If you’re after responsive support, a bit of bounce, and better airflow, pocket spring mattresses are fantastic.
Pocket springs aren’t just an old-school trend. They’ve stuck around for a reason.
Key Takeaways
- Pocket spring mattresses provide responsive support, cooler airflow, and less partner disturbance, making them a practical option for many different sleepers.
- Its mattress layers include a cover, comfort foams, a spring core, and a base layer, with some models also adding reinforced edge support and higher spring counts for extra durability and stability.
- Pock spring mattresses suit a wide range of sleep styles and tend to last longer than basic foam beds, making them a dependable choice if you’re after comfort and longevity.
In this article, we’ll look at what makes a pocket spring mattress different from other types, how it actually feels to sleep on one, and whether it stacks up when it comes to comfort, support, and durability.
Jump to a section:
- What Is a Pocket Spring Mattress?
- Layers of a Pocket Spring Mattress
- How Does a Pocket Spring Mattress Feel?
- Pros and Cons of Pocket Spring Mattresses
- Pocket Springs vs Other Mattress Types
- How Long Do Pocket Spring Mattresses Last?
- Who Should Consider a Pocket Spring Mattress?
What Is a Pocket Spring Mattress?
A pocket spring mattress is a type of bed made with individual steel springs, each one housed in its own fabric pocket.
Unlike older spring systems that use an open coil design (also called Bonnell springs) where the coils are all linked together, these springs move independently. This design helps the mattress respond to your body with more precision.
If you want better pressure relief, reduce partner disturbance, and give you support right where you need it, a pocket spring could give you that. All without shifting the rest of the bed.
Layers of a Pocket Spring Mattress
At the core of a pocket spring mattress are rows of steel springs, each one wrapped in its own cloth pocket. These pockets keep the springs from tangling or shifting and allow them to compress independently when weight is applied.
Here’s what you’ll typically find inside:
- Cover: The outer fabric layer that protects the mattress and adds breathability. Some may include cooling or antibacterial finishes.
- Comfort Layer: Made from materials like latex, memory foam, or soft fibres. This layer cushions your body and helps relieve pressure.
- Support Layer (optional): Some designs include a transition layer of foam or mini springs to improve weight distribution and add contouring.
- Pocket Spring Layer: The core of the mattress, made up of individual steel springs in fabric pockets. Each spring moves on its own, helping the mattress respond to your body and limit partner disturbance.
- Base Layer: A firm foam foundation that keeps the springs in place and adds stability to the whole mattress.
We’ve also broken down mattress layers in more detail in our article on Ecosa’s mattress layers where we explain how each component affects feel, airflow and support over time.
Some pocket spring mattresses also include edge support, which uses firmer foam or reinforced springs around the sides to help reduce sagging.
The spring count can also vary. A higher spring count usually means more responsive support, especially around pressure zones like the shoulders and hips.
How Does Pocket Springs Feel?
A pocket spring mattress usually feels responsive and supportive.
When you lie down, it pushes back gently rather than letting you sink right in. You’ll feel lift under your back and hips, with a bit of bounce across the surface. It can feel like the mattress is helping you to stay level.
Because the springs are separate, the mattress can adjust to different parts of your body more precisely. It’s firm where you’re heavier, softer where you’re not. And since air flows easily between the coils, it tends to sleep cooler than all-foam options.
You might also notice less movement from your partner at night, thanks to the way the springs absorb motion instead of spreading it.
Pros and Cons of Pocket Spring Mattresses
Like any mattress type, pocket springs have their highs and lows. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re weighing one up:
✅ Pros
- Support Where You Need It: Each spring responds individually, giving firmer support under the hips and softer comfort under the shoulders for better spinal alignment.
- Less Partner Disturbance: Because the coils move on their own, you’re less likely to feel it when someone else shifts or gets out of bed.
- Stays Cooler: The open spring design allows for better airflow, helping the mattress stay cooler throughout the night.
- Long-Lasting Bounce: Pocket spring mattresses hold their shape well, with each spring keeping its tension over time.
- Comfort Layer Flexibility: They’re often paired with foam, latex or fibres on top, which helps tailor the feel to suit different comfort levels.
⚠️ Cons
- Heavier to Move: Pocket spring mattresses weigh more than foam ones because of the individually wrapped coils and added comfort layers, making them trickier to lift or rotate.
- Higher Price Point: They usually cost more than basic foam options due to the extra materials and more involved construction.
- Needs the Right Base: Pocket spring mattresses need a sturdy, supportive base to prevent sagging or uneven wear over time.
Pocket Springs vs Other Mattress Types
Mattresses come in all sorts of builds, and each one feels different depending on what materials are used.
Here’s how pocket spring mattresses compare with some of the most common types:
Pocket Springs vs Memory Foam
Memory foam moulds to your body and offers deep pressure relief, but it can trap heat and feel slow to respond.
Pocket springs provide a cooler, more responsive surface with better airflow and less of that sinking-in sensation.
Pocket Springs vs Latex
Latex is naturally breathable and durable, with a slightly firmer, springier feel. It’s also a popular pick for those wanting natural materials.
Pocket springs offer similar airflow and bounce but tend to be more affordable and easier to move.
Pocket Springs vs Open Coil
Open coil (also called Bonnell spring) mattresses use a connected spring system, which can feel bouncier and less stable.
Pocket springs reduce motion transfer and provide more targeted support, making for a smoother sleep.
Pocket Springs vs Hybrids
Technically, pocket spring mattresses are hybrids when topped with foam or latex. But some hybrid mattresses use extra-thick layers or added tech.
If you prefer a more traditional spring feel with added comfort, a pocket spring setup can offer a nice balance.If you’re deciding between the two, we’ve broken it down in more detail in our article on pocket spring vs hybrid mattresses.
How Long Do Pocket Spring Mattresses Last?
A good pocket spring mattress usually lasts 8 to 10 years, depending on how well it’s made and how much wear it gets.
The springs tend to hold their shape longer than basic foam, especially if they’re high quality and individually encased.
Like any mattress, how long it lasts also depends on how you treat it:
✅ Rotate it every few months
✅ Use a supportive, solid bed base
✅ Keep it clean and dry
If you start noticing sagging, dips or waking up stiff, it might be time for a new one.
Who Should Consider a Pocket Spring Mattress?
Not every mattress suits every sleeper. Pocket spring mattresses cover a lot of ground in terms of comfort and support.
Here’s a quick look at who might find them most comfortable, along with a few situations where they might not be the best fit:
Side sleepers
Pocket springs offer contouring at the hips and shoulders, which helps keep your spine aligned without feeling too soft.
Couples
You’re less likely to feel your partner move, making it a good option if one of you tosses and turns at night.
Hot sleepers
The coil structure allows air to flow through the mattress, helping it stay cooler than most foam types.
Heavier sleepers
Heavy sleepers need more lift and support, pocket springs hold up better than softer all-foam mattresses.
People with back or joint concerns
Zoned pocket spring designs can offer firmer support where you need it, especially around the lower back.
When a pocket spring mattress might not be the right fit:
- You’re very light and prefer a softer mattress surface
- You want a mattress that’s easier to lift
- You’re working with a smaller budget
So, are pocket spring mattresses good? Yes. If you’re after support, airflow, and a mattress that holds up over time, they’re a dependable option.
Pocket springs adjust to your body and help reduce movement across the bed, which makes them a practical choice for many sleepers.
At Ecosa, our pocket spring and hybrid mattresses are designed for comfort, breathability, and long-term use. Explore the range to find the feel that works best for your sleep style.