When it comes to buying a new bed – whether spring or full foam mattress – most people focus on whether it’s firm, plush, or somewhere in between. As a result, bed-shopping typically entails wandering through the store, sitting, lying down, and bouncing on countless mattresses. Ultimately, you end up feeling confused about what feels better in the moment and unsure of what will feel better forever. But there’s another layer to the decision that’s just as important: what’s inside the mattress.
The debate between Bonnell spring systems and the full foam mattress has been going strong for decades. While both have their place in the world of sleep, they offer very different benefits depending on your needs. Each mattress type is unique, and understanding them will help you figure out which one’s best for your back, budget, and bedtime.
What are you sleeping on?
The inner structure of your mattress plays a major role in how it feels, how it performs over time, and how well it supports your body. Whether you’re shopping for your own bedroom, a guesthouse, or just curious about what lies beneath the surface, knowing what type of core you’re resting on is the first step to making a better sleep decision. Many people exploring the benefits of a full foam mattress want to know how it differs from traditional spring mattresses.
Bonnell spring mattresses
These are the traditional mattresses many of us grew up with. Inside, you’ll find a network of steel coils, designed to distribute weight evenly and give that classic “springy” feel. They’re breathable, supportive, and tend to be more budget-friendly.
Unlike pocket coil spring systems, where each spring is individually wrapped in material and responds to movements independently, Bonnell springs are interconnected, resulting in a firmer mattress surface.
Full foam mattresses
Full foam mattresses, on the other hand, do away with springs entirely. Built from layered foam of varying densities, they offer a consistent sleep surface from edge to edge. Some are soft and contouring, while others are unapologetically firm, designed for maximum spinal support and long-term durability.
Foam vs springs: Which one fits your sleep style?
Let’s break down how these two mattress types compare where it really counts:
Feature |
Bonnell Spring Mattress |
Full Foam Mattress |
| Support Feel | Slight bounce, even pressure distribution | Uniform, stable support with minimal “give” |
| Motion Transfer | Movement can carry across the bed | Absorbs movement – ideal for couples |
| Durability | Although robust, springs may sag over time | Dense foams resist body impressions and sagging |
| Noise | May squeak or creak with age | Silent – no internal metal parts |
| Temperature Regulation | More breathable due to coil gaps | Can retain heat unless designed with breathable layers |
| Affordability | Generally more cost-effective | Varies – premium foam options can be higher-end |
| Best For | Budget buys, spare rooms, hot sleepers | Posture support, couples, hotels, and back pain sufferers |
When to choose a full foam mattress
While both mattress types have their merits, a full foam mattress shines in a few key scenarios:
- You need full-body support with no sagging or soft spots
- You’re a heavier sleeper and rely on a firm sleeping surface for optimal comfort
- You share your bed and want minimal motion disturbance
- You’re buying for a guesthouse, Airbnb, or hotel, where durability and easy care are essential
- You prefer ultra-firm support, with a surface that holds steady night after night
According to Healthline, full foam mattresses offer excellent contouring and pressure relief, with latex foam standing out for its breathability, responsiveness, and long-term durability. For sleepers who want supportive comfort without overheating – and a mattress built to last – a full-foam latex option brings together the best of all worlds.
Harris Hotel Maxi Ultra Firm: A Foam Mattress Without Compromise
If you’re considering a full foam mattress, Fit for Bed’s Harris Hotel Maxi Ultra Firm sets the standard for firm foam support. With no springs, no sagging, and no nonsense, it delivers consistent, ultra-firm comfort across the entire sleep surface.
The Maxi Ultra Firm comprises multiple layers of carefully selected high-density latex foam, and is topped with a durable 45-density latex pad. It’s upholstered in an exquisitely cool cotton knit fabric, enhancing your sleep support even further. It’s also infused with Aloe Vera’s natural anti-biotic, anti-microbial, and anti-septic properties. When choosing a mattress for allergy sufferers, this is a game-changer.
Crafted to support individual weights of 150 kg, the Maxi Ultra Firm stands the test of time, holding its shape better, for longer. That’s what makes this the ideal firm mattress for heavier-set people and for guesthouses, Airbnb’s, and hotels.
Find the right core for your comfort
Whether you’re Team Spring or Team Foam, the right mattress core can make all the difference to your sleep quality. Full foam mattresses offer exceptional support, motion isolation, and long-term resilience – especially for those who need something firm and dependable. Meanwhile, Bonnell spring systems still deliver reliable comfort, airflow, and value.
At Fit for Bed, we don’t play favourites. We help you find what fits right for you! Fit for Bed is proudly endorsed by the National Accommodation Association of South Africa and the KwaZulu Natal Bed & Breakfast Association, which means our range of mattresse s is as good for your home as it is for South Africa’s leading hospitality establishments.
Visit your nearest Fit for Bed store or explore your options here online to find your perfect sleep solution.
