape quickly so that you don’t get bogged down.
  • Good for pain relief – the Bio-Pur® foam is designed to provide a combination of pressure relief, cushioning, and support that can help to soothe pressure points and possibly even aid with easing muscular and joint pains.
  • Healthier and lower odor – CertiPUR-US® certified to ensure that the mattress is free from formaldehyde, ozone depleters, prohibited phthalates, PBDEs, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, and is low in VOCs to ensure the mattress doesn’t stink of chemicals.
  • Long lasting – the Amerisleep mattresses are designed to potentially last beyond the 7-10 year mark with the right care.
  • Hypoallergenic – may help to guard against dust mite allergies and reduce skin irritation.
  • 20 year warranty – covers defective sagging and indentations (very important for memory foam mattresses).
  • 100 night sleep trial – full refunds and exchanges available.

7: Naturepedic – Best Crib and Kids Mattresses

Naturepedic Kids Mattresses
Naturepedic Kids Mattresses (Naturepedic.com)

You need to be VERY careful when shopping for non-spring, foam mattresses for babies and children.

Because the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) says that:

The sleep surface should be specifically designed for infants, be firm (e.g., crib mattress placed in a crib or bassinet), and meet applicable safety standards. A soft sleeping surface (e.g., memory foam) can increase the risk of rebreathing or suffocation [2].

Therefore, you should look for mattresses that have been specifically designed for babies and children to avoid suffocation.

The best crib and children’s mattresses that I’ve come across so far are from Naturepedic.

Because not only do their mattresses follow CPSC and pediatrician recommendations, they are also certified organic and non-toxic for better health and safety.

Click the buttons below to learn more.


Spring-Free Mattress Buying Guide

Traditional spring mattresses consist of an upholstered top layer over a layer of coils.

Different types of coils can include: continuous (made from a single piece of wire), Bonnell coils (responsive cross-wire helicals), offset coils (hourglass-shaped coils for better body conformation), or Marshall coils (individually encased pocket coils for better adjustment to your body shape) [3].

A good quality spring mattress can be comfortable for a wide range of sleepers, and can be well suited to heavier weighted sleepers that require more support; combination or restless sleepers that need a responsive and buoyant mattress that allows them to switch positions quickly, and warmer sleepers – because the spacious coil core can allow for better airflow and thus aid with temperature regulation.

You can also pick up a decent quality spring mattress at a very reasonable price online – often for under $700.

However, there can be several drawbacks to spring mattresses that may force you to consider the non-coil alternatives I’ve listed in the next section.

The main issue with spring mattresses (although potentially less so with Marshall coil mattresses) is that they can cause pressure points on your body because your body weight isn’t distributed evenly across the surface of the mattress.

This means that spring mattresses can be particularly uncomfortable for ‘skinny’ sleepers who may find that the more angular areas of their body such as their hips, shoulders, and head become pain points due to the springs pushing back on those areas – particularly when the upholstered top layer is also relatively thin.

Lighter weighted sleepers under 150 lbs may also find spring mattresses to be somewhat uncomfortable because the buoyancy of the springs can cause you to lie more ‘on’ the mattress than ‘in’ the materials; an effect that can increase the compression forces in your joints.

This can be mitigated somewhat by going for a ‘softer’ firmness or going for a pillow top spring mattress.

But switching to a mattress that doesn’t contain springs and has an upper comfort layer that allows for deeper compression can allow you to sink more into the mattress and thus allow the pressure to be dissipated away from your joints and into the surrounding materials for greater comfort.

All-Foam Vs Spring: Which Mattress To Choose (Circle Furniture)

Also, if you have a dust mite allergy then you may want to switch to an all-foam mattress with a hypoallergenic cover to help remove the more spacious areas and materials where dust mites tend to live.

Coupes that are fed up of waking each other up during the night may also prefer to avoid a spring mattress and go for an all-foam alternative to reduce motion transfer and noise for a more uninterrupted night’s rest.

And whilst spring mattresses are well suited to warmer sleepers looking to sleep cool due to their aerated design, all-latex mattresses made with breathable Talalay latex can also help to regulate your temperature very well.

