What is a pocket spring mattress? Everything you need to know

Pocket springs are smaller, softer springs encased in fabric sleeves and stitched or hand-tied together. Unlike traditional sprung mattresses, where the springs are interconnected and work as a single unit, pocket springs are highly responsive and work independently. This design allows each spring to better conform and adapt to the body.

Pocket springs are typically arranged in rows. However, in higher-quality mattresses, they are often hand-nested in a honeycomb pattern. This design ensures the springs are closer together, making them more responsive and supportive.

Pocket springs are also known as pocketed coils or Marshall coils and are widely available. They often come in various spring tensions to accommodate sleepers of different weights.

What are the benefits of a pocket spring mattress?

Pocket spring mattresses provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface. They contour to the body, distribute weight evenly, and relieve pressure points around the shoulders and hips.

Targeted support

Pocket springs work independently, allowing them to respond more effectively to weight and pressure. They cushion the body while keeping the spine aligned and help relieve pressure in sensitive areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

Reduces partner disturbances

Each pocket spring compresses and recovers independently, so when pressure is applied to a specific area, the other springs are unaffected. Pocket spring mattresses absorb movement, making them ideal for couples who share a bed, as they are less likely to disturb each other when they move during sleep.

Cooler sleeping surface

Pocket spring mattresses typically have a cool and dry sleeping surface. They have an open design that allows air to circulate freely inside, while the springs are wrapped in fabric pockets, usually made of cotton or calico, for better ventilation. Higher-quality models contain natural materials like cotton, cashmere, and horsehair, which are soft, luxurious, durable, and breathable. Most also have air vents to allow moisture to escape.

Durability

Well-constructed pocket spring mattresses typically last longer than those made with polyurethane, memory foam, or coil springs. However, they are generally less durable than latex foam.

Versatility

Unlike traditional sprung mattresses, which are mass-produced and have limited options, many pocket spring mattresses are customisable, allowing you to choose from different firmness levels, coverings, or bespoke shapes and sizes.

What to consider when choosing a pocket spring mattress

There are several factors to consider when choosing a pocket spring mattress, such as the construction quality, spring count, spring tension, filling quality, and your budget.

Construction quality

Pocket spring mattresses are constructed with different layers for comfort and support. These layers vary in thickness and quality. For example, basic models often contain synthetic materials like polyester and fibre pads. They typically have thinner comfort layers, which may not provide enough cushioning and may flatten and break down sooner than expected.

In contrast, higher-quality pocket spring mattresses are often handmade and built to provide exceptional comfort, support and durability. They often contain luxurious natural materials like wool, silk, and horsehair, which are breathable and more durable than synthetic materials. They often have a tufted, more contoured sleeping surface to keep the upholstery in place.

Higher-quality pocket springs are typically made from vanadium steel for strength, flexibility and durability against corrosion. In contrast, traditional pocket springs are made from recycled wire, which is less durable and compresses more quickly.

Mattress firmness (spring tension)

Most pocket spring mattresses are available in different firmness levels or spring tensions, including soft, medium, firm, and extra firm, allowing you to choose the firmness that suits your weight and comfort preferences. The spring tension is achieved by changing the thickness (gauge) of the wire. The thicker the wire, the firmer the support.

For couples with significantly different weights, a split-tension mattress allows each partner to have their preferred firmness on their side of the bed – for example, soft on one side and medium on the other.

Spring count

In general, a mattress with more pocket springs should feel more supportive. However, a higher spring count doesn’t necessarily make it firmer, as firmness depends more on the spring tension and the thickness and softness of the comfort layers.

Edge support

Higher-quality pocket spring mattresses are often hand-side stitched. This labour-intensive technique secures the side panels to the outer rows of springs. This prevents the edges from sagging, reinforces the mattress perimeter, and extends the usable sleeping area.

Good edge support is especially beneficial for couples, as it provides more sleeping space and reduces the likelihood of partner disturbances. A stable mattress perimeter also makes getting in and out of bed easier, which is helpful for older adults or those with mobility issues.

Sleeping style

Pocket spring mattresses are suitable for most sleeping positions. They are particularly popular with side sleepers as they allow the body to sink into the mattress, cushioning the shoulders and hips. In contrast, back and stomach sleepers may prefer a slightly firmer pocket spring mattress that prevents their midsection from sinking too far into the mattress.

Budget

Your budget is likely to influence your choice of pocket spring mattress. Since we spend a third of our lives in bed, you should spend as much as you can afford on a new mattress. While basic mattresses may initially be cheaper than more luxurious handmade models, they may not feel as comfortable or supportive and may need replacing more often.

