Some mattresses have a bit of give. Others feel stiff as a board or too soft to take seriously. The difference? It’s all in the springs.
Key Takeaways
- The type of spring mattress you choose can dramatically change the way a bed feels. From firm and bouncy to contouring and quiet.
- Knowing your sleep style and priorities (like motion isolation or budget) makes it easier to match yourself to the right spring system.
- Pocket springs are often the best all-rounder, especially for couples or side sleepers who want support without the bounce.
The type of mattress springs used can completely change the way a bed feels.
This guide breaks down the different types of spring mattress builds, how each one feels, what to look out for, and how to pick a spring setup that suits your sleep.
Jump to a section:
- What Are Spring Mattresses?
- Different Types of Spring Mattress
- What to Consider When Choosing a Spring Mattress Type?
- Should You Get a Spring Mattress?
What Are Spring Mattresses?
Spring mattresses are beds built with metal coils as their main support system. These springs sit beneath comfort layers like foam or fabric and are designed to hold your body up while you sleep.
Depending on how the springs are arranged, a mattress can feel soft, firm, or somewhere in between. That’s what makes spring mattresses so versatile. They offer a balance between comfort and support that suits different sleeping styles.
And while the technology has evolved, the idea is still simple: a responsive sleep surface that gives you a lift instead of letting you sink.
4 Different Types of Spring Mattress
There are a few different spring mattress types you’ll see available for sale.
Each type uses coils in a different way, which changes the feel, support, and how much movement you notice at night.
Here’s a simple guide to show the differences between each spring type:
| Spring Type | Feel | Pros | Cons |
| Bonnell / Open Coil | Bouncy, even, moves as one | Affordable, breathable, decent for light use | High motion transfer, less contouring, sags faster |
| Continuous Coil | Flat, firm, steady support | Durable, spreads weight well, low cost | Less pressure relief, motion spreads easily |
| Offset Coil | Firm with light contouring | Better body response, stable, long-lasting | Some motion transfer, firmer feel, harder to find |
| Pocket Springs | Contouring, quiet, adaptive | Low partner disturbance, pressure relief, cooler sleep | Pricier, heavier, quality varies by model |
1. Bonnell or Open Coil
This is the traditional spring system found in many entry-level mattresses. With its hourglass-shaped coils linked together for a sturdy core, it remains a common choice even after more than a century of use.
How it works: Hourglass-shaped coils are linked together with helical wire. Many models add a perimeter rod to firm up the edge.
Typical feel: Even, slightly bouncy surface. The mattress moves more as one piece, so you may feel your partner turn.
Best for: Guest rooms, kids, or anyone who prefers a classic spring feel at a lower price.
Pros:
- Usually the most affordable spring option
- Breathable design that helps hot sleepers
- Durable enough for light to medium use
Cons:
- Transfers more motion across the bed
- Less contouring for pressure relief
- Can wear faster under heavier weight
2. Continuous Coil
This design uses one long piece of wire to form a network of springs. It’s often chosen for its firm, stable support and long-lasting durability.
How it works: A single continuous strand of wire is shaped into rows of coils that run from head to toe, distributing weight across the whole surface.
Typical feel: Flat, firm, and supportive with minimal sagging. Motion transfer can still be an issue compared to pocket springs.
Best for: Back or stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer surface and steady support.
Pros:
- Strong and durable design
- Weight spreads evenly across coils
- Affordable compared to pocket springs
Cons:
- Transfers partner movement across the bed
- Less contouring for pressure points
- Can feel too firm for some side sleepers
3. Offset Coil
An offset coil is an improved traditional open coil design by tweaking the top of each spring for better responsiveness. It’s known for offering a balance between firmness and comfort.
How it works: Coils have flattened tops and bottoms that act like hinges, linked together to create a system that adapts more closely to body shape.
Typical feel: Supportive and sturdy with moderate contouring. Offers less bounce than open coil but more responsiveness than continuous coils.
Best for: Sleepers who want strong support with a little extra give at the shoulders and hips.
Pros:
- Better contouring than open or continuous coils
- Generally durable and long-lasting
- Provides stable support for different body zones
Cons:
- Still transfers some motion between partners
- Can feel firmer than pocket springs
- Less common and may be harder to find
4. Pocket Springs (Marshall Coils)
Often seen as the premium spring system, pocket springs are designed to reduce partner disturbance and improve pressure relief. Each coil moves independently, which makes for a highly responsive surface.
How it works: Individual springs are wrapped in fabric pockets, allowing them to compress separately and contour to the body without pulling neighbouring coils.
Some models feature zoned pocket springs, which use firmer coils through the centre to support hips and softer coils near the shoulders for better alignment.
Typical feel: Contouring support that adapts to body shape. Excellent at isolating motion for undisturbed sleep.
Best for: Couples, light sleepers, and side sleepers who need extra relief at pressure points.
Pros:
- Excellent motion isolation
- Adapts to body curves for personalised comfort
- Promotes airflow and stays cool through the night
Cons:
- Typically more expensive than other spring types
- Heavier and harder to move
- Quality varies widely depending on coil count and materials
What to Consider When Choosing a Spring Mattress Type?
The best spring mattress for you depends on how you sleep, what feels right for your body, and how the mattress is built.
Here are the key factors to think about:
1. Sleeping Position
Here’s how to match your sleep style to the right spring setup:
Side Sleepers
✅ Pocket Spring ❌ Open Coil
They relieve pressure on shoulders and hips without letting your waist sag.
Back Sleepers
✅ Offset or Continuous Coil ⚠️ Look for a firmer Pocket Spring mattress
A firmer mattress surface helps keep your spine aligned and hips lifted.
Stomach Sleepers
✅ Continuous or Offset Coil ⚠️ Look for a firmer Pocket Spring mattress
Flatter support prevents your midsection from sinking too far.
Combination Sleepers
✅ Pocket Spring or Offset Coil
Mattresses for combination sleepers need to adapt quickly as you shift positions.
2. Motion Isolation
If you’re a light sleeper or share a bed with someone who moves around a lot, motion control matters.
✅ Pocket Springs
Individual coil movement cuts down on disturbance when your partner moves.
❌ Bonnell and Continuous Coils
Linked springs spread motion across the mattress.
3. Budget
If you’re after affordability and accessibility, Bonnell or open coil mattresses offer solid value. They’re simple, breathable, and often ideal for guest rooms or growing kids.
Willing to invest more in comfort? Pocket springs cost more but bring better motion isolation, contouring, and longer-term comfort, especially for couples or side sleepers..
4. Durability & Support Over Time
On average, spring mattresses last about 7 to 10 years, though pocket springs often hold up longer than open coil or continuous designs.
Offset or continuous coil systems hold their shape well and resist sagging. Great for people who want lasting support without quick wear.
Lower-quality Bonnell coils can start strong but may lose tension or dip sooner under heavier use. They’re better suited to light or occasional use.
If you’re waking up sore or stiff, your mattress springs could be part of the problem. Here’s what to know about spring mattresses and back pain.
5. Coil Gauge & Coil Count
Gauge refers to coil thickness. Here’s how to look at them:
- Lower numbers = firmer support, using thicker wire.
- Higher numbers = softer feel, with thinner coils. Most mattresses use something in between to balance comfort and lift.
Coil count isn’t everything, but more coils can improve contour.
But don’t get caught up in the numbers. Focus on how evenly the mattress supports your weight and whether it feels stable across your body.
6. Edge Support
If you sit or sleep near the edge, a strong mattress edge support helps.
Look for:
- Perimeter rod in open coils
- Edge rails in offset and continuous
- Foam encasement in pocket springs to keep things stable
7. Comfort Layers
The springs lift you, and the comfort layers shape the feel.
- Memory foam adds soft, body-hugging relief
- Latex gives responsive bounce
- Fibre quilting adds a plush surface without deep sink
Even with the same springs, different top layers can make two mattresses feel completely different.
8. Warranty & Trial Period
Most mattress brands offer sleep trials between 60 and 120 nights, which gives enough time for your body to adjust and give honest feedback.
At Ecosa, we offer 100 nights to try your mattress at home, plus a 10 or 15-year warranty that reflects the build quality we stand by. A few weeks of real sleep tells you far more than any five-minute showroom test ever could.
Should You Get A Spring Mattress?
Spring mattresses are a good option if you want firm support and better airflow while you sleep. They come in a range of designs to suit different sleep styles and budgets, from simple Bonnell coils to more advanced pocket springs.
If you’re after pressure relief, less partner disturbance, and strong edge support, pocket springs are the way to go. Check out Ecosa’s pocket spring mattresses, which are built for everyday comfort.