My new site has now been completely updated and transferred. : Please view here: Factory-Beds-Direct.co.uk |
In Brief
A mattress containing pocket springs is the best you can buy. Far superior than any cage sprung mattress no matter what name they go by.
Pocket springs are individual springs contained in a calico fabric pocket, totally independent of the springs that surround it. Therefore, eliminating roll together as your body is only using the springs that it needs. If a spring is not being used it stays in the upright (unused) position. There are three types that are 'common' in the construction of a mattress:
Nested Pocket Springs: Linear Pocket Springs; Suspension Pocket Springs
There is no reason to unduly worry about which type you get.
Nested pocket springs look like a honeycomb with the springs being closer together on all 'sides'. More common on high spring count mattresses but also used in some 1000 counts..
Linear pocket springs run in rows. More common on the lower spring counts. Also used to create a firmer foundation.
Suspension Pocket Springs are common in the 3000 counts. These are laid on one 'bed' but each alternate row contains a series of suspension springs sitting slightly below the adjoining main springs. There are various designs of suspension spring but all doing the same thing by offering 'progressive support'. This means that the main spring will take the initial bodyweight and the smaller suspension spring will adjust to even out the weightload.
To confuse matters, but also to clarify. There are numerous other combinations of Pocket Springs, each system with their own particular attributes. Do not let these confuse you until you come to make your final decision.
There is also 'Hand Nested' Pocket Springs. This technique is not common on mass produced mattresses but found on top of range hand made mattresses. In brief, the springs are inserted one by one, or hand formed by rows, and clipped/stitched together (hog-tied) to create a bespoke 'bed' of pocket springs. Note: It is worth double checking if you see a description of 'Hand Nested' pocket springs that they really are 'Hand Nested' and not a mass produced pocket sprung base (Nested).
There is also a relatively new concept of 'Spring in Spring'. Self explanatory but has different trade names such as Harrison's Revolution® etc..
The proposed benefits are that the main spring will take the initial weight and the internal spring will take the surplus thereby equally balancing the weight load. Look out for the described spring count as some retailers are counting one pocket as two springs which theoretically it is - but can confuse when doing comparisons.
| How are pocket springs counted? |
The standard way of counting pocket springs is the number of pockets contained in a Kingsized mattress (5'0 x 6'6). A mattress described as having 1000 pocket springs will have 1000 in a king size - proportionately less in a double and proportionately more in a superking. The mattress model name will usually, but not always have the number of springs directly after. Such as Memory Pocket 1000. The more pocket springs in a mattress means the springs get smaller and thinner offering more individual support - The less a mattress contains means they are bigger and wider. For very high spring counts in excess of 2000 - 3000, they are usually laid on top of each other usually separated by a complementary insulator pad, These types of mattresses are in the very top of range of models. But - are they any better? Depends. If the price is negligible for the extra springs then definitely go for it but as I always say - 2000 pocket springs are really more than adequate. Another point of sound reasoning on this topic is - I personally see Vi-Spring as the one of a few ultimate mattress manufacturers, as a respected leader in their field (accredited to have invented Pocket Springs) they use 2800 in one of their excellent top of range models (The Magnificence) So, I say, if Vi-Spring uses a 1500-2000 count in many of their models then this count should be more then acceptable. |
| How to decide what spring count is best? |
The spring count has an impact on two main areas: Firmness: The more springs in your mattress means the more comfortable / supportive it will be. Less springs means the mattress support will be firmer - but manufacturing techniques can make a 1000 PS mattress feel soft by the use of softer comfort layers.. 1500 - 2000 pocket springs is more than adequate. Many manufacturers try to have a mattress with more springs than their competitors - now, well in excess of 4000 pocket springs. This is in my opinion, a game of one-upmanship they play between themselves so don't be dragged into this little game unless you benefit by getting it at a good price. |
| Price |
No matter what your own preferred comfort level is you really should get the most springs you can afford. As I have said, a pocket sprung mattress is the best you can get. More springs will give you exceptional support, longevity and comfort. Less will obviously not be as good. But in any case, any pocket spring count is far superior than any cage spring unit. A 2000 pocket sprung mattress comes in within most manufacturers 'top of range' models. Therefore all complimentary components such as waddings and fabrics will also be amongst the best you can get. |
| Comfort Layers |
Remember, the springs are only the support part of the mattress and they will only be supporting / distributing your bodyweight. What provides the comfort is your choice of comfort layer. Comfort layers can be memory foam, lambswool, cashmere, polyester wadding, High Density foam, latex etc, or indeed a combination or blend of these. What comfort layer/s you choose will have an impact on the price of the mattress. The better the comfort layer, such as latex, the more expensive the mattress will be. |
| Side Stitching |
Hand side stitching is reserved for only the top of range models from all manufacturers, it is not employed on cheaper models although a simulated hand stitch (machine stitched) is used to give the impression of hand stitching. Read descriptions carefully - "Side stitched for added strength" - is NOT the same as "Hand Side Stitched for added strength". It is usual for only two rows of hand side stitching to be employed and this really is more than adequate, however in the case of the exceptional Harrison's top of range models, four hand side stitched rows. More still with 5 rows of hand side stitching in Vi-Spring's top of range 'Magnificence'. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It may seem to be only a detail but the benefit to the longevity of the mattress is unmistakable. Hand side stitching is a time served craft that commands a premium day rate. An average two row output is about one mattress per hour that has to be added to the raw cost of a mattress. You can spot a well constructed mattress just by the very fact that hand side stitching has been employed. Like I said - this technique is not used on cheap mattresses. |
Summary
The best way to look for a pocket sprung mattress is to get the most springs you can afford with an acceptable comfort layer. Remember, even the lowest counts 600 - 800 are far superior to a normal bonnell (cage) sprung mattress. An average bonnell spring spring count has about 350 interlacing spring coils.
Do you have any questions? Please mail me and I will try my best to answer.