Difference Between Coir And Foam Mattress: 2 Big Secrets

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect mattress to enhance your sleep quality, you’ve likely come across the dilemma of choosing between a coir and a foam mattress.

The difference between these two popular bedding options can significantly impact your comfort and overall well-being.

In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of coir and foam mattresses, allowing you to make an informed decision tailored to your unique needs.

Mattress selection is a crucial aspect of achieving restful nights and waking up energized.

Understanding the disparities between coir and foam mattresses is essential to finding the ideal match for your sleep preferences.

From their composition and support levels to breathability and eco-friendliness, we’ll explore the various aspects that set these mattresses apart.

Join us as we unravel the secrets behind coir and foam mattresses, equipping you with the knowledge needed to create your personal sleep sanctuary.

Let’s embark on this journey to discover which mattress type will grant you the sleep you truly deserve.

Difference between coir and foam mattress

The main difference between coir and foam mattress is the material they are made of. Coir mattresses are made of coconut coir which is a natural product, whereas foam mattresses are made from carbon compounds, which is a synthetic product. Also, coir mattresses are firm whereas foam mattresses are soft.

What is coir mattress?

A coconut coir mattress is made from coconut fibers.

But sleeping just on coconut fibers is not comfortable at all.

So the coir is covered by a layer of soft foam on the top for comfort.

The comfort layer on the top of the coir mattress is generally made of polyurethane foam or PUF.

To make the coir mattress firm and stable, sometimes bonded foam is also used as a third layer, at the bottom of the mattress.

Then the mattress is covered and stitched with a fabric.

It can be cotton fabric or synthetic fabric.

So, the coir mattress meaning does not mean that the mattress is made only of coir.

It is a combination of coir and foam.

Coir mattress features

Coir mattresses are made from coconut coir. So, the primary material is a natural product.

Being made from natural products, you may believe that it is full of goodness.

But a coir mattress has some disadvantages too.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of coir mattresses

AdvantagesDisadvantages
The primary material of a coir mattress, the coir, is made from coconut fibers or coconut husk. So it is a natural material.A major disadvantage of a coir mattress is that it does not last very long. A coir mattress can sag after a few years of usage. The life of a coir mattress is generally around 5 years.
The secondary material on the top and bottom of a coir mattress is made of foam. It is not a natural material.The other disadvantage of a coir mattress is that it is firm in comfort. So, if you are looking for soft or “springy” comfort, a coir mattress is not for you.
Thus a coir mattress is not a 100% natural product, although the primary material is a natural product.
As coir fibers have plenty of gaps inside, coir mattresses are generally well-ventilated. So there is little or no chance of having a bad smell. 
As a coir mattress is well-ventilated, the mattress is cooler in summer.
It is also little or no chance of having any health issues like allergies, asthma problems, etc. from a coir mattress.

What Is A Rubberised Coir Mattress?

If you are planning to buy a coir mattress you may come across a term called “rubberized coir mattress”.

It is very easy to get carried away thinking that a “rubberized coir” mattress may be made of both rubber and coir.

While this is true in some rare cases, mostly this is a sales tactic.

Very few mattresses are made from coir and latex in India. The main reason is that both coir and latex are costly materials. Using them both on a single mattress may increase the cost to such an extent that it will be difficult to sell them.

The other reason is that there is no special benefit to combining both latex and coir.

Latex itself is an excellent material for both body support and comfort.

As such, combining it with coir does not make much sense.

The term – rubberized coir – is mostly used as a sales term to indicate that the coir mattress has a good bounce.

This is again very opposite to a real coir mattress.

Coir mattresses are hardly bouncy. They are mostly firm.

So, if you come across a “rubberized coir” mattress, you should first check whether there is a combination of coir and latex in it. 

If yes, then you have found a good coir mattress that has a real bounce and comfort.

If not, just give the mattress a pass.

Coir Mattress For Back Pain

A common query that you may have is – Is a coir mattress good for avoiding back pain?

Before we answer that, it is necessary to understand why back pain occurs.

In short, back pain results from stress in the spine.

Back pain from a mattress can occur if the spine is not aligned properly during our sleep.

Our spine may not be properly aligned during sleep if the surface on which we are sleeping does not give proper support to the spine.

For proper support to the spine, most orthopedic doctors recommend sleeping on a medium-firm mattress.

