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What is a Pocket Sprung Mattress | Buying Guide

We’ve produced this guide and filled it with all of our expertise in order to provide you with as much help as possible when buying your own pocket sprung mattress.

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Home / What is a Pocket Sprung Mattress | Buying Guide

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Pocket sprung mattresses are a highly popular option, combining great support with pressure relief. The best pocket sprung mattresses UK offer exceptional mattress support for a great night’s sleep. In addition, they help isolate movement and react independently to each sleeper’s needs, meaning no matter what size or shape you are, your mattress can adjust to your sleeping position correctly.

But is a pocket sprung mattress the right choice for you?

At Winston’s, we understand that buying a mattress can be an exhausting task, especially if you don’t know where to start. That is why we have developed several easy-to-read articles that will guide you through the world of luxury mattresses. This buying guide will give you all the information you need, from the benefits of a pocket sprung mattress to its construction and spring content.

What Is A Pocket Sprung Mattress?

If you have just started looking for a new mattress, you may have read the term pocket sprung many times. However, it can be unclear when understanding the different spring types and support levels of a new mattress.

A pocket sprung mattress comprises individually fabric encased springs to offer more personalised support to the body. Each pocket spring acts independently depending on where the pressure is applied; if you are a side sleeper, then the pocket springs around your lumbar region will support you without the entire spring system needing to compress. You may have endured the open coil spring in other mattresses, where you go to move over, and the whole bed moves and shakes. Pocket sprung mattresses eliminate this sleep issue as the construction ensures that the base only reacts to pressure placed on specific areas rather than moving uniformly.

Pocket mattresses are great for couples as they prevent roll-together, reducing movement transfer in the process. For restless sleepers, pocket sprung mattresses provide total body support and aid in achieving an uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Pocket sprung mattresses reduce roll together (where the mattress rocks when one sleeper moves) and can be fully tailored to your exact sleeping requirements.

What are the Benefits of a Pocket Sprung Mattress?

No transfer of movement
  • Unlike open coil springs, pocket springs work individually. This means that each spring will react differently to movement, significantly reducing the chances of disturbing your partner when they’re sleeping.
Consistent firmness
  • There is an even level of tension across the whole mattress due to the springs being wrapped individually.
Total body support
  • Because each spring works independently, they provide full-body support. Our Winston’s mattresses use 3D mini springs, which supply a 7 zoned support. This is good as it reduces the chances of aches and pains.
Pressure relief
  • The support provided by the pocket spring system reduces the amount of pressure point build-up, therefore reducing the chances of aches and pains.

What is Pocket Spring Count?

Pocket sprung mattresses use spring counts to indicate the number of springs and, therefore, the quality of support you will be getting. For example, in a kingsize pocket sprung mattress UK, a 1000 pocket sprung mattress is the minimum number of springs you should opt for; however, you should be aiming for a 1500 pocket sprung mattress or a 2000 pocket sprung mattress. Any less, and the springs get bigger and more unsteady.

At Winston’s Beds we do spring counts into the thousands using patented 3d 7-zoned micro-coils. Given that our mattress depth is at a minimum of 30cm, we can add more layers of springs and upholstery; therefore, the mattress comfort ends up with a perfect balance between the mattress support and the comfort layers.

Are More Pocket Springs Better Than Less?

Though many retailers will tell you more springs are just a selling point, mattress spring count must be carefully considered. For example, if you see a retailer stating a 1200 pocket sprung mattress is better than a 5000 pocket sprung mattress, then be cautious, so you don’t end up falling for the spring count scam. The rule of thumb is simple, the more quality springs you have, the more support you will receive.

Are Pocket Sprung Mattresses the Best for a bad Back?

Pocket sprung mattresses are excellent if you have a bad back and struggle to sleep at night. This is because each spring reacts independently based on your sleeping position. Furthermore, Winston’s Beds pocket springs can be chosen to your precise body weight and sleeping position, meaning that the mattress will offer the absolute support level you need.

Best Pocket Sprung Mattress for bad Back

If you’re experiencing back pain, then it’s time to invest in a supportive and comfortable mattress. Here are the best types of pocket sprung mattresses.

