If you're shopping for a new mattress in Australia and feeling overwhelmed by the options, you're not alone. The first big decision most Australians face is choosing between a memory foam mattress and a traditional spring (innerspring) mattress. Both have been around for decades, both have loyal fans, and both have real trade-offs worth knowing before you spend $1,000 or more on your next bed.
In this guide, we break down the key differences between memory foam and spring mattresses — including how they feel, how they perform in the Australian climate, what they cost, and which type suits different sleeping styles. By the end, you'll know exactly which one is right for you.
What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam (also called viscoelastic foam) was originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve seat cushioning. Today it's one of the most popular mattress materials in the world. The foam responds to heat and pressure, contouring to the shape of your body as you lie down.
Most memory foam mattresses sold in Australia consist of multiple layers — usually a softer comfort layer of memory foam on top, and a firmer base foam layer underneath for support. Some models add transition layers in between to prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Pros of Memory Foam
- Excellent pressure relief — the foam cradles your hips, shoulders, and lower back rather than pushing back against them
- Minimal motion transfer — ideal for couples, as movement on one side of the bed doesn't disturb the other person
- Quiet — no squeaking or creaking, unlike older spring beds
- Hypoallergenic — dense foam is less hospitable to dust mites than the open structure of spring mattresses
- Great for side sleepers — the contouring reduces pressure on hips and shoulders
Cons of Memory Foam
- Can sleep hot — traditional memory foam traps heat, though many modern versions use cooling gel or open-cell foam to address this
- Can feel too soft for stomach sleepers or heavier people who need more pushback
- Off-gassing smell when new — usually dissipates within a few days
- Some people dislike the 'sinking' sensation
What Is a Spring Mattress?
Spring mattresses — also called innerspring mattresses — use a network of metal coils as the main support system. There are several types of coil systems. Bonnell coils are the oldest and most basic, connected in an hourglass shape across the mattress. Offset coils are similar but hinged to contour better to the body. Continuous coils use a single wire looped throughout the mattress. Pocket springs (also called pocketed coils or individually wrapped springs) are the most advanced — each coil is individually wrapped in fabric, allowing them to respond independently to pressure.
Pocket spring mattresses, in particular, have become very popular in Australia and are often found in hybrid mattresses that combine coils with foam comfort layers.
Pros of Spring Mattresses
- Breathable — the open coil structure allows airflow through the mattress, helping you sleep cooler
- More bounce and responsiveness — easier to move around on, which some sleepers prefer
- Better edge support in many models — you can sit on the edge without feeling like you'll roll off
- Often more affordable at the entry level
- Good for stomach sleepers who need firmer, more uniform support
Cons of Spring Mattresses
- More motion transfer — you'll feel your partner move, especially in older Bonnell-coil models
- Can develop pressure points over time, particularly over hips and shoulders
- Older coils can creak and squeak as they age
- Less contouring — doesn't hug the body the way foam does
Memory Foam vs Spring: Head-to-Head Comparison
Comfort & Pressure Relief
Memory foam wins on pressure relief. The contouring effect distributes your body weight more evenly, reducing pressure points at the hips and shoulders. This makes it particularly good for side sleepers and people with joint pain. Spring mattresses push back more uniformly, which suits people who prefer a firmer sleeping surface.
Temperature Regulation
Spring mattresses generally sleep cooler because the coil structure creates natural airflow channels. Traditional memory foam can trap body heat, which is a real concern during Australian summers. However, many modern memory foam mattresses use gel-infused foam, open-cell technology, or breathable covers to address heat retention. If you're a hot sleeper and determined to go with foam, look for these features specifically.
Motion Isolation
Memory foam is significantly better at isolating motion. If your partner tosses and turns or gets up frequently during the night, a memory foam mattress will absorb most of that movement. Spring mattresses — especially lower-end models with interconnected coils — transfer motion more readily. High-quality pocket spring mattresses are much better, but memory foam still has the edge here.
Support & Spinal Alignment
Both types can provide excellent spinal alignment when chosen in the right firmness. Memory foam cradles and contours, which helps keep your spine in a neutral position for side sleepers. A well-made spring mattress with good coil quality offers consistent, responsive support that suits back and stomach sleepers particularly well.
Durability
A good quality spring mattress typically lasts 7–10 years. Memory foam mattresses vary widely by quality — a cheap foam mattress may start sagging in 3–4 years, while a premium option can last 10 years or more. In either category, you largely get what you pay for.
Price
Both types are available across a wide price range. Budget spring mattresses in Australia start around $300–$500 for a queen. Budget foam mattresses start at a similar price point. Mid-range options in both categories run $800–$1,500 for a queen. Premium options go well beyond that. In-a-box foam mattresses have disrupted the market by removing retail markup — brands like Koala, Emma, and Ecosa typically price queens between $1,000 and $1,500 with free delivery and generous trial periods.
Which Is Better for Australian Sleepers?
Australia's climate plays a role in this decision. In hotter states like Queensland, Western Australia, and northern NSW, heat retention in traditional foam can be a genuine problem. Gel foam or hybrid options are better suited to these climates. In cooler states or for those with air conditioning, heat retention in foam is less of a concern.
Australian mattress-in-a-box brands have largely moved toward foam and hybrid products, so the range of pocket spring options available online is smaller. However, traditional mattress retailers still stock a broad range of spring options at all price points.
Who Should Choose Memory Foam?
- Side sleepers who need pressure relief at the hips and shoulders
- Couples where one or both partners are light sleepers who disturb each other
- People with joint pain, arthritis, or pressure-point sensitivity
- Anyone who prefers a hugging, contouring feel
- Those who want minimal noise from their mattress
Who Should Choose a Spring Mattress?
- Stomach sleepers who need firmer, flatter support
- Hot sleepers who prioritise breathability
- People who prefer a bouncy, responsive sleeping surface
- Heavier sleepers who don't want to feel like they're sinking
- Those on a tighter budget who want value at the entry level
What About Hybrid Mattresses?
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds — a pocket spring base layer for support and breathability, topped with memory foam or latex comfort layers for contouring and pressure relief. Many Australians find hybrids offer the ideal balance, particularly for couples with different sleep preferences. Brands like Sleeping Duck, Koala Hybrid, and WinkBed offer popular hybrid options in Australia.
Our Verdict
There's no single winner in the memory foam vs spring mattress debate — the right choice depends entirely on how you sleep, your body type, your climate, and your budget. Memory foam is generally better for pressure relief, motion isolation, and side sleepers. Spring mattresses are generally better for temperature regulation, bounce, and stomach sleepers.
If you're unsure, a hybrid mattress or a memory foam option with good cooling technology is a solid all-rounder for most Australian sleepers. Make sure to look for a free trial period of at least 100 nights so you can test the mattress in your own home before committing.