If we sleep on a firm mattress, our body weight cannot go “into” the mattress. This results in excessive pressure on the spine.

On the other hand, if we sleep on a soft surface, our body, including the spine, goes “into” the mattress. This is also a common thing for cotton mattresses.

The spine is now curved inside the mattress. This also creates stress on the nerves in the spine, resulting in back pain.

However, a medium-firm mattress does not allow the spine to go inside the mattress.

A medium-firm mattress also does not create excessive pressure from the body weight to the spine.

A medium-firm mattress gives the right support to the body weight and helps the spine to remain straight during sleep.

Now, let us come back to our main question.

Is a coir mattress good to avoid back pain?

The answer is no.

But why?

It is because the comfort level of a coir mattress is generally firm. A firm mattress creates excessive pressure on the surface, making our spine curved during sleep.

The top layer of the mattress is made of foam, which is soft in nature. That also does not help to keep the spine straight.

As the primary material is coir, a coir mattress also sags easily. As sagging continues with time, the coir mattress gets harder and harder.

So, a coir mattress is not good to avoid back pain.

What Is A Foam Mattress?

A foam mattress can be made of different types of foam.

We will look at the different types of foam mattresses in detail in the next section.

Foam is made from chemicals.

Only latex foam mattresses and Talalay foam mattresses are made from natural products.

So basically, a foam mattress is a synthetic material.

A foam mattress is generally made of different types of foam, all arranged in different layers of the mattress.

The top layer consists of the primary foam material. It can be made of PUF, memory foam, or latex.

The lower layer is made of secondary foam material like bonded foam.

A latex mattress generally does not need a second layer.

As usual, a foam mattress is covered by a fabric, either synthetic or cotton.

In some memory foam mattresses, the outer cover can be opened and washed.

Types Of Foam Mattresses

There are generally 4 types of foam mattresses available in India –

  1. PUF or polyurethane foam mattress.
  2. Bonded Foam Mattress
  3. Memory foam mattress
  4. Latex foam mattress

Let us take a look into each of them quickly.

1. PUF Foam Mattress

A polyurethane foam mattress or a PUF mattress or a polyfoam mattress is made from a chemical called polyol.

The PUF foam is generally the top layer or the comfort layer of the mattress.

A hard layer, below the PUF layer, forms the second layer. This layer is made of bonded foam.

A PUF mattress is of soft to medium-soft comfort.

2. Bonded Foam Mattress

In a bonded foam mattress, the primary material is bonded foam.

A bonded foam is made from scrap PUF foam, bonded by glue under tremendous pressure.

It forms the lower layer of the mattress.

The comfort layer in a bonded foam mattress can be PUF or memory foam.

A bonded foam mattress is of firm comfort.

3. Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam is made by adding additional chemicals to the PUF foam.

Memory foam has more density and elasticity. It is also responsive to pressure.

Memory foam retains its original shape when pressure is lifted from it.

Memory foam is the top layer in a memory foam mattress.

The secondary layer is made either of PUF foam or bonded foam.

A memory foam mattress has medium-firm comfort.

4. Latex Foam Mattress

A latex foam mattress is made from the sap of the rubber tree.

Hence a latex mattress is a natural product.

A latex mattress does not generally have any secondary material.

Latex mattresses are made by two processes – Dunlop and Talalay.

Dunlop is the traditional process, while Talalay is a newer process.

Talalay foam mattresses are not widely available in India. Only a few companies import Talalay foam into India.

They are very costly too.

The comfort level of a latex mattress is medium-firm.

Is Foam Mattress Good For Back Pain?

We discussed the cause of back pain earlier in this article.

We will now look at the question of whether a foam mattress is capable of avoiding back pain or not.

Only those foam mattresses which have medium-firm comfort are good for avoiding back pain.

Hence memory foam mattresses, latex foam mattresses, and Talalay foam mattresses are good for avoiding back pain.

A PUF or polyurethane foam mattress is not useful to avoid back pain.

What Is A PUF Mattress?

We defined a PUF mattress earlier.

Let us take a look at it a bit more.

A PUF mattress or a polyurethane mattress is made from the polyol chemical.

A PUF mattress has PUF foam on the top layer of the mattress. The base layer is made of harder foam or bonded foam.

The fabric covering the mattress varies from cotton to other synthetic materials.

A PUF mattress is of soft to medium-soft comfort.

