What Is a Pocket Sprung Mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress is made from individual pocket springs. Each pocket spring is enclosed within its own fabric pocket. Working independently from each other, each spring reacts only to the pressure applied to that area. This results in a greater level of personalised support and response for each person sleeping on the mattress.
Pocket springs don't move as a whole unit, unlike more traditional open coil mattresses. This helps to prevent "roll-together", and reduces the transfer of movement to other areas of the mattress. Each pocket spring works individually to correctly support your body. Because of this, pocket sprung mattresses are particularly beneficial if:
- You and your partner are of different weights
- You tend to toss and turn throughout the night
Browse our pocket sprung mattress collection
Jump to
- What is pocket spring count?
- Pocket sprung mattress benefits
- How many pocket springs do I need?
- Are pocket sprung mattresses firm?
- Is a pocket sprung mattress good for a bad back?
- What is a hybrid pocket sprung mattress?
- What is the best bed base for a pocket sprung mattress?
- Are foam or pocket sprung mattresses better?
- FAQs
What is pocket spring count?
Pocket spring count refers to the number of pocket springs in a mattress. We offer mattresses with a great variety of pocket spring counts - from 600 pocket springs right up to 13250!
Pocket spring counts are always based on the number of pocket springs within a king size mattress. So, when you select a mattress with 2000 pocket springs, this is the total number of pocket springs within the king sized mattress of that particular mattress model. The superking size or single size mattress of that same model will have proportionately more and fewer pocket springs, respectively.
There's no need to worry! This is the case across all pocket spring mattresses, from every brand. If you'd like more precise information on how pocket spring counts vary per size, simply give us a call and we'll be happy to explain this further.
Pocket sprung mattress benefits
Pocket sprung mattresses are a fantastic choice if you're looking for a mattress with exceptional comfort and support. Below, we've listed some of the great benefits of sprung mattresses:
- No motion transfer when sleeping with a partner
- Consistent firmness across the mattress night after night
- Complete body support while you sleep
- Soothing pressure relief for your joints
Both Silentnight and Sealy have created specialised pocket springs to give you the best night's sleep. Watch the videos below to find out the difference between the patented Silentnight Mirapocket and Sealy Pocket Spring.
How many pocket springs do I need?
There is no ‘best’ number of pocket springs when it comes to pocket sprung mattresses. It all comes down to personal preference, meaning pocket spring count is not an indicator of mattress quality.
Another important thing to remember is that a higher pocket spring count does not always mean a firmer mattress. A mattress with 3000 pocket springs could have a lower spring tension than a mattress with 800 pocket springs. This means that the mattress with 3000 pocket springs would feel softer compared to the mattress with 800 higher tension springs.
There is no minimum amount of pocket springs that you need in your mattress. All of the pocket sprung mattresses that we stock will provide you with great levels of comfort and support for a better night’s sleep.
Are more pocket springs better?
The pocket spring count of a mattress refers to the amount of pocket springs within each mattress. You can often see this figure in the mattress name.
Pocket springs contribute to the levels of support and firmness you feel from your mattress. Additionally, the tension (also known as "gauge") of the springs plays a part in determining the overall firmness of the mattress.
However, it's important to note that pocket springs comprise only one element of the mattress. The comfort layers, such as memory foam or natural fillings, will also have an impact on the overall feel of your mattress.
More pocket springs won't necessarily mean your mattress will be more comfortable or firmer. Instead, a greater density of pocket springs will support your body weight across more springs, and offer a greater level of response to your movements as you sleep.
To help you decide, we recommend that you read what our other customers have to say about our pocket sprung mattresses. Simply head to our pocket sprung mattress range, and take a look at the individual Feefo customer reviews to find out more!
Browse pocket sprung mattresses
Are pocket sprung mattresses firm?
Like all mattresses, pocket sprung mattresses are available in a variety of firmness options. Whilst we have a great range of firm pocket sprung mattresses - we also have softer pocket sprung mattresses, too! Discover our pocket sprung mattress range, with five firmness ratings for you to choose from:
Not sure what firmness is right for you? Head over to our guide, what mattress firmness is right for me? for more help and advice.
Is a pocket sprung mattress good for a bad back?
