What is a pocket-sprung mattress? The pros and cons
Shopping for a new mattress can be a daunting experience. There are so many different fillings, supports, tensions, and springs to consider. As a sleep writer who has tested many mattresses from all brands over the years, I’m going to help you figure it out.
You probably want to know what the best mattress is for you. I’m afraid there’s no definitive answer, because there’s no such thing as the perfect mattress. There are many factors to consider. But pocket spring mattresses are one of the most premium types of mattresses. And many people think they’re the best type of mattress. Let’s take a look at why they’re so highly rated today.
What is a pocket spring mattress?
The term “pocket springs” refers to the type of springs that are inside the mattress, under a layer of padding. The springs in innerspring mattresses provide you with support and a “bouncy” feeling.
We’ll get to why pocket spring mattresses are so highly rated a little later in this article, in the benefits section. But here are the details…
“A pocket sprung mattress is made up of springs individually nested in separate pockets, allowing them to work independently to provide better support for your body,” explains Laura Tudor, bedroom furniture, upholstered bedding and mattress buyer at John Lewis & Partners.
(Photo credit: Woolroom)
As you might expect, not all pocket spring mattresses are created equal. Some, like the Woolroom Hebridean 3000 Mattress The products we tested are filled with premium natural fibers, like wool, in the case of Woolroom. These luxury fibers can drive up the price.
There are also more affordable pocket spring mattresses. These often have fewer springs and may be made of synthetic fibers rather than natural ones. Let’s take a closer look at spring count and what it means.
What is a pocket spring count?
“Pocket spring count refers to the number of springs contained in a mattress, based on a king size mattress,” explains Laura Tudor of John Lewis & Partners.
“Spring counts typically range from 600 to 800 up to 2,500, but can be as high as 3,000 or even 4,000,” says Simon Williams of the National Bed Federation. In fact, the number can be even higher, says Laura Tudor of John Lewis & Partners: “Our pocket spring counts range from 1,000 to 19,000 springs.”
How many pocket springs do I need?
So, does a mattress with more springs mean a better mattress? As always with mattresses, it’s not that simple. But you should aim for around 600 to 1,000 springs in a king size mattress. Less than that means the springs need to be larger and therefore don’t provide as precise and targeted support. This can result in aches and pains in the morning.
But when you’re using tons of springs, those springs are going to be very small. They’re sometimes called micro-springs. Some of these tiny springs can be great for localized support at pressure points like the shoulders and hips. But ideally, you’ll also want to have enough medium-sized springs for substantial support.
It is a good idea to check how many springs are in pocket spring mattresses and what type they are. This will give you an idea of the level of support they offer.
(Photo credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
What are the advantages of a pocket spring mattress?
1. Targeted support
Pocket spring mattresses have springs that can move independently of each other. This means they can provide more targeted support. This is ideal if you tend to suffer from pain, especially in your back. The springs will keep your spine properly aligned throughout the night.
‘[The] smaller, softer springs [in pocket-sprung mattresses] work independently of each other. [A pocket sprung mattress] “It adapts and conforms to the contours of the body,” says Simon Williams of the National Bed Federation.
2. Good movement isolation
If you’ve ever woken up in the morning feeling less rested because of your partner’s restless movements, a pocket spring mattress might help.
“Individual springs are ideal for people sharing a bed as they minimise disturbance when the other person moves,” says Laura Tudor of John Lewis and Partners.
“It also means it will minimise the risk of you rolling over to your partner in the middle of the night, helping you to have a less disturbed night’s sleep,” says Laura Tudor.
3. Edge to edge support
Because all the springs in a pocket spring mattress are separate, the spring tension can vary in different areas. Many pocket spring mattresses offer “edge support,” which is firmer tension around the edge of the mattress.
This means you won’t feel your support diminish if you roll to the edge, and it should also mean you have a more comfortable surface to sleep on.
4. Lots of choices
With spring technology, you can choose your pocket spring mattress very precisely once you know what you like in a mattress. Many brands, such as Hypnos, Feather and Black and Naturalmat, allow you to choose the tension of your mattress so that it suits you perfectly. With some brands, you can even go so far as to have different tensions on each side, so that you and your partner get a perfect mattress.
You also have a wide choice of fillings for pocket sprung mattresses, and a wide range of prices. If you want to go for a really high-end filling like silk, cashmere, etc., pocket sprung mattresses are very well equipped. And if your budget or tastes are more oriented towards “synthetic fibers,” you can find a great mattress that will suit you.
(Photo credit: Mary Wadsworth)
What are the disadvantages of a pocket spring mattress?
1. Can be expensive
There’s no doubt about it. Pocket spring mattresses can be very expensive. Generally speaking, the average pocket spring mattress will cost more than a foam or open spring mattress, simply because of its design.
But as I mentioned before, there is a range of prices when it comes to pocket spring mattresses. As with anything in life, just make sure you stick to what you can afford. And keep an eye out for deals and sales.
2. Heavy to move
Many mattresses need to be rotated and flipped to extend their lifespan. And depending on your bedroom setup, you may also need to move the mattress to change the sheets.
With pocket spring mattresses this can be a real exercise. The heavy, sturdy springs really add to the weight, especially on mattresses that have a lot of them.
What is the difference between a spring mattress and a pocket spring mattress?
While pocket springs are placed in their individual pockets inside the mattress, an innerspring mattress includes open spring mattress also. These open coil mattresses feature springs interwoven like a cage. This makes them cheaper and lighter, but can also mean they offer less targeted support than pocket coil mattresses.
The best way to know if a mattress is right for you is to try it out in store or opt for a mattress with a sleep trial guarantee. This is one investment you don’t want to make a mistake on.