Mattress Guide

Mattress guide – Bonnell Spring, Pocket Spring, Memory Foam…

There are so many terms and names that it can get confusing. To help you through the mine field to the perfect mattress for you here is our mattress guide.

Bonnell spring

Often referred to as an open coil or traditional mattress. Bonnell springs are round topped, steel wire coils. Laced together they form the simplest type of spring unit.

They date back to the mid-late 19th century. Bonnell springs are the oldest and most common type of mattress spring. They were adapted from the horse drawn buggy springs of the 19th century. Bonnell spring units are often cheaper than other types of spring unit. They can often create a firmer mattress often referred to as an ortho.

Pocket Spring

The major difference between a Bonnell and a pocket spring mattress is the structure. A pocket spring mattress can give more targeted support to the various parts of the body. Pocket springs can move in their own space while all Bonnell springs move together. As the name suggest are individual springs in their own little fabric pocket. These pockets are all stitched together to form the unit. Working on their own, the springs react only to the pressure applied on them instead of the whole unit. Great if one of you is heavier than the other!

The more springs there are in the unit the more supportive it will be. Known as spring counts, these ratings tell you how many pocket springs are in the mattress unit.

Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses combine layers of foam with springs or support foam. They use your body heat to mould to your body shape for support and comfort. Once you get up and remove the pressure, the foam will return to its original shape. Over time it will remember your body shape and sleeping position. This is where the memory foam name comes from.

The concept of memory foam came from NASA in the mid 1960s. Developed for astronauts, to combat extreme pressure faced in the earth’s atmosphere. Memory foam is a popular choice for people who supper with back and joint pain. The foam distributes your body weight. This helps reduce the pressure on the heaviest parts of your body. It can help promote healthier blood circulation through the night. It can also relieve aches and pains while you sleep. Dust mites can’t penetrate the foam structure, ideal for allergy sufferers.