Pros and Cons of a Pocket Spring Mattress

A pocket spring mattress is a popular choice for many people looking to improve the quality of their sleep. A quality pocket spring mattress can offer a range of benefits, such as improved support, pressure relief and motion isolation. However, as with any mattress type, there are also some downsides. We’ll explore the pros and cons of a pocket spring mattress, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Inner structure of pocket spring mattresses

What Is a Pocket Spring Mattress?

These types of mattresses contain spring coils that are encased in individual fabric pockets. To enhance the comfort of the mattress, the pockets are covered with a layer of latex or memory foam, depending on the manufacturer. 

Unlike open coil (or standard spring mattresses) which are interconnected; the pocket springs are connected via their fabric casing. 

This means that each spring responds independently to the sleeper’s body weight and shape. They also provide superior motion isolation, which reduces the amount of disturbance experienced when your partner moves. 

Senior couple sleeping on a pocket spring mattress

The pocket springs in a high-quality mattress can help to evenly distribute weight, offering excellent comfort and support, no matter what position you sleep in.

What to Look For in a Pocket Spring Mattress

Previously, we mentioned that pocket springs are covered with a layer of latex or memory foam to enhance the comfort of the mattress. This is an important factor to consider when buying a bed. 

Woman feeling the firmness of pocket spring mattresses

If you are looking for comfort and durability, organic latex with pure wool is the way to go. Additionally, organic latex will not cause adverse health-related issues. For more information, refer to our post:  Is your mattress harming you? Is memory foam toxic?

At Naturelle, we cover our pocket spring mattresses with a layer of organic latex and pure wool. This combination is superior to memory foam, as latex does not compress due to wear and tear. Furthermore, wool fibres are incredibly strong and assist with thermoregulation (to find out more about the benefits of wool, refer to our post: Why Choose Wool). In other words, our mattresses are not only durable; they also help keep you at an optimal temperature to support your sleep experience.

Woman napping on a pocket spring bed.

Memory foam, on the other hand, is notorious for trapping heat. Trapped heat is known to disrupt sleep and increase wakefulness (National Library of Medicine, 2012).

Heat also weakens the structure of memory foam, which affects the bed’s ability to offer adequate support. This is one of the main reasons why these mattresses typically need to be replaced every 6 – 8 years. Without a regular replacement, you may soon find yourself dealing with more aches and pains due to the lack of support from your mattress.

Woman rubbing lower back while sitting on pocket spring mattress.

Organic latex and pure wool, on the other hand, will last for more than 25 years when properly cared for.

Advantages of Pocket Spring Mattresses

A high-quality pocket spring mattress can provide you with superior sleeping support. The independent springs contour the natural curves of your body; offering pressure relief by maintaining contact between the mattress and your body. 

Pocket springs assist with motion isolation; however, the layer on top of the springs also plays a role in providing additional stability. For instance, organic latex is a naturally elastic material that helps absorb and isolate movement. It also helps prevent motion from transferring to other parts of the mattress (like your partner’s side of the bed). 

Memory foam, on the other hand, does not absorb and disperse motion as efficiently as latex. This becomes more noticeable as the foam quickly compresses over a short period of time.

Woman enjoying the body contouring advantages of a pocket spring mattress.

Disadvantages of Pocket Spring Mattresses

One of the biggest disadvantages of a pocket spring mattress is that you can’t flip it. 

Flipping a mattress does require effort; however, it allows you to reduce wear and tear – as the springs can easily become unevenly worn on one side (especially if the mattress contains foam which compresses over time).

As foam mattresses age, the lack of flipping can lead to sagging and lumpiness. This will not happen to organic latex, as it is extremely durable.

Man experiencing back ache from worn out pocket spring mattress.

The accumulation of dust and allergens is another factor that you need to consider when buying a pocket spring mattress that contains foam. Dust mites and other allergens thrive in memory foam because the material traps heat and moisture.

Fortunately, this is not something you need to worry about if you choose an organic latex and pure wool pocket spring mattress, as these materials naturally deter dust mites, and are hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. 

Lastly, in terms of quality, not all pocket springs are created equally. The metal used to create a pocket spring can vary from high-quality steel to cheaper alternatives. 

Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Needs

When it comes to getting a good night’s rest, the right mattress is key. Picking the right mattress for your needs can be a daunting task, as there are so many different types available. 

To ensure you get the best night’s sleep, consider your most common sleeping position and the amount of support you need for that position. For more information on how to choose a mattress to support your sleeping position, refer to our post: How to Choose the Right Mattress.

Woman sleeping on her back.

For back and side sleepers, it is essential to consider the materials used in the construction of a pocket spring mattress. The buttocks, shoulder, and back tend to be the areas that experience increased pressure, which may impact the quality of sleep and cause lethargy or bodily stiffness during the day.

Compared to polyurethane mattresses, latex mattresses produced a more uniform pressure distribution across all sleeping positions and lowered peak body pressure – according to the Natural Library of Medicine (2017).

Luxury organic latex pocket spring bed.


Experience Exceptional Support with Naturelle’s Pocket Spring Mattresses

At Naturelle, we have two different pocket spring mattresses – the Applause and the Celebration. Both mattresses contain organic latex and pure wool. The Applause contains 50mm of latex; while the Celebration has a 100mm layer of organic latex. The main difference is that the Celebration has a greater weight capacity than the Applause. 

Our Ovation mattress is the most popular of all our beds, despite the fact that it does not contain springs. The Ovation mattress is made entirely of organic latex. It is a fantastic choice if you want motion isolation because it doesn’t contain moving parts. It is rich in texture, luxurious in feel, and provides unrivalled comfort.

Lastly, and most importantly, always consider the effect your mattress has on your health. 

At Naturelle, we care about your health and well-being. All our beds are free from synthetic substances and constructed using a combination of the following natural materials:

All these benefits are substantiated by our certifications.

We ask you to consider whether other bed manufacturers can prove that they can offer you the same great benefits.

REFERENCES:

Natural Library of Medicine (2012). “Effects of Thermal Environment on Sleep and Circadian Rhythm.” Available from: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3427038/#> [Accessed May 2023].

Natural Library of Medicine (2017). “Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures”. Available from: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310954/#>. [Accessed May 2023].