A pocket sprung mattress could be a good option if you suffer from a bad back. Because each pocket spring reacts independently to body weight, this can help support correct spinal alignment to a greater degree than an open coil (standard sprung) mattress can.
However, it is also important to consider factors such as overall mattress firmness, whether the mattress is orthopaedic, and the comfort layers of the mattress. These all contribute to providing the correct level of support and back care you need.
If you're worried about back care, you may find the following advice pages helpful:
What is a hybrid pocket sprung mattress?
A hybrid pocket sprung mattress is a pocket sprung mattress that has a foam comfort layer. These hybrid mattresses combine the best of both memory foam, latex or gel comfort with responsive pocket sprung support.
Browse our hybrid mattress range today
What is the best bed base for a pocket sprung mattress?
Out of the four types of bed bases (sprung slatted, solid slatted, sprung platform and solid platform top), platform top bases are best suited for pocket sprung mattresses.
This is because flat bases can fully support the bottom of the springs to provide you with optimal support.
If you choose a slatted bed base you need to follow the recommendations provided by your pocket sprung mattress manufacturer. For example, if the gaps between the slats are too wide, it can potentially damage the mattress and the pocket springs and how your mattress looks and feels.
For more information on bed slats and how to choose the correct slatted bed for your mattress, check out our helpful guide.
Are foam or pocket sprung mattresses better?
Many customers find it difficult to choose between the two most popular types of mattresses - pocket sprung and memory foam.
Both types of mattresses provide exceptional levels of support and comfort, so it’s all down to your personal preference.
We’ve included a table below to help you decide between a foam or pocket sprung mattress:
| Memory foam | Pocket sprung | |
| Support | Memory foam moulds to your body shape for unique support. | Individual springs respond to your weight for responsive support. |
| Comfort | Memory foam has a slight sink-in feeling as you lay on it. | These springs are paired with an additional comfort filling such as natural fillings, latex or foam. |
| Cooler | Memory foam can absorb body heat as you sleep on it, which can make it feel warmer. | Pocket sprung mattresses usually have better breathability compared to foam options. |
| Cleaning | They usually come with a removable cover which can be machine washed. The mattress also needs to be aired out and vacuumed regularly. | Stains should be spot cleaned by hand and the mattress needs to be aired out and vacuumed regularly. |
| Maintenance | They are usually single-sided, so they need to be flipped and rotated every few weeks. | They can be single or double-sided. You will either have to just rotate or flip and rotate it every few weeks, depending on which type you choose. |
| Rolled options? | A lot of memory foam mattresses arrive rolled and in a box. | Some of our pocket sprung mattresses do arrive rolled and in a box. |
| Lifespan | 7 years | 7 years |
Please note: Some of this information may vary between different types of mattresses, but we explain everything you need to know in each mattress description.
FAQs
Below we’ve included some of our most frequently asked questions about pocket sprung mattresses to help you with your decisions.
Open coil mattresses vs pocket sprung mattresses
Open coil mattresses (also known as standard sprung mattresses) include a unit of springs that are all interconnected, whereas pocket sprung mattresses feature individually nested pocket springs.
Open coil mattresses tend to feel firmer than pocket sprung mattresses as the unit of springs has less movement compared to the individual springs.
To find out more about the pros and cons of open coil mattresses compared to pocket sprung options, our open coil advice page has more information.
What is the difference between pocket sprung and pocket spring?
The term ‘pocket sprung’ is used to describe the mattress type and ‘pocket spring’ refers to the springs themselves that are used in the mattresses.
So, in context, pocket sprung mattresses contain many pocket springs to provide support.
Do pocket sprung mattresses come rolled up?
Yes, some pocket sprung mattresses do arrive rolled up and in a box. We have a variety of rolled pocket sprung mattresses for you to browse through.
How often should you turn a pocket sprung mattress?
You should turn your mattress every few weeks to keep it in good condition.
If you have a double-sided mattress you should also flip and rotate your mattress every few weeks to make sure that the fillings don’t settle too much and affect the feel of your mattress.
Available in a range of firmness ratings, comfort levels and from a wide range of well-known brands such as Silentnight, Rest Assured and Sealy, we offer a fantastic collection of pocket sprung mattresses, all designed to offer you a great night's sleep.
