What is a Spring Mattress
Does the word spring mattress ring a bell in your mind? Old memories of your childhood where you’re playing on a bed and can feel those springs in your mattress giving you the right surface to jump around. As clear from the name, spring mattresses have springs inside them but they’ve come a long way, the technology has improved now and spring mattresses are much more than just a bouncy surface.
In this blog, we’re going to answer your query, what is a spring mattress, what are the pros and cons of it, and should you consider buying one? So, without delaying it anymore. Let’s dive into those details.
What Is a Spring Mattress: The Theory Behind It
Any mattress that uses coils/springs inside it as its main support is known as a spring mattress. The higher the number and quality of those springs are, the better the support system and overall quality of the mattress gets.
You’ll often see layers of foam or padding on top for extra comfort, but the coils underneath do the heavy lifting. They help distribute your body weight, keep your spine aligned, and give the bed that signature bouncy feel.
Different Coil Types and What They Mean
There are many different coil types available in spring mattresses and each of them has different characteristics, the coil system inside it changes the complete feel of a mattress. Let’s take a quick look at the table below for better understanding:
| Coil Type | Key Characteristic | Feel/Performance |
| Bonnell Coils | Hourglass-shaped coils interconnected by wires | Classic “bouncy” feel; budget-friendly but can be noisy |
| Pocket Coils | Each coil is wrapped in its fabric pocket | Great motion isolation, lovely support but typically more expensive |
| Continuous Coils | One long wire shaped into multiple coils | Very sturdy and durable; can feel firmer |
| Offset Coils | Hourglass coils with flattened tops and bottoms | Offers a mix of contour and support; less motion transfer than Bonnell |
Why People Buy Spring Mattresses
A big reason spring mattresses are still around is their airflow. Because there’s so much space between the coils, the air can easily pass through the mattress. Heavy and bulky people prefer the breathability of the mattress because their weight tends to produce more heat as they’re sleeping and a spring mattress becomes their number one choice.
Another factor is price range. Spring mattresses are super affordable and especially if you go for traditional Bonnell coils, they cost less than other fancy mattresses in the market. These are the few reasons people opt for spring mattresses.
Here’s What You Should Consider Before Buying A Spring Mattress
You need to consider that spring mattresses get noisier than foam mattresses over the years. The classic squeaky sounds start haunting you once the coils start wearing out. If you’re going to buy a spring mattress then you must invest in a high-quality mattress that’s built with enough layers to give the mattress springs extra layering to extend their lifespan.
Motion transfer is another aspect to consider. While pocket coils do a solid job of isolating movement, a traditional spring setup (like Bonnell or continuous coils) can mean you’ll feel your partner flopping around at night. If that’s a concern, you might want to look for models specifically designed to cut down on bounce across the mattress.
Comparison of Spring vs. Memory Foam vs. Hybrid Foam
To really see where spring mattresses stand, here’s a quick table comparing them to memory foam and hybrid foams.
| Mattress Type | Feel | Pros | Cons |
| Spring | Bouncy, responsive | Good airflow, supportive, wide range of prices | Can be noisy, may transfer motion unless coils are pocketed |
| Memory Foam | Contouring, “hugging” | Pressure relief, motion isolation | Can run hot (unless it has cooling tech), less responsive |
| Hybrid | Mix of foam + coils | Balanced support, often cooler than all-foam | Usually more expensive, can be heavier to move or rotate |
Conclusion
We hope this guide has answered your query about what is a spring mattress and how does it affect your sleeping experience. In the end, it’s all subjective to your choice and budget.
A spring mattress is your classic go-to if you’re after a bouncier feel and decent breathability, and you don’t mind a little extra motion transfer unless you go for the pocket coil mattress.
So, whether you’re on a tight budget or you’re looking to treat yourself to a higher-end bed, there’s likely a spring setup that fits everyone’s budget and preferences.
