Hi John,

Firstly great name! ;-) You've raised a really interesting question about replacing an old vispring mattress and their new pricing structure.

Vispring has been recently bought out by the Flex group and have now merged into a massive multinational bed group. This has meant their prices have risen along with the current spike in natural fibre costs. For most old Vispring customers it has now made replacement Vispring beds completely out of their price bracket.

We've always been able to compete with Visprings build quality, as all of our mattresses are designed and made by us by hand. No corners cut or outsourcing to third parties overseas. As we have a very lean team of experts we can keep out costs down. We don't use expensive TV adverts or costly showrooms meaning we can offer a competitive alternative to Visprings mattresses and beds.

Ideal Spring Tension:

In terms of your weight, we would still recommend a 1.4 gauge medium spring tension. The 1.2 soft spring tensions really very carefully used for very light sleepers ie under 8 stone. You've hit the nail on the head when you mention upholstery layers as these are the main component when it comes to a mattresses feel or perceived softness. Depending on the way fibres are layered and how supportive or soft they are you can create a myriad of mattress feels.

For a soft feel mattress ie one with upholstery layers that provide a soft feel our two softest models are the Origins Comfort 1000 and the Artisan Luxury. The main difference like you say is the use of natural fibres and a calico encased vanadium coated pocket spring. If you're used to a Vispring then we would recommend the Artisan Luxury as the closest in terms of build specifics, natural fibres, breathability and craftsmanship.

Whereas the Origins Comfort is a fantastic mattress but is designed to be an entry-level model for those on a budget. Its fibres will retain more heat than the Artisan Luxury and whilst a divinely comfortable bed simply can't and shouldn't compete with the Artisan Luxury or Visprings older range. It's a bit like comparing a Ford Focus with a Range Rover. They both drive but one is ultimately blissful in every way!

Have a look below at the two breakdowns to see where the additional cost and 'luxury' comes from.  Both would be fine on a solid bed frame.

Origins Comfort 1000 Breakdown:

Origins Comfort 1000

1: 750GSM VERY SOFT POLYESTER

2: 500GSM POLYESTER PAD

3: ONE INCH FOAM INSULATOR LAYER

4: 1000 SPUN BOND POCKET SPRINGS

TOTAL: 1250GSM

DEPTH 30-33CM

Artisan Luxury Mattress Breakdown:

Artisan Luxury Mattress

1: 1200 GSM BRITISH FLEECE WOOL AND COTTON

2: HAIRPROOF CAMBRIC COVER

3: 1200GSM PURE HORSEHAIR

4: 500GSM PURE WOOL

5: 1200GSM PURE HORSETAIL

6: 500GSM PURE WOOL

7: 1476 CALICO ENCASED POCKET SPRINGS [51MM] [1.42MM]

TOTAL: 4600GSM

DEPTH: 27-30CM

CHEMICAL FREE COVER

So to answer your question the Artisan Luxury is the closest to your existing Vispring and will have both a longer shelflife and breathability compared to any man made mattress alternative.

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If you have any more questions please get back in touch with us on 0161 437 4419.

All the best John & Ryan