The Definitive Guide to Pocket Spring Mattresses

Generally, and this certainly does not apply in all cases, manufacturers tend to go down the soft / medium/ firm route and use the firmer springs on the 1000 counts to softer springs on the 2000 counts. The theory is that 2000 pocket springs do not have to be as supportive as 1000. The support will be there, but spread out over a greater number of springs.

Is a pocket sprung mattress good for a bad back?

We often get asked this question. A pocket sprung mattress could certainly help you to sleep sounder if you suffer from back problems. The fact that each spring reacts individually means that your spine will be far better supported than it would be on an open coil mattress.

However, there are lots of other considerations to take into account when it comes to alleviating back pain. These range from the firmness of the mattress in question, to comfort layers and even the best sleeping positions for lower back pain.

Considering an orthopaedic mattress can also help, as they’re designed to reduce the stress that’s placed on your back, neck and joints. We’ve previously looked at the best orthopaedic mattresses for back pain sufferers, and have already explained that the long-standing assumption that firmness is “good for bad backs” isn’t quite correct. Just like pocket springs alone don’t necessarily make an optimal mattress for a bad back, factors like spring tension are actually far more important that simple questions around “soft or firm”.

Which pocket spring mattress suits your sleeping position?

Pocket springs work well for every sleeping position, but the spring tension and upholstery depth that suits a side sleeper is quite different from what a front or back sleeper needs. Getting this right makes a meaningful difference to how supported and comfortable you feel, particularly if you have a consistent sleeping position rather than moving around significantly during the night.

Side sleepers

Side sleeping is the most common position in the UK, and it places the greatest demand on a mattress in terms of pressure relief. When you lie on your side, your shoulder and hip are the widest points of contact. A mattress that is too firm will not allow these points to sink in sufficiently, placing the spine in a lateral curve that causes discomfort across the lower back and shoulder over time. Side sleepers generally benefit from a medium tension spring unit paired with a generous depth of softer upholstery — Wool, Cotton, and softer natural fibres that cradle those pressure points rather than resisting them.

If you are a side sleeper of lighter build, a medium tension spring (1.4mm wire gauge, up to 16 stone) is almost always the right foundation. Heavier side sleepers should consider whether a firmer spring tension is appropriate to prevent excessive sinkage, particularly at the hip.

Back sleepers

Back sleepers generally require a mattress that supports the natural lumbar curve without allowing the lower back to sag. This means the spring tension needs to offer enough resistance to prevent the heavier pelvis from sinking too deeply while the lighter lumbar region is still supported. A medium to firm spring tension suits most back sleepers, with a comfort layer that is substantial enough to feel comfortable but not so deep that it undermines the spinal alignment the springs provide.

Back sleeping is actually the position in which a well-matched pocket spring mattress performs most consistently well. The independent spring movement means each spring supports the contour of the body directly above it, which suits the varied pressure distribution of back sleeping particularly effectively.

Front sleepers

Front sleeping places the spine in extension, which means excessive softness in the mattress can worsen rather than relieve back and neck discomfort. Front sleepers typically benefit from a firmer spring tension and a thinner comfort layer that keeps the pelvis from sinking and the spine from hyperextending. If you sleep predominantly on your front, it is worth being cautious about choosing a mattress primarily on the basis of how soft it feels when you press it in the shop. That initial sensation may not translate to a comfortable night in your actual sleeping position.

Pocket Springs vs Memory Foam

If you’re prone to overheating in your sleep, then the ventilation that’s offered by a pocket spring mattress is much better than memory foam. Memory foams retain heat, so can easily lead to a hotter than normal night’s sleep.

Additionally, sufferers of sore joints or people who move around a lot in their sleep are also better served by pocket springs. Memory foam may let you sink into a bed, but pocket springs distribute your body weight a lot more evenly. This promotes healthier sleeping positions and keeps your spine in much better alignment.

Ultimately, there are plenty of better alternatives to memory foam mattresses. Some people certainly like memory foam mattresses, and if you’re on a tight budget they may have a place. However, in most circumstances we certainly wouldn’t recommend them over durable, natural materials.

What is a hybrid pocket spring mattress?

