Innerspring Mattress Vs Pocket Coil: Which Is Best?
If you want a mattress with spring support, you’ve got to choose between innerspring and pocket coil mattresses. Despite both mattress types containing springs, they’re actually quite different to each other. In this innerspring mattress vs pocket coil mattress explainer, I’ll tell you how each mattress works, the difference between them, and which type most people prefer. I’ve also got my top recommendations for both mattress types to share with you at the end of the article.
Here are the details on exactly what I’m going to cover in this innerspring mattress vs pocket coil overview:
- What’s An Innerspring Mattress?
- What’s A Pocket Coil Mattress?
- What’s The Difference Between The Two (and which is better)?
- Best Pocket Coil Mattress
- Best Innerspring Mattress
What’s An Innerspring Mattress?
These mattresses have springs which work with the mattress top and bottom layers to create a support system for your body while you sleep. Most innerspring mattress manufacturers use heavy gauge steel coils that vary in number and thickness based on bed size and level of firmness needed or wanted by the customer.
The coils in an innerspring mattress are one continuous system, as shown in the image. Innerspring mattresses are actually going out of fashion as other mattress types take over the market, but because many people are so used to them they are still popular with a lot of people.
What’s A Pocket Coil Mattress?
Pocket coil mattresses differ to innerspring mattresses because of how the springs (which are usually made from tempered steel) are woven together to form a network or “pocket.” This pocket is then covered by fabric materials which will vary based on mattress type.
As you can see in the image, the springs are separated from each other, which has a lot of benefits (which we’ll discuss in the next section).
What’s The Difference Between The Two Mattresses?
The main difference between pocket coil mattresses and innerspring mattresses is how the mattress springs are made and placed inside the mattress, as explained above. These differences in the spring support systems actually have quite a big impact on how a mattress performs, with pocket coils usually doing better.
Some of the advantages pocket coil mattresses offer are:
- Better motion isolation (basically, less partner disturbance)
- Quieter springs (the fabric helps prevent any sound from the springs rubbing together)
- Better spring durability (the fabric casing helps protect them, and many manufacturers will choose firmer gauge steel around the edge for further protection and better edge support)
- Targeted support zones can be created by using different gauge springs at different pressure points of the mattress (e.g. softer springs for your shoulder, firmer springs for your back)
Side note: memory foam and latex mattresses do a better overall job of motion isolation than either innerspring or pocket coil mattresses, so if that’s your top priority I recommend you read about my favorite cooling memory foam mattress instead.
It’s easy to say that in general, pocket coil mattresses perform better than innerspring mattresses. It’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing pocket coils over traditional innersprings.
What’s The Best Pocket Coil Mattress?
The Puffy Royal Hybrid is my top choice pocket coil mattress. Why? It’s so jam packed with features you it couldn’t have any more if it tried.
It’s covered in a specialized stain resistant fabric, boasts four generous layers of cooling foams for a plush feel, and the pocket coils are zoned to ensure targeted support.
As well as a 101 night sleep trial which we have come to expect from online mattress companies, Puffy also takes the rare step of offering a lifetime warranty.
What’s The Best Innerspring Mattress? Yes, They Do Exist!
So it’s pretty clear that generally speaking, pocket coil mattresses perform better than innerspring mattresses. However, there’s one innerspring mattress that is so good that it needs a special mention and recommendation, and that’s the Saatva Classic. Here’s what makes it great (even though it’s an innerspring)”
- This is not a mattress in a box. It’s delivered at full size, with white glove set up included in the purchase price
- Quality memory foam in the comfort layer
- Micro pocket coil comfort layer (so you actually get BOTH coil types in this very special mattress)
- Specialized spinal support wire through the core of the mattress
- Two height options: 11.5 or 14.5 inches
- Three firmness options: plush soft, luxury firm (the Saatva best seller) and firm
