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Innerspring vs. Pocket Spring Mattress: What’s The Difference? 

Innerspring vs. Pocket Spring Mattress: What’s The Difference? 

Mattress Comparison
Read Time: 12 minutes
FAST FACTS
  • Innerspring mattresses, known for their firm sleeping surface and airflow, are favored by stomach sleepers and individuals who sleep hot.
  • Meanwhile, pocket spring mattresses feature individually wrapped coils and respond well to pressure points, reduce motion transfer, and promote proper spinal alignment, making them ideal for combination sleepers and couples.
  • For those seeking non-spring alternatives, memory foam mattresses offer excellent motion isolation and pressure point relief, while latex mattresses provide resilience, durability, and natural hypoallergenic properties, catering to various sleep needs and preferences.

While you are browsing for a new bed, you may come across traditional innerspring mattresses and pocket spring beds. Both mattresses consist of a coil system, but they differ in the support each bed provides.

Some sleepers look to innerspring beds because innerspring mattresses tend to be more affordable and have a traditional comfort over pocketed coil mattresses. More people are purchasing pocket spring mattresses for their innovative technology. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between innerspring and pocket spring beds.

Coil Mattress vs. Spring Mattress: Differences and Similarities 

Differences

  • Pressure Relief and Customized Comfort

One of the most significant differences between pocket spring and traditional innerspring mattresses is how they respond to pressure points and provide comfort.

Innerspring mattresses, though durable, can create discomfort at pressure-sensitive areas, such as the shoulders and hips, due to the interconnected springs that offer uniform resistance.

This uniformity often means that these pressure points bear the weight unevenly, leading to soreness and discomfort over time.

Pocket spring mattresses, however, are designed for personalized comfort, as each spring is individually encased and responds independently to the body’s weight and contour.

This structure helps alleviate pressure by distributing it across multiple springs rather than centralizing it on one area, which allows for better body alignment and a more restful sleep experience.

  • Temperature Regulation

Another distinction lies in temperature control. Traditional innerspring mattresses often have fewer layers and allow for excellent airflow between the springs, which helps with cooling.

This breathability makes them a good option for those who tend to sleep hot, as the open coil system encourages airflow and dissipates heat.

While pocket spring mattresses offer pressure relief, they may retain more heat, depending on the materials used above the springs.

Some pocket spring designs incorporate advanced cooling layers or breathable fabrics to mitigate heat retention, but they generally retain warmth more than innerspring models.

  • Cost and Value

Cost is another area where the two types diverge. Innerspring mattresses have long been the affordable choice due to their simple construction and accessible materials, making them a budget-friendly and durable option. However, lower-end models may use inexpensive foams that wear down quickly, leading to reduced comfort over time.

Pocket spring mattresses, in contrast, are generally more expensive due to the complexity of the individually wrapped coils and the quality materials often used in their construction.

This added investment can pay off in the form of targeted support and greater comfort, but it’s essential to choose one with high-quality foam or fabric layers, as subpar materials can lead to discomfort just as quickly.

  • Motion Isolation

In terms of motion transfer, innerspring mattresses tend to transfer a significant amount of movement across the bed due to their interconnected coil system. This can be problematic for couples, especially if one partner is a light sleeper who can be easily disturbed by movement.

Pocket spring mattresses excel in reducing motion transfer. Since each coil moves independently, motion is less likely to spread across the bed. This design helps minimize disturbances, making it a preferred choice for couples who prioritize undisturbed sleep.

Similarities

  • Support for Various Sleep Positions

Both pocket spring and innerspring mattresses provide firm support that many sleepers need, regardless of their sleep position. Innerspring models offer general, even support across the mattress, which can be ideal for those who sleep on their backs or stomachs, where uniform support is beneficial.

Pocket spring mattresses, with their individually wrapped coils, contour more effectively to the body, supporting various sleeping positions—especially side sleepers, who often need extra cushioning for pressure points. This customized support can also benefit people who experience joint pain or discomfort, as the mattress conforms more precisely to the body’s shape.

  • Durability and Longevity

Both innerspring and pocket spring mattresses are highly durable and can withstand years of use with proper care. The coil systems in these mattresses generally resist sagging or warping, even after extended periods, provided they are rotated and cared for as recommended.

While both types share durability, pocket spring mattresses can sometimes experience wear in specific areas more quickly, especially if the foam or fabric layers are of low quality. Nevertheless, a well-maintained pocket spring mattress can last just as long as an innerspring mattress, often exceeding a decade.