The word “hybrid” has become ubiquitous in mattress marketing over the past several years. It refers, in most cases, to a mattress that combines a pocket spring unit with one or more layers of foam  typically memory foam or latex foam  as the primary comfort layer. The idea is that you get the support and breathability of pocket springs with the pressure-relieving properties of foam. That sounds reasonable in theory.

In practice, the picture is more complicated. Most hybrid mattresses sold by direct-to-consumer brands use synthetic foam comfort layers of modest depth over relatively basic spring units. The springs provide a support core that is genuinely better than an all-foam mattress, but the foam upholstery sits at a price point that does not compare favourably with what natural fibres deliver at the same cost.

The original “hybrid” concept — a pocket spring unit combined with natural fibre comfort layers has been the standard construction method of quality British mattress makers for well over a century. Wool, Cotton, Horsehair, and Silk over a calico pocket spring unit is a hybrid in every meaningful sense of the word. It simply predates the marketing term by about a hundred years, and it performs considerably better over a long lifespan than synthetic foam alternatives.

There is one circumstance in which a foam hybrid makes a reasonable case for itself: natural Latex combined with pocket springs. Natural Latex is a genuinely high-performing material — responsive, durable, naturally antimicrobial, and breathable in a way that memory foam is not. Our Artisan Latex range uses natural Latex alongside calico pocket springs and natural fibre upholstery, which we consider a meaningful upgrade rather than a marketing exercise.

If you are currently comparing hybrid mattresses from DTC brands, the questions worth asking are: what exactly the foam layers are made from, how deep they are, how long the spring unit is warranted for, and what happens to the mattress in 8 years when the foam comfort layer has softened significantly. Quality pocket spring mattresses built with natural fibres can be refurbished; most foam hybrids cannot.

Guide to pocket spring mattresses

A good thing to bear in mind is that a 1000 / 1500 / 2000 pocket sprung unit will be broadly similar from about 90% of all manufacturers. It is what is placed on top of the units (upholstery) that makes the difference in Price and in quality.

Total spring counts usually come in at 600 / 800 / 1000 / 1200 / 1400 / 1500 / 2000 pockets per unit.

The lower spring counts will have a larger diameter spring. The higher spring counts will have a smaller diameter spring. One of the most prolific questions we get asked, and one that’s abundant on internet forums, is “how many springs are best?”. As you’ll have picked up from what we’ve already written, this may be a simple question but the answer is not! The response to this question should always be followed up with “best for what?”

Which is best: a pocket sprung or open coil Mattress?

Pocket springs are king when it comes to bed choices. If you are torn between two similar mattresses, one open coil and one pocket sprung, the pocket sprung mattress will always win hands down! Like I said above, the minimum 600 pocket count is far superior to any open coil or continuous coil mattress you can get. It is so unlikely an open coil/continuous coil mattress will have a quality level of upholstery attached, and all these fall within the low-end range of mattresses.

How many pocket springs do I need in my mattress?

You should aim for at least 1000 pocket springs in a mattress: up to 2000 in a single layer.

If you look at the complete range from Rest Assured, for example, you will see that the bulk of their mattresses utilise a 1400 pocket spring unit. This count will suit the majority of users: not too firm and not too soft.

A bigger person (such as my 20st Rugby Player friend) will gain more benefit from a 2000 unit. His weight will be equalised over a greater number of springs. The springs will not be fully compressed, but allowed to ‘move’ with him. If he was on a 1000 pocket unit, for example, the weight is distributed over a lesser number of springs. My ten stone friend will be quite happy on 1000 pockets.

You’re probably now thinking that if a 1000 spring unit is firm, then why would that suit our ten stone friend? Good point. The Firm spring unit only has 1000 springs and at a gauge of, say, 1.5mm. The 2000 spring unit at Soft will have a gauge of 1.2. This difference in spring gauge is fractional and nominal between two individual pockets. They will both compress easily under the pressure of your hands. As the number of springs increases, as in a complete unit, it takes more pressure to compress them.

