Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Pocket Sprung Mattresses: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Pocket sprung mattresses use individual springs enclosed within separate fabric pockets, allowing each spring to respond more independently to pressure. This gives the mattress a more responsive and adaptable support system than traditional interconnected spring units.

Pocket spring construction can be combined with a wide variety of comfort layers, including natural fibres, memory foam, gel foam and other specialist materials. The spring count, spring size, wire gauge, upholstery and firmness all contribute to the final sleeping feel, so it's worth looking at the complete mattress rather than spring count alone.

1. Pocket Spring Construction

Each pocket spring is individually enclosed within its own fabric pocket. Because the springs aren't directly linked together in the same way as an open coil unit, they can compress more independently in response to the weight placed upon them.

This allows different areas of the mattress to respond to the sleeper more individually and can help create a more adaptable sleeping surface.

The way the springs are arranged, their height, diameter, wire gauge and tension can all influence how the finished mattress feels.

2. Responsive Support

One of the main advantages of pocket springs is their ability to respond independently across the mattress.

Areas carrying more weight can compress further while lighter areas remain less compressed, helping the mattress respond more closely to the body's shape.

This doesn't mean every pocket sprung mattress feels the same. The comfort layers above the springs and the overall firmness of the mattress make a significant difference to the sleeping experience.

3. Pocket Spring Count Explained

Spring count is often one of the first specifications customers notice, but a higher number isn't automatically an indication that one mattress is better than another.

Mattress manufacturers can increase spring counts by using smaller springs, multiple layers of springs or micro-spring systems. A mattress with a very high spring count may therefore have a completely different construction from one using larger, full-height pocket springs.

Spring count should be considered alongside:

• Spring height and diameter
• Wire gauge and tension
• Number of spring layers
• Comfort fillings
• Edge support
• Mattress firmness
• Overall construction

The complete mattress design is more informative than the spring count alone.

4. Mattress Firmness

Pocket sprung mattresses are available in a wide variety of comfort levels. The springs contribute to the underlying support, while the upholstery above them strongly influences how soft or firm the sleeping surface feels.

Our range includes Soft Mattresses, Medium Mattresses, Medium-Firm Mattresses and Firm Mattresses.

• Soft: More cushioning and greater initial sink into the comfort layers.
• Medium: A balanced combination of cushioning and support.
• Medium-Firm: A more supportive feel while retaining noticeable comfort.
• Firm: A more solid sleeping surface with less initial sink.

Firmness remains subjective and can feel different depending on body weight, sleeping position and the base underneath the mattress.

5. Pocket Sprung Mattresses for Couples

Pocket spring construction can be particularly useful when two people share a mattress because each area responds more independently to pressure.

If one sleeper moves during the night, the movement isn't transferred through a completely interconnected spring system in the same way as with some traditional spring units.

This can help reduce disturbance between sleepers, although the comfort layers and overall mattress construction also influence motion transfer.

6. Pocket Springs with Memory Foam

Some pocket sprung mattresses combine their spring system with Memory Foam.

The pocket springs provide responsive underlying support, while memory foam adds pressure-responsive cushioning and contouring above the spring unit.

This type of construction can provide a different feel from a traditionally upholstered pocket sprung mattress, with more noticeable body contouring and a more cushioned surface.

7. Pocket Sprung Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid Mattresses often use pocket springs as their main support system, combined with memory foam, gel foam or other specialist comfort materials.

This can bring together the responsiveness of springs with the cushioning and pressure-relieving properties of foam.

Hybrid construction varies considerably, so compare the spring system, foam layers and firmness rather than assuming every hybrid pocket sprung mattress will feel the same.

8. Cool Gel Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Some pocket sprung mattresses incorporate Cool Gel or other temperature-management materials within the comfort layers.

The open structure created by the spring unit can also allow air to circulate through the mattress more freely than some solid foam designs.

Cooling technologies vary between manufacturers, so compare the full mattress construction if temperature regulation is particularly important to you.

9. Pocket Springs with Natural Fillings

Natural Mattresses frequently combine pocket spring systems with materials such as wool, cotton and other natural fibres.

These fillings provide cushioning above the springs and are often selected for their comfort and breathability.

Natural content varies considerably between mattresses, so check the individual product specification if the type or quantity of natural upholstery is important to you.

10. Orthopaedic Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Orthopaedic Mattresses can also use pocket spring systems.

In these designs, the pocket springs provide the underlying support while firmer comfort layers or spring tensions create a more supportive sleeping sensation.

Orthopaedic isn't a single construction type, so the actual spring system, firmness and upholstery should all be considered when comparing mattresses.

