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What is the Difference Between Innerspring & Pocket Coil Mattresses?

by Ann Ferguson

Shopping for mattresses by type is no picnic — there are so many options! And they all sound really similar to each other. Especially innerspring and pocket coil mattresses.

Is there really a difference between the two? Is one better for your sleep for the other? The simple answers are: yes and yes. But don’t worry about trying to figure it out yourself. That’s what we’re here for!

Innerspring Mattresses

Bed with covers turned back and tray with drinks and flowers next to it

First off, an innerspring is the most traditional mattress type. This mattress uses a system of interconnected metal coils to form a single unit. This open coil system is typically in an hourglass shape and comprises of Bonnell coils, offset coils, or continuous coils.

This coil system moves together as one, making it difficult to sleep with a partner as the bed will dip and move.

Pocket Coil Mattresses

Two people looking at a mattress cutout to look at the springs

A pocket coil mattress uses a different spring type that improves the old continuous design. But don’t think that pocketed coil mattresses are new; they’ve been around since 1899!

Pocketed coil mattresses have metal coils or springs that are individually wrapped in a fabric pocket or sleeve. These can also be called encased springs or Marshall coils and have a cylindrical shape that is uniform throughout. The important takeaway is the pocket, which lets the springs act independently and provide better support.

Which is Better for Your Sleep?

Woman sleeping with eye mask

As with all mattress types, there’s no one-type-fits-all. It all depends on how you sleep. But we’ll outline the benefits of each to give you a better idea of what will suit your needs.

Benefits of Innerspring Mattresses

Since innerspring mattresses use a continuous coil system, this offers a firm sleeping surface. But who benefits from a firmer sleeping surface?

  • Stomach sleepers
  • Back sleepers
  • Plus-size individuals

Others who might benefit from an innerspring mattress are single sleepers who don’t have to worry about waking up a partner. But the best thing about innerspring mattresses is their availability and affordability.

Benefits of Pocket Coil Mattresses

As for pocketed coil mattresses, the individually wrapped coils offer a wide selection of benefits. One of the most appealing is the improved motion isolation and pushback, making it easier to sleep with a partner. Pocketed coil mattresses also provide better weight distribution, body contouring, airflow, and spinal alignment. But keep in mind that the body contouring properties aren’t as good as memory foam or hybrid mattresses.

The type of sleepers who would sleep best on pocketed coil mattresses are:

  • Combination sleepers
  • Back sleepers
  • People who suffer from back pain
  • Side sleepers

Since pocketed coils relieve pressure in the back, neck, shoulders, and hips, these mattresses can provide adequate support for most sleeping positions.

Which Should You Pick if You Sleep Too Hot?

Woman sitting on bed holding fan in front of face

Do you toss and turn in your sleep? Do you suffer night sweats? Sleeping too hot will negatively affect your sleep and lead to exhaustion and fatigue. So, how do you fix it? By choosing the right mattress.

Now, if you’ve had a memory foam mattress before and wound up sleeping even hotter, you might find a change in mattress to be extremely helpful. But which do you pick?

Because both innerspring and pocket coil mattresses use springs, they both provide good airflow properties. You can’t go wrong with either one. However, if you require more pressure relief as you sleep or sleep with a partner, a pocket coil mattress is a better choice.

Dream Sweet Dreams

Basset hound sleeping with stuffed animal

Now that you know more about the difference between innerspring and pocketed coil mattresses, it’s time to go shopping! At Action Appliance, we have an incredible selection for you to choose from, online or in-store.

Need help deciding which mattress is a better fit? Please don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re happy to help guide you to deeper sleep and even sweeter dreams!