This is only half the story, though! The other difference between 1000 springs and 2000 springs is the tension of the spring itself. There is no hard or fast rule on what gauge wire is used on a particular spring count: A 2000 unit can utilise a firm spring (e.g. 1.5mm) or it can utilise a soft spring (e.g. 1.2mm). And it is this reason alone why the question above cannot be answered with any degree of precision. It is so unlikely a retailer will know what gauge wire is used on any particular unit contained in a particular mattress.

What is the best bed base for a pocket spring mattress?

The base you place a pocket spring mattress on is not a secondary consideration. A well-made pocket spring mattress placed on an unsuitable foundation will underperform relative to its specification, and in some cases will wear unevenly as a direct consequence of the base beneath it. This is a subject the industry tends to gloss over because talking about bases means potentially complicating a mattress sale.

Slatted bases

Slatted bases are the most common foundation for pocket spring mattresses in UK homes, and they work well provided the slats meet a couple of basic criteria. The gaps between slats should not exceed approximately 7cm. Wider gaps than this allow the spring unit to push through partially, which causes uneven wear and can damage the spring edge over time. The slats themselves should flex gently under load rather than being completely rigid, as some flex helps the mattress respond naturally to body weight.

Solid, unyielding slats can compress the spring unit unnecessarily. If your slatted base has gaps wider than 7cm or slats that have bowed, warped, or broken, it is worth addressing this before buying a new mattress. A new mattress on a poorly maintained base is a waste of the investment in the mattress.

Divan bases

A good quality divan with a firm platform top is an excellent base for a pocket spring mattress. The solid, even surface supports the spring unit consistently across its entire footprint, which promotes even wear and stable support. Avoid divans with a sprung-edge top if you are pairing them with a premium calico pocket spring mattress — two spring units stacked together can interfere with each other’s response. A platform top divan removes that variable entirely.

Adjustable bases

Adjustable bases — the kind that raise the head or foot of the bed — are compatible with some pocket spring mattresses, but not all. The mattress needs to be both flexible enough to bend at the articulation points without damaging the spring unit and robust enough to retain its structure when flat. Not every pocket spring mattress is suited to an adjustable base. If this is something you are considering, it is worth speaking to us directly so we can confirm compatibility with the specific model you are looking at.

Our full range of bed bases is designed specifically to complement our mattress range. If you are purchasing a new mattress and base together, we can advise on the pairing that will perform best for your specific requirements.

Tailored Pocket Spring Gauges – Soft, Medium or Firm?

Once you move away from cheaper mass-produced springs, you then have the option of tailored spring gauges. This means that (depending on your weight) you can choose a soft, medium or firm spring. As a result, you have the potential for split tension mattresses and zip and links. So if you and your partner are different weights, then you can have different tensions to suit each of you.

A split tension mattress is a one-piece mattress where one side has one spring tension and the other side has a different spring tension.

Zip & link mattresses are two separate mattresses that can have completely different spring tensions. They zip together as a one-piece mattress.

Pocket spring mattresses for couples: split tension, zip and link, and managing different needs

Pocket spring mattresses are particularly well suited to couples, and not just because of the motion isolation that individual spring movement provides. The real advantage for couples lies in the ability to have different spring tensions across a single sleep surface — something that is simply not possible with foam, Latex-only, or open coil mattresses.

The scenario is extremely common: two people of different body weights sharing a bed. Standard mattress guidance is built around spring tension being matched to body weight, so a 10 stone person and a 20 stone person have meaningfully different requirements. A single tension that suits one will almost certainly compromise the other. Pocket springs, and specifically calico pocket springs with tailored gauges, allow this to be addressed directly.

A split tension mattress is a single mattress with two different spring gauges — one for each side. It looks, feels, and behaves like one mattress. You cannot feel the transition between the two sides because there is not really one; each side simply responds to the person lying on it with the appropriate level of resistance. This is available across our Artisan range.

A zip and link mattress takes this further. It is two completely separate mattresses joined by a zip along the centre seam. Each mattress can be a completely different model, tension, and specification. If one partner needs a firm calico spring unit with a relatively shallow upholstery profile and the other wants a soft spring with a deeper, more cushioning comfort layer, a zip and link delivers that. They sleep together as one bed, but each person is on their own tailored mattress.

