Micro-Coils or Micro Pocket Springs?

When shopping for hybrid mattresses, you’ll come across mini micro-coils, micro pocket springs, and many other ‘micro’ springs.

These technologies describe compact spring systems that take up only 30-40% of the space of traditional pocket and open coil spring systems.

Smaller micro spring systems enable thicker layers of foam, letting manufacturers pile on core support foam, soft foam, and memory foam. Manufacturers can also increase the spring count without increasing mattress thickness.

This article reveals everything you need to know about micro springs, helping you decide if such a mattress is right for you.

Why do mattresses have mini/micro springs?

Manufacturers mainly use mini/micro springs to complement deeper comfort layers comprising large quantities of foam.

Large quantities of foam without any spring create a dense mattress with no bounce. The role of springs is to create a springy layer that makes the mattress more responsive, i.e., one that makes it easy to toss and turn.

With hybrid mattresses, thick layers of memory foam are used in manufacturing, so compact springs are the only way to introduce responsiveness without significantly increasing mattress thickness.

This separates hybrid mattresses from pocket spring mattresses – more foam and a more compact spring system for less bounce.

Micro springs can also act as a core support foam replacement, sitting under layers of soft foam to make the bed firmer. Many medium-firm mattresses have springs to create a robust support system in place of dense foam.

Additionally, mini/micro springs are helpful because the small springs let the manufacturers vastly increase mattress spring count. More springs = a better mattress in the eyes of many consumers, so that a higher spring count can increase sales.

What are micro-coils?

Micro-coils are coil springs that take up around 40% less space than open coils. Like standard open coils, micro-coils comprise a bed of interlocked steel springs that works as a single part to provide consistent support.

Whether we’re talking about micro-coil or open coil mattresses, coil spring systems are cheaper than pocket spring systems. They are easier to manufacture and lack refinement, with more bounce and springiness than other technologies.

However, micro-coils in hybrid mattresses are a sweet combination due to the thicker foam layers in hybrids. A thick layer of foam masks open coil technology’s bounciness and unrefined support, giving you a high-quality sleep experience.

What are micro pocket springs?

Micro pocket springs are a compact version of pocket springs. Hundreds (sometimes thousands) of springs operate independently, providing zoned support for better sleep.

Pocket springs enhance comfort, support, and motion isolation because compressing one spring does not affect any other, meaning when you lie on the mattress, only the springs under your body compress, providing excellent support.

You will usually find micro pocket springs in premium versions of hybrid mattresses due to the complexity of manufacturing them, which increases the cost. We recommend upgrading to the pocket spring’s motion isolation version if you can afford it.

The pros and cons of micro pocket springs

There are no significant disadvantages to micro springs to stop you from buying, but there are a few things to keep in mind before taking the plunge:

Pros

• Saves weight versus dense core support foam
• Increased support versus pure foam technology
• Enhanced mobility (bounce) versus pure foam technology
• Superior edge support due to wire-frame coil construction

Cons

• Increased cost versus pure foam mattresses
• Not as bouncy as traditional spring mattresses
• Significantly increases spring count versus standard springs, creating the illusion that a mattress offers better support.

Micro spring mattresses are an acceptable alternative to pure foam and traditional spring mattresses, combining both qualities. If you like more foam than springs, you can’t go wrong with a micro spring mattress from a reputable brand.

If you found this article helpful, read our open coils vs. pocket springs piece.