Jigsaw Pocket Sprung Mattress

This mattress has a unique finish knit sleep surface that is anti-dust mite & anti-bacterial, ensuring the ultimate fresh sleeping environment. The 1000 pocket sprung memory foam mattress has primarily positive reviews.

1000 pocket sprung mattress double – £1289.90

1000 king size pocket sprung mattress uk – £1489.90

We suggest trying our Winston’s Premium Cotton 1500 Pocket Spring Mattress, which has a higher upholstery gsm count and more pocket springs meaning more comfort and support.

Silentnight 2000 pocket sprung mattress

This medium firm pocket sprung mattress has an innovative sleep system for the perfect sleeping conditions. If you are on a budget and need a cheap pocket sprung mattress that will do a half-decent job of supporting your back, this mattress is for you. The 2000 pocket sprung mattress reviews are primarily positive.

2000 pocket sprung mattress double – £649.00

2000 pocket sprung mattress king size – £779.00

2000 super king mattress pocket sprung – £929.00

John Lewis pocket sprung mattress

This John Lewis mattress has been updated and reinvented to provide better comfort whilst being the most sustainable John Lewis king size pocket sprung mattress. If you are looking for a luxury mattress, then this for you. The 16400 pocket sprung mattress reviews are primarily favourable.

King size mattress – £1,899.00

We suggest trying our Winston’s Premier British Wool 1500 handmade pocket sprung mattress, which has 3 rows of side-stitching and significantly higher upholstery gsm count meaning more luxury, comfort, support and durability.

Best Pocket Sprung Mattress for Side Sleepers

If you are a side sleeper, then the mattress you choose should be suitable for side-sleeping, but it’s remarkable how few people acknowledge this. It’s not helped by the fact that there’s a lot of obscure advice in stores and online about which pocket sprung mattress is best for side-sleepers.

If you are a side sleeper, that does not automatically suggest you need a particular mattress brand. Commonly side-sleepers are best suited to softer mattresses, and there are many mattresses on the market suitable for you. Softer mattresses are better for side sleepers because your body’s shape around the lumbar and shoulders is contoured, and this will dig farther into the mattress itself.

It also depends on your weight – if you are on the heavier end of the spectrum and you are a side sleeper, you may find that a slightly firm mattress will work better. To make it simple for you, we have created a mattress firmness table from decades worth of data to guide you to what mattress firmness is best for your weight and sleeping position. All of our mattresses are suited to any sleeper.

Prices for best double size pocket sprung mattresses

Silentnight pocket essentials 1000 pocket sprung mattress – £359

Silentnight essentials 600 pocket sprung double mattress – £209.15

Silent night pocket sprung mattress –

Maitland pocket sprung mattress – £639.00

Hypnos walters pocket sprung mattress – £899.99

Campbell pocket sprung mattress – £369

John Lewis mattress – £1999

John Lewis Hypnos mattress – £1679.29

Vi Spring mattress – £1599.29

Winstons premium wool 1500 – £1299.99

Winstons ultimate hybrid 3000 pocket sprung mattress – £2599.99

Winstons no1 13500 pocket sprung luxury mattress – £2999.99

Are Pocket Spring Mattresses Firm?

The spring unit directly equates to the overall firmness or feel of the mattress, whereas the upholstery layers affect the comfort.

So if you’re looking for a firm mattress, you can choose a pocket sprung firm mattress, which is achieved by using a 1.6mm spring gauge. However, selecting the wrong spring can cause significant sleep problems and discomfort. This is why we have created a comfort chart to help you choose the best firmness for your weight and sleeping position.

Please take a look at our best firm pocket sprung mattress UK by clicking here.

Which is Better Memory Foam or Pocket Sprung Mattress?

The quick answer is pocket sprung. Whilst support and comfort are subjective, the manufacturing quality of a pocket sprung mattress vs memory foam mattress is considerable. In addition, pocket sprung mattresses reflect a considerably higher build quality than foam mattresses.