Beyond tension differences, the motion isolation of a quality pocket spring unit means that movement on one side of the bed does not significantly disturb the other sleeper. Each spring operates independently, so the ripple effect that an open coil or interconnected spring system creates simply does not occur. If one partner is a restless sleeper or works shifts and comes to bed at a different time, this is a real and practical benefit.

Pocket Spring wire diameter explained

Spring wire diameter is sometimes shown on product descriptions (not to be confused with spring gauges). It shows you how thick the wire is for that spring unit. The thicker the spring wire, the firmer the support you will get from it, as it’s harder to compress. The gauge refers to the torsion, push-pull measurement which tells you how resilient/firm a mattress spring is. An example of this is an orthopaedic mattress, which has a gauge of 12 and is very firm.

We have a handy table that allows you to see the spring wire diameter we use in our range and the tension that the spring is set at. We also, unlike many competitors, allow you to see what the weight tolerance is for these springs. This is crucial when working out the support you need and we detail this more in the article on soft, medium & firm.

How are pocket spring mattresses made?

In most mattresses, you will come up against the pocket sprung unit itself, which will be relatively similar. In this country they are produced in large factories, such as Leggett and Platt, Charles Blythe and the like. There are also imports, with the most regarded being Agro gmbh (Germany). Currently, the most prolific imports of pocket sprung units come from Turkey and South Africa.

Some manufacturers have the equipment and facility to produce their own pocket springs. Such manufacturers include Vispring/Harrisons and, of course, the manufacturer we use who makes our Artisan range: all completely made in Britain.

Each one of our Artisan Calico Encased Pocket Springs is made by a specialist piece of machinery. Each individual pocket spring is formed and then inserted into a calico sleeve which is then machine-stitched shut. Once each length of pocket springs have been formed, they are then hand-cut so each strip forms one piece. Cheaper synthetic pocket springs may be glued together (instead of stitching) to reduce the time required to make them.

What’s the length of a pocket spring?

This is another very good question. The expectation that a quality pocket spring will be 16cm is usually standard in high-end mattresses. Each is usually between 6 and 9 turns. Again, anything above 6 turns is almost superfluous. Retailers have made springs longer for marketing, but 9 turn 20cm springs are actually really unstable.

We use the same spring type as Vispring. 6 Turns, 16cm long and in 3 different wire gauges. All our Artisan springs are Calico encased and vanadium coated. We avoid shorter micro springs as they compress far too quickly and offer far less support (other than inflating the spring count for manufacturers).

What’s a Vanadium pocket spring?

Vanadium is used in the steel forging process and provides strength to the metal, which assists when it is then formed into a pocket spring. It also has a low oxidisation value, meaning it doesn’t corrode as quickly as other metals. As a result, these pocket springs don’t rust.

We use Vanadium on our calico pocket springs that are found in the higher end Artisan models. Vanadium is often found in metal alloys and top-end tools to give strength and durability against corrosion. It is used within our springs to ensure they are of the highest quality, giving an enhanced lifespan and longevity. Most manufacturers couldn’t tell you what is in their spring wire; you will probably just get shrugged shoulders. However, here at John Ryan we can share with you the exact composition of our calico vanadium pocket springs.

Other types of Pocket springs – Cortec, Revolution & Micro Springs

Just before 2020, the mattress market saw a flood of new ‘spring innovations’, which were all there to tempt you to certain brands’ mattresses. Spring technology has pretty much remained the same for over a hundred years. The simple spring mechanism works by compressing and extending based on a load applied to it (i.e. a sleeper loading the spring when they lie on a mattress).

There’s only so much innovation you can do with a spring, such as changing its shape or size. It will have some influence, but is it enough to spend hundreds of pounds more on a new mattress? We take a look at a few of the newer spring types so you can make your own mind up.

Cortec Pocket Springs: Cortec springs by Harrison Spinks are an elongated pocket spring. That means they are thinner and taller than regular pocket springs. Cortec springs are not glued together but heat-sealed into rows, meaning they are glue-free. You don’t need glue to bond them together as they can concertina together by being folded in their rows. Imagine a roll of paper labels and how each one can be folded back on each other or torn off. This is the same layout as the Cortec spring. They are still synthetic coated pocket springs and, unlike our Calico ones, they are not vanadium coated, so won’t be as impervious to rusting over time.

