What Is a Pocket Sprung Mattress? The Many Benefits of Using One

what is a pocket sprung mattress

Last Updated on

Modern mattresses come in a wide variety of styles, leading to some confusion when trying to choose the right mattress for your specific sleep needs and preferences. A pocket spring or pocket sprung mattress excels when it comes to breathability, durability, and support.

However, what is a pocket sprung mattress? How does a pocket spring mattress compare to memory foam? What’s the difference between an open coil mattress and a pocket spring mattress? 

This handy guide answers questions about pocket sprung mattresses and other mattress types. It will also help you determine if a pocket sprung mattress is the perfect mattress that will give you restful sleep night after night.

Pocket Sprung Mattresses: All You Need to Know

What Is a Pocket Sprung Mattress?

A pocket sprung mattress, also called an encased coil or wrapped spring mattress, contains a layer of individual springs. Each of the wire pocket springs is sewn into its own fabric pocket to work independently of one another. The individual pocket springs in fabric pockets enable a more targeted level of support where your body needs it the most. Some pocket sprung mattresses contain only coils but many newer models, like a hybrid mattress, also contain added comfort layers comprised of memory foam or another type of foam. 

bed coils wrapped in fabric

Support in a pocket spring mattress is based on the specific amount of pressure applied to the coils by your body shape and body weight, giving you personalised support. Their ability to move independently also allows the pocket springs to shift quickly when you change positions. This rapid response absorbs shock and nearly eliminates motion transfer across the surface of the mattress, which is great for people who sleep with a partner. However, a pocket sprung mattress should be turned regularly to prolong its lifespan.

Open Coil vs Pocket Sprung: What’s the Difference?

An open coil mattress also referred to as an open spring mattress, coil sprung mattress, or a sprung mattress, is similar to a pocket sprung mattress. However, an open coil mattress and a pocket sprung mattress do have some key differences that can seriously affect your overall sleep experience and quality. 

So, what is the difference between an open coil and a pocket sprung mattress? The main difference is that open coil mattresses have coil springs linked together and function as a whole unit. Instead of individual springs, these more traditional spring mattresses have an internal layer of coils built from connected, open coil springs. 

Unfortunately, when the open coil springs function as one unit, motion transfer across the bed is significant, so movement is more likely to disrupt your partner while they sleep. In addition, an open coil mattress does not provide support for your lumbar region, and the surface tends to slope under your body weight. Unlike pocket sprung mattresses, if you sleep with a heavier partner, this could cause you to start rolling into their area of the bed while you sleep. 

Are Pocket Spring Mattresses Firm? 

Firm and cozy pocket-sprung mattress

Pocket sprung mattresses come in a wide range of firmness ratings. The gauge of the coils determines the firmness of each bed. A lower gauge number denotes a thicker steel coil and a higher firmness level. So while it may seem like the springs will be hard, they can be quite soft if that is what you prefer. 

What Are the Benefits of a Pocket Spring Mattress? 

Considering all of the different types of beds available, are pocket sprung mattresses good? Absolutely. Pocket springs provide a series of benefits when used inside mattresses. 

  • A pocket spring mattress is good for anyone who sleeps with a heavier or smaller partner. The individual springs will not cause you and your partner to roll together while you sleep at night. 
  • Pocket sprung mattresses are also suitable for people who tend to sleep hot. The open design of the pocket springs minimises heat retention in the bed and promotes breathability by allowing air to circulate throughout the coils. 
  • When compared to a memory foam mattress, pocket springs feature much stronger edge support. This can be beneficial for people with mobility issues or for couples looking to maximise their usable sleep space at night. 
  • When compared to open springs, pocket spring does a better job absorbing shock and pressure without transferring movement across the surface of the mattress. This is because body pressure applied to one coil doesn’t affect another. This is good for your partner if you are a restless sleeper or have different sleep schedules. 
  • Pocket sprung mattresses also have even firmness, stable tension, and targeted support thanks to the individual coil structure. They are exceptionally supportive and firm under the hips and shoulders, making them suitable mattresses for heavier individuals
  • Pocket springs also provide you with accurate pressure relief. They evenly distribute your weight, relieving pressure points in your body while you sleep. 
  • When compared to a memory foam mattress, a pocket sprung mattress has a bouncier feel which gives your body support without letting it sink into the mattress structure. This could be a pro or a con depending on your personal preference. 

What Is a Pocket Spring Count? 

The spring count on a mattress refers to the number of springs contained within the bed. As an industry standard that is consistent with every brand, the number given refers to the number of coils found in a king-sized mattress. Generally speaking, a pocket sprung mattress contains anywhere from 600 to 2000 individual coils. Of course, this range can vary slightly, but we found more than 2000 coils is rare. 

Do More Pocket Springs Mean a Better Mattress?

Contrary to common belief, more pocket springs in a mattress do not signify a higher quality product. Additionally, more springs do not mean more comfort or a firmer bed, but they can mean more support for larger sleepers. A higher spring count can also achieve a more responsive surface and better support leading to a better night’s sleep. 

While it is good to know the spring count if you are shopping for a new mattress, don’t get too hung up on this detail. Many mattresses also have an additional comfort layer contributing to the bed’s overall feel, making the pocket springs just one element of the support and comfort you will experience. 

Is a Pocket Sprung Mattress Better Than Memory Foam?

Whether you prefer a pocket sprung mattress or a memory foam mattress largely depends on your personal preference. However, memory foam does tend to have advanced durability. 

The shape of your body doesn’t sink into a pocket spring mattress as much as it will with a memory foam mattress. If you like a hugged sensation and advanced contour, you may benefit from a memory foam mattress. If you like a springy or bouncy feeling, you will probably like pocket springs over memory foam. 

In addition, memory foam mattresses are known for retaining more heat than pocket springs. Of course, many modern memory foam beds have gel infusions to combat heat retention, so memory foam doesn’t always sleep as hot as it used to. 

If you like the traits of both memory foam and pocket springs, a hybrid mattress combines both materials and could be another good option to consider. 

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Now that you know all about pocket sprung mattresses, what makes them unique, and all of the benefits they pose, do you think a pocket sprung mattress could be right for you? They minimise motion transfer, do not retain heat, and provide even firmness with targeted pressure relief and support to help you get a good night’s sleep. 

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *