If you’ve been mattress shopping lately, you’ve probably heard a lot of talk about springs.
Pocket springs. Coil counts. Support zones.
But here’s the thing: when you understand what spring count actually means, it becomes a whole lot easier to spot a mattress that’s made well.
Key Takeaways
- A good spring count for a king size mattress usually falls between 1000 and 1500. This range gives balanced comfort and support without overpaying for unnecessary extras.
- Don’t rely on numbers alone. The type of mattress springs, how they’re arranged, and the comfort layers around them all play a part in how a bed feels.
- The best spring mattress for you depends on your sleep style, firmness preference, and the overall quality of the build.
In this article, we’re unpacking what a good spring count in a mattress looks like.
You’ll learn how spring count affects comfort, what to look for, and guide you through choosing a spring mattress that suits your sleep style.
Jump to a section:
- What Is A Spring Count?
- What’s Considered a Good Spring Count?
- So, Does More Springs Mean You’ll Sleep Better?
- Mattress Spring Types
- How Do I Choose My Spring Mattress?
- What Spring Count Should I Get?
- FAQs
What Is a Spring Count?
Spring count is the number of springs inside a mattress. It’s usually based on a king size, so smaller mattresses like singles or doubles will naturally have fewer. That doesn’t mean lower quality, just less surface area to fill.
You’ll often see spring count listed on mattresses with pocket springs. More springs can offer better support and contouring, especially when each spring moves on its own.
But the number alone won’t tell you everything. Here’s what you should also check when looking at those numbers:
- Spring type (like pocket vs open coils)
- Spring arrangement (how tightly they’re packed)
- Surrounding layers (foam, latex, or fabric on top)
So while spring count matters, it’s only one piece of what makes a mattress feel right.
What’s Considered a Good Spring Count?
A good spring count for a king size mattress usually falls between 1000 and 1500.
This range gives most sleepers a balance of comfort, support, and value without paying for extras you may not notice.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Spring Count | What It Means |
| 1000 – 1500 (king size) | The sweet spot for balanced comfort and support. |
| 2000+ | Can offer more precise contouring and better motion control, especially in premium designs. |
| 800 – 1000 | Still supportive if the mattress is well made. |
| 600 | Larger, less adaptive springs. Usually best to avoid. |
So, Does More Springs Mean You’ll Sleep Better?
Not always. But it can, depending on how the mattress is built and what you need.
A higher spring count, like 2000 or more, often means the springs are smaller and packed more densely. This lets the mattress respond more precisely to your body’s shape, which can be especially helpful if you’re after pressure relief or need better support across different zones.
That said, spring count doesn’t control mattress firmness.
A 2000-spring mattress might feel softer or firmer than a 1000-spring one, depending on the spring gauge (how thick the coils are), how the coils are arranged, and what comfort layers sit on top.
If you’re stuck between two options, focus on the feel. How the mattress supports you, absorbs movement, and holds up over time matters more than the number alone. Spring count is useful, but it’s only part of the full picture.
Mattress Spring Types
There are a few different kinds of mattress springs, and each one changes how a bed feels. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Pocket Springs
Each spring is wrapped in fabric so it moves on its own. This means better contouring and less partner disturbance. Pocket springs mattresses are often the go-to for balanced comfort and support.
2. Zoned Pocket Springs
A step up from standard pockets. Springs are arranged into zones, with firmer coils under heavier areas like hips and softer ones under shoulders. Great if you want extra alignment support.
3. Open Coil (Bonnell Springs)
The classic style. Bonnell springs are connected in a wire network, so the bed feels bouncier and less contouring. They’re more affordable but can transfer movement across the mattress.
4. Continuous Coil
Made from a single wire shaped into rows of springs. This type is durable and usually firm, but it doesn’t hug the body as well as pockets.
5. Offset Coils
Similar to Bonnell but with a hinged design. They respond more smoothly to pressure and feel a bit more adaptive while still firm.
6. Micro Springs
Tiny springs layered on top of regular coils. They add subtle responsiveness, improve airflow, and help fine-tune comfort. In well-designed mattresses, they enhance the overall feel without adding bulk.
How Do I Choose My Spring Mattress?
There’s no single best spring mattress for everyone. The right one depends on how you sleep, what you like, and what your body needs. Here’s what to look out for:
1. Start with the spring count
For a king size, aim for 1000 to 1500 pocket springs. That’s the sweet spot for balanced support.
Going higher isn’t always better. In some cases, more springs just mean micro springs that add cost without adding real comfort.
2. Choose the right spring type
- Pocket springs if you want contouring and low motion transfer
- Zoned springs if you need support in key areas
- Open coil or continuous coil if you prefer firmer, simpler builds or are shopping on a budget
3. Think about how you sleep
- Side sleepers often prefer softer feels with more give
- Back and stomach sleepers usually do better with firmer, flatter support
- Combination sleepers should look for balanced support with a bit of bounce to make changing positions easier
If you share your bed, consider how much movement gets transferred. Pocket springs are great for absorbing motion so your partner sleeps soundly, even if you don’t stay still.
4. Don’t obsess over high spring numbers
More springs can sound impressive, but it’s the build quality that counts.
A well-made 1000-spring mattress can feel far better than a flashy 3000-spring one made with shortcuts.
5. Try before you buy, if you can
Test the mattress yourself. If you’re buying online, look for brands that clearly explain their layers and offer a return policy that gives you time to settle in.
At Ecosa, we offer a 100-night sleep trialand a 10-15 year warranty across our mattress range, so you can test your mattress at home without the pressure.
What Spring Count Should I Get?
For most people, a spring count between 1000 and 1500 in a king size mattress is a great place to start.
It gives you a strong mix of comfort, support, and durability without overcomplicating things. But spring count alone won’t tell you everything. The type of springs and how the mattress is built matter just as much.
If you’re after something that feels supportive, limits partner movement, and holds its shape night after night, check out our Ecosa pocket spring and hybrid mattresses. They’re built to give your body what it needs, no matter how you sleep.
FAQs
Is a higher spring count always better?
It depends. A higher spring count can offer more support, but once you go over 1500, the benefits drop off unless the build quality is top-notch.
Is a pocket sprung mattress good for a bad back?
It can be. Pocket springs provide targeted support by moving individually, which helps with spinal alignment. Look for zoned support if you need extra back care.
We go into more detail in our blog: Can a Spring Mattress Cause You Back Pain?
Do spring counts affect firmness?
No. Firmness is shaped by the spring gauge (thickness of the coils) and the comfort layers on top. Two mattresses with the same spring count can feel very different.