Mattress spring count

Spring count matters, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all.

Most pocket spring mattresses have between 800 and 1,500 springs. 800 is on the low end, and we usually find 1,000+ springs in mid-range mattresses. This spring count is sufficient to provide excellent motion isolation and zonal support.

Common sense says that a mattress with more springs is better, but there are a few factors that can make a mattress have fewer or more springs:

• Softer mattresses need more springs so they don’t crumple under your weight. For example, the soft-medium Sleepeezee G4 has 4,200 springs versus 3,200 in the medium Sleepeezee G3.
• Hybrid mattresses often use micro springs a third of the size of regular springs, meaning manufacturers can pack them with more springs. Increases the spring count but not necessarily the level of support.
• Thicker mattresses (those over 35cm) have more springs to provide a solid layer and transition material between the mattress layers.
• Core support foam – some mattresses use a thick layer of core support foam, which reduces the need for more than 1,000 springs.

This article explores the above points and answers whether spring count matters when buying a mattress.

Let’s jump in

Micro springs and artificial inflation

It’s crucial to know that most mattresses you see with over 2,000 springs use micro-pocket or mini coil springs. These are a third of the size of regular springs so that mattresses can have an artificially inflated spring count.

Note that this does not mean better performance because you need more micro springs to mimic the performance levels of standard springs.

Micro springs are standard in hybrid mattresses to save space for thicker foam layers (most hybrids have a higher foam-to-spring ratio).

The bottom line – traditional pocket springs usually have a spring count of 2,000, but mattresses with micro springs can go up to 4,000. In this case, the higher spring count is not superior but necessary for the same comfort levels.

Comparing springs like-for-like

You can expect a mattress with 1,500 pocket springs to have superior motion isolation, support, and comfort than mattresses with 800 pocket springs.

Mattresses with more springs are usually more expensive because they are more complex and costly to manufacture. However, more springs equal a more refined mattress, which means higher comfort and support levels overall.

Core support foam and other support materials

Springs minimise mattress compression and provide targeted support. However, they aren’t the only materials that do the job.

Core support foam replaces springs in some mattresses, reducing the spring count or the requirement for springs entirely.

You usually find core support foam at the budget end of the market because it is cheaper to use one block of foam than hundreds of pocket springs.

Other factors affect a mattress’s comfort.

When it comes to spring count, more is usually better like-for-like, but it isn’t the only important factor for a mattress’s comfort and support.

The sweet spot for pocket springs sits between 1,000 and 2,000. More springs equal a more comfortable and supportive mattress, but the thickness of the comfort layers and the firmness rating also play critical roles.

The comfort layer is the most critical layer for the initial few inches of travel. Most mattresses have a foam comfort layer, while others use fibre. Some also have a pillowtop – an additional comfort layer to enhance comfort.

The bottom line is that you can have less than 1,000 pocket springs and a generous comfort layer and have greater comfort than a mattress with 3,000 springs.

In other words, spring count matters, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all – it is just as crucial for a mattress to support your favourite sleeping position and body weight. Springs are one of the components of this, alongside other mattress materials.

Related pages

• How Much Should You Spend On A Mattress? – Virtuous Buyers Guide
• How to choose the right mattress.