Revolution Pocket Springs: This is again another innovation from Harrisons which involves placing a smaller spring within a regular-sized pocket spring. So you have two springs in one. We’ve trialed these and not found a huge amount of comfort difference between the two. We also do have reservations about how sure they are that the smaller internal spring won’t get stuck or trapped in the larger spring.

Micro Mattress Springs: These are the latest in spring count hype. Micro springs are tiny synthetic pocket springs that come in rows of 1000. This means you can add a few layers to suddenly boost the overall spring count of a mattress. We really don’t rate micro springs as they compress almost instantaneously, making them redundant in our tests. We can only imagine that retailers are now using HD or micro springs simply to up the spring count in the battle to have the higher figure. However, this simply means less upholstery for you. The more layers of springs you place in a mattress, the less room there is for the upholstery comfort layers. Bear this in mind!

How long does a pocket spring mattress last?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions about mattresses, and it rarely gets a straight answer. The honest version is: it depends entirely on what you buy and how you look after it.

The spring unit itself is rarely the part that wears out first in a quality mattress. Springs made from vanadium-coated steel wire, properly tensioned and supported by an appropriate base, are extraordinarily durable. It is the comfort layers above the springs that age first. In a mattress using natural fibres — Wool, Horsehair, Cotton — these layers compress gradually and evenly over time, which is entirely normal. In a mattress using synthetic foam layers, the degradation tends to be more pronounced and considerably less reversible.

Signs that a pocket spring mattress has reached the end of its useful life include a visible or palpable sag at the centre or edges that does not recover when the mattress is unloaded, persistent discomfort or waking with stiffness that was not present when the mattress was new, and visible surface damage to the ticking or upholstery layers. If the springs themselves are creaking or can be felt through the comfort layers, that is a more serious indicator that the spring unit has been compromised, often by an unsuitable base.

The cost-per-night calculation is worth running when you are comparing mattresses at different price points. A £1,050 Origins 1500 king size mattress lasting ten years costs around 29p per night. An £2,180 Artisan Naturals king size mattress lasting fifteen years costs around 40p per night. In both cases, the nightly cost of a quality pocket spring mattress is genuinely modest relative to its contribution to sleep quality and overall health. We explain this in more detail in our guide on how much to spend on a mattress.

How to care for a pocket spring mattress: flipping, rotating, and protecting

A quality pocket spring mattress is built to last, but how long it actually lasts is directly influenced by how it is maintained. The good news is that caring for a pocket spring mattress is not complicated. It requires a small amount of regular attention rather than any specialist knowledge.

Flipping and rotating

If your mattress is double-sided — as all of ours are — it should be both flipped and rotated on a regular schedule. For the first three months, we recommend doing this every two to four weeks as the mattress beds in and the upholstery begins to settle. After that, flipping and rotating every two to three months is sufficient for the majority of its life.

Flipping means turning the mattress over so the surface that was facing down is now facing up. Rotating means turning it 180 degrees so the head end becomes the foot end. Doing both in rotation ensures that every part of the upholstery is used and settled evenly, which is the primary driver of long-term comfort and longevity. A one-sided mattress cannot be flipped, which is why two-sided construction is so significant for long-term value.

Using a mattress protector

A good quality mattress protector is one of the most practical investments you can make alongside a new mattress. It keeps the ticking and upper comfort layers clean, protects against moisture from sweat, and makes it easy to maintain a hygienic sleep surface without any special cleaning of the mattress itself. Our 100% Cotton Quilted Mattress Protector is breathable and machine washable, which means it can go through a regular wash without affecting the temperature regulation that natural fibre mattresses provide. Cotton protectors at £55 for a king size are a sound investment relative to the mattress they protect.

Airing and ventilation

Pocket spring mattresses, particularly those with natural fibre upholstery, benefit from regular airing. Pulling back the bedding for thirty minutes in the morning rather than making the bed immediately allows moisture from overnight sleep to evaporate naturally. This is particularly relevant in colder months when condensation can accumulate more readily. It takes almost no time and makes a genuine difference to how fresh the mattress remains over years of use.

