Foam or Pocket Spring? How to Choose a Mattress in South Africa
By the Restiq Sleep team
Two mattresses can have the same white cover and grey base while feeling different when you lie down. The important differences may sit beneath the fabric: the support core, the comfort layers and the combination of materials. This guide helps you ask useful questions instead of choosing by appearance alone.
Separate the surface feel from the construction
“Firm”, “medium” and “soft” describe a feel. “Foam”, “pocket spring” and “memory foam” describe materials or construction. A model name on its own cannot tell you everything. Ask what creates the support, what sits closest to your body and whether the quoted price is for a mattress or a mattress-and-base set.
A thicker mattress is not automatically the right mattress for you. Compare the actual specification and how the finished product feels. Do not assume that two manufacturers use firmness labels in exactly the same way.
What is inside Restiq’s foam options?
Our FirmFoam construction uses a 100 mm chip-foam core, with two separate 40 mm layers of 65-density grey foam above it and two below. That adds up to 260 mm of foam before the cover and finishing materials. Chip foam refers to bonded foam pieces forming the core.
Semi Firm keeps that arrangement but replaces the uppermost 40 mm grey foam layer with 40 mm memory foam. It therefore has a different top comfort layer, even though the exterior may look similar. Ask our team to explain the specification of the exact model you are ordering.
What about pocket springs?
GentleNest uses individually wrapped pocket springs. LuxeFloat combines pocket springs with memory foam. The useful comparison is the complete mattress, not simply whether it contains springs. Our product pages explain the range; our team can clarify comfort layers and available sizes.
Make your own comparison checklist
- Position: If you can test a mattress, lie in your usual sleeping position rather than only sitting on the edge.
- Shared comfort: If you share a bed, compare your preferences together and ask about movement when one person turns.
- Space: Measure the base, bedroom and delivery route. Confirm the actual dimensions, especially for extra-length orders.
- Care: Ask whether the model should be rotated, flipped or both. Do not assume all mattresses are turnable.
- Support limits: Request the model’s stated weight guidance and suitable base requirements.
- After-sales: Read the warranty and returns terms. Ask how a manufacturing fault differs from a comfort preference.
Bring the problem you want to solve
“I want firmer support but do not like a hard surface” is more useful than “I want your best mattress”. Describe what you like and dislike about your current bed. If pain or ongoing sleep difficulties are the concern, seek appropriate clinical advice; a mattress purchase is not a diagnosis or a guaranteed cure. The NHS insomnia guide explains when sleep difficulties need professional assessment.
Speak to Restiq Sleep with your preferred size, comfort feel and whether you need a complete bed set. We manufacture in Kaya Sands, Randburg, and can discuss your requirements directly.
Sources and further reading
Construction details reflect Restiq’s specifications confirmed in September 2026. Confirm the current specification when ordering.
