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Spring mattresses - are they worth buying?

25 lipca 2025
The mattress market is full of diverse options – from traditional spring mattresses to hybrid mattresses and modern foam mattresses with advanced technologies. While springs were recently seen as a symbol of modernity, their limitations are now increasingly being discussed.

More and more conscious consumers are beginning to question the rationale behind buying a spring mattress. On the one hand, the lower price and promise of comfort are tempting, but on the other, there are well-founded concerns about lack of ergonomics, hygiene issues, and insufficient durability, which strongly influence purchasing decisions.

Ergonomics and support – just in the ads

Spring mattresses are quite often advertised as offering point-by-point support. In reality, however, springs function as a connected system, where one spring reacts to the movement of another. This results in unstable and imprecise body support during sleep. This is especially evident in Bonell mattresses, where the springs are connected with wire.

Since the human body is not symmetrical, support needs to be adapted to each body part individually. That’s why foam mattresses, especially those with a thermoelastic layer in the second zone, are much better at addressing spinal needs while allowing for dynamic response.

In principle, springs in a mattress are not capable of providing real stabilization for the hips, shoulders, or spine – key areas in preventing various ailments. This makes them an inappropriate choice, particularly for people with orthopedic conditions.

Pocket springs – not such a hit

Although pocket springs are often marketed as premium technology, their construction and functionality leave much to be desired. Each spring is enclosed in a separate pocket made of thin material – usually polypropylene nonwoven fabric. These pockets are then glued together, causing the entire system to behave more like a connected mass rather than truly independent support points.

In practice, this means that the response of one spring affects neighboring ones, disrupting the idea of point-by-point elasticity. Moreover, springs only work vertically, while foams respond in every direction. Over time, the pockets wear out due to physical forces, turning into fine, nearly invisible dust that settles inside the mattress and can sometimes even be inhaled.

To mask the spring structure and reduce its feel, manufacturers add extra layers – typically made from cheap T-foams, felt, or coconut fiber boards, all of which are not particularly functional. Though these materials might sound natural, they don’t provide true comfort; they simply delay direct contact with the steel springs underneath.

These are necessary compromises to make a spring mattress usable, but they do not improve the quality of this outdated technology. Rather than investing in stopgaps, it makes far more sense to choose a mattress designed from the ground up with ergonomics, hygiene, and durability in mind – like the Osaka Air mattress, which contains no springs, solvent-based adhesives, or masking layers.

Difficult to keep clean

Due to their construction, steel springs create a hollow space inside the mattress. This is an ideal environment for the accumulation of dust, mites, and moisture – all enemies of healthy sleep. For allergy sufferers, asthmatics, and people who care about sleep hygiene, this is a serious drawback.

Compared to open-cell foams, which facilitate ventilation and moisture wicking, the interior of a spring mattress becomes a trap for impurities. It’s impossible to clean effectively, and traditional vacuuming or airing out is not effective.

The problem gets worse over time. Even if a new mattress feels comfortable at first, after a few years it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms – including mold and insects. These conditions negatively affect sleep quality, immunity, and skin health, potentially leading to further issues.

Durability from a bygone era

One of the main arguments made by supporters of spring mattresses is their supposed durability. However, this was true in the past, much like with many other products. Today’s mattress springs tend to wear out quickly. They are steel wires that lose elasticity and become deformed, and they can also creak and squeak.

Another issue is sagging zones – areas of the mattress where body pressure creates permanent indentations, which are unavoidable. Unlike HR foams, which regain their shape and are resistant to deformation, springs lack this capability.

A low-quality spring mattress may start to show signs of wear after just a few months. Better ones may last up to two years, and the best ones slightly longer. However, experience shows that even high-end spring mattresses don’t match the longevity of quality foam alternatives.

Lack of modern technology

Spring technology is a concept dating back to the 19th century, which no longer fits modern times. Since then, the world of sleep has undergone a revolution, with the emergence of advanced foams produced through new methods, 3D ventilation systems, and many innovations.

It’s clear that spring mattresses have not kept up with this trend. Today’s consumers expect specific functionalities – not just vague comfort, but also ergonomics, hygiene, and regeneration, addressing their real needs. Yet mattress springs simply cannot provide all that.

Brands like ONSEN® invest in genuine innovations, including the use of HR and V foams in balanced proportions. Our designs also feature three-dimensional Aero 3D ventilation and anatomically shaped foam molds. Soon, we’ll introduce a world-unique solution that will transform the industry. These advancements make our products both comfortable and smart.

In an era of conscious buying focused on well-being, choosing a spring mattress seems like a step backward – one that’s best avoided. Even if spring mattresses appear attractive due to price or habit, it's time to leave outdated technologies behind. For this reason, spring mattresses fail to meet the expectations of modern users. Lack of ergonomics, poor hygiene, quick wear – in short, no innovation – all discourage purchase.

In this age of advanced materials and technologies, choosing a mattress should be a conscious decision. A well-designed Osaka Air mattress is an investment in health, comfort, and daily regeneration. There's no reason to compromise on quality for the sake of outdated traditions.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

FAQ: Spring mattresses

Which is better - spring or foam mattresses?

Foam mattresses, especially those made of high-resilience HR foam, offer better adaptation to the body?s anatomical curves. Their structure - provided the second layer is made of V-foam - ensures even support across the body?s surface without creating pressure points. Spring mattresses cannot achieve this level of adaptation. Springs mainly respond vertically and don?t distribute pressure in a way that aligns naturally with the human spine.

Are spring mattresses good?

Spring mattresses have significant structural limitations. Even pocket spring mattresses don?t operate completely independently, as the springs are interconnected with other materials, disrupting individual body contouring. Over time, deformation and loss of elasticity occur, along with unwanted acoustic effects like squeaking.

Why are spring mattresses considered unhealthy?

The steel springs inside a mattress can act like antennas or coils, amplifying electromagnetic fields, which may interfere with the body?s natural magnetic field. Additionally, their structure promotes the accumulation of dust and dirt inside the mattress, which affects air quality around the sleeper and can cause respiratory problems, especially in allergy sufferers. In general, they also fail to provide adequate spinal support.

How do spring mattresses affect the spine?

Spring mattresses typically do not conform precisely to the natural curve of the spine. They respond vertically to pressure, resulting in uneven support - particularly around the hips and shoulders. This can lead to misalignment during sleep and increased muscle tension, which may cause back pain.

Why are spring mattresses not recommended by specialists?

Due to their rigid construction and outdated technology, spring mattresses generally cannot provide optimal spinal support. The spring design does not eliminate micro-vibrations, so the mattress transmits partner movements - which worsens sleep quality. Moreover, the interior collects dust and allergens, and the metal components may affect the electromagnetic field around the body.

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