In terms of durability, you can expect a good quality spring mattress to last in the region of 5-7 years, whilst well-made memory foam mattresses could last around 6-8 years, and all-latex mattresses in the region of 8-12 years.

To summarise, you may want to consider a mattress that doesn’t contain springs if:

  • You are a ‘skinny’ sleeper that wants to reduce pressure points.
  • You are a lighter weighted sleeper that wants to sink more deeply into the mattress.
  • You have a dust mite allergy and want a mattress that inhibits dust mite penetration.
  • You sleep as a couple and need a quiet mattress that doesn’t transfer movement as readily, so that there’s less chance of you both waking each other up as you shuffle around during the night or sit on the edge of the bed.
  • You need a mattress that’s going to last longer.

1: Choose Your Spring Mattress Alternative

Below is a full breakdown of the different types of non-spring-containing mattress options (with the exception of ‘hybrid spring mattresses’) and the pros and cons of each.

1.1 All-Polyurethane Foam

Polyfoam is typically found in the top layer of a mattress where it acts as a ‘comfort layer’ to provide pressure relief and bounce.

However, it’s possible to buy mattresses that are made up entirely of polyfoam – where you’ll typically find higher-density poly foam in the base layer to provide more support.

All-polyfoam mattresses are some of the cheapest that you can buy.

And they can often provide the pressure relief and deeper compression preferred by skinny and lighter weighted sleepers, whilst blocking dust mite penetration, and dampening the movements of your bed partner.

But you’ll need to ensure that the mattress is CertiPUR-US® and/or STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified to ensure that the mattress is free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and has VOC (volatile organic compound) limits below 0.5 parts per million to limit the chance that the mattress will ‘off gas’ (smell of chemicals).

Cheap polyfoam mattresses may also contain fiberglass in the inner cover; which can release into your home – causing allergic reactions and costing $1,000’s (or even $10,000+) to be removed by professional cleaners.

And poly foams tend to wear out the fastest; especially if you’re a heavier weighted sleeper that’s going to compress the foam more deeply – which can lead to premature sagging, indentations, and body impressions that could lead to discomfort.

The edge support in many polyfoam mattresses is often quite poor also.

So, I would recommend that you go for a higher quality memory foam or latex foam mattress over cheaper polyfoam because they are likely going to last you longer and be more comfortable.

1.2 All-Memory Foam

Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that was originally developed by NASA in 1966 for use in their aircraft seats and was deployed in mattresses by Tempur-Pedic in the early 90’s.

Traditional memory foam is typically denser and more viscous than polyfoam and is able to change shape in response to your body heat and compress deeply – making memory foam one of the best materials for reducing pressure points on the body and distributing your body weight more evenly across the surface of the mattress.

This makes memory foam topped mattresses excellent for side sleepers, skinny sleepers, and lighter sleepers – whilst also being one of the best materials for couples to eliminate motion transfer and noise.

Memory foam may be able to resist dust mites and is typically denser and more durable than lower density poly foams.

However, the biggest problem with regular memory foam is that it tends to cause you to sleep warm due to the way in which the material retains heat.

In which case you should look for proprietary memory foams that are designed to be more cooling – often in conjunction with gel-infused beads, gel foam, and perforated/aerated foam layering and designs – to help you sleep cooler.

You should also look for memory foam mattresses that are CertiPUR-US® and/or STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified to ensure that harmful chemicals are excluded and off-gassing is kept to a minimum.

All-memory foam mattresses may also compress more underweight when compared to a spring mattress, so you should go for a thickness of at least 10-12 inches or more if you’re over 230 lbs to maximize the mattress’s capacity for compression and support.

Memory foam can also be harder to move around in and have a ‘sand-like’ feeling that could bog you down if you’re a combination sleeper – going for a firmer feel may help (more on choosing the right firmness in the next section).

1.3 All-Latex Foam

Latex foam is more responsive and breathable than memory foam.

This means that you can still experience amazing pressure relief but you won’t feel like you’re getting bogged down in the materials as much and sleeping warm will likely be less of an issue.

If you’re a skinny or lighter weighted sleeper, you should typically go for a latex mattress that contains Talalay latex in the top comfort layer (over Dunlop latex) to maximise pressure relief and allow for deeper compression of the materials.

