Difference between Vispring divan bases & John Ryan

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for your question about Vispring spring divan bases vs our hand made John Ryan sprung bases. There are a few notable differences between the two, outside of price which we will explain. It may be helpful first to explain for other readers exactly what a sprung edge divan is.

There are 4 main types of bed base. We will be discussing the first divan bases in this answer.

1. Divan Bases
2. Slatted Bases, Bedsteads & Bed Frames
3. Ottoman Bed Bases
4. Electric Bed Bases

What’s the difference between a regular divan and sprung edge divan?

A regular or platform top divan is a be base that’s usually made from a wooden frame which is then upholstered. The top of the base is usually covered in MDF, plywood or wood depending on the price point/quality of the bed divan maker.
Most have a padding or upholstery wadding layer on the very top part which is then covered in either a fabric (in higher-end models) or black stitch bond (a type of synthetic polyester materials) in cheaper entry-level models.

Sprung edge divans use the same wooden frame construction method but then the very top of the divan features inset pocket springs (in high-end models like a mini mattress inside the base) or in cheaper models a big coil Bonnell spring.

Sprung edge divans give a far wider type of movement to both the mattress and the sleeper. Which is called progressive comfort as it has another row of springs to help support the mattress and sleeper. Some people love this and are happy to pay more for a quality handmade sprung divan base. Other sleepers are fine with a solid non-sprung platform top divan instead.

It’s a personal preference which type of bed base you favour.

What base type do Vispring use?

Vispring uses sprung edge bases with most* of its mattress models Some use bedsteads that use a platform top instead so always check with the Vispring stockist.

This means that Vispring mattresses and bed frames have a progressive comfort to them. Ie the mattress and bed base are both sprung independently giving wider movement and support.

Vispring sprung edge bases use the springs to the very edge of the bed frame. ie there is no tray or wooden firm edge around the perimeter. This means that you get the same level of support all the way around however it can lead to some niggles and issues for sleepers that sleep near the edge of the bed.

Primarily mattress roll off.

What sprung divan base does John Ryan use?

We make our hand made sprung edge divans with what we call a ‘true edge’ where the springs are contained within a wooden frame see the image below. See how they are contained for a definite edge?

Vi Spring does not use the firm edge / true edge build of ours and Harrisons, Spink and Edgar or Savoir etc.
The spring edging is not contained within a timber surround but cushioned on top of the base.

This means that as you sit on the edge the mattress (which is also not contained by rod edging like some mattress bases) will compress far more on a cushion top spring edging than on the contained unit. Meaning if you sit on the side of the mattress is can often feel very soft or lead to a roll-off effect which some sleepers really dislike.

If you sleep further into the mattress you shouldn’t notice it but for sitting on the edge or people who sleep close to the edge it can become a problem with these Vispring bases.

There is no right or wrong thesis on this type of manufacture – each to his own as it were.
If you want to know more about the types of mattress base then this detailed article here will help explain everything!

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