Difference between Vanadium and Calico Pocket Springs
What is the difference between vanadium pocket springs and calico encased pocket springs in mattress construction?
Many thanks
Hi Susan,
Many thanks for your comment about mattress pocket springs and the differences between them.
Simply put vanadium is a coating used on high end spring metals. This coating prevents rust and abrasion. It’s often used in sports cars on suspension springs. It gives the springs an incredible resilience against wear and any potential moisture.
Non-vanadium coated pocket springs are cheaper to produce but don’t carry the benefits of the vanadium coating.
Calico pocket springs relates to the material that covers the pocket spring. Calico is a naturally breathable fabric that makes the pocket spring flex incredibly easily when compared to other synthetic encasements. Cheaper springs use spunbond, polyester or stitchbond covers see the image below.
So a calico spring is the most responsive when it comes to choosing a new mattress. Finding one that’s vanadium coated like ours, Vispring‘s and Savoirs just takes the already high-end spring to the next level.
To help clarify these are the following spring types in quality/price order:
- Cage sprung/ open coil – One big spring intertwined the least comfortable
- FEPS – foam encased pocket springs – slow to react and heat retentive
- Spun bond or polyester encased pocket springs – most entry to mid level beds
- Calico encased pocket springs – most flexible and breathable
- Vanadium coated calico encased pocket springs – most resilient, flexible, and breathable
Our Artisan range of mattresses uses vanadium coated calico encased pocket springs for ultimate in progressive comfort and support.
Mattress Upholstery:
It is also important to take note of the GSM (Grams per square meter) of any upholstery placed on top of the spring unot as well which is where the mattress comfort layers come from. If a retailer can’t or won’t tell you, ask yourself why not? By understanding the GSM you can then accurately compare and contrast mattresses to see which is the higher quality and value for your budget.
| Upholstery Layer | Fibre Type | How it will feel? | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Synthetic | Soft | Cheap |
| White Fibre | Synthetic | Soft/Medium | Cheap |
| Recycled Fibre / Eco Fibre | Synthetic | Medium | Cheap |
| Memory Foam | Synthetic | Medium/Firm | Mid Price |
| Igel / Hybrid Foam | Synthetic | Medium/Firm | Mid Price |
| Polycotton | Synthetic/Natural Blend | Soft/Medium | Mid Price |
| Linen | Synthetic/Natural Blend | Medium | Mid Price |
| Wool (Pure) | Natural | Soft/Medium | High-End |
| Cotton (Pure) | Natural | Soft | High-End |
| Silk | Natural | Soft | Expensive |
| Horsehair | Natural | Medium | High-End |
| Mohair | Natural | Medium/Firm | High-End |
| Hemp | Natural | Medium | High-End |
| Latex (100% Natural) | Natural | Medium/Firm | High-End |
| Coir | Natural | Firm | High-End |
| Flax | Natural | Firm | High-End |
| Coarse Cashmere | Natural | Firm | High-End |
| Bamboo | Natural | Super Soft | Expensive / Exclusive |
| Horsetail | Natural | Firm | Expensive / Exclusive |
| Alpaca | Natural | Soft | Expensive / Exclusive |
| Cashmere (Pure) | Natural | Soft | Expensive / Exclusive |
| Vicuna | Natural | Super Soft | Expensive / Exclusive |
There are some helpful budget guides below when looking for a new mattress.
| How much to spend on a double mattress? | What can I expect for my money? |
|---|---|
| Under £500 | Will not get you much at best a 13.5 gauge open coil/cage sprung with a thin polyester layer or a solid foam mattress. |
| £500 | Entry level spunbond springs with some form of synthetic upholstery. Usually one sided mattresses. |
| £750 | The beginnings of a basic pocket springs unit with 800 – 1000 count. No substantial amount of filling other than foams and synthetic materials. Two sided models. |
| £1000 | Should get you away from most low ranges and into the mid-range pocket spring models. |
| £1250 | Should get you a decent pocket sprung mattress with some Natural Fibre content. |
| £1500 | Should get you many manufacturers mid-range models with Natural Fibres |
| £1500-£2000 | Should get you a Hand Made primarily Natural Fibre Quality Mattress |
| £2000+ | You should expect 100% Natural Fibres and Traditional Hand Made Construction Method. |
| £5000+ | A Bespoke Hand Made Sleep System, High-end Spring Units & Featuring the Worlds Most Luxurious Natural Fibres. |
We hope that helps and gives you further mattress buying guidance. If you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on [email protected] or 0161 437 4419.
Sleep well!
John & Ryan
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