Pocket Sprung Mattresses

A pocket sprung mattress works differently from an open coil spring mattress in a way that matters for how it feels. In an open coil design, all the springs are connected and move together as one unit, which means pressure applied anywhere is felt across the whole surface. In a pocket sprung mattress, each spring is individually enclosed in its own fabric pocket and responds independently to the weight applied directly to it.

That independence is the key feature. It means the mattress contours more accurately to the shape of your body rather than giving a uniform surface. It also means that when one person moves, the springs beneath them compress and release without pulling on the springs beside them, which is why pocket sprung mattresses have significantly better motion isolation than open coil designs.

Spring count is often quoted as a quality indicator, and while higher spring counts generally mean finer, more responsive support, the comparison only holds true between mattresses of the same size. Gauge, or the thickness of the wire used in the spring, matters alongside count. A lower gauge number means thicker, firmer wire, which is used in firmer mattresses.

Breathability is another genuine advantage of pocket sprung mattresses over foam alternatives. The air gaps between individual springs allow air to circulate through the mattress more freely, which helps regulate temperature during sleep.

Pocket sprung mattresses are often combined with comfort layers above the spring unit: memory foam, natural fillings like wool or cotton, or synthetic fibres. This hybrid construction gives the responsive support of springs with the pressure-relieving properties of foam. The layers determine how the surface feels, while the springs below determine the support and responsiveness.