11. Pocket Sprung Mattress Sizes

Pocket sprung mattresses are available across many standard UK mattress sizes:

• 2ft6 Small Single Mattresses – approximately 2ft6 x 6ft3 (76cm x 190cm)
• 3ft Single Mattresses – approximately 3ft x 6ft3 (92cm x 190cm)
• 4ft Small Double Mattresses – approximately 4ft x 6ft3 (122cm x 190cm)
• 4ft6 Double Mattresses – approximately 4ft6 x 6ft3 (137cm x 190cm)
• 5ft King Size Mattresses – approximately 5ft x 6ft6 (153cm x 200cm)
• 6ft Super King Mattresses – approximately 6ft x 6ft6 (183cm x 200cm)
• 6ft Zip & Link Super King Mattresses – approximately 6ft x 6ft6 (183cm x 200cm) when joined

Not every mattress is manufactured in every size, so check the individual product options before ordering.

12. Full-Height Springs, Mini Springs and Multiple Layers

Not every pocket spring within a mattress is necessarily the same size.

Some mattresses use a single layer of full-height pocket springs, while others incorporate smaller mini or micro springs within additional comfort layers.

Multiple spring layers can increase the overall spring count and create additional responsiveness, but this doesn't automatically make the mattress more suitable for every sleeper.

The size, positioning and purpose of the springs matter as much as the number used.

13. Zoned Pocket Spring Systems

Some pocket sprung mattresses use different spring tensions or arrangements across specific areas of the mattress.

This is often referred to as zoning, with the aim of providing different levels of response beneath different areas of the body.

The number and arrangement of zones vary by mattress, so check the individual specification rather than assuming every pocket sprung design uses zoning.

14. Edge Support

Some pocket sprung mattresses incorporate reinforced edge support to provide additional stability around the perimeter.

This might use firmer outer springs, foam encapsulation or another border-support system.

Effective edge support can help maximise the usable sleeping area and provide a more stable sensation when sitting or sleeping near the side of the mattress.

15. Hand-Tufted Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Traditionally upholstered pocket sprung mattresses are often hand tufted.

Tufting secures the layers of upholstery through the depth of the mattress, helping hold the fillings in position and stabilise the overall construction.

The visible tufts are therefore a structural feature as well as part of the mattress appearance.

16. Mattress Depth

Pocket sprung mattresses can vary significantly in depth depending on their spring system and upholstery.

A deeper mattress may contain additional spring layers or more substantial comfort fillings, but depth alone isn't an indication of quality.

Consider what is actually inside the mattress and how the layers are constructed rather than simply comparing overall depth.

17. The Bed Base and Mattress Feel

The base underneath a pocket sprung mattress can influence the finished sleeping feel.

• Platform-top divans provide a stable, firm supporting surface.
• Sprung divan bases add another layer of cushioning and responsiveness.
• Sprung slats provide some flexibility beneath the mattress.
• Solid slats generally create a firmer supporting surface.

The same pocket sprung mattress may therefore feel slightly different when used on different bases.

18. Slat Spacing and Support

When using a pocket sprung mattress on a slatted bed frame, the spacing between the slats needs to meet the mattress manufacturer's requirements.

Gaps that are too wide can allow parts of the mattress to sit without adequate support, potentially affecting performance and durability.

Always check both the mattress and bed-frame guidance, particularly with heavier or higher spring-count mattresses.

19. Pocket Sprung Mattresses and Ottoman Beds

Pocket sprung mattresses can be used on compatible ottoman beds, but mattress weight is particularly important.

A substantial pocket spring unit combined with deep upholstery can make a mattress relatively heavy. Ottoman gas-lift mechanisms are designed to operate with an appropriate range of mattress weights.

Always check the weight requirements of the individual ottoman bed before pairing it with a heavy pocket sprung mattress.

20. Single-Sided and Double-Sided Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses can be either single-sided or double-sided depending on their construction.

Single-sided mattresses have one sleeping surface and are generally rotated rather than turned.

Double-sided mattresses have comfort upholstery on both sides and can normally be turned as well as rotated.

Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions because turning and rotation schedules vary between individual mattresses.

21. Rolled Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Modern compression technology means some Rolled Mattresses can incorporate pocket spring systems.

The mattress is compressed and rolled for easier delivery and handling, then allowed to expand after unpacking.

Not every pocket sprung mattress can be supplied this way, particularly traditionally upholstered designs with certain fillings and constructions.

22. Mattress Care and Long-Term Performance

Use a pocket sprung mattress on a suitable supportive base and follow the manufacturer's care instructions from the beginning.

A suitable mattress protector can help protect the sleeping surface, while regular turning or rotation where required can help encourage more even settlement of the comfort fillings.

When comparing pocket sprung mattresses, consider the spring construction, firmness, fillings, edge support, base compatibility and overall design rather than focusing on spring count alone.