Humans have angsted over sleep comfort for millennia, apparently, with the first mattresses ever being invented about 77,000 years ago. Consisting of plant matter and grass, the first-known mattress was discovered by archaeologists in a rock shelter right here in South Africa, and this mega-mattress was big enough for a whole family!
We’ve come a long way since then and yet, the world of mattresses continues to be a complex one. There are many different types of mattresses to choose from, but the one bed that continues to outshine its competition is the pocket coil mattress. But what is a pocket coil mattress, and why is it so special?
What is a Pocket Coil Mattress?
A pocket coil mattress, also known as an individually wrapped coil mattress, is a popular type of mattress known for providing excellent support and motion isolation. Pocket coil mattresses are manufactured using individual coils (or springs), each encased in their own fabric pockets – hence, the name!
The major difference between pocket coil mattresses and traditional innersprung mattresses (also known as Bonnell spring mattresses) is that the coils inside an innersprung mattress are interconnected. What this means is that when Mr. Jones is having a fitful, restless night on one side of the bed, Mrs. Jones can feel every huff, flip, bounce and wriggle on her side of the bed, through the mattress springs.
On a pocket coil bed, the individually wrapped coils would isolate every movement made, so that even when Mr. Jones is restless, Mrs. Jones can still have a peaceful, undisturbed night of slumber.
How does a pocket coil mattress work?
The pocket coil’s secret to success is in the way its coils work independently. Through their smart, ergonomic design, pocket coil mattresses have a lot going for them…
Superior support
The independent coils provide targeted support to different parts of your body. Think of it this way: when lying on a bed that’s less comfortable, there are two major gripes: pressure pain in the heavier hip or shoulder regions, and lower back pain from lack of support.
On a pocket coil bed, each coil responds separately to pressure, essentially moulding to the body’s natural shape. This alleviates pressure on hips and shoulders, which also enhances blood circulation, while providing additional support to the lower back. The result? Prolonged comfort, less tossing and turning, relief from aches and pains, and an overall better sleeping experience.
Motion isolation
One of the biggest advantages of pocket coil mattresses is their ability to isolate motion. If you share a bed with a partner, you’ll be less likely to feel their movements throughout the night, making it the ideal bed for light sleepers.
Breathability
Compared to foam mattresses, the design of a pocket coil mattress allows for greater airflow. What this means is that a pocket coil mattress helps to regulate temperature and keeps the mattress cool, offering relief to people who tend to sleep hot.
Durability
Individually wrapped coils often promote a longer mattress life. Because the coils are not connected to each other, they can withstand a significant amount of pressure without losing shape, which makes pocket coil mattresses more hard-wearing than many foam mattresses.
Pressure relief
Because the coils move independently, these mattresses can relieve pressure points in heavier-set areas like the shoulders and hips. This helps to alleviate pain and discomfort for people with joint issues and those who prefer sleeping on their side.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Pocket Coil Mattress
If you’re on the hunt for a great new mattress, and the pocket coil has captured your attention, here are some useful things to know, before you buy:
Learn about coil count
The coil count refers to the number of coils in a mattress. There are two types of pocket coil mattresses – nested pocket coil and linear pocket spring:
- Nested pocket coils are positioned in a honeycomb arrangement. As a result, the mattress has more coils, and more steel, which makes it firmer. Nested pocket coil mattresses are highly suitable for heavier-set people, or those who prefer a firm mattress.
- Linear pocket springs are arranged in a straight line, as the name would suggest. Fewer coils are able to fit into the space available, which means less steel… In other words, linear mattresses are typically softer and suitable for lighter-weight people.
Ask about coil gauge
The thickness of the coil is measured in gauge, with lower numbers indicating thicker, more durable coils. Thicker coils (lower gauge) offer a firmer feel, while thinner coils (higher gauge) offer more flexibility and a softer feel. Finding a balance between coil gauge and coil count will help you find a mattress of perfect firmness for your preferences.
Find out about comfort layers
All spring mattresses have what we call ‘comfort layers’ on top of the coils – these consist of different types of foam and upholstery and also influence how plush or firm the mattress will feel. You’ll find yourself perusing materials such as memory foam, latex, or gel foam, which help to provide comfort while complementing the pocket coil system’s support.
- Latex foam: Latex has gained huge momentum in mattress manufacturing, thanks to its natural open-cell structure, which promotes optimum air circulation and temperature control. It also responds well to movement, providing constant and instant support throughout the night. The density of latex is formulated to offer the perfect amount of support for different zones of the body.
- Memory foam: This popular foam is known for its ability to mold to the body’s shape, and for its durability. People considering memory foam should remember that it tends to hold onto heat and doesn’t have as many breathability properties as other foams. Memory foam is also slow to bounce back, which results in a delay of support when you change sleeping positions, which could lead to regular sleep disruptions.
- Gel foam: Gel foam is considered the cooler alternative to memory foam. They’re quite effective at minimising motion transfer, but are generally quite pricey for a slightly shorter lifespan.
Don’t forget edge support
Have you ever sat on the edge of a bed only to have it collapse beneath your weight? To prevent this from happening and prolong the overall integrity of the bed, the best pocket coil mattresses on the market are manufactured with reconstituted foam reinforcing the edges and corners. This dense foam provides additional support, with the mattress’s edge springs embedded within the foam.
Caring for Your Pocket Coil Mattress
So you’ve answered the question, ‘what is a pocket coil mattress?’… And maybe you’re ready to take the plunge on your next mattress purchase. Taking good care of your mattress will prolong its lifespan and give you more than a decade of dreamy, delightful slumber. To get the most out of your pocket coil mattress, follow these maintenance tips:
1. Rotate regularly
We recommend that you rotate your pocket coil mattress from head to toe, once each month to ensure even wear and tear. This doesn’t apply to all mattress types, so always check with your mattress supplier about how to flip or rotate the mattress of your choice.
2. Use a mattress protector
It should go without saying that a mattress protector helps to save any bed from spills, stains, and allergens. Choose a mattress protector that won’t affect breathability, but that will shield your sleep investment from damage.
3. Don’t use your mattress as a trampoline
Although durable, pocket coil mattresses can lose their structural integrity if they’re subjected to excessive pressure. We recommend that you resist the urge to jump onto your bed, place too much weight or pressure on one spot, or use it as a trampoline.
Harris Hotel: the ultimate in pocket coil comfort
If you’ve progressed from wondering, “what is a pocket coil mattress?” to “which pocket coil mattress is right for me?” the Harris Hotel Spine Controller latex mattress offers all the key features of a pocket coil mattress, coupled with high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.
The Harris Hotel Spine Controller is chiropractically designed to offer ergonomic support and comfort for your whole body. Here’s how:
30% more springs
The Spine Controller has 30% more nested pocketed springs for enhanced support, which is especially ideal for those looking for a mattress that’s both firm and comfy.
Latex comfort zones
Using different densities and firmness of latex foam, the Spine Controller offers five comfort zones, designed in partnership with the Institute of Ergonomics in Munich. This means that each part of your body and spine is offered the optimum support.
Allergen- and mite-resistant
All of Harris Hotel’s beds are treated with either HyCare or Aloe Vera, which, paired with latex’s natural anti-allergen properties, keeps your bed free from mites and other allergens.
There are so many fantastic reasons to explore the benefits of pocket coil mattresses, from their hard-to-beat comfort and support to their durability and lifespan!
We invite you to visit our stores and try the Harris Hotel Spine Controller for yourself, and feel free to enquire about any of the other pocket spring mattresses in our range.
