Spring mattresses have four main disadvantages: motion transfer, noise, shorter lifespan compared to foam or latex, and uneven pressure relief that can create discomfort at shoulders and hips.
Mattress Types
What are the disadvantages of a spring mattress?
The coil system that gives a spring mattress its bounce also transmits movement across the surface, so a partner shifting at 2 a.m. is felt on your side. Older or lower-coil-count units develop squeaks as the springs wear and lose temper. Foam and latex mattresses typically outlast spring models by several years under the same use conditions, and innerspring construction offers less contouring around pressure points than modern foam layers do.
- Motion transfer: spring mattresses transfer significantly more partner movement than memory foam or latex alternatives.
- Lifespan: innerspring mattresses average 5–7 years before sagging; quality foam mattresses commonly last 8–10 years.
- Noise: coil springs can develop audible squeaking as metal fatigues, typically after 3–5 years of regular use.
- Pressure relief: spring mattresses provide less contouring at shoulders and hips than memory foam, which can worsen joint discomfort for side sleepers.
- Edge support variation: lower-coil-count spring mattresses often show perimeter sag, reducing usable sleep surface over time.