WHAT IS A POCKET SPRING MATTRESS?
WE EXPLAIN THE STRUCTURE
Last updated: 04.02.2019
Key takeaways
Construction of a pocket spring mattress:
- Pocket spring mattresses have a core made of springs inside the mattress. Around this is first a protective layer and then a padding layer. Finally, this is covered with a cover (outer material).
- In addition, the individual steel springs are sewn into fabric pockets and separated from each other in this way.
Properties of a pocket spring mattress:
- Pocket spring mattresses provide a pleasantly cool sleeping climate, which is particularly suitable for people who sweat a lot at night. Allergy sufferers should also choose a pocket spring mattress, because such a spring mattress is so well ventilated that mites cannot accumulate.
- Due to the inflexible spring core inside the mattress, you should choose a rigid slatted frame, as adjustable slatted frames are only suitable for pocket spring mattresses to a limited extent.
- Pocket spring mattresses have a high point elasticity, which promotes a healthy posture. They adapt perfectly to your body and are characterized by their durability and dimensional stability.
- High-quality pocket spring mattresses usually consist of about 500 springs. However, the more springs a pocket spring mattress has, the more expensive it becomes. When buying, pay attention to a good price-performance ratio in terms of the number of springs.
This is what a pocket spring mattress looks like from the inside
Pocket spring mattresses consist of different layers: Inside the mattress is the spring core. This is surrounded by a cushioning layer of foam (in our case, comfort foam) to prevent the steel springs from being felt when sleeping. Between the foam layer and the steel springs there is also a protective layer of fleece or felt. This ensures that the cushioning layer is not damaged by the springs. The spring core and the padding are finally covered with a cover. The upper material is usually made of cotton, but we use a Tencel cover with quilted climate fiber for our pocket spring mattress, as this upper material is particularly thick and fluffy.
The individual steel springs in the core of the mattress are sewn into fabric pockets. Since the fabric completely encases the springs, all steel springs are separated from each other. Due to these steel springs sewn into fabric pockets, a pocket spring mattress is considered to be of particularly high quality. In addition, there is the special shape of the springs in pocket spring mattresses: In order to ensure the optimal sleeping experience, the steel springs usually have a barrel-like, bulbous shape.
The characteristics of pocket spring mattresses
Pocket spring mattresses are particularly hygienic and cool: There is enough space between the spring core and the respective protective layers to allow good air circulation and moisture regulation. For this reason, mold cannot form and mites also have a hard time settling in the mattress, as they prefer a moist and warm environment. Such a spring core mattress is therefore ideal for allergy sufferers. Furthermore, people who sweat a lot at night should choose a pocket spring mattress, because thanks to the good temperature regulation, heat is immediately released to the outside, so that a pleasantly cool sleeping climate prevails. Consequently, a pocket spring mattress is unsuitable for people who tend to freeze at night.
Due to the rigid spring core inside, the mattress is rather inflexible and therefore only suitable for an adjustable or electric slatted frame to a limited extent. A rigid slatted frame is therefore much better suited for a pocket spring mattress, as the mattress is then in a horizontal position and the springs are not damaged.
- Tip: A pocket spring mattress must not be folded or rolled up during transportation, but must be transported as a whole, otherwise the springs will be damaged.
Pocket spring mattresses are characterized by their high point elasticity: This means that only the springs that are actually loaded give way. High point elasticity is particularly important in order to optimally support the body and especially the spine. In this way, only areas such as the shoulders or hips sink in, which is also associated with the strong adaptability of pocket spring mattresses. Furthermore, such mattresses are dimensionally stable and durable. It follows that the spring core always returns to its original state as soon as the pressure is removed from the respective point. These properties of a pocket spring mattress also prevent the formation of lying hollows, which additionally promotes the long durability of the mattress.
- It is often claimed that pocket spring mattresses are relatively heavy because of their springs. However, this is not true: If you compare a pocket spring mattress with a reasonable cold foam mattress (from a density of 40), they weigh about the same. Accordingly, pocket spring mattresses are no more difficult to turn or rotate than other types of mattresses.
Not only the spring core itself but also the number of springs is decisive for the best possible support of the body. Basically, the more springs that have been processed in the mattress, the higher the point elasticity and the better the sleeping comfort. However, you have to keep in mind that mattresses with a high number of springs are significantly more expensive: A high-quality pocket spring mattress usually consists of about 500 springs, but there are also plenty of models with a lower number of springs that are still of very good quality.
Because the springs of a pocket spring mattress are sewn into individual fabric pockets, noises are dampened: As a result, no squeaking coil springs can be heard when you move in your sleep. For this reason, pocket spring mattresses are also suitable for noise-sensitive sleepers who frequently change position in their sleep.
- Note: Since pocket spring mattresses are often referred to as barrel pocket spring mattresses or simply as spring mattresses, the described structure and properties of pocket spring mattresses also apply to barrel pocket spring mattresses and spring mattresses. Strictly speaking, however, there are differences between pocket spring mattresses, barrel pocket spring mattresses and spring mattresses.
