So, you’re looking at spring mattresses. They are a great choice for support, airflow, and that little bit of bounce.
The main difference among the ones you’ll typically find comes down to how the coils are arranged inside.
Some springs are linked together in rows, others move on their own. And depending on which one you choose, your mattress can feel firm, flexible, or somewhere in between.
Key Takeaways
- Spring mattresses vary not just in bounce, but in how they support your body. Bonnell springs feel firmer and simpler, while pocket springs offer more contour and comfort.
- The biggest difference? Bonnell springs are all connected, while pocket springs move independently. That changes how each mattress handles motion, support, and pressure relief.
- For long-term comfort and support, especially if you’re sharing a bed, a pocket spring mattress is often the smarter choice.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what spring mattresses are, how Bonnell and pocket springs are made, and how they compare when it comes to comfort, durability, and motion control.
Jump to a section:
- What Is a Bonnell Spring Mattress?
- What Is a Pocket Spring Mattress?
- Bonnell vs Pocket Spring Mattress: What’s the Real Difference?
- Pocket Spring vs Bonnell Spring vs Continuous Coil
- What To Choose Between Bonnell or Pocket Springs?
- FAQs
What Is a Bonnell Spring Mattress?
Bonnell springs are the original spring system. They’re simple, sturdy, and built to last.
These coils are shaped like hourglasses and linked together with a metal wire, creating a firm, bouncy feel with less contour and more motion transfer. When you press down on one, the movement travels across the whole surface.
Bonnell spring mattresses are affordable and work well in guest rooms, kids’ beds, or anywhere you want a no-fuss sleep surface.
Pros & Cons of Bonnell Spring Mattresses
✅ Pros
- Firm, supportive feel
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Strong airflow through the spring structure
- Long track record of durability
❌ Cons
- Transfers movement across the bed
- Less contouring or pressure relief
- Can feel noisy or squeaky over time
- May not support all sleep positions equally
What Is a Pocket Spring Mattress?
Pocket springs are coils that move on their own. Each one is wrapped in fabric and works independently from the others.
When you lie down, the springs respond to your body without pulling the rest of the mattress with them. This setup helps the mattress contour to your shape, giving better support where you need it most, like your shoulders and hips.
Pocket spring mattresses are often found in higher-end beds and are a good match for couples or anyone who wants more pressure relief.
Pros & Cons of Pocket Spring Mattresses
✅ Pros
- Better contouring and pressure relief
- Great motion isolation for couples
- Springs move independently for targeted support
- Often quieter than interconnected coils
❌ Cons
- Usually more expensive than Bonnell spring designs
- May be heavier due to individually wrapped coils and extra comfort layers
- Quality and feel vary depending on spring count and gauge
Bonnell vs Pocket Spring Mattress: What’s the Real Difference?
Both spring types use coils for support, but the way those coils behave makes a big difference in how the mattress feels.
Here’s how both spring mattresses compare across key features:
| Feature | Bonnell Springs | Pocket Springs |
| Coil Structure | Hourglass coils connected by wire | Individually wrapped coils |
| Motion Transfer | High; movement spreads across the bed | Low; springs move independently |
| Contouring | Minimal contouring | More responsive to body shape |
| Noise | Can squeak over time | Quieter, less metal-on-metal contact |
| Price Range | Budget-friendly | Generally more expensive |
| Weight & Portability | Lighter and easier to handle | Heavier due to steel coils and layered construction |
| Best For | Guest rooms, kids’ beds, short-term use | Couples, daily use, pressure relief seekers |
1. Coil Structure
Bonnell springs are all linked together, so they work as one big unit.
Pocket springs are separate and wrapped in fabric, so they move independently.
2. Motion Transfer
Because Bonnell springs are connected, movement travels across the mattress.
Pocket springs absorb that movement, so you’re less likely to feel a partner turning or getting up.
3. Contouring
Bonnell springs offer a solid, uniform surface, which usually don’t adapt much to your shape.
Pocket springs provide more contouring and often include zoned support, which helps relieve pressure around your shoulders, hips, and lower back.
4. Noise
With metal parts rubbing together, Bonnell springs can get noisy over time.
Pocket springs are quieter thanks to their individual fabric sleeves.
5. Price Range
Bonnell spring mattresses tend to be more affordable and are common in budget models.
Pocket spring mattresses often cost more but offer added comfort and performance.
6. Weight & Portability
Bonnell spring mattresses are often lighter and easier to move.
Pocket spring mattresses may be heavier due to their individually wrapped coils and layered construction.
7. Best For
Bonnell springs work well for spare rooms, kids, or short-term use.
Pocket springs are ideal for daily use, especially if you’re sharing a bed or need extra pressure relief.
Pocket Spring vs Bonnell Spring vs Continuous Coil
Not all spring mattresses use the same type of coil system.
Here’s a quick look at how the three most common options compare:
Pocket spring mattresses
Each spring is wrapped in fabric and moves on its own. This setup gives you more contouring, better pressure relief, and less motion transfer. It’s a great option for couples or anyone who sleeps light.
Bonnell spring mattresses
These coils are shaped like hourglasses and linked together with wire. The feel is firmer and bouncier, with more motion transfer. They’re often used in guest rooms, kids’ beds, or for short-term setups.
Continuous coil mattresses
Made from one long piece of wire shaped into coils. The springs are fully connected, which gives a firm feel but less ability to adapt to your shape. Comfort is basic, but the structure holds up well under light use.
✅ Pros
- Very affordable
- Durable under occasional use
- Simple and widely available
❌ Cons
- Transfers movement easily
- Lacks contouring and pressure relief
- Can feel stiff or uneven over time
What To Choose Between Bonnell or Pocket Springs?
If you need something firm, simple, and affordable, a Bonnell spring mattress can work well in guest rooms or short-term setups.
But for everyday use, especially if you want better support or share a bed, pocket springs are the more comfortable and durable choice.
At Ecosa, we offer a line of pocket spring and hybrid mattresses built for every kind of sleeper. Whether you need firm support or something with more cushioning, we’ve designed them to keep you comfortable from edge to edge.
You can also test them out in our retail stores and feel the difference for yourself.
FAQs
What is the difference between a bonnell spring vs pocket spring mattress?
The biggest difference is how the springs respond to movement. Bonnell springs are all connected, so movement travels across the bed.
Pocket springs move independently, which helps with pressure relief and partner disturbance.
Are pocket spring mattresses better for back pain?
Yes, pocket springs can be good for back pain. Pocket springs offer more targeted support by adjusting to your body’s shape. This helps keep your spine aligned, which can ease pressure on your lower back and shoulders.
Is a Bonnell spring mattress still a good choice?
It depends on how and where you’ll use it. For short-term setups like guest rooms or occasional use, Bonnell springs are a reliable and affordable option.
For daily sleep, especially if you share your bed, pocket springs usually perform better over time.