PUF Mattress Pros And Cons

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of PUF mattresses.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
A polyurethane foam mattress is cheaper than most other types of mattresses.A polyurethane foam mattress feels warmer, as ventilation is poor.
A polyurethane foam mattress is the lightest of other types of mattresses, provided there are no other secondary materials.Being soft, a polyurethane mattress cannot provide support to the spine.
A polyurethane foam mattress does not last very long. 

What Is A Rebonded Mattress?

Rebonded foam mattresses are made from polyurethane foam scraps.

The foam scraps are glued and compressed heavily to form a thick and hard substance. This is then used as a rebonded foam in various types of products, including mattresses.

Rebonded foam is mainly used in the lower layer of the mattress.

Bonded Foam Mattress Pros And Cons

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of a rebonded or bonded foam mattress.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Bonded foam mattresses are made from foam scraps. Hence they are cheap.Bonded foam is used mostly in the base layer of the mattress. So it has little or no effect on body support.
Bonded foam mattresses are tougher than coir or polyurethane foam mattresses.Using bonded foam in the mattress makes it heavy.

What Is A Memory Foam Mattress?

When it comes to choosing the perfect mattress, comfort, and support play a pivotal role in ensuring a good night’s sleep.

Among the various mattress options available, memory foam mattresses have gained widespread popularity for their exceptional comfort and numerous health benefits.

Here are the remarkable features of memory foam mattresses, shedding light on why they stand out as the preferred choice for improved sleep quality.

The Science Behind Memory Foam

Memory foam was originally developed by NASA to provide cushioning and support for astronauts during space travel.

This innovative material quickly made its way into the bedding industry due to its unique ability to respond to body heat and pressure.

When you lie down on a memory foam mattress, it molds itself to the contours of your body, creating a personalized sleep surface that alleviates pressure points and supports your body’s natural alignment.

Personalized Body Contouring

One of the most significant advantages of memory foam mattresses is their ability to conform to your body shape, ensuring optimal support for every inch of your body.

As you settle into the mattress, the foam gently cradles your curves, distributing your body weight evenly and reducing stress on joints and muscles.

This personalized body contouring promotes healthy blood circulation, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Pressure Relief and Pain Alleviation

For individuals suffering from chronic pain, arthritis, or joint issues, memory foam mattresses can be a game-changer.

The unique properties of memory foam help to alleviate pressure points, which are often the primary cause of discomfort during sleep.

By eliminating pressure on sensitive areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back, memory foam mattresses offer unparalleled pain relief, enhancing overall sleep quality and allowing for more restorative rest.

Motion Isolation for Undisturbed Sleep

One of the most noteworthy benefits of memory foam mattresses is their exceptional motion isolation capabilities.

If you share your bed with a partner, memory foam can effectively absorb and minimize the transfer of motion.

This means that even if your partner tosses and turns throughout the night, you will be less likely to feel the movements, ensuring undisturbed and uninterrupted sleep for both of you.

Allergy-Friendly and Hypoallergenic

Memory foam mattresses are naturally resistant to dust mites and other allergens due to their dense structure and lack of inner springs.

This makes them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

Moreover, memory foam’s hypoallergenic properties create a healthier sleep environment, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and promoting better breathing throughout the night.

When it comes to comfort, support, and overall sleep quality, memory foam mattresses reign supreme.

Their ability to contour to your body, alleviate pressure points, and isolate motion ensures an unparalleled sleep experience, regardless of your sleeping position or body type.

Additionally, memory foam’s hypoallergenic properties create a healthier sleep environment for individuals with allergies.

As you consider your mattress options, remember that investing in a certified memory foam mattress is key to reaping the full benefits.

With a memory foam mattress, you can look forward to nights of blissful slumber, waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day with renewed energy and vitality.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Memory foam mattresses adjust to the contours of the body thereby providing good body support.When memory foam mattresses are opened for the first time, there may be a hint of chemical odor from them.
A memory foam mattress is made from polyurethane foam. Hence they are cheap.Memory foam mattresses retain body heat to work well. The mattress’s denseness does not allow the heat to escape. So it may feel hot sleeping. Some memory foam mattresses come with cooling gels to absorb the heat.
Due to good body support, the spine remains straight during sleep. Hence there is relief from body pains and aches.Some users complain of allergies, asthma, and nausea from the odor of memory foam mattresses. But the number of people having such issues is very less.

