Mattress Choices
January 2020Harrison Spinks Helmsley Egyptian Cotton Mattress Comparison
Harrison Spinks is a Yorkshire based mattress manufacturer with around 600 staff. More recently they have started listing directly to the public under their own brand (formerly using their other name Spink & Edgar then ) with a range of Natural Fibre mattresses. They specialise in making mid to high-end mattresses mainly using natural fibres in their models. They also use some really nice heritage manufacture techniques which we will also focus in on.
The Harrison Spinks Helmsley mattress (sold by Feather and Black exclusively) features a multiple pocket spring layer which is then topped with Cotton, Hempure, British Wool, Horsehair and Egyptian Cotton. It has a medium feel in the upholstery and also boasts a no turn construction method (the part we’re not so keen on read more here). So let’s start with the spring support and work our way up!
Harrison Spinks Spring System
The Harrison Spinks Helmsley model features a humongous 7,500 Revolution pocket springs of which 4,000 are micro springs. Quite eye-watering!
You may be wondering what Revolution pocket springs are. They are a new spring innovation from Harrison Spinks. The revolution spring is a standard pocket spring that then features a smaller spring inside it. The smaller spring is encased in a larger spring.
The design theory is to offer twice the support and its certainly an interesting twist (if you pardon the pun) on spring technology. Springs work by compression and extension, based on the weight/load placed on them. They are a rather simple mechanism that works incredibly well in its simple ‘single spring’ format. The jury is still out on the Revolution spring as to its suitability & longevity over the Calico Encased pocket spring front runner. But its certainly an interesting development so hats off to Harrison Spinks!
The spings contained within the Helmsley are spunbond pocket springs; meaning they are coated in a synthetic stitch bond like our Origins mattress range. Not a bad choice but you need to factor this in when looking at the price point. Synthetic encased pocket springs are entry to midpoint whereas Calico encased pocket springs will take you to the higher levels of mattress specifications.
The micro springs always cause us some concern as to the inclusion of them by other retailers to increase spring counts, which in turn can lead the consumer to simply compare based on this figure which would be erroneous. Micro springs are tiny springs that are produced in large rows. The claim is they can offer more subtle support in a mattress. However, given the fact most pocket spring mattresses have a maximum depth of 35cm their inclusion into a mattress usually means that the upholstery layers above are lower than they could be.
There’s only so much you can squeeze into 35cm so as something new comes in something else must be omitted. The reason why 35cm is usually the maximum depth as anything deeper makes tufting unstable and very difficult to achieve. Above this depth is usually achieved with toppers and separate mattress parts. The issue you may find with layers of micro springs is that the upholstery on top gets smaller as smaller the more springs you include.
An increase in the layers of springs usually means a decrease in upholstery layers given mattresses have a maximum depth of 35cm
Hand Side Stitching Detail
The nice detail with the Harrison Spinks model is that the spring units hand sewn with side stitching. Meaning that a craftsperson has spent considerable time passing a large needle through the side of the mattress. In direct comparison with the mass-produced ‘machine side stitched’ models out there its nice to see such as well thought through detail. All of our Artisan mattresses use Genuine Hand Side Stitching like this. It helps increase edge support and provide more robustness to the mattress preventing bulging etc.
Spring Tensions
This model is available in 4 spring tensions which will relate directly to your bodyweight. To make it easier we have included a table below so you know which tension to choose.
| Spring Tension | Wire diameter (Gauge) | Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | 1.2mm | Bespoke Tension (Please Call) |
| Medium | 1.4mm | Upto 16 stone |
| Firm | 1.6mm | 16 stone plus |
| Extra Firm / Orthopaedic | 1.9mm | 20 stone plus |
Remember: Spring support is dictated by your body weight and is not an indicator of how the mattress will feel. The comfort layers of the mattress provide the feel and these are made up of the upholstery placed on top of the spring system. Onto the upholstery next!
The Harrison mattress uses Hand Side stitching a beautiful detail.
