When shopping for a spring mattress, you will encounter mattresses which use a variety of spring types. There are pocket springs, bonnell coils, offset coils and continuous coils. Each of these spring type are all designed differently and offer a different type of comfort and price point. Lets have a look at each type.

The Bonnell Coils are also known as open coils, are more of traditional type of spring and are not wrapped in fabric. This type of coil is larger than pocket springs and most mattresses will have less Bonnell Coils, since the coils are large, whereas a mattress will have more pocket springs, since these are smaller. The Bonnell Coils are shaped like an hour glass and will expand depending on the amount of pressure applied, meaning mattresses with this type of coil can be on the firmer side.

Offset coils like the Bonnell Coils also have an hourglass shape that reacts to body weight very well. This is a more expensive kind of coil, but it adjusts to body movement very well and creates a terrific contouring effect comparable to a memory foam mattress.

Continuous coils are also know as Mira Coil, continuous coils are rows of coils, which are created using a single wire, imagine multiple S wires joined together. This layer of continuous coils are then joined together with a helical wire, like a sandwich, and forms interconnected coils. Mattresses made with continuous coils tend to be cheaper and firmer, since they are cheaper to make and the coils expand based on pressure.

The number of springs refer to the amount of springs or coils are used within the mattress. An average mattress will have 500 – 1500 coils, and the number of coils can indicate the lifespan and durability of a mattress, as a mattress with a high spring count tends to last longer and also offer better body contouring, since there are more springs to capture every part for your body.

A mattress coil gauge is the measurement of how thick the coil is within the mattress. When shopping for a spring mattress, its important to look at coil gauge, as it will contribute to the comfort of the mattress. Coil Gauge often range from 12-15, a lower coil gauge means the coil will be thicker and also means the spring is firmer. A high coil gauge is a thinner coil and means the spring will be less firmer.

Customers who buy a spring mattress should want a mattress that stays cool and provides a relatively high degree of firmness. This mattress type is also excellent for those buying on a budget. On the other hand, people who have the money to spend and want something that provides more softness and bounce while still retaining long-term durability might be interested in memory foam or latex. Additionally, hybrid mattresses can provide the best of both worlds, giving the body contouring of foam with the support and zone control of modern springs.

Each of the different types of spring mattress provides good edge support and breathability. When choosing a mattress, you should consider your weight and medical needs as well as who else will use the bed. If you have specific pressure points that need relief, offset coils might work best for you. If you share the bed with somebody who tosses and turns, choosing a pocket spring mattress helps to isolate those motions so you can sleep better at night. Those who sleep alone and have no medical concerns can save money by choosing an open spring mattress.

Spring mattresses have perhaps the most variety of all different mattress types – and are often used with other materials such as memory foam. Those looking for a new sleeping experience have many options to choose from, therefore we have put together our top picks for spring mattresses.

For those who do not want a spring mattress or who just wish to compare the merits and flaws of this mattress type with other products, there are typically three other mattress groups: memory foam, hybrid, and latex – though granted most of the recommended products above were hybrid.

Memory foam mattresses have become quite popular due to their softness, light weight, and affordability. These mattresses do tend to cost more than typical spring mattresses, but they are cheaper than latex. An all-memory foam mattress uses foam of differing densities to cushion the body and provide relief to pressure points.

Memory foam has a softer feel than spring mattresses, although this can lead to the feeling of people sinking into the mattress when they lie down. Individuals who are heavier than normal may feel this sinking sensation more than others. Memory foam also traps body heat, while coils provide better cooling. To offset this, most memory foam mattresses use cooling gel or grooves to allow for more airflow. Overall, these mattresses are ideal for individuals of average weight who want more softness in their sleeping experience.

Finally, latex mattresses use the same general construction as memory foam but use all-natural latex instead. This creates a mattress that has terrific bounce, and latex is often the only mattress type that can meet or exceed the bounce provided by springs. Latex also has no off-gassing process, which helps to reduce the new mattress smell that some foam-reliant mattresses have.

Unfortunately, latex tends to be much more expensive than a spring mattress, making it difficult for somebody on a tight budget. While latex has more support than most foam, some people can still feel the sinking experience that springs prevent. On the bright side, latex is very environmentally friendly, making this the greenest mattress type you can buy. Typically, latex is best for people who have more money to spend, value softness and bounce, and place a high value on eco-friendliness.

Hybrid mattresses combine springs with memory foam, latex, or sometimes both. Typically, a hybrid mattress eschews using the dense foundation layer of memory foam in exchange for a layer of springs. Usually, these are pocketed springs that provide better zone control. If the springs have the proper support around the outside, a hybrid mattress also provides excellent edge support.

Due to the combination of different materials, hybrids tend to be more expensive than spring-only mattresses. They do, however, provide a feeling of plush comfort that springs usually can’t manage on their own. The use of a spring layer keeps hybrids about as cool as spring mattresses. This is a good compromise for somebody who likes the feeling of springs but wants something a little softer.

There are many different mattress types out there, but few have stood the test of time as well as a traditional spring mattress. Anybody who has back problems, needs additional lumbar support, or simply wants a sleeping experience that is firm both on the edges and in the center of the mattress should consider taking a look at what innerspring mattresses have to offer. With many different spring styles and technology continuing to advance further, this old-fashioned mattress style still has a lot to offer individuals who are on a budget or who place a high value on bounce and support.

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