Mattress guide – Bonnell Spring, Pocket Spring, Memory Foam…

There are so many terms and names that it can get confusing. To help you through the mine field to finding your perfect mattress, our guide on bonnell spring vs memory foam and pocket spring mattresses will help you. 

Bonnell spring

Often referred to as an open coil or traditional mattress. Bonnell springs are round topped, steel wire coils. Laced together they form the simplest type of spring unit.

They date back to the mid-late 19th century. Bonnell springs are the oldest and most common type of mattress spring. They were adapted from the horse drawn buggy springs of the 19th century. Bonnell spring units are often cheaper than other types of spring unit. They can often create a firmer mattress often referred to as an ortho.

Bonnell Spring Mattress Benefits

One of the main benefits of Bonnell Spring Mattresses is the fact that they're really affordable, making them ideal for those who are looking for a budget-friendly mattress. You don't have to necessarily splash out on an expensive mattress for it to be comfortable. The connected steel structure inside the mattress helps create a really supportive foundation for you to get great sleep. 

Pocket Spring

The major difference between a Bonnell and a pocket spring mattress is the structure. A pocket spring mattress can give more targeted support to the various parts of the body. Pocket springs can move in their own space while all Bonnell springs move together. As the name suggest are individual springs in their own little fabric pocket. These pockets are all stitched together to form the unit. Working on their own, the springs react only to the pressure applied on them instead of the whole unit. Great if one of you is heavier than the other!

The more springs there are in the unit the more supportive it will be. Known as spring counts, these ratings tell you how many pocket springs are in the mattress unit.

Pocket Spring Mattress Benefits

Due to the fact that pocket spring mattresses are made with individually enclosed pocket springs, they're great for reducing noise and motion transfer. This is ideal for couples who don't want to disrupt each other when sleeping, as you're less likely to hear and feel their movements during the night. These springs also create a really supportive sleeping foundation.  

Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses combine layers of foam with springs or support foam. They use your body heat to mould to your body shape for support and comfort. Once you get up and remove the pressure, the foam will return to its original shape. Over time it will remember your body shape and sleeping position. This is where the memory foam name comes from.

The concept of memory foam came from NASA in the mid 1960s. Developed for astronauts, to combat extreme pressure faced in the earth’s atmosphere. Memory foam is a popular choice for people who supper with back and joint pain. The foam distributes your body weight. This helps reduce the pressure on the heaviest parts of your body. It can help promote healthier blood circulation through the night. It can also relieve aches and pains while you sleep. Dust mites can’t penetrate the foam structure, ideal for allergy sufferers.

Memory Foam Mattress Benefits

Memory foam mattresses have a lot of benefits, particularly if you love the soft and spongy feel that they give. If you have a preferred sleeping position, such as side sleeping, the memory foam mattress might be a great option for you since they mould to these sleeping positions as you lay on them. 

What Is The Coolest Mattress To Sleep On?

Choosing between a bonnell spring, memory foam and pocket spring mattress that is comfortable to sleep on during the summer months is really important when it comes to getting great sleep. Let's take a look at how each one reacts to temperatures. 

Bonnell Spring Mattresses

Bonnell spring mattresses are generally great for getting a good night's sleep on a warm summer's evening. Thanks to the open coil design, air can pass easily between the springs. 

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses have been seen as the type of mattress that's a bit more restrictive when it comes to airflow. However, you can get memory foam mattresses with cooling gels nowadays. These usually feature open-cell foams that promote more airflow, so they're still a great option for staying cool. 

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Thanks to the individually enclosed springs inside the pocket sprung mattress, airflow can easily pass through each one. These gaps allow air to circulate freely in and around the mattress, allowing for a better night sleep. 

Which Mattress Is Best for Couples?

When it comes to you and your partner getting a great night's sleep, we understand how important it is. Of course, comfort is subjective and people have different preferences.  

However, if you're sleeping with your partner and you often find that either one of you is disturbed by noises and movements, you can really benefit from a pocket spring mattress. Whether your partner gets up for a glass of water during the night or you've been tossing and turning, the individually enclosed springs are great for reducing interruptions. While Bonnell Spring mattresses are still very comfortable and supportive, the enclosed springs of the pocket spring mattress are great for light sleepers.

For more information on how to choose the right mattress for you, feel free to take a look at our ultimate mattress guide. Here, we expand more on mattresses in general so you'll know for sure which one is right for you. 

Choose The Right Mattress For You Today

After reading this guide, we hope you have a better understanding into the differences between Bonnell spring, memory foam and pocket spring mattresses. We've touched on things such as mattress reccommndations for hot sleepers, the best mattresses for couples and their benefits of different mattress types in general.

To learn some more tips on mattresses, our main mattress guide breaks down information on mattress firmness, cooling technologies and much more. So sit back and relax as you read this guide to help you choose the right one! Feel free to also reach out to our friendly customer service team where we'll be able to answer any of your questions.