Innerspring vs Pocketed Coil Mattresses
By Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach 
Key Takeaways
- Customized Support and Motion Isolation: Pocketed coil mattresses offer tailored support by contouring the body’s curves, providing targeted relief and better spinal alignment. Additionally, they excel in motion isolation, minimizing disturbances for undisturbed sleep.
- Traditional Feel and Affordability: Innerspring mattresses provide a familiar, bouncy feel with consistent support at a more budget-friendly price point. However, they may not contour as closely to the body, potentially leading to pressure points for some sleepers.
- Longevity and Durability: While innerspring mattresses may vary in durability depending on materials and coil quality, pocketed coil mattresses are often praised for their extended lifespan. The individual wrapping of coils helps maintain structural integrity over time, reducing sagging and wear.
Choosing the right mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep, and the debate between innerspring and pocketed coil mattresses continues to spark interest.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore both mattress types side by side, dissecting their construction, support, motion isolation, durability, and other crucial factors to help you make an informed decision.
What is an Innerspring Mattress?
Innerspring mattresses have long been a staple in the bedding industry.
They consist of a network of steel coils interconnected within a single unit, typically topped with layers of foam, padding, or quilting.
What is a Pocketed Coil Mattress?
Pocketed coil mattresses, also known as individually wrapped or encased coil mattresses, have gained popularity in recent years.
Unlike innerspring mattresses, pocketed coil mattresses feature coils that are individually wrapped in fabric or cloth pockets.
Pros and Cons of Innerspring vs Pocketed Coil Mattress:
| Aspect | Innerspring Mattresses | Pocketed Coil Mattresses |
| Construction | Interconnected steel coils arranged in a grid pattern | Individually wrapped coils encased in fabric pockets |
| Support | – Provides traditional, bouncy support | – Offers tailored support by contouring to the body’s curves |
| – Interconnected coil system distributes weight evenly | – Coils operate independently, offering targeted support | |
| Comfort | – Offers a responsive feel with consistent support | – Provides enhanced contouring and pressure relief |
| – May not contour as closely to the body | – Alleviates pressure points and promotes better spinal alignment | |
| Motion Isolation | – Tends to transfer motion across the bed | – Excels in motion isolation due to independent coil operation |
| – Movements on one side of the mattress can be felt on the other | – Absorbs motion, minimizing disturbances during sleep | |
| Durability | – Longevity can vary depending on materials and coil quality | – Praised for durability and extended lifespan |
| – May experience sagging and diminished support over time | – Individual coil wrapping maintains structural integrity | |
| Price | – Generally more budget-friendly compared to pocketed coil mattresses | – Often comes with a higher price tag for enhanced features |
| – Wide range of price points available | – Higher initial investment may be required |
Innerspring Mattresses:
Pros:
- Affordability: In general, innerspring mattresses tend to be more budget-friendly compared to pocketed coil mattresses, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers.
- Supportive: The interconnected coil system in innerspring mattresses provides robust support, promoting spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.
- Temperature Regulation: The open design of innerspring mattresses allows for ample airflow, helping to regulate temperature during sleep and prevent overheating.
- Familiar Feel: Many people are accustomed to the traditional bounce and feel of innerspring mattresses, which can be comforting for those who prefer a more traditional sleeping experience.
Cons:
- Motion Transfer: Innerspring mattresses are notorious for transferring motion across the bed, meaning movements on one side of the mattress can be felt on the other, potentially disrupting sleep, especially for couples.
- Durability: Over time, the coils in innerspring mattresses may lose their resilience, leading to sagging and diminished support. This can result in a shorter lifespan compared to pocketed coil mattresses.
- Limited Contouring: Innerspring mattresses may not contour as closely to the body as pocketed coil mattresses, which can lead to potential pressure points and discomfort, especially for side sleepers or those with specific sleep preferences.
Pocketed Coil Mattresses:
Pros:
- Motion Isolation: Pocketed coil mattresses excel in motion isolation, as each coil operates independently and absorbs the motion. This makes them ideal for couples or light sleepers who are easily disturbed by movement.
- Targeted Support: The individual coil pockets in pocketed coil mattresses provide targeted support to different areas of the body, promoting better spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.
- Enhanced Durability: The individual wrapping of coils in pocketed coil mattresses helps maintain their structural integrity over time, resulting in improved durability and longevity.
- Customized Comfort: Pocketed coil mattresses contour more closely to the body, offering personalized comfort and support tailored to individual sleep preferences.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Pocketed coil mattresses typically come with a higher price tag compared to innerspring mattresses due to their advanced construction and enhanced features.
- Potential Heat Retention: The closer conformity of pocketed coil mattresses may limit airflow compared to innerspring mattresses, potentially leading to heat retention issues for those who sleep hot.
- Less Bounce: Some individuals may prefer the traditional bounce and responsiveness of innerspring mattresses, which pocketed coil mattresses may not provide to the same extent.
Difference Between Innerspring and Pocketed Coil Mattress:
Below factors contribute to the major differences between the innerspring and pocketed coil mattresses:
a. Construction:
Innerspring mattresses feature a traditional design consisting of interconnected steel coils.
