The Pros and Cons Of Open Coil Mattresses

Mattress technology is moving rapidly, yet the traditional open coil system is eternally popular and showing no signs of waning.

Open-coil mattresses are popular because they are affordable. The technology is easy to manufacture and provides a perfect platform for memory foam and other plush materials, giving these ‘cheap’ mattresses a premium feel.

The truth is that you could save hundreds of pounds by buying a highly-rated open coil mattress over a hybrid or pocket spring mattress. However, there are limitations with open coil mattresses that you need to consider.

This article explores the pros and cons of open coil mattresses using pocket springs for direct comparison.

Let’s jump in!

What is open coil technology?

Open coil technology has a bed of interlocked steel springs working as a single part instead of pocket springs that work individually.

When you put pressure on an open coil mattress, the spring bed compresses, providing support with the firmness defined by how tightly the springs are wound.

There’s a gap between adjacent coils, so they don’t rub against each other. Some open coil mattresses have zoned support, where springs are tighter in hotspots, like the edge of the mattress and in the middle.

What are the pros and cons of open coils?

Pros

Affordable
Highly supportive
Breathable
Lightweight compared to pocket springs
You can get premium top layers like memory gel

Cons

Open coils lack refinement
Bouncier than other mattress types
Shorter lifespan than pocket springs

Open coil advantages

Open coil mattresses are cheaper than other sprung mattresses because they are easy to manufacture and have less steel.

The only mattress technology comparable in price is pure foam, but pure foam mattresses lack the support of open coils.

Because they have less steel than pocket spring mattresses, open coil mattresses are lighter and easier to move around.

Open coil technology has improved in recent years with better top layers, including breathable memory foam and memory gel. This means you can pick up a premium-feeling open coil mattress, albeit lacking in deep refinement.

The significant advantage of open coils is the support – open coil mattresses are firm and bouncy, assisting with mobility and providing a flat platform.

Open coil disadvantages

The spring bed operates as a single part in an open coil mattress. This has a few disadvantages, including poor motion isolation (the mattress shaking when someone gets into bed) and faster mattress degradation.

Open coil mattresses do not last as long as pocket spring mattresses because the open coil system wears down faster than individual springs. You can expect five to eight years of consistent performance versus ten with pocket springs.

Also, when open coil mattresses degrade, they are prone to sagging, sinkage, and bumps because the springs pop loose.

The significant disadvantage to open coils is the level of support is not as refined as pocket spring mattresses, and the comfort is more fundamental. The mattress has more movement and bounces a lot more, making the mattress feel cheaper.

Our favourite open-coil mattresses

If you want an affordable mattress with good support lasting five years, you can’t go wrong with open coil technology.

Here are our favourite open-coil mattresses:

Giltedge Solo (medium, £289 king)

Perfect for side sleepers, the Giltedge Solo has 2.5cm of memory foam and a cooling cover to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

Pictured: Silentnight Classic Miracoil Memory 5FT Kingsize Mattress

Silentnight Classic Miracoil (medium-firm, £329 king)

This mattress is ideal for back and front sleepers, with Silentnight’s Miracoil system and 2cm of memory foam for pressure relief.

Pictured: Giltedge Beds Knightsbridge Gel Comfort Mattress

Giltedge Beds Knightsbridge Gel (medium, £379 king)

Our favourite mattress, the Giltedge Knightsbridge, uses 12.5 gauge steel for the open coils for long-lasting support, with memory gel for temperature control.