Pocket spring mattress: everything you need to know

What is a pocket spring mattress?

A pocket spring mattress consists of a core of hundreds to thousands of individually packed springs, also called pockets. Each spring is contained in its own fabric pocket, allowing the springs to move separately and independently of each other. This distinguishes pocket springs from traditional innerspring mattresses, where the springs are interconnected.

Construction of a pocket spring mattress

The basic structure of a good pocket spring mattress consists of:

1. Pocket springs: Steel springs individually wrapped in fabric pouches

2. Coverings: Above and below the springs, usually made of cold foam, latex or memory foam

3. Foam frame: Provides stability at the edges

4. Ticking: The outer layer that encloses the whole

The amount of springs and the number of springs per square meter greatly affects the quality of the mattress. Premium pocket spring mattresses often contain more than 1,000 springs, which provides better pressure distribution and more detailed support.

Advantages of a pocket spring mattress

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1. Excellent support with zones

A pocket spring mattress is known for its optimal support. Because each spring is in a separate pocket and responds independently, the mattress accurately follows the contours of your body. Many modern pocket spring mattresses are equipped with different zones (5, 7 or even 9 comfort zones), with certain areas being firmer or smoother:

• Softer shoulder zone for side sleepers, as found in our Neo Everlife and Quartz Stable HR

• Firmer support in the pelvic area

• Custom zones for the legs

This keeps your spine in a natural position, which can prevent increased muscle tension and back pain.

2. Good ventilation

Due to the open structure of individual pocket springs, this type of mattress has excellent ventilating ability. The space between the springs provides:

• Better air circulation

• Efficient removal of moisture and heat

• A fresher sleep environment, even for people who get hot easily while sleeping

3. Minimal motion transfer

Because the pocket springs are individually packed and can move separately, movement is hardly transferred to other parts of the mattress. This means that:

• Your partner is less bothered by your movements in bed

• You are less likely to wake up when your partner turns or gets up

• The entire mattress feels more stable, with no denting across the entire width

4. Durability and longevity

A good quality pocket spring mattress lasts 8-12 years on average, which is longer than many foam mattresses. The individual springs retain their elasticity, and if one spring were to weaken, it does not affect the entire mattress.

5. Combination with high-quality overlays

Most modern pocket spring mattresses feature premium coverings, such as:

• Cold foam: Provides excellent resilience, good ventilation and is less prone to pitting - present in our Neo Everlife, Quartz Stable HR, and King Micropocket

• Memory foam: molds to your body and provides optimal pressure relief for shoulders and hips

• Latex: Natural material with antimicrobial properties, highly durable and well ventilated - found in our Quartz Stable Latex

This combination of pocket springs with premium overlays makes the mattress especially comfortable and supportive.

Possible disadvantages of pocket spring mattresses

To give a complete picture, we also mention some disadvantages:

1. Weight

Pocket spring mattresses tend to be heavier than pure foam mattresses because of the steel springs. This makes:

• Turning over the mattress more difficult

• Moving more difficult

2. Price

Quality pocket spring mattresses tend to be more expensive compared to simple foam mattresses. This is due to:

• The more complex production process

• The high quality materials

• The individual packaging of each spring

3. Sensitive to the right substrate

A pocket spring mattress needs the right foundation to function optimally:

• Ideal on a slatted or adjustable bed base

• Less suitable for a spiral base

• Requires adequate support to prevent sagging

Pocket spring mattress suitable for whom?

Perfect for:

• People with back problems: Zoning provides just the right support for the spine, as in our 7-zone mattresses

• Side sleepers: Thanks to adjustability, shoulders and hips sink in just enough

• Warm sleepers: The breathability prevents overheating - our Neo Everlife and Quartz Stable are excellent choices for this purpose

• Couples: The minimal motion transfer means you have less trouble with a moving partner - the King Micropocket is ideal for this

• Heavier persons (over 90 kg): The steel springs in our firmer mattresses offer more counter pressure than pure foam mattresses

Less suitable for:

• Very light persons (under 70 kg): With a low body weight, the springs may not be compressed enough - for this we recommend our softer mattresses such as the King Micropocket

• Frequent movers: Because of the higher weight

• Budget buyers: Higher purchase price can be a barrier

Combining pocket spring mattress with different substrates

It's a good idea to know which bed base your pocket spring mattress will perform optimally on:

Slatted base

A slatted base is an excellent choice for a pocket spring mattress. The slats provide extra resilience and support, and further improve ventilation.

Boxspring

A box spring and pocket spring mattress together make a perfect combination. The springy box spring complements the pocket springs and provides extra comfort.

Adjustable bed base

A pocket spring mattress is usually good to combine with an adjustable base, as long as the mattress is not too thick (ideally a maximum of 24 cm).

Comparison: pocket spring mattress vs. cold foam mattress

To make your choice easier, we compare pocket spring with cold foam mattresses:

When selecting a pocket spring mattress, these are the most important factors to consider:

1. Number of springs

The more springs, the more detailed the support:

• Base mattress: 500-700 springs

• Middle class: 700-1000 feathers

• Premium: 1000+ springs

2. Firmness

Firmness should fit your body weight and sleeping position:

• Side sleepers: usually a little softer on the shoulders

• Back sleepers: Medium to firmer for good back support

• Belly sleepers: firmer to prevent sagging

3. Top layers

The choice of cover layer greatly affects comfort:

• Cold foam: Resilient and ventilating

• Memory foam: Pressure relieving, ideal for joint pain

• Latex: Natural and highly durable

4. Zones

Pay attention to the number and placement of the different zones. Ideally, a good pocket spring mattress should have at least 5 zones for optimal support.

Maintenance of your pocket spring mattress

To make sure your pocket spring mattress lasts as long as possible:

• Turn your mattress every 3 to 6 months to spread wear evenly

• Use a topper like our Topper 247 that protects your mattress and adds extra comfort

• Ventilate your mattress regularly by knocking back bedding to prevent moisture build-up

• Prevent pitting by regularly sleeping in different places

• Vacuum your mattress at least twice a year

Frequently asked questions about pocket spring mattresses

Can a pocket spring mattress sag?

With a good quality pocket spring mattress, sagging is rare, provided it lies on a good foundation. The individual springs retain their springiness many times longer than linked springs.

How long does a pocket spring mattress last?

On average 8-10 years, depending on quality and maintenance. Premium models can even last up to 12 years.

Is a pocket spring mattress good for people with back problems?

Yes, because of the targeted support and different zones, a pocket spring mattress keeps your spine in a natural position, which can reduce back pain.

Can I use a pocket spring mattress on any bed base?

Not on every surface. A good slatted base, box spring or flat, firm surface is ideal. Spiral mattresses are less suitable because of their uneven support.

Are pocket spring mattresses the best-selling mattresses?

Yes, pocket spring mattresses are among the best-selling mattress types worldwide due to their excellent balance of support, comfort and price.

Conclusion: Is a pocket spring mattress good or bad for you?

A pocket spring mattress is an excellent choice for most sleepers thanks to its combination of targeted support, good ventilation and durability. The individual springs provide precision support that conforms to your body contours, while the different zones ensure optimal alignment of your spine.

With the right coverings of cold foam, memory foam or latex, a pocket spring mattress offers the best of both worlds: the firm support of springs and the pressure-relieving comfort of premium foam.

Whether you choose a mattress such as the Neo Everlife, Quartz Stable HR, King Micropocket or the Quartz Stable Latex, you are investing in a product that takes your sleep quality to the next level.

Still have questions or want to try the mattresses for yourself? Visit our showroom (by appointment) or contact us 24/7 via phone, chat or email. Our experts will be happy to help you!