Inside the Coil: A Guide to Pocket Spring Mattresses

Shopping for a new mattress can feel like decoding a foreign language, with terms like "coil count" and "zoning" thrown around at every turn. If you've come across the term pocket spring and wondered what that actually means, this is the guide for you. 

A pocket spring mattress uses individual springs, each wrapped in its own fabric pocket. Instead of being wired together as one connected unit, every coil moves on its own.

This independent movement is the key idea. When you press down on one part of the mattress, only the springs beneath that spot compress. The rest stay put. That's why a pocket spring bed is often described as offering targeted support rather than a single, uniform bounce.

You'll find pocket spring construction across a wide range of mattresses, from budget options through to premium models. It's one of the more common support systems on the market today.

The build process is more involved than a traditional connected-coil design. Here's the general idea, step by step:

1. Coils are formed. Steel wire is coiled into individual springs, each tuned to a certain height and thickness.

2. Each spring is pocketed. The coils are encased in separate fabric sleeves, usually made from a non-woven material.

3. The pockets are joined. These wrapped springs are connected side by side, so they sit together as a unit while still moving independently.

4. Comfort layers are added. Foam, wool or other padding is placed above and sometimes below the spring core.

5. The mattress is covered. A quilted or knitted cover finishes the build and holds everything in place.

The number of springs varies between models. Thicker wire tends to feel firmer, while thinner wire feels softer, which is one reason two pocket spring mattresses can feel quite different.

A pocket spring mattress is more than just its coils. Most designs are built in layers, each with a job to do.

• Comfort layer: The top section you feel first, often made from foam, wool or fibre. It cushions pressure points.

• Transition layer: A middle layer in some mattresses that eases the shift between the soft top and the firmer springs below.

• Support core: The pocket spring unit itself, which does the heavy lifting of holding your body in place.

• Base layer: A foundation layer that adds stability and helps the mattress hold its shape.

The mix and thickness of these layers shape how the whole mattress feels. A generous comfort layer feels plush, while a slim one lets you feel the support of the springs more directly.

So why do so many people choose a pocket spring bed? A few practical reasons stand out.

• Reduced motion transfer. Because the springs move independently, movement on one side is less likely to disturb someone on the other. This can be helpful for couples who share a bed.

• Targeted support. The coils respond to your body's contours, supporting different areas by different amounts.

• Good airflow. The gaps between coils allow air to move through the mattress, which can help with temperature regulation compared with denser foam builds.

• A responsive feel. Many sleepers enjoy the supportive, springy surface rather than the deep sink of some foam mattresses.

You can explore a range of options across the spring mattresses collection to see how different builds compare.

No mattress type is perfect, and it's only fair to weigh both sides.

• Weight. Pocket spring mattresses can be heavier than foam-only mattresses, which can make them harder to manoeuvre.

• Price range. Higher coil counts and higher quality materials can push the cost up with certain models, though there are budget friendly models too.

• Wear over time. Like any mattress, the springs and comfort layers gradually lose their responsiveness with years of use.

• Feel isn't for everyone. Some people prefer the closer hug of memory foam over the responsive surface of springs.

Knowing these trade-offs upfront helps you set realistic expectations before you buy.

How does a pocket spring stack up against the alternatives? Here's a quick comparison.

• Pocket spring vs memory foam: Foam contours closely and absorbs movement well, while pocket spring offers more airflow and a responsive, supportive surface. Foam tends to sleep warmer for some people.

• Pocket spring vs innerspring: Traditional innerspring mattresses use connected coils that move as one, so motion travels more easily across the bed. Pocket springs move independently.

• Pocket spring vs latex: Latex is durable and responsive with natural breathability, but it's often heavier and pricier. Pocket spring offers a different kind of bounce.

The right choice comes down to your sleep style, temperature preferences and budget rather than one type being universally better.

Firmness is personal, so there's no single correct answer. That said, your sleeping position offers a useful guide:

• Side sleepers often prefer a softer to medium feel that cushions the shoulders and hips.

• Back sleepers tend to suit a medium to medium-firm surface that supports the lower back.

• Stomach sleepers usually do better with a firmer mattress that keeps the hips from sinking too far.

Body weight also plays a part. Heavier sleepers may prefer firmer support, while lighter sleepers might find a softer feel more comfortable.

Ready to narrow down your options? Work through these checkpoints before you commit.

1. Match firmness to your sleep position using the guide above.

2. Consider your comfort layer. A thicker top layer feels plush; a thinner one lets the springs shine through.

3. Think about temperature. If you sleep hot, the airflow of a pocket spring bed may appeal.

4. Factor in your bed base. Check the mattress suits your slatted or solid base, and browse beds if you need a new frame to match.

5. Check out our 100 Night Sleep Promise.  Love it or change it. Trial your new mattress in the comfort of your own home and if it’s not quite right, we’ll exchange it for you. Check out the Terms & Conditions here.

Prices vary widely depending on size, coil count and the quality of the comfort layers. Budget pocket spring mattresses start at the lower end, while premium models with higher coil counts and natural materials sit well above that.

As a rough guide, expect to pay more for larger sizes and for mattresses that combine pocket springs with quality foam and other core layers.

A little maintenance helps your mattress stay comfortable for longer. These simple habits make a difference:

• Rotate it regularly. Turning the mattress head to foot every few months helps spread wear evenly.

• Use a mattress protector. This guards against spills and everyday grime, keeping the surface cleaner.

• Give it room to breathe. Airing the mattress now and then helps manage moisture.

• Support it properly. A suitable base keeps the springs performing as intended.

Follow the care instructions supplied with your specific mattress, as recommendations can vary by model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to refresh your bed? Use this buying guide as your starting point, then explore the full mattress toppers range to find one that suits your sleep.