How many pocket springs are in a good mattress

Basic pocket spring mattresses have around 600 to 800 pocket springs, while higher-quality models may have 2,000 or more. Ideally, you should be looking for a mattress that contains at least 1,000 springs, as anything less is unlikely to provide adequate support.

Manufacturers typically specify the number of springs in each mattress, making it easier to compare different models. Spring counts are based on the king-size model, so smaller mattresses, like singles or doubles, will have fewer springs. In contrast, larger-sized mattresses, such as super king or emperor, contain more.

A pocket spring mattress can have one or more layers of pocket springs. Mattresses with more than 2,000 pocket springs will typically have multiple rows or layers of springs stacked on each other. With this construction, the base layer absorbs movement, while the top layer(s) contour to the body.

Besides spring count, spring height can also affect support. Full-height springs have several turns in the wire, making them supportive and responsive. In contrast, microcoils, also known as mini or micro springs, are made from thinner, more flexible wires. Typically used in the comfort layers, they compress more quickly than full-height springs and provide less support.

Is a 5,000 pocket spring mattress good?

A pocket spring mattress with a higher spring count is often more responsive and supportive. Since shoppers often compare mattresses by spring count, some manufacturers exaggerate the number by including mini springs or base springs to give them a competitive edge. As a result, some mattresses may claim to have 5,000, 10,000, or even 20,000 springs. Therefore, it is important to understand how these higher spring counts are determined, especially when comparing mattresses from different brands.

Can you sleep on a new pocket spring mattress straight away?

Whether you can sleep on a new pocket spring mattress straight away depends on its construction, so you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand.

You can use a traditional pocket spring mattress straight away after unpacking. However, some may have a slight odour from either the treatments used during manufacturing or the natural materials inside the mattress. These smells are harmless and will dissipate once the mattress is well-aired.

You may also notice that the mattress appears slightly smaller than its base. This sometimes happens during transit and should return to its normal size after use.

If your new mattress is delivered rolled or compressed, you should avoid sleeping on it until it fully expands, which may take up to 72 hours.

What type of bed base is suitable for a pocket spring mattress?

While most bed bases are compatible with pocket spring mattresses, your choice of base affects how your mattress feels and performs. Many pocket spring mattresses can be purchased with a matching divan base, some of which contain pocket springs for extra comfort and support.

Although you can use a different base, it may not feel as luxurious as a sprung divan. If placing a mattress on slats, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for slat spacing. If the slats are too far apart, the mattress may migrate between the gaps and get damaged. It also helps to place your mattress on a breathable blanket or mattress pad instead of directly on the slats to protect it from splinters or rough edges.

Avoid placing a mattress on an old, worn-out bed base, as it will not support your mattress properly and could void the mattress warranty.

How often should you turn a pocket spring mattress?

Pocket spring mattresses, especially those containing large amounts of upholstery, can develop body impressions and indentations in the areas where most of the body weight is concentrated. This is known as settlement and is common during the early stages of the mattress’s life. Turning your mattress allows the fillings to settle more evenly, providing a more consistent sleeping surface.

How and when you turn a pocket spring mattress depends on the manufacturer’s instructions. However, as a general guide, you should turn your mattress once a week for the first three months of use and then once a month after that.

Some pocket spring mattresses are single-sided and cannot be flipped, as the underside is not designed for sleeping. However, double-sided mattresses have fillings on both sides and can be flipped and rotated.

Some pocket spring mattresses may be labelled as ‘no need to turn’. However, occasional mattress turning may be necessary to help even out the wear.

How long does a pocket spring mattress last?

The lifespan of a pocket spring mattress depends on several factors, including construction quality, usage, care and maintenance.

A pocket spring mattress can typically last between 8 and 10 years. However, it is not uncommon for handmade pocket spring mattresses to last much longer. Brands like Vispring, for example, offer a 30-year guarantee on their mattresses against manufacturing defects.

What is the difference between a pocket spring and a memory foam mattress?

Pocket springs and memory foam adapt to body shape and respond to weight and pressure. Pocket springs are bouncier and provide some resistance. In comparison, memory foam softens with body heat, allowing the body to sink deeper into the mattress. Memory foam offers excellent pressure relief and can help alleviate aches and pains. However, its dense cell structure may trap heat, making it feel warmer than traditional sprung mattresses.

Final thoughts

Pocket springs are often used in higher-quality mattresses, as they are flexible, responsive, and supportive. They are ideal for couples as they absorb movement, resulting in more restful, undisturbed sleep.