With the most mattress in a box brands such as Emma Mattress and Eve, memory foam offers a one size fits all firmness level; this is the biggest difference between pocket sprung and memory foam mattress as there’s no way you can pick a customised foam tension like you can do with a pocket spring.

Pocket springs are also much more breathable than foams allowing better airflow, keeping you a lot cooler at night, especially if you’re a hot sleeper.

However, if you are set on a foam mattress, we recommend a pocket sprung latex mattress to get the best of both worlds.

Open Coil or Pocket Sprung Mattress

The open coil is the most basic mattresses, consisting of an inter-connected spring unit. They are the traditional construction method for mattresses, capable of being produced on a mass level with a meagre production cost – this makes them the most affordable on the market. A standard double open coil mattress will contain an average of no more than 300 springs.

Pocket sprung mattresses spring system moves independently and so they offer much more support for your body and are perfect for people of two different weights as they reduce that ‘roll-together feeling. However, an open coil mattress is not as robust as their pocket sprung counterpart and are notorious for dipping in the middle after short use. Open coiled mattresses also lead to the ‘roll-together feeling meaning you will feel the movement of your partner.

How to Choose a Pocket Sprung Mattress

Buying a new mattress can be a daunting task considering there are well over 6,000 different mattress models on the market. When choosing a new mattress, you need to find out the following information.

  • How many pocket springs are there in the mattress?
  • What spring tension do I need based on my body weight and sleeping position?
  • What mattress upholstery fillings and gsm amount does the mattress contain?
  • Are the upholstery layers soft, medium or firm feel?
  • Is the mattress double-sided?
  • What is your budget?
  • What’s the guarantee? (anything less than 30 years on a mattress over £1000 is unacceptable)
  • What’s the trial period (anything less than 200 nights is useless as it takes around 12 weeks for the mattress to settle and your body to adjust)

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You Read The Whole Guide

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Winston’s Premium Cotton 1500 Pocket Spring Mattress

Available in Extra Firm, Firm, Medium, Soft

Springs

1500 Springs

Natural

85% Natural

Depth

33cm

from £999.99
(88)
View Product
Delivery

Free Delivery in 4-6 Weeks To Mainland UK

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Winston’s Premier British Wool 1500 Pocket Spring Mattress

Available in Extra Firm, Firm, Medium, Soft

Springs

1500 Springs

Natural

100% Natural

Depth

33cm

from £1,109.99
(73)
View Product
Delivery

Free Delivery in 4-6 Weeks To Mainland UK

Select options

Winston’s Finest Pure Wool 11500 Pillow Top Mattress

Available in Extra Firm, Firm, Medium, Soft

Springs

11500 Springs

Natural

98% Natural

Depth

30cm

from £1,799.99
(12)
View Product
Delivery

Free Delivery in 4-6 Weeks To Mainland UK

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical double mattress pocket sprung contains at least 1000 springs, and a king size mattress will contain a higher spring count and so on. It is unlikely you will see a pocket sprung mattress with more than 3,000 pocket springs as a core unit.

Higher spring counts can be achieved by using mini springs which go above the core spring unit for a non-turn mattress or above and below for a two-sided mattress. Here at Winston's, our mattresses can contain anywhere from 1500 springs up to 13,500 total springs.

At the core of every Winston's mattress is a fabric pocket spring system, layered above and below with 2000 pocket springs in each separate layer (dependant on the type of mattress you choose). These springs work independently of each other, adapting to each person's unique sleeping position and body shape. Our mattresses provide the best value for money on the market and give the correct amount of support needed for a great night's sleep.

Pocket spring mattresses last between 8 to 10 years on average, although this can be extended with the right amount of care. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the spring count, the higher the durability. Thanks to the additional strength provided by the individual springs, the strength and robustness of the mattress is significantly increased. A pocket sprung mattress also requires regular flipping to reach its full lifespan, a Winstons pocket sprung mattress will last you a lifetime due to our high quality build and this is why we offer a 30-year guarantee with every mattress.

Pocket sprung mattresses come in soft, medium, firm and extra firm comfort grades and can be tailored to suit your specific sleeping requirements. Many view pocket sprung mattresses as a firm mattress, and while they are more rigid than foam mattresses, the firmness is dictated by spring tension. As such, different types of springs can produce different levels of firmness.

