The Micro Spring Dilemma: Are Harrison Spinks Higher Spring Counts Compromising Comfort and Quality?
Micro springs are increasingly being used to inflate spring counts in mattresses, but this comes with a trade-off. When a mattress is filled with micro springs, there’s less room for natural fibres, which provide a more comfortable sleep. For example, in the Harrison Spinks Yorkshire 25,000 spring count mattress, the core pocket spring unit has 1,000 springs with an approximate depth of 15cm. In addition, there are eight layers of micro springs, totalling 24,000 springs, each approximately 1cm in depth. This configuration leaves just 5cm for natural fibres, impacting comfort and quality.
When Winstons Beds first released their collection, they used Harrison Spinks’ patented 7 zoned micro springs with high spring counts. However, after evaluating the performance and comfort of these mattresses, Winstons Beds decided to discontinue this range. Instead, they chose to focus on calico springs and a higher GSM (grams per square metre) of natural fibres to create more luxurious mattresses. The importance of GSM in a mattress lies in the quantity and quality of natural fibres, which contribute to a more comfortable and supportive sleep surface.
Micro springs, also known as HD (High Density) pocket springs, are small springs utilised by brands like Harrison Spinks to dramatically increase the spring counts of their mattresses. Although manufacturers claim that micro springs offer micro adjustments to pressure and advanced progressive comfort, these supposed benefits may not counterbalance the drawbacks.
Initially, micro springs were designed for smaller mattresses, such as cot mattresses, to provide additional support layers. However, they have since become a marketing gimmick for boasting higher spring counts. Despite their ability to compress quickly, micro springs necessitate multiple layers to deliver meaningful support, occupying valuable space that could be allocated to natural fibres or other upholstery layers.
When comparing micro springs to calico pocket springs, the differences are striking. Micro springs are synthetic, coated with polyester, and glued together, while calico springs are breathable, responsive, and stitched together without synthetic materials.
Micro springs increase the amount of metal in your bed, reducing the space available for breathable fibres and potentially making the mattress more expensive. A high-quality calico pocket spring can provide adequate support and responsiveness without the need for numerous layers of micro springs.
The primary concerns with micro springs in mattresses are spring failure and excessive bounciness. These small, tightly coiled springs often fail quickly, as they are not designed to withstand heavy loads and movements. Furthermore, some people find micro springs too springy, causing the bed to shake when they turn, leading to disrupted sleep.
If calico springs weren’t the superior and most luxurious option, then leading brands like Savoir Beds and Winstons Beds wouldn’t use them over the cheaper micro springs. These prestigious brands prioritise quality and comfort, opting for calico pocket springs to deliver the best possible sleep experience for their customers.
In conclusion, it’s vital to consider whether the advantages of high spring counts in a mattress outweigh the disadvantages of sacrificing natural fibres and comfort. A well-crafted mattress with calico pocket springs and a higher GSM of natural fibres may offer a more luxurious and restful sleep experience.