Memory foam and pocket sprung mattresses feel genuinely different to sleep on, and the right choice depends mostly on how you actually sleep, not just personal preference.
How Memory Foam Behaves
Memory foam contours closely to the shape of your body, softening under pressure points like the shoulders and hips while supporting the areas around them. This tends to suit side sleepers particularly well, since it cushions the points of the body carrying the most weight in that position. It also has minimal bounce, which means less motion transfer if you share a bed.
How Pocket Sprung Behaves
Pocket sprung mattresses use individually wrapped springs that respond independently to weight and movement, giving a more traditional, responsive feel with stronger edge support. This tends to suit back and stomach sleepers who benefit from firmer, more even support along the length of the spine, and it's often preferred by people who find memory foam too enveloping or warm.
Temperature Is a Real Factor
Memory foam retains heat more than pocket sprung constructions, since the material moulds closely around the body rather than allowing air to circulate underneath. If you sleep hot, this is worth weighing alongside the comfort factors above.
Our Pocket 1500 Option
If you want some of the pressure-relief benefit of foam with the support characteristics of springs, our Pocket 1500 mattress combines individually wrapped springs with a foam comfort layer, aiming for a middle ground rather than forcing a choice between the two extremes.
The Simple Version
Side sleeper, share a bed, or want pressure relief: lean memory foam or Pocket 1500. Back or stomach sleeper, want firmer edge support, or sleep hot: lean pocket sprung. Browse our full Mattresses range to compare all three constructions.