Cleaning

The surface of a pocket spring mattress should be vacuumed lightly every month or two to remove dust and keep the ticking fresh. For any spills or staining, spot clean with a mild detergent and cold water as promptly as possible, working inward from the edges of the stain rather than rubbing outward. Allow the mattress to dry thoroughly before replacing bedding. A pocket spring mattress should never be soaked or steam-cleaned directly, as excessive moisture can damage the natural fibre upholstery layers and, in extreme cases, affect the spring unit. For more detail, our mattress care and maintenance guide covers the full process.

Frequently asked questions about pocket spring mattresses

How many pocket springs do I need in a king size mattress?

For a king size mattress, 1000 pocket springs is a solid minimum and 1500 is the sweet spot for most sleepers. The maximum in a single layer of springs is 2000. Spring counts above this involve multiple layers or micro springs, neither of which improves comfort. The quality of the spring — calico vs synthetic, wire gauge, vanadium coating — matters significantly more than the raw number.

What are the disadvantages of a pocket spring mattress?

The main disadvantages are weight, a higher upfront cost compared to foam alternatives, and sensitivity to the base beneath them. Pocket spring mattresses perform best on a slatted base with gaps no wider than around 7cm or a good quality platform top divan. A poorly maintained base will compromise both performance and lifespan.

How long does a pocket spring mattress last?

A budget pocket spring mattress typically lasts five to seven years. A mid-range model with natural fibre upholstery, properly maintained, should last eight to ten years. A premium calico pocket spring mattress built double-sided, with substantial natural fibre upholstery and proper care, can last fifteen years or more. The key variables are upholstery quality, double-sided vs one-sided construction, and the suitability of the base.

Should you flip a pocket spring mattress?

Yes, if your mattress is double-sided. Flipping and rotating every two to four weeks for the first three months, then every two to three months thereafter, distributes settlement evenly and significantly extends the mattress’s life. One-sided mattresses cannot be flipped, which is one reason two-sided construction represents considerably better long-term value.

What is the best bed base for a pocket spring mattress?

A firm platform top divan or a slatted base with gaps no wider than 7cm are the best foundations. Avoid sprung-edge divan tops when pairing with a calico pocket spring mattress. Slatted bases with gaps wider than 7cm, or broken and bowed slats, should be replaced before fitting any new mattress — a poor base will accelerate wear regardless of how good the mattress is.

Is a pocket spring mattress good for side sleepers?

Yes. The independent spring response suits side sleeping well, allowing the shoulder and hip to compress the springs appropriately while the waist remains supported. Side sleepers should generally choose a medium spring tension with a generous depth of softer natural fibre upholstery to cushion the key pressure points without sacrificing spinal alignment.

What is the difference between calico and spunbond pocket springs?

Calico pocket springs are individually encased in breathable natural cotton and stitched by hand. They are more responsive, more breathable, and used in all high-end mattresses. Spunbond pocket springs use a synthetic polyester casing and are glued together. Still considerably better than open coil, but not in the same category as calico for breathability, responsiveness, or longevity.

Are pocket spring mattresses better than memory foam?

For most sleepers, yes. Pocket spring mattresses are significantly more breathable, sleep cooler, provide better spinal alignment, and are more durable when built with natural fibre upholstery. Memory foam has a place for those on a very tight budget, but it is not a like-for-like replacement for a quality pocket-spring mattress.

Summary

If you want the best of the best, you need to be looking for calico pocket springs. If your budget constrains you, a spun-bond pocket spring unit with at least 1000 pocket springs per kingsize will get you a mid-range mattress. There is also a post on this site about the anomalies of soft, medium, or firm mattresses. It’s worth a read, particularly if you are struggling with how on earth a mattress can be described as such. If you have different body weights, we can create split tension mattresses or zip-and-link beds tailored to your weight.

Lastly, if you want to get really informed about the details of pocket springs and the different tiers, gauges and latest developments, you can read the detailed arguments on the John Ryan By Design site. To start, view some of the best handmade mattresses in our shop, where we use only the highest-quality pocket springs and coverings. Still struggling? Then why not call our small expert team based here in Manchester on 0161 437 4419 to see if we can help?