If you’re a taller of heavier individual, pocket sprung mattresses are very effective at providing a pain-free night’s sleep. Due to the independent movement of the individual spring, pocket sprung mattresses are among the best mattress types for back pain, depending on your requirements. In essence, choosing a mattress for a bad back boils down to sleeping style and build.

Pocket sprung mattresses can be put onto a slatted bed safely. However, for optimal functionality and comfort, it’s recommended that significant sheeting is placed over the slats. This prevents ridging and shields the mattress against dipping into gaps, although it may make the mattress feel firmer. If your bed has wooden slats, pocket sprung mattresses can still provide all the comfort you need.

A single mattress is 90cm wide and 190cm long or 3ft wide by 6ft by 6ft3 inches long.

Mattresses that offer a plush soft, cloud-like feel are appealing to many sleepers. People who weigh less than 140 pounds often feel most comfortable and content on soft mattresses, especially side sleepers, because they cradle and shape to your body.
All of our mattresses are available in a soft tension, so it will come down to your budget as to which mattress you choose. Our soft mattress best-seller is the Winstons 1500 Wool.

We don't sell a 4000 pocket sprung mattress but sell a 3000, 3500, 11500 & 13500 pocket sprung mattress. Whether a slightly lower spring count or higher, all of these will give you just as much or more support than a 4000 pocket spring count mattress.

A small double mattress is 4 ft wide and 6 ft 3 inches long or 120cm wide and 190cm long.

A orthopedic mattress will have the same feel as a extra firm mattress but as a ortho spring is only a 12.5 gauge it will not give the same level of support as a pocket sprung extra firm mattress.

The flaxby mattress range by dreams are great mattresses. Our mattresses are more luxurious simply because we use much more rare upholstery layers and use much more of them.

People who weigh between 140-224 pounds often feel most comfortable and content on medium mattresses.

All of our mattresses are available in medium firmness, so it will come down to your budget as to which mattress you choose. Our best selling medium mattress is the Winstons 1500 Cotton.

Our traditional mattresses are 33cm (13 inches), and our pillow top mattresses are 30cm (11.89 inches).

Our Ultimate Hybrid Latex Mattress has 3000 binary pocket springs and is the worlds highest spec hybrid mattress. You don't get much more luxurious than the Ultimate Hybrid!

We don't sell a 4000 pocket sprung mattress firm but sell 3000, 3500, 11500 & 13500 pocket sprung mattresses, which are all available in a firm tension.

The Relyon is a great cheaper option and is a comfortable mattress giving a good night's sleep. Also, the mattress is excellent for allergy suffers.

Our best selling firm mattress is the Winstons Premier 1500 Wool Mattress. This mattress has 1500 reactive pocket springs with over 4000gsm of natural fillings and 3 rows of hand side-stitching, making this mattress the most affordable luxury mattress in the UK.

Always buy pocket sprung mattresses with 1,500 springs or more - anything below that is regarded as low quality. The general rule of thumb is that the higher the spring count, the more support you will receive, but anything above 13500 will not give you extra support and make the mattress uncomfortable. This is why at Winston's, we don't go above the 13500 pocket spring count.

People who weigh between 11-16 stones in weight feel most comfortable on medium-firm mattresses.

All of our mattresses are available in a medium-firm tension, so it will come down to your budget as to which mattress you choose to buy. Our best selling medium-firm mattress is the Winstons 1500 Premium Cotton.

Our mattresses are as luxurious or, depending on what mattress you buy, even more luxurious. We use the same quality natural fillings and mattress cover as vi spring mattresses. The only difference is we don't charge a huge premium and give you a 200-night trial and 30-year guarantee.

Sealy mattresses are mid-range products as they are mostly machine-made and low spring count with mostly synthetic fillings.

A king size mattress measures 5ft wide and 6ft6 inches long.
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Published: 30th October 2020 (Updated: 12th August 2022) | Graham

“A Great Nights Sleep Starts With a Great British Mattress”