You should also choose a latex mattress that contains a higher percentage of natural latex over synthetic latex if you want to avoid chemicals like SBR that may contribute to off-gassing (smell) – look for GOLS certified organic latex to ensure that a minimum of 95% organic materials are used.

Natural latex mattresses can help to combat dust mite allergies and reactions to molds because the potentially antimicrobial qualities of the proteins found in natural latex can help to make the mattress less hospitable for dust mites and inhibit mold growth.

If you have an allergy to natural latex then you may prefer an all-memory foam mattress or to go for a hypoallergenic mattress that doesn’t contain the allergy triggering proteins.

Latex mattresses typically inhibit motion better than most spring mattresses, but not typically quite as well as all-memory foam/polyfoam mattresses due to the more responsive feel of the latex – which can make it easier for combination sleepers to move around in.

Certified organic latex mattresses make for some of the most healthy mattresses that you can sleep on and could last up to 8-12 years or more in some cases (especially if they have a Dunlop latex support core).

1.4 Organic Mattresses

Organic mattresses are made from materials like latex and cotton that have been certified as organic by reputable bodies like GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and the USDA.

Memory foam and polyfoam mattresses cannot be organic because they are made from synthetic chemicals – although some companies may replace part of their foams with plant-based materials to reduce the petroleum content.

Organic mattresses are the way to go if you want to eliminate toxins and get a mattress that’s free from fiberglass.

1.5 Vegan Mattresses

If you want to avoid wool and other animal products then you should go one step beyond organic and go for a vegan mattress.

1.6 Hybrid Spring Mattresses

Modern hybrid spring mattresses that have individually encased coils in the support core and memory foam or latex in the top layers can often bypass many of the common complaints associated with regular spring mattresses.

For example, many hybrid beds use individually wrapped coils to reduce motion transfer and noise for couples, whilst leveraging the properties of memory foam or latex to provide better pressure relief whilst helping to regulate your temperature through an aerated design.

So a hybrid spring mattress might not be as bad as you think – depending on its structure and the qualities of the materials.

Summary of Needs

Below is a table that summarises the points made above to help you quickly identify the type of spring-free mattress alternative that is best suited to your needs.

Condition/RequirementBest Suitable Mattress Types
Skinny sleepersAll-polyfoam, memory foam, Talalay latex
Lighter sleepers <150 lbsAll-polyfoam, memory foam, Talalay latex
Heavier sleepers over 230 lbsAll-latex (Dunlop support core)
Restless (combo) sleepersAll-latex (Dunlop comfort layer)
CoupleAll-polyfoam, memory foam, all-latex
Dust mite allergyAll-polyfoam, memory foam, all-latex
AsthmaNatural latex, heavily organic/vegan
Sensitive skinNatural latex, heavily organic/vegan
Natural latex allergyMemory/polyfoam (CertiPUR-US® and/or STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified)
Fiberglass freeNatural latex, heavily organic/vegan
Sleeping coolAll-latex (Talalay over Dunlop)
Minimal off-gassing/smellNatural latex, heavily organic/vegan
Better durabilityAll-latex (Dunlop support core), memory foam (higher density)
Less indentations/body impressionsAll-latex
Edge supportAll-latex (reinforced edges)
Lowest costPolyfoam (may have durability issues)

2: Select the Firmness

In addition to the types of materials used in the mattress and their layering structure, the ‘firmness’ setting is also a significant factor in the subjective nature of mattress comfort.

Some mattress models only have one firmness level (typically ‘medium’ or a ‘universal’ comfort rating), whilst others may allow you to choose from extra-soft, soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, or extra firm.

The vast majority of sleepers in the 130 – 230 lbs range will be comfortable in a ‘medium’ mattress.

But because the final comfort levels depend on how your body weight and dominant sleeping position interact with the materials of the mattress, you may find that a different firmness level is better for you.

Getting the right level of firmness isn’t an exact science, but the table below can help guide you to the correct firmness setting relative to your physical characteristics and preferences.

(Note that the ‘+’ indicates multiple conditions that typically should all be present, whilst the comma-separated conditions indicate a range of potential conditions from which only one might be true – although personal preferences can void these rules entirely).

