"You will spend roughly a third of your life on it — yet most people buy a mattress knowing less about it than their phone."
Summary: Pocket sprung mattresses give a traditional bouncy feel with good airflow; memory foam moulds around your body and absorbs movement. Neither is "better" — the right one depends on how you sleep, whether you get hot at night, and whether you share the bed. Hybrids mix both. Read on for the honest comparison.
What is a pocket sprung mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress is built from hundreds or thousands of individual metal springs, each sewn into its own little fabric pocket. Because every spring moves on its own, the mattress responds to your body point by point instead of as one flat slab. When your partner rolls over, their side dips without dragging your side down with it.
Pocket sprung is the traditional British mattress — the kind most of us grew up on. It feels supportive and slightly bouncy, and air moves freely between the springs, which helps you stay cool.
What is a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam is a dense foam that softens with your body heat and moulds around your shape, spreading your weight evenly. Lie down and it gently cradles your shoulders, hips and knees instead of pushing back against them. That is why many people with achy joints find it comfortable.
The trade-off: because the foam hugs you closely, it can sleep warmer than springs, and some people find it harder to turn over — like sleeping in soft sand rather than on a trampoline.
Pocket sprung vs memory foam: head to head
| What matters | Pocket sprung | Memory foam |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Bouncy and supportive, you sleep on it | Cradling and contouring, you sleep in it |
| Staying cool | Air flows between springs — usually cooler | Hugs the body, can sleep warmer |
| Partner disturbance | Good — each spring moves alone | Excellent — foam absorbs movement almost completely |
| Turning over | Easy — the bounce helps you move | Takes more effort — the foam holds you |
| Back support | Firm options keep the spine straight | Evens out pressure, suits achy joints |
| Edges | Usually firmer — you can sit on the edge | Softer — the edge dips when you sit |
| Lifespan | Around 7–8 years for a good one | Around 7–8 years for a good one |
So which should you choose?
Choose pocket sprung if: you like a traditional bouncy feel, you get hot at night, you want to move freely, or you often sit on the edge of the bed to get dressed. It is also the safer choice if you have never tried memory foam — most people find it familiar from day one.
Choose memory foam if: you wake with achy shoulders, hips or joints, your partner tosses and turns, or you love the feeling of being gently held. Go for a medium firmness unless you are sure you want soft — very soft foam can leave heavier sleepers feeling stuck.
Cannot decide? Consider a hybrid. A hybrid mattress puts a layer of memory foam (or cooling gel foam) on top of pocket springs — the cradling comfort with the airflow and bounce of springs underneath. It is the easy middle ground, and the most popular choice we sell.
What about firmness?
Firmness matters as much as the type. As a rough guide: side sleepers usually suit medium or medium-soft, back sleepers suit medium-firm, and front sleepers suit firmer. If you are heavier, go one step firmer. Our full FAQ page has a longer firmness guide.
Keep reading:
Frequently asked questions
Is memory foam good for back pain?
It can be. Memory foam spreads your weight evenly, which eases pressure on sore spots. But if your back needs firm support to stay straight, a firm pocket sprung or orthopaedic mattress is usually the better direction.
Do memory foam mattresses sleep hot?
They can, because the foam sits close against your body. If you get hot at night, choose pocket sprung — or a hybrid with cooling gel foam, which is designed to tackle exactly this.
How long should a mattress last?
About seven years for a good-quality mattress of either type. If yours is older and you wake up stiff, it has probably done its time.
Can I put any mattress on any bed?
Yes — standard United Kingdom sizes fit standard frames and divans. Just match the size: single, small double, double, king or super king.
Do you sell both types?
We do. Browse our pocket sprung mattresses, hybrid memory foam mattresses, or all mattresses — all with free United Kingdom delivery and pay on delivery.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Pocket sprung for bounce and coolness, memory foam for cradling comfort and still nights, hybrid if you want both. Match the firmness to how you sleep, replace after about seven years, and buy from somewhere that lets you check before you pay — like Kensley Home.
Still not sure which mattress suits you?
Message us on WhatsApp on +44 7882 500660 — tell us how you sleep and we will recommend honestly.