  • Availability and Versatility

Finally, both pocket spring and innerspring mattresses are widely available in various levels of firmness and configurations to suit different comfort needs.

Innerspring mattresses are often more accessible and found in a range of options, from budget models to luxury versions with enhanced comfort layers.

Pocket spring mattresses are also available in a wide range of designs and price points, with many models featuring additional layers like memory foam or gel for enhanced comfort and cooling. This versatility makes it easier for consumers to choose a mattress tailored to their comfort, support, and cooling preferences.

Both pocket spring and innerspring mattresses offer unique benefits, and the best choice depends on individual needs, sleeping preferences, and budget. Testing them in person, if possible, can help determine which type is more suitable for achieving a restful and comfortable sleep experience.

Traditional Innerspring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional mattresses of the 20th century. These beds are popular for their firm and responsive support. Budget shoppers also appreciate innerspring mattresses.

Innerspring beds have metal coils with an hourglass shape. The most common hourglass coils are Bonnell and offset coils. Bonnell coils have a thin structure in the middle of the spring but are broader near the top and bottom.

Offset coils also have an hourglass shape but with flat tops and bottoms. These coils are more durable than Bonnell coils and give your mattress an extra-firm feel.

Other innerspring models may use continuous coils. Continuous coils have a single long wire twisted into individual springs. Their structure helps limit motion isolation and improves the durability of the mattress.

Additionally, innerspring beds have limited contouring. To combat this, some innerspring beds include a soft pillow top layer. Pillow top mattresses may use cotton, wool, down, fiberfill, memory foam, or latex foam in the layers.

If you’re interested in sleeping on an innerspring mattress, we recommend reading our Innerspring Mattress Buying Guide.

What’s a Pocket Spring Mattress?

A pocket-coil or spring mattress has metal coils or springs, each wrapped in fabric. Pocket spring beds allow the coils to respond with the shape and weight it feels. This is the main difference between pocket spring and open coil mattresses.

Beds with pocketed coil systems differ from traditional spring beds. Innerspring beds feature generalized support, while pocket springs offer targeted support. These beds even have a memory or latex foam comfort layer to add a bit of cushioning to your bed. This kind of pocket spring bed is known as a hybrid mattress.

The Pros and Cons of Innerspring vs. Pocket-Coil Mattresses

Innerspring and pocketed coil spring mattresses share many similarities. But, there are distinct characteristics to enhance the comfort of sleepers.

In this next section, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of each mattress type. We’ll also discuss what mattress is best for your sleeping preferences.

innerspring-vs-pocket-spring-mattress

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have a firm sleeping surface. This makes them the perfect option for stomach sleepers or plus-size individuals. Plus-size sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their bodies from sinking too far.

The firm support of innerspring mattresses helps maintain spinal alignment, particularly for those who sleep on their stomachs or backs.

Additionally, innerspring mattresses are widely available and often more affordable than other types of mattresses, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Spring beds are also better for hot sleepers than foam beds. The coil system provides more airflow and does not absorb body heat. Air circulates between each coil, establishing a cooling mattress.

This air circulation prevents heat from building up within the mattress, helping hot sleepers stay comfortable throughout the night.

Innerspring mattresses often have reinforced edges, offering strong edge support that prevents sagging and extends the mattress’s lifespan.

Innerspring mattresses tend to have a quick response time to movements, making them ideal for combination sleepers who shift positions during the night. This responsive feel allows users to move freely without feeling “stuck” in the bed, which can sometimes occur with memory foam mattresses. Furthermore, innerspring mattresses’ durable coil structure provides dependable support for heavier individuals, ensuring the mattress retains its shape over time.

Most times, innerspring mattresses bounce or squeak throughout the night. As a result, this can cause sleeping disruptions throughout the night. Additionally, innerspring beds do not have body-conforming layers found in foam or hybrid mattresses, which may make them less suitable for side sleepers who need pressure relief for their hips and shoulders.

Finally, while innerspring mattresses offer firm support, they may not be as effective at isolating motion, which means that movements on one side of the bed can be felt on the other side.

Pocket Spring Mattresses

Pocket spring mattresses respond better to pain from pressure points than innerspring mattresses.

Individually wrapped coils work independently to adjust to your body’s natural curves, providing targeted support where it’s needed most. This design reduces motion transfer, helping you sleep soundly throughout the night without being disturbed by your partner’s movements.

They also reduce motion transfer so you can sleep soundly throughout the night.

Combination sleepers are better suited for pocket spring beds. The coil layers provide your bed with plenty of bounce.

