Spring count vs spring diameter: Pocket spring detailing in a mattress

Hi Lee,

Many thanks for your question about mattress spring diameters. We’re sorry you’re experiencing back pain in bed at night. That’s no fun and usually, an unsuitable mattress ie the wrong spring tension can only make this worse. This is why it’s so important that you do your research, which you’re doing now! So at least you’re not going to end up in an awkward sleeping position for much longer.

The biggest issue with pocket spring counts in mattresses is that retailers across the board use the number as the indicator of quality or value in a mattress. 3000 springs sound much more enticing than 600 for example.

However, there is a fine line between the right amount and springs for the sake of springs. In a kingsize mattress, you can roughly fit up to 2000 springs (give or take based on the diameter as you’ve highlighted). Mattresses with 2000+ spring counts either have multiple layers of springs (dual springs / twin up springs) or they use tiny micro or HD springs which are far smaller in diameter, wire gauge and size. Hence you can fit in thousands for the ever ‘important’ spring count. Well for the uninformed any way!

We’ve detailed here in our micro springs article why we never use these tiny springs. In summary, they offer very little support, decrease the capacity for important mattress comfort layers. Ie the upholstery that you actually sleep. These are known as the comfort layers of a mattress and sadly are often overlooked in favour of pocket / mattress spring counts.

The ideal number in a single layer of full size pocket springs in a kingsize is between 1000-1600. More than this and the spring diameter gets smaller and smaller to fit more in.

For a twin up or dual layer its between 2000 and 3200. Again the higher the number the smaller the diameter.

Mattress Spring Diameter vs Gauge:

Ok, onto the main part of your question. The spring gauge or thickness of wire is the most important part to consider. This is because its based on your bodyweight. Each pocket spring is designed and manufactured with a weight tolerance in mind. This is to enable it to compress and counter balance the forces (bodyweight) applied to it.

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

The diameter is the width of the spring, usually tweaked slightly to show different spring counts. However, most high end springs use the 49-51mm. In all honesty, the diameter is not that relevant if looking at 1000-1600 as these will be between 49-51mm. When you’re looking at 3000+ spring the diameter shows you how small the springs actually are which you may then start to avoid given the issue with micro springs detailed above.

The gauge based on your weight is the most important factor.

How much to spend:

In terms of which Vispring mattress to buy we would ask you to read our comparison article here, bearing in mind the spring tension you need, possibly a 1.2 gauge given your lightweight and height. Then look at the upholstery you may need, ie slightly softer layers given your bad back and fact you’re a side sleeper.

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’ve detailed below the mattress fibers you will be looking at in your search for a new mattress and how each one feels along with its price bracket to assist.

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

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