Mattresses are an essential purchase as they determine excellent sleep. When you bring home a hard and uncomfortable mattress, you are compromising on your well-being. It will not only fail in providing adequate rest, but it might also cause other body pain.
It is crucial to understand the different types of mattresses available to choose the best and more suitable kind. Coir and Spring mattresses are often compared, which might lead to confusion, especially for the people trying them out for the first time, which mattress is good? If you are one of them and wish to make a correct decision when it comes to mattresses, read along and learn the difference between coir and spring mattresses.
What is a Coir Mattress?
A coir mattress is made from coconut coir or fibers. It is a natural fiber that is extracted from the outer part of a coconut. As coir on its own cannot be used to make a mattress, it is mixed with other natural components to create a comfortable mattress. Mostly, coir is complemented by latex, which is another natural component.
There are two types of coir mattresses:
a) Hybrid Coir Mattresses
In hybrid coir mattresses, the coconut fibers are the primary material, while the foam is taken as secondary material. It could either be memory foam or polyurethane foam. Such mattresses are incredibly soft and comfortable.
b) Rubberised Coir Mattresses
As the name suggests, rubberized coir mattresses have coconut coir made to be highly dense and rubberized. Such mattresses have a natural bounce to them that makes them beneficial for body aches. They have coir as a primary component and latex as a secondary component.
Manufacturing Process
- The inner hard sheet and the outer coating are removed from the coconut and soaked in water for a few days. The fiber is removed, cleaned, and laid it out in the sun. Dust and baby fibers are removed and curled into giant rolls of curled coir.
- The curled coir is further uncurled and placed into a sheet machine to convert the balls into dense and thick sheets, known as coir sheets. These sheets are stored for two months in a cool and dry place, so they give a springy and bouncy effect to the fibers.
- The sheets are cut into the required lengths and breaths and stacked on top of each other for weighing. Furthermore, these are transferred to the hydraulic pressing machines to remove the moisture. After this process, the sheets harden up.
It is necessary to remove any moisture traces from the sheets as any moisture could degrade the quality of the mattress.
- Once they are cooled down, latex and glue are sprayed on the surface of these coir sheets. These sheets are scrutinized to check the quality of the mattresses.
- After the process is complete, the desired cloth material is placed on the mattress and stitched together.
What is a Spring Mattress?
Spring mattresses were introduced in the year 1871. Prior to that, beds were filled with cotton or wool. As these components were unable to provide enough support and comfort, spring mattresses gained popularity.
Spring mattresses comprise metal coils or springs covered in foam. The spring is layered with a comfort layer so that the user does not feel any discomfort.
There are five types of spring mattresses:
a) Bonnel Coil Mattress
The coils used in these spring mattresses have an hourglass shape. They are considered to be the cheapest ones available in monetary terms. However, they are also less durable.
b) Continuous Coil Mattress
When one big wire is twisted into hundreds of coils to form a support layer, it is known as a continuous coil mattress. It is highly durable as well as supportive.
c) Offset Coil Mattress
Individual coils are places next to each other in a tight formation. This makes the mattress comfortable and supportive.
d) Coil-on-coil Mattress
As the name suggests, two different layers of coils are stacked on each other. This elevates the support. Such a construction decreases the bouncy effect.
e) Pocket Coil Mattress
These are the most expensive type of spring mattresses as they contain innerspring coils wrapped in fabric. As they are wrapped individually, it reduces the motion transfer to a significant extent.
Manufacturing Process
- The first step is to inspect all the layers of spring. It is ensured that all the knots are clips are well-connected. Furthermore, metal edge guards are added to the perimeter of the spring bedding.
- Different layers, like a protective layer, are added to the spring bedding for lumbar support. Mostly, this is done through an insulator pad, also known as a fiber deck.
- Plastic fluff is layered and connected to the springs. A hog ring gun is used to connect these layers to the spring. Once all the layers are completed on one side, the mattress is flipped, and the process is repeated on the other side.
- According to the type of spring mattress required, different layers are stacked on top of each other and joined with the edges of the spring. Once all the layers are co-joined with the spring edges, they are mechanically sewn to create the final product.
Pros and Cons of Coir Mattress
Even though both the mattress options are favorable, they have their sets of advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary to look at both sides to make an informed and unbiased decision.
Pros of Coir Mattress
Good Support
The support provided by coir mattresses is unquestionable. As these mattresses are made with coconut coir mixed with latex, they are generally hard. This provides a good amount of support to the body.
Eco-friendly
As it is made with all-natural components, it leaves no carbon footprint. The mattress is a good alternative for you as well as the surroundings. With no chemicals used in its manufacturing, no side effects are seen on the skin.
Allergen-free
Coir mattresses keep the dust particles, dirt, and other allergens away from the bed. If you have allergies, this is the best alternative for you.
Absorbs Moisture
If you tend to sweat a lot in your sleep, you might have an interrupted sleep every night. Well, not anymore with coir mattresses. These mattresses are known to absorb moisture, giving you uninterrupted rest.
Ventilation
The material used in coir mattresses makes it highly breathable. It dries up easily and leaves no odor behind.
Cons of Coir Mattress
Uncomfortable
A coir mattress might not be comfortable for everybody. If you wish to get a soft mattress, you might not like a coir mattress. However, if you are adamant, strive to get the one with qualitative craftsmanship.
Not Durable
This is not the most durable option in the market when it comes to mattresses. They might sag over time, losing their overall structure and density.
Pros and Cons of Spring Mattress
Similar to coir mattresses, there are several merits and demerits of spring mattresses, like the following:
Pros of Spring Mattress
Better Support
As the coils cover all the nooks and corners of the mattress, you get better support, even around the edges.
Ventilation
As the air can pass easily through the coils, enhanced ventilation is guaranteed. If you tend to sleep, you can still wake up on a dry mattress as it absorbs moisture quickly.
Affordable
If you are on a budget, we suggest you get a spring mattress. It is not only affordable but also lasts for a significant amount of time, saving you money in the long run.
Well-known in the Market
As spring mattresses have been in the market for a long time, there are several manufacturers and retailers. You can easily get it without any trouble. Moreover, the technology used in its manufacturing process is well-known and accepted by customers over the years.
Long Life
Due to their intricate construction, spring mattresses do not lose their integrity and shape, even after years. If you are looking for a long-term purchase, this is a fine choice.
Cons of Spring Mattress
Difficult to Maneuver
Owing to its construction, spring mattresses can be difficult to move and set up. You will require some outside help to lay it down on your bed. Moreover, it can be challenging to clean it as well.
Prone to Dust Mites
It is relatively easy for dust mites to get accumulated in the inner layers of a spring mattress. You will be required to clean it frequently.
Easy Motion Transfer
Another can feel a simple motion by an individual on spring mattresses. This can be uncomfortable for some people.
So, Which one Should you Choose?
Given a choice between spring mattresses and coir mattresses, we suggest you go for the former one. As spring mattresses are known for their high durability, they will not pose a problem for years. The springs retain the “bouncy” feeling, giving you comfort. Hence, if you are looking for quality, support, and durability, you cannot go wrong with a good spring mattress.
Last Word
We understand that choosing a mattress can be an arduous task, but we hope that our article has shed some light on it. If you have reached till here, you know the difference between coir and spring mattresses. Even though the final decision lies in your hand and you must choose as per your comfort and body support, we recommend you go for a branded spring mattress. You will not be disappointed.