The independent coil design allows the bed to adjust to shifting positions easily, making it easier to switch sleeping positions without feeling restricted. The individual coil support also promotes proper spinal alignment, helping prevent back pain and discomfort.

The added responsiveness makes it easier to switch sleeping positions. Plus, pocket spring beds promote proper spinal alignment.

Couples can also appreciate a pocket coil mattress.

The design not only promotes good posture but also isolates movements, ensuring one partner’s tossing and turning won’t disturb the other’s rest. This makes pocket spring mattresses a great choice for couples who have different sleep schedules or movement habits.

Pocket Spring mattresses are also known for their durability and ability to maintain their shape over time. The independent coils resist sagging and wear, which extends the mattress’s lifespan.

This longevity makes pocket spring mattresses an excellent investment, as they retain their supportive qualities for many years. These mattresses often feature multiple comfort layers made from foam or latex, adding cushioning and providing extra relief for pressure points.

Not only does the design promote good posture, but it also isolates movements. One partner’s movements won’t disturb the other’s rest.

The downside of purchasing a pocket spring bed is they do not contour to your curves, which may be less ideal for those who prefer the body-hugging feel of memory foam.

Furthermore, some layers consist of wool and other fibers. This can create an environment for allergens and dust mites to settle and grow. The invasion of allergens can ruin your mattress. This can pose a concern for allergy sufferers, as allergens can accumulate over time, potentially affecting sleep quality.

Finally, pocket spring mattresses are often heavier and more challenging to move due to their dense construction and added layers, which could make repositioning or rotating the mattress difficult.

Furthermore, some layers consist of wool and other fibers. This can create an environment for allergens and dust mites to settle and grow. The invasion of allergens can ruin your mattress.

Finding the Right Mattress for Every Sleep Style

These recommendations are general; individual preferences can vary widely. It’s essential to consider personal comfort, including desired firmness and pressure relief, when choosing between an innerspring or pocket coil mattress.

Recommendations for Lightweight Sleepers

Lightweight sleepers (under 130 pounds) may find pocket coil mattresses particularly comfortable, as the individual coils can deliver better contouring and pressure relief at a lower body weight, providing the support needed without excess firmness.

Durable Support for Heavier Sleepers

Heavier sleepers (over 230 pounds) might appreciate the robust support of an innerspring mattress, especially one with a higher coil count or thicker gauge coils. Alternatively, a pocket coil mattress with higher coil density and firm comfort layers can also deliver necessary support and durability.

Cooling Options for Hot Sleepers

Innerspring mattresses are generally more breathable, thanks to the open space between the coils, which promotes airflow and helps regulate temperature. Pocket coil mattresses with breathable comfort layers, such as natural fibers or gel-infused foams, can also serve as cooling options, providing a comfortable sleep environment for hot sleepers.

Ideal Choice for Side Sleepers

Pocket coil mattresses often make an excellent choice for side sleepers due to their ability to adapt to the body’s shape, offering specific, targeted support. The individual coils provide relief to pressure points in the hips and shoulders, crucial areas for side sleepers needing extra comfort.

Support for Back Sleepers

Both innerspring and pocket coil mattresses can meet the needs of back sleepers, depending on their preferred firmness level. A firmer innerspring mattress may offer the support needed to keep the spine aligned, while a medium-firm pocket coil mattress can provide a balance of contouring and support.

Options for Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers generally benefit from a firmer mattress to prevent hips from sinking too far, which can lead to lower back strain. A firmer innerspring mattress or a pocket coil mattress with firm comfort layers can be a suitable choice, as these options help maintain spinal alignment.

Best Fit for Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers often prefer pocket coil mattresses due to their effective motion isolation. The individually wrapped coils reduce disturbances during position changes, an important feature for those who shift frequently throughout the night.

Other Mattress Types

If you’re interested in mattresses without springs, we suggest looking to memory foam and latex mattresses.

Memory Foam Mattress

A memory foam mattress is a type of mattress that doesn’t rely on springs for support. Instead, it utilizes a dense and viscoelastic material called memory foam. This foam is designed to conform to the shape of the body when pressure is applied, providing a customized and comfortable sleeping experience.

Memory foam mattresses offer excellent motion isolation, as the foam absorbs and disperses movement. In other words, this prevents disturbances from a restless sleeping partner.

The material also helps to relieve pressure points by distributing weight evenly, which can be beneficial for individuals with joint or back pain. Additionally, memory foam mattresses tend to be quieter compared to spring mattresses, as there are no metal components that can create noise when compressed.

