Written By: Michal Szlas
Michal Szlas is the founder of OTTY Sleep and a lifelong sports enthusiast who understands the critical role quality sleep plays in recovery and performance. With his extensive background in sports and passion for optimizing sleep, Michal is a trusted authority dedicated to helping you achieve better, more restorative sleep every night.
Looking for a new mattress but totally confused by all the spring talk?
The whole open coil vs pocket sprung debate trips up loads of people, but here's the thing - it doesn't have to be complicated. In this blog we'll break down exactly what makes these two mattress types different, which one's better for your sleep style, and most importantly, which gives you better bang for your buck.
What's the difference between the two, and which is most suitable for you?
What's An Open Coil Mattress?
An open coil mattress is the more traditional type of spring mattress where all the springs are connected together by one continuous wire running through them.
Think of it like a big metal grid - when you press down on one area, the connected springs around it move too because they're all linked up.
These mattresses typically have around 300-500 springs inside, and because they're all wired together, they create a bouncy, firm feel that's great for people who like solid support. The main trade-off? If your partner tosses and turns at night, you'll probably feel it since the whole spring system moves as one unit.
Open coil mattresses are usually the cheaper option and are brilliant if you're on a budget or need something firm for back support.
Open coil mattresses are usually the cheaper option and are brilliant if you're on a budget or need something firm for back support.
Benefits of Open Coil Mattresses
Inter-connected Spring System. The open coil mattress boasts an interconnected spring system which stems from its traditional manufacturing method.
Orthopaedic Support. They can offer more 'give' compared to pocket sprung mattresses, making them a popular choice for orthopaedic use.
Lightweight Design. With a lighter weight, open coil mattresses can be easier to manage and turn, making them more practical.
Economical Choice. They can be mass-produced at a low production cost, making them one of the cheapest models available on the market.
What is a Pocket Sprung Mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress is where each individual spring is wrapped in its own little fabric pocket - think of hundreds of tiny sleeping bags, each with a spring inside. This means every spring can move completely independently from its neighbors.
These mattresses pack in way more springs than open coil ones - usually around 800-1,000 or even more. Because each spring works solo, the mattress can contour much better to your body shape, giving you personalised support exactly where you need it.
The big win with pocket springs? Zero partner disturbance. When your other half gets up for a midnight snack or rolls over, their springs do their thing while yours stay put. You won't even know they've moved.
This independent spring action also means better pressure point relief - your hips and shoulders get the support they need while lighter areas like your waist don't sink in too much. The downside? All this clever engineering costs more to make, so pocket sprung mattresses typically have a higher price tag than open coil ones.
The big win with pocket springs? Zero partner disturbance. When your other half gets up for a midnight snack or rolls over, their springs do their thing while yours stay put. You won't even know they've moved.
Key Features of Pocket Sprung Mattresses
Independent Springs. In a decent pocket sprung mattress, each spring is independent, offering unmatched support exactly where it's needed.
Tailored to Your Comfort. Its flexibility can adapt to any sleeping style. Individual spring action allows micro-adjustments in response to one's body shape, sleep position, and movements during the night.
Excellent Edge Support. Higher-end pocket sprung models can provide commendable edge support. If you prefer sleeping near the edge, you won't be tipped out.
Adapts to Different Weights. Pocket springs could be tailored to varying body weights. Therefore, a mattress can have two different tensions, making it perfect for sleepers of different weights.
Longer Life Span. A significant advantage of pocket springs over open coil is their longer life expectancy due to superior overall support. A pocket sprung mattress can last for 7-10 years.
Key Differences Between Open Coil and Pocket Sprung Mattresses
Support System
Open coil mattresses use interconnected springs, which means if one spring moves, they all move. This can lead to an uneven distribution of support, especially for partners of different weights sharing the same bed. Find out more with our mattress guide for couples.
Pocket spring mattresses feature individual springs enclosed in their fabric pockets. This design gives precise contouring of the body, providing edge-to-edge support. Each spring works independently, which significantly reduces the 'roll-together' effect.
Price Point Comparison
Pocket sprung mattresses come at a premium due to the advanced construction. You wouldn't likely find a genuine pocket spring model for under £350.
Open coil mattresses are more budget friendly, in the £250-£400 price range. These mattresses are relatively cheaper, but this doesn't necessarily translate to value for money.
Durability and Lifespan Comparison
Pocket sprung mattresses are known to withstand the test of time more efficiently due their advanced construction. Each spring works independently, distributing the weight evenly across the mattress, resulting in less wear in specific areas. A pocket sprung mattress can last between 7-10 years, offering reliable support and comfort over time.
Open coil mattresses, although usually more affordable, don't present the same durability. It's important to highlight that all the springs in an open coil mattress work as a single unit, which means consistent pressure on the same spots night after night. This intense stress may cause a quicker sagging or dipping in the mattress.
Which Mattress is Better for Your Needs?
When deciding what mattress is better for your needs, you first need to understand your unique sleep requirements.
Comfort should top your priority list, encompassing features such as support and resilience to partner disturbance.
Open coil mattresses may seem attractive due to their budget-friendly nature, but their lack of individual springs often fails to provide the desired spinal alignment and support.
Pocket sprung mattresses, with high spring counts up to 5,000, offer a more personalised sleep experience.
Each pocket works independently to provide superior comfort, alignment and support. They reduce partner disturbance, an aspect most appreciated by those sharing a bed. Remember, the higher the spring count, the better the mattress contours to your body, delivering unmatched support.
Pocket sprung mattresses, with high spring counts up to 5,000, offer a more personalised sleep experience.
Summary and Key Points
Open coil - all springs connected together, cheaper, firmer feel, but you'll feel partner movement and they wear out quicker
Pocket sprung - individual springs in fabric pockets, more expensive, better body contouring, zero partner disturbance, and last longer
Bottom line - open coil for tight budgets and firm support, pocket sprung for couples and personalised comfort
