Open Spring Mattresses - What are these?

• The most economical type of mattress
• One of the most well established spring styles
• Extremely variable choices in size, depth and aesthetics

What is Open Coil?

Open coil mattresses use one of the most long-standing methods of construction.
Most people have slept on an open coil mattress at some point in their lives, and they are still some of the most widely-available mattresses on the market. Their construction means that they provide the support you need, whilst leaving plenty of room for a variety of fillings that help to provide you with comfort as well as support.



The fairly simple construction of the open coil mattress means that it is one of the most cost-effective mattresses on the market. If you are looking for a budget mattress, you will find a range of open coil mattresses that are both comfortable and affordable.

Open coil springs are usually about 5-6 coils high. A standard double bed has 325 of these coils, although some manufacturers may use more and, of course, the coil count increases as the mattress size rises to king and super king. The coils are all assembled into a single construction with helical wire. This is a thinner, spiral wire that joins the coils at top and bottom to form several rows. An outer rod is then fitted around the top and bottom of the finished construction to provide additional strength. Once the basic construction is completed, the mattress can be filled and the ticking applied.

Pocket Springs - What are these?

The name "Pocket Spring" is referring to the type of coils used in a Pocket Sprung mattress.

The biggest clue to what these are is in the name, they are pocketed springs, the coil is placed inside it's own little pocket of fabric. This allows each spring to react independently, stopping movement from disturbing anyone else you may be sharing your bed with. It also prolongs the life of the coils which in turn prolongs the life of your mattress.

Pocket springs are generally more expensive than regular open coil mattresses but this price difference is reflected in the quality and life span of the mattress.

Pocket spring mattresses range from soft to ultra firm depending on the number of springs and the other fillings within the mattress.

Generally the number of springs reflects the firmness of the mattress, 3500 being a firm mattress, and 600 being a soft mattress. Although there are other fillings which can cause a mattress to feel softer, for example when topped with memory foam a 3500 would probably feel more like a medium yet still give the spinal support that a firm mattress would offer.

Pocket spring mattresses with memory foam are amongst the most popular mattresses at the moment, as pocket springs offer the greatest life span and excellent support with the addition of the memory foam to help relieve pressure points and comfort to the mattress.

Simple way to choose your mattress

Choosing the correct mattress is an extremely difficult task, especially when you are bombarded by terminology, eg, reflex foam, pocket springs, bonnel springs, visco foam, etc. Trying to choose the one best for your needs is especially hard when you don't understand what these words mean.
I am going to try to help you make sense of these terms and also explain to you a simple way to test whether a mattress is offering you the support you need for a peaceful nights sleep.

Choosing the correct mattress firmness rating

The only proper way to test a mattress is to lie on it - preferably on both your back and side. To test how well the mattress supports the spine when lying on your back, place your hand in the small of your back.

hover over the images to see the spinal alignment:


If when you lay on your back on the mattress with your hand under the small of your back there it is not enough room for your hand, it's squished and tight to remove, this mattress is too soft for you. Also check your spinal alignment, maybe best you ask someone else who can see you better. (Best take a friend or partner with you!)


If when you lay on your back on the mattress and you put your hand under the small of your back and there's lots of room to move your hand around, this mattress is too firm for you.


If when you do the test on a mattress and it is a snug fit but easy to remove your hand then this mattress is offering you the correct support, you are getting the best benefit from the springs, but don't forget to check from your side also to make sure it is keeping your spine nice and straight.