Sadly they don’t disclose the GSM of each layer and the mattress is one sided
Split Tensions & Zip Links
The Harrison Helmsley is available in split tensions or a Zip link option. This is a great choice for sleepers of different weights who both need different spring tensions. We’ve written extensively here about Zip & Links and why they can offer both sleepers the perfect support (click here to read more). We offer Split Tensions and Zip & Links on our entire Artisan range meaning there’s no need to compromise on support.
A split tension is available in the following:
- Soft/Medium
- Medium/firm
The reason why Soft and Firm split tensions are not offered is that there is too much of a jump between the spring gauges, meaning a ridge can form in the centre of the bed. As there is no separation in the centre between the springs as the support changes one side can sink further than the other given the difference in tension. However, in a zip and link (which are two separate beds) this is not an issue as both beds have their own perimeter support removing this potential dip issue.
A Zip & Link is available in the following:
- Soft/Medium
- Medium/Firm
- Soft/Firm
Harrison Helmsley Mattress Upholstery
The next area for our review is the upholstery layers which provides the mattresses true comfort feel. To be able to accurately and precisely compare mattresses you need to know the grams per square meter of any upholstery contained within a mattress. Sadly Harrisons and its retailers don’t disclose this for their models, making it really difficult for you the consumer to make meaningful comparisons or work out the value of a mattress.
Higher-end mattress makers like Vi-spring and Savoir do disclose this as do we. It’s a shame all retailers don’t join the club of showing exactly what’s inside a mattress. We would love it if Harrison Spinks followed suit to help them showcase their models.
The Helmsley mattress upholstery features the following fibres:
- Egyptian Cotton (We would imagine this is the top comfort layer)
- Cotton
- Hempure/Hemp
- British Wool
- Horsehair (probably used as the Spring insulator layer)
Egyptian Cotton & Cotton Layers
As we have said without the GSM its really difficult to say exactly what this layer comprises of. We do however know that Egyptian cotton is very soft premium fibre. As with Cotton though its got very high loft but also high compression meaning usually it’s blended with another fibre to keep its loft. We would guess it may have been blended with the Hemp fibre to allow it to bounce back more easily. In this top layer, you would expect a 1000GSMEgyptian minimum amount for the comfort layer.
Hempure Layer
Hemp is a wonderful natural plant fibre that is highly breathable and resilient. Often blended with wool to soften hemp it brings resilience to a blended fibre or increases its loft. It’s been used for over a thousand years and is a great low carbon footprint option as it captures Co2 as it is grown. Without specifics from Harrisons we don’t know whereabouts this is used in the mattress. More than likely as a mid-layer maybe 300gsm, again we are having to estimate without further specifics.
British Wool Layer
This fibre is both soft and breathable making for an excellent comfort layer in comparison to cheaper polyester blends you see. Harrison Spinks have their own farm where they source some of their wool from for their mattresses. Wool gives a softness to a mattress as its incredibly forgiving this layer could be anywhere between 500GSM to 1200GSM.
Horsehair Layer
Horsehair acts as a secondary spring unit in a mattress and also doubles up as an excellent spring insulator in mattress construction. It provides a firmer feel to mattress upholstery so we would imagine this has been used directly on top of those Micro springs and Revolution springs. We would imagine this is a 500GSM -1000GSM.
One-Sided Mattress Issues
The main issue that we have with this mattress is the fact it’s still only one-sided. Meaning you can’t turn only rotate this model. The drawback with this is that you’re putting all the stress on one side of the bed. This can lead to issues with quicker settlement and the fact you’re not able to fully even out wear.
At this price point of £1470 for a kingsize (Feather & Black) you should be really looking for a two-sided model like our Artisan Range.
Summary
Harrison Spinks make some really lovely models with some lovely traditional mattress detailing such as Hand Side Stitching and the use of Natural Fibres. The only improvement we can see with this model is making it a two-sided model so you can get more wear out of your mattress.
Another suggestion would be for Harrison Spinks, along with all other retailers, to disclose the full GSM of their fibres. This would help consumers compare and also work out exactly how their models will feel based on the fibre details.
If you need further help in choosing a new mattress why not get in touch with our small expert team on 0161 437 4419.
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