If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you’ve likely come across terms like “pocket coil”, “high-density foam”, and “Bonnell spring system”. You may be wondering which mattress type is the best option, especially when it comes to preventing back pain and supporting good posture.
If the average person spends a third of their life in bed, supporting your spine during sleep is essential to your overall quality of life. Like many others, you might find yourself wondering, are pocket coil mattresses good for back support?
What are pocket coil mattresses?
Pocket coil mattresses, also known as pocketed coil or encased coil mattresses, are a type of innerspring mattress that features individually wrapped coils. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, where the coils are interconnected, pocket coil mattresses have coils that are individually encased in fabric pockets.
Their unique construction offers several benefits:
- Targeted support: Each separately wrapped coil can conform to the contours of your body instead of being restricted by interconnected springs. Individual coils provide targeted support to heavier areas like your shoulders and hips, while cradling all regions of your back.
- Motion isolation: The fabric pockets that surround each coil help to minimise motion transfer, meaning that you’re less likely to feel your partner’s tossing and turning during the night.
- Great durability: The pocket coil design is generally more durable than traditional innerspring mattresses. They’re able to incorporate more coils per mattress, so each individual coil is subject to less wear and tear over time.
- Comfort layers: Pocket coil mattresses are also encased in additional comfort layers, such as memory foam or latex, which enhances the overall comfort and pressure relief of the mattress. Although pocket coil mattresses are typically firmer, the choice of comfort layers also helps to determine how plush your bed will be.
How pocket coil mattresses provide back support
Apart from the overall advantages of a pocket coil mattress, are pocket coil mattresses good for back support? Maybe you’re asking yourself, “Is my bed causing lower back pain?”
It turns out that these robust beds have several features that make them a compelling option for back health.
- Spinal alignment: The individually wrapped coils in a pocket coil mattress can contour to the natural curves of your spine, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night. This can be particularly helpful for those who suffer from back pain or other spinal issues.
- Pressure relief: The combination of pocket coils and comfort layers in pocket coil mattresses can help to alleviate pressure points and promote circulation, especially in more affected areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
- Customised support: Pocket coil mattresses sometimes come in a range of firmness levels, allowing you to choose the level of support that best suits your body type and sleeping position. Some mattresses, like the Harris Hotel Spine Controller latex mattress, even incorporate multiple ergonomic zones, providing tailored support to different parts of the body.
- Edge support: Pocket coil mattresses generally have better edge support than some other mattress types, which can be important for those who tend to sleep near the edge of the bed or who need to get in and out of bed easily.
Six tips for selecting a swanky pocket coil mattress for your spine
If you feel like you’ve confidently answered the question, “Are pocket coil mattresses good for back support?”, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping around for your next bed:
1. Consider your sleeping position
Different sleeping positions (side, back, or stomach) may require different levels of firmness and support. Don’t be shy about asking questions that help you choose a pocket coil mattress that is well-suited to your primary sleeping position.
2. Pay attention to upholstery
Many people forget that mattress upholstery, and even linen, can affect the inner workings of a mattress. Soft, natural fibres work best with pocket coil mattresses because they don’t restrict spring movement, allowing each coil to do the work of supporting your body freely.
3. Research additional comfort layers
Spend some time understanding the unique properties of mattress comfort layers, like memory foam or latex. For example, latex is considered a better option for people who tend to sleep hot, as it has cooling properties. It also has naturally anti-allergenic properties and responds to movement much faster than memory foam.
4. Don’t be shy to try before you buy
You can buy just about anything online these days – including a bed. But if you’re unsure about what you’re getting, it’s important to try out the mattress in person, if possible, or find out about return policies on online orders.
5. Consider your body type
Your weight and body shape can also play a role in determining the ideal pocket coil mattress for your back support needs. Heavier individuals may require a firmer mattress, while lighter individuals may prefer a softer option.
6. Don’t forget about durability
A high-quality mattress is a long-term investment in your health. Look for a pocket coil mattress that is well-constructed and designed to last. For example the Harris Hotel range is of world-class quality, endorsed by the National Accommodation Association of South Africa (NAA) and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Bed and Breakfast Association (KWABABA).
The verdict: are pocket coil mattresses good for your back?
So, are pocket coil mattresses good for your spine? We believe pocket coil mattresses are an excellent choice for those seeking improved back support, offering targeted contouring and pressure relief to maintain proper spinal alignment and alleviate back pain.
If you’re looking for a bed that’s going to promote spinal support while you sleep, here’s why the Harris Hotel Spine Controller latex mattress may be exactly what you need:
- Nested pocket spring system for gentle-firm comfort
- Five support zones for different regions of the body
- 65-density pure latex for sleep quality, anti-allergenic properties and durability
- Exquisitely covered in a soft upholstery knit with cooling and moisture-wicking properties
- Treated against mites and allergens with HyCare or Aloe Vera
- A 12-year warranty for your peace of mind
Choosing your next mattress is a big deal. We encourage people to ask all the questions they need before making this investment. If you’d like to ask questions or find out more about the Harris Hotel range of mattresses and linens, we invite you to visit one of our stores or engage on our website chat feature.