These coils are typically arranged in a grid pattern and connected by wires, providing a sturdy base for the mattress.
Comfort layers such as foam, cotton, or wool padding are added on top of the coil system for cushioning and support whereas Pocketed coil mattresses are characterized by individually wrapped coils, each encased in fabric or cloth pockets.
These coils operate independently of each other, allowing for targeted support and minimal motion transfer.
Comfort layers are also present in pocketed coil mattresses, providing additional cushioning and contouring to the body.
b. Support and Comfort:
Innerspring mattresses offer a traditional, bouncy feel with responsive support.
The interconnected coil system provides consistent support across the mattress, promoting proper spinal alignment.
However, the uniform support may not contour as closely to the body, leading to potential pressure points for some sleepers.
Pocketed coil mattresses provide tailored support by contouring to the body’s curves.
The individual coil pockets respond independently to pressure, offering targeted support to different areas of the body.
This enhanced contouring can alleviate pressure points and promote better spinal alignment, especially for individuals with specific sleep preferences or conditions.
c. Motion Isolation:
Innerspring mattresses tend to transfer motion across the bed due to the interconnected coil system.
Movements on one side of the mattress can be felt on the other, potentially causing disruptions for couples or light sleepers.
Pocketed coil mattresses excel in motion isolation thanks to the independent operation of each coil.
The individual coil pockets absorb motion, minimizing disturbances and allowing for undisturbed sleep, even when sharing the bed.
d. Durability:
The durability of innerspring mattresses can vary depending on the quality of materials used.
Over time, the interconnected coils may lose their resilience, leading to sagging and diminished support.
Higher gauge coils and quality materials can improve the longevity of an innerspring mattress.
Pocketed coil mattresses are often praised for their durability and longevity.
The individual wrapping of coils helps maintain their structural integrity over time, reducing the likelihood of sagging or wear.
Quality construction and materials contribute to the extended lifespan of pocketed coil mattresses.
FAQs
What is the main difference between innerspring and pocketed coil mattresses?
Innerspring mattresses have a traditional design with interconnected steel coils, providing a bouncy feel and consistent support. Pocketed coil mattresses feature individually wrapped coils encased in fabric pockets, offering tailored support, enhanced contouring, and better motion isolation.
Which mattress type is better for alleviating pressure points?
Pocketed coil mattresses are generally better at alleviating pressure points due to their ability to contour the body's curves. The individually wrapped coils respond independently to pressure, providing targeted support and reducing pressure on specific areas such as shoulders, hips, and lower back.
Do pocketed coil mattresses have better motion isolation compared to innerspring mattresses?
Yes, pocketed coil mattresses excel in motion isolation. The individual coil pockets operate independently, absorbing motion and minimizing disturbances across the bed. This makes pocketed coil mattresses ideal for couples or individuals who are easily disturbed by movements during sleep.
Are innerspring mattresses more affordable than pocketed coil mattresses?
In general, innerspring mattresses tend to be more budget-friendly compared to pocketed coil mattresses. However, the price difference can vary depending on factors such as brand, materials used, and specific features offered. Pocketed coil mattresses often come with a higher price tag due to their enhanced features and construction.
Which mattress type offers better durability?
Pocketed coil mattresses are often praised for their durability and longevity. The individual wrapping of coils helps maintain their structural integrity over time, reducing the likelihood of sagging or wear. Innerspring mattresses may experience sagging and diminished support over time, depending on the quality of materials and coil construction.
Do innerspring mattresses provide better airflow and temperature regulation?
Yes, innerspring mattresses typically offer better airflow and temperature regulation compared to pocketed coil mattresses. The open design of innerspring mattresses allows for ample airflow, promoting better breathability and heat dissipation during sleep. This can be beneficial for individuals who tend to sleep hot.
Which mattress type is better for back pain sufferers?
Both innerspring and pocketed coil mattresses can provide adequate support for back pain sufferers, but pocketed coil mattresses may offer better contouring and targeted support. Individuals with back pain may find that the enhanced pressure relief and spinal alignment provided by pocketed coil mattresses help alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep quality.
Can I use a box spring with both innerspring and pocketed coil mattresses?
Yes, both innerspring and pocketed coil mattresses can be used with a box spring for added support and elevation. However, some mattress manufacturers may recommend specific types of foundations or bases for optimal performance and durability. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when pairing your mattress with a foundation or box spring.
Conclusion:
In the battle of innerspring vs. pocketed coil mattresses, both options have their strengths and weaknesses.
Innerspring mattresses offer traditional support and responsiveness, while pocketed coil mattresses provide enhanced contouring and motion isolation.
Consider your sleep preferences, body type, and budget when choosing between the two.
Whether you prioritize bounce and support or targeted comfort and motion isolation, selecting the right mattress is essential for a restful night’s sleep.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Sarah Anderson is a sleep, health, and wellness writer and product reviewer. She has written articles on changing and improving your sleep schedule, choosing the right mattress for chronic pain conditions, and finding the best pillow for you. Sarah Anderson has her Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in Journalism and Mass Communications. Prior to working for Zoma, she wrote for a variety of news publications. Sarah's work has been featured on Bustle, PureWow, and other publications.
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