Latex Mattress

A latex mattress is another type of non-spring mattress that offers a unique sleeping surface. It is made from natural or synthetic latex foam, which provides a resilient and bouncy feel. Latex mattresses are known for their exceptional durability and longevity, as latex is a highly resilient material that maintains its shape over time.

Like memory foam, latex conforms to the body, but with a slightly firmer and more responsive feel. It offers excellent support, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points. Latex mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and mold, making them a suitable option for individuals with allergies. They also provide good breathability, allowing for better temperature regulation during sleep.

FAQS

Are pocket spring mattresses good for back pain?

Pocketed spring beds are a great option for individuals with back pain. Unlike innerspring beds, pocket spring mattresses have individual springs with foam layers. The structure of your bed provides a medium-firm surface and may help ease your back pain.

Do pocket spring mattresses lose their shape over time?

Pocket Spring mattresses are celebrated for their durability and resistance to sagging compared to traditional innerspring mattresses, yet over time, they may still experience some level of sagging with extended use. Factors like the quality of materials, weight distribution, and usage frequency all play a role in how quickly or noticeably a pocket spring mattress may lose its shape.

To help maintain its structure and minimize sagging, it’s recommended to rotate the mattress regularly, invest in a high-quality model with reinforced edges, and avoid placing excessive weight on specific areas.

Are pocket spring mattresses better than memory foam?

Most people turn to memory foam mattresses rather than pocket spring mattresses. The coil system in pocket spring mattresses can cause sleeping interruptions. If you toss and turn at night, your bed may squeak or bounce and hinder a good night’s rest. Furthermore, pocket spring beds do not provide targeted pressure point relief.

Memory foam beds absorb body movement and also contour to your body for more pressure relief.

Which is a better choice: innerspring or pocket coil mattress?

Choosing between an innerspring or a pocket coil mattress depends on personal preferences and individual needs. Pocket coil mattresses generally provide superior motion isolation and targeted support compared to traditional innerspring designs, making them a popular choice for those seeking tailored support.

However, some may favor the firmer feel and generally lower cost of a traditional innerspring mattress, especially if they prefer less contouring.

How long does an innerspring mattress last?

Some quality innerspring mattresses may last for up to 7 years, while others may only last for 3 or 4 years. How long a mattress lasts all depends on the quality of materials and how well you take care of your bed. Often, springs in the mattress lose flexibility over time.

Does a higher coil count mean a better pocket coil mattress?

While a greater number of pocket coils in a mattress can enhance support and durability, it isn’t the only factor that determines the quality of a mattress. Elements such as coil gauge, the quality of materials in the comfort layers, and the mattress’s overall design all significantly impact its performance.

Thus, while a higher coil count can contribute to improved support and responsiveness, it’s wise to consider the mattress’s full construction when evaluating its quality.

Why do innerspring mattresses sag?

Innerspring mattresses are prone to sagging. Most innerspring mattresses begin to sag when the metal coils lose tension. Additionally, the layers may soften over time, making the mattress material less durable. Sagging is a result of normal wear-and-tear or improper mattress care.

A good mattress foundation can minimize sagging. We recommend solid or slatted surfaces. If you choose slats, the slats should be no more than 3 inches apart.

Are more pocket coils better?

Beds with more coils than average do not equate to a more durable mattress. If your mattress has a low coil count, this means your bed has thicker springs. Most times, thicker springs take longer to lose their flexibility. Mattresses with high coil count usually provide better body support for sleepers.

Are pocket coil mattresses designed to be flipped?

Whether or not a pocket coil mattress can be flipped is based on its specific design. Many modern pocket coil mattresses are constructed as one-sided, which means they aren’t intended to be flipped; doing so could cause discomfort and uneven wear.

That said, there are flippable pocket coil mattresses available, typically designed with similar comfort layers on both sides to provide a consistent feel.

Conclusion

Many sleepers complain about the limited pressure point relief on innerspring beds. It may be a better choice to buy a pocket spring mattress since its coil system moves with your shape and weight. If you are a hot sleeper, an innerspring bed is the best option because they do not contain any foam layers. They also have an open coil structure to provide more airflow.

Christine Lapp is a full-time graduate student and part-time freelancer for Sleep Junkie. Since she was a little girl on the soccer field, Christine has had a love for sports, and she believes everybody should get up and get moving once a day. Now, she incorporates her love for exercise into her studies, pursuing a degree in exercise physiology. Christine understands that what you do during your waking hours has a direct impact on your night’s sleep. In our better sleep guides, she offers advice for developing healthy daytime habits to nurture a more peaceful slumber.

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