Spring Coil & Pocket Coil Mattresses Just Might be the Right Mattress For You

   As the world evolves, so does the technology behind the construction of mattresses. With many types of mattresses available in the market, it's challenging to choose the right one. This blog post will take a closer look at spring coil mattresses, how they are made, what kind of coils are used, and how they compare to pocket coil mattresses. We'll also consider price, durability, and what each type can offer and what body type each type would be best suited for. So, let's dive in!

 When looking to purchase a new mattress there are a few common factors that are typically at the forefront of our decision making. We want our mattress to provide the proper support (which will also provide pain relief if that’s a problem for you), we expect it to be comfortable, and it has to be at a price point we find acceptable for these expectations. In a previous blog post, we explored the options between soy foam, memory foam and latex mattresses. Coil mattresses, at one point, were the most common type of mattress, and are still very protonate on today’s market but before you start hunting for one lets get familiar with some mattress lingo concerning coils.

 

The Bonnell coil has a wider hourglass shape at the top and bottom than in the middle. The thinner part is designed to bend in response to minimal pressure, while the thicker part can withstand higher pressure. Each coil is tied at its end and is connected to the neighboring coils by a web of thin twisted threads in the form of a spiral.   When the Bonnell coils are connected together, they move as a single block. This gives them more support, but it means they can't accommodate different weights and sleeping positions as well as other mattress roll styles. Friction of the coils can also create noise (that squeaky mattress we’ve all experienced at some point). Bonnell springs are the original springs used to manufacture mattresses. They are also one of the cheapest spring mattresses. Bonnell springs are quite sturdy and are usually able to reliably support the edges of your bed, although they can tend to sag in the middle of the cushion.

Offset Coil is a derivative of the Bonnell coil, sharing the same hourglass shape and interconnected spiral conductors. While the offset coils look similar to their predecessors, there are a few key differences that make them more responsive, more comfortable, and best of all, quieter. Instead of having a fully rounded top and bottom, the offset winding has square edges. The spools bend like a hinge under lighter pressure and generate more pushback as the weight increases. Compensating springs can respond to movement without transmitting much movement to the rest of the mattress, and their ergonomic design can also limit noise. There are different variations of offset coils, such as designs with hinges on both sides, or top and bottom, or coils without knots. Offset coils are more expensive to manufacture than Bonnell coils, which can increase the price of the entire mattress.

 

Continuous coils, also known as Mira-coils or spiral threads, are made in an

S-shaped curve rather than being coiled, and are made from one long wire. The single wire is formed into rows of loose coils connected by spiral wires. This simple design provides a more stable and interlinked coil structure. Mattresses with continuous coils have been noted to be more durable.  Continuous coils throughout the frame ensure even coil spacing. This helps limit motion transfer, but because they are tightly coupled, the continuous coils can still transfer motion in response to pressure. For the same reason, continuous coils are not as quiet as offset coils. They are strong and stable but do not offer the same contour as offset coils. They work well in mattresses with thick comfort layers. Continuous coils require less time and money to manufacture and are generally less expensive than other types of rolls.

 

Microcoils, nanocoils, and minicoils are typically utilized in the mattress’ comfort or transitional layers. These small coils are engineered with flexible metal wires to increase responsiveness, durability, and support in the mattress. Micro coils range in height from about 1" to 3" tall and are usually individually wrapped for better contouring. In addition to being shorter, micro coils are narrower and made with lighter gauge wire than regular coils. The lighter, encased wire gives micro coils a softer feel, and the smaller size enables more springs to be placed into a given area, also enhancing softness. Microcoils, nanocoils, and minicoils function as a transition from the comfort section to the support core. Since they are smaller than regular coils, they respond more immediately to pressure, forming a deep cradle for balanced pressure relief and support.

Including these small coils creates more room for airflow in the mattress’ comfort layers, helping reduce heat retention around the body, so bonus points for the minis.

Not every spring coil mattress will contain all of these coils, they will be in some hybrid mattresses while others may contain a combo of layered coils and foam.

 

Pocket coils, are each individually wrapped in a fabric pocket. Pocketed coils have a cylindrical shape that distributes pressure evenly throughout each spring, so the center holds up better than other types of mattress coils. Compared to hourglass-shaped springs, pocketed coils are typically less vulnerable to degradation. While the pockets might be connected together, the springs are each independent of one another and can move separately. As each coil moves only when pressure is placed directly on it, pocketed coils are better able to contour to the shape of the body. This design also gives pocketed coils the freedom to respond to movement without transferring motion to the surrounding coils. Individuals who share a bed are less likely to wake up their partners on a pocketed coil mattress. On the flip side, pocket springs endure greater strain over time, since each coil absorbs weight without distributing it to other nearby coils. With the complex construction of these pocket coils providing better support and longevity you can also expect to pay a bit more for such comforts

 

Two factors that affect the performance of the internal coils of the spring are the cross-section of the coil and the number of coils. The coil gauge describes the thickness of the thread and the coil count refers to the total number of spools in the mattress. mattress springs are generally between 13 and 17 in diameter, with 13 being a thicker gauge and 17 being a thinner gauge (the lower the number, the thicker the gauge). Small diameter coils are stronger and more durable than large diameter coils, while large diameter coils are more responsive and flexible. The total number of coils in a queen or hybrid mattress can vary from 400 to 1200. Pocket coil cores usually contain many smaller coils, while bonnell coils or offset coils are larger and usually have fewer coils. Some manufacturers reinforce the perimeter of the mattress with additional low-profile springs to increase edge support. In general, you should avoid counting fewer than 400 turns on a double mattress. Although mattress manufacturers often advertise high roll counts, this metric doesn't directly translate into a stronger or more durable mattress. The quality of the metal, whether it is hardened, the height and thickness of each coil, the shape and number of coils also affect the strength and support of the coils.

The main purpose of the innerspring (coil) mattress is to support the body and distribute the weight evenly. With box spring and hybrid mattresses, coils help to stabilize the bed and keep the spine straight. The mattress springs contract and expand under pressure, which helps keep the sleeper afloat and gives the mattress plenty of bounce. Because they don’t conform like a foam or latex mattress does, the mattress coils are usually placed in the support core. From this position, they can provide deep support for the spine, while the overlying comfort layers protect the sleeper and reduce pressure points. Exceptions to this rule are micro coils, mini coils and nano coils, which are most commonly used in comfort layers. These smaller, more flexible coils have a hybrid function, providing both pressure relief and spinal support. Coil mattresses are popular with people who value elasticity and air circulation, and did I mention that they are much easier to move and flip compared to memory foam and latex beds. Mattresses constructed with coil-based foundations can effectively withstand high pressures, making them a solid option for sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds.

 

Our family has been upholstering and manufacturing mattresses for three generations that include a wide range of Canadian made pocket coil, traditional coil, memory foam, natural Talalay latex, adjustable lifestyle beds and even custom-made mattresses including Trailer, boat and variety of pet beds. We’ll build everything from crib and cradle mattresses, economically priced cottage and spare room mattresses, all the way up to our cutting edge, top of the line styles. Our mattresses are also great for commercial demands. We supply comfort everywhere from hotels, hospitals, retirement homes, universities and even fire departments. We believe it is our duty to put our customers in a bed that is tailored to their needs and as a manufacturer we are able to do just that.