FAQ

  1. What is the best type of mattress?

    Latex mattresses are the best type of mattresses in all respects.

  2. Is foam mattress good for health?

    Mattresses which are capable of giving good body support are good for health. A PUF mattress does not give good body support, but a memory foam mattress gives good body support. But when buying a memory foam mattress, always buy a CERTIPUR-US certified memory foam mattress.

  3. What Are the best mattresses for health?

    There are many good latex and memory foam mattresses on the market. Please refer to the Foam Mattress section on this website to read about them.

  4. Is a coir mattress good for summer?

    A coir mattress has good air circulation as it is less dense. As heat can escape easily coir mattresses are good for summer.

  5. What is a coir foam mattress?

    There is no specific term for “coir foam mattress”. Generally, all coir mattresses have a layer of PUF foam on the top as a comfort layer.

  6. Which mattress is better: bonded foam or coir?

    Coir is better than bonded foam simply because coir mattresses are natural products while the bonded foam is a synthetic product.

Choosing the Right Mattress: Coir vs. Foam

Selecting the right mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep and overall well-being.

With numerous options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide between foam and coir mattress.

Let’s explore the differences between these two types of mattresses, their advantages, and which one is better suited for your specific needs.

Coir Mattress: A Natural Retreat for Summers

Coir mattresses are crafted from coconut coir, a natural material known for its breathability and ventilation.

The primary material being organic ensures that you are sleeping on a surface that is free from harmful chemicals and synthetic compounds.

During the scorching summer months, coir mattresses offer an oasis of coolness, allowing air to circulate freely and preventing heat buildup.

The presence of gaps within the coir structure further ensures a well-ventilated surface, eliminating any chance of bad odors.

Coir mattresses are hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies and respiratory issues.

However, it is essential to note that coir mattresses tend to be firm in comfort.

While some individuals prefer firmer support, others may find it unsuitable, especially those seeking a softer, more “springy” feel.

Foam Mattress: The Supportive Contour for Optimal Comfort

Foam mattresses come in various types, including PUF, bonded foam, and memory foam.

PUF mattresses are economical and lightweight, but they lack the necessary firmness to provide proper spinal support.

On the other hand, bonded foam mattresses offer improved durability and support but may not be the best choice for those seeking body contouring.

Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, stand out as a highly supportive and comfortable option.

These mattresses adapt to the body’s shape, alleviating pressure points and maintaining proper spinal alignment during sleep.

The medium-firm comfort level of memory foam ensures a balance between softness and support, making it an excellent choice for individuals with back pain and body aches.

Expertise Matters: Certified Memory Foam Mattresses

When choosing a foam mattress, it is crucial to look for CERTIPUR-US certified memory foam mattresses.

This certification guarantees that the foam is free from harmful chemicals and emissions, ensuring a healthier sleep environment.

Additionally, the inclusion of cooling gel technology in some memory foam mattresses keeps them comfortably cool, avoiding any overheating issues.

Deciding Factors: Factors to Consider Before Buying


Before making a purchase, consider the following factors:

a) Comfort Preference: Determine whether you prefer a firmer surface (coir) or a more contouring feel (memory foam).

b) Budget: Coir mattresses are generally more economical, while memory foam mattresses may require a higher investment.

c) Body Support: For optimal spinal support, opt for a medium-firm mattress like memory foam.

d) Allergies and Sensitivities: Coir mattresses are hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for sensitive individuals.

e) Durability: Foam mattresses, especially memory foam, tend to outlast coir mattresses.

When choosing between coir and foam mattresses, it ultimately boils down to individual preferences and specific requirements.

Coir mattresses excel in providing coolness during summers and are suitable for those who prefer firmer support.

On the other hand, memory foam mattresses offer excellent body contouring and spinal support, making them ideal for individuals with back pain.

Remember to assess your comfort needs, consider your budget, and prioritize body support when making your decision.

Additionally, always opt for certified memory foam mattresses to ensure a healthy and restful sleep experience.

With this comprehensive understanding, you are now better equipped to make an informed decision and select the perfect mattress for a night of blissful slumber.

About Umesh Tiwari

Avatar for Umesh TiwariUmesh Tiwari is an avid writer for many years. He was suffering from back pain and a visit to the doctor led him to believe that his mattress may be one of the reasons for it. This led him to research a lot of mattresses before he bought one. He started this blog to share his findings and help others who are in a dilemma as to which mattress to buy.