FirmnessSuitability (approx.)
Extra softSide sleeper + <150 lbs + skinny
SoftSide sleepers, <150 lbs, skinny
Medium softSide sleepers, <150 lbs, skinny
MediumFront, back, side, combo sleeper + 130 – 230 lbs
Medium firmFront, back, side, combo sleeper + 130 – 250 lbs
FirmFront, back, combo sleeper, >250 lbs
Extra firmFront, back, combo sleeper, >275 lbs

3: Check the Support

The support level of a mattress indicates how well that it keeps your spine neutrally aligned and joints well supported.

And whilst the firmness level can have a peripheral impact, the quality of the support is mainly dictated by the construct of the lower support core.

Although the heavier you are, the ‘better’ the support needs to be – going for a mattress that’s more than 10-12 inches thick is advised if you’re heavier than 230 lbs because whilst not a guarantee of quality support alone, a thinner mattress may not give you the depth of cushioning that you require to avoid crashing into the support core and otherwise causing discomfort.

Some mattress brands will make higher quality mattresses that provide better support when compared to other manufacturers that use the same layering design but inferior quality materials.

But you can use the table below as a guide to which types of materials provide the best/worst levels of support when all other factors are equal.

Support Core MaterialCapacity for Support
Dunlop latexVery good
Talalay latexVery good
High-density polyfoam (1.7 PCF)Good – average
Med. density polyfoam (1.5 – 1.7 PCF)Poor – rarely used
Low-density polyfoam (<1.5 PCF)Poor – rarely used
High-density memory foam (>5 PCF)Poor – rarely used
Med. density memory foam (4 – 5 PCF)Poor – rarely used
Low-density memory foam (<4 PCF)Poor – rarely used

4: Finalise Your Order

By selecting the type of mattress materials, the desired structure, and the firmness, you’ve taken significant steps towards finding a non-spring mattress that’s more likely to be comfortable for you.

However, because buying a mattress (even in-store) isn’t a foolproof process, there are a few extra steps that you need to take to ensure that you’re protected against defects and are able to return the mattress if it’s too uncomfortable for you:

  • Secure a 30-100 day+ day sleep trial – look for a mattress that will allow you to return the mattress after the 30 day period even if you’ve slept on it because it can take up to a month or more for the materials to adjust to your body shape, weight, and preferred sleeping position.
  • Look for a non-prorated warranty – go for a warranty that’s at least 10 years in length and is exclusively non-prorated or is prorated for the first few years to ensure that you can have defective parts replaced at no extra cost (also check if shipping is covered too). You should look to ensure that the mattress covers indentation and body impressions greater than 1.5 inches (some may even go as low as 0.75 inches).
  • Spread the cost with 0% APR – many online mattress companies will allow you to apply and pay for your mattress on 0% finance at the checkout to increase affordability, which is useful if you’re going for a more expensive latex/organic mattress.
  • Save money online – ordering directly from the manufacturer online can save you a lot of money, which can make in store shopping obsolete (especially when you consider that laying on the mattress for a few minutes isn’t a reliable gauge of comfort and a sleep trial will give you more protection).

Related Questions

Below are the concise answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding spring mattress alternatives such as latex and memory foam.

Which Mattress is Better – Foam or Springs?

Memory foam, latex foam, and polyfoam mattresses may provide better pressure relief and motion isolation than traditional spring mattresses; although many modern hybrid spring mattresses are equally capable whilst also providing robust support and good mobility.

Which Type of Mattress Foam is the Best?

Natural, organically certified latex can provide excellent durability and cooling capabilities with good support and pressure relief; whilst memory foam may provide the best pressure relief at the cost of poorer breathability – whilst cheap polyfoams are typically inferior in all departments when compared to latex and higher quality memory foam.

What’s the Best Mattress Without Springs?

The best mattress without springs is the Puffy Original because it can accommodate such a wide range of sleepers.

Click the button below to get $300 OFF the Puffy Original now.


Sources and References

[1] CertiPUR-US® – Overview. Accessed 14/7/20.

[2] AAFP – SIDS and Safe Sleeping Environments for Infants: AAP Updates Recommendations. Accessed 14/7/20.

[3] Wikipedia – Mattress Coil. Accessed 14/7/20.

Image Attribution and Licencing

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