Mattress Medic’s Guide
to What’s Inside!

Mattresses are available with three different types of support system; open coil springs, individual pocket springs or foam.  The comfort layer, or topping can be made up of any combination of materials such as polyester, natural fillings or foam.

This guide is to help you navigate the different types of mattresses available and decide which type works best for you.

Remember our friendly and helpful team are on hand for helpful advice to point you in the right direction, we are open every day 10am – 5pm

Types of Support System

Open Coil Mattresses

Open Coil otherwise known as innerspring, box spring, mira-coil or bonnell spring mattresses are made with interconnected springs with a mesh of metal. A more traditional type of spring, they tend to be bouncier than pocket spring types and usully cost less to buy as well. Our collection of open coil springs come in different tensions with a choice of polyester/cotton mix and memory foam fillings

Pocket Springs

Pocket Springs are springs that are individually encased in a pouch of material to reduce motion transference so are perfect for couples sharing a bed. This is the most versatile support system used in mattresses as the support can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of springs used to better suit the user

1000 springs – medium support
1500 springs – Firm Support
2000 springs – Firmest support

Support refers to the underlying spring system, the overall comfort level will depend on the quantity and type of fillings used on the top layer of the mattress to give an overall comfort reading.  The spring count of each of our pocket sprung mattresses is indicated with the name of the model and is based on the quantity used in a kingsize.

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses have increased in popularity in recent years as they are usually vacuum packed into a roll shape so easy for delivery to the end user. There are many types of foam available on the market with different densities that greatly affects the comfort level. Memory foam mattresses are known to hold the heat and make you hot while you sleep so if this is an issue for you it may be a good idea to consider the alternatives available such as latex, natural fillings or gel foam which gives a very similar feel but is better for heat regulation.  Hybrid mattresses have a spring support system with a layer of foam on one side only so you cannot flip them over to sleep on the other side.

The Different Types of Foam Available

Memory Foam

Memory foam is ideal for side sleepers as it offers excellent pressure relief for your hips and shoulders.  Available in either full foam (no springs) or combined with open coil or pocket spring support systems.

Ideal For: Side Sleepers that like a little extra pressure relief

Gel Foam

Gel foam is essentially the next generation of memory foam that doesnt hold the heat as much. Like memory foam, gel is excellent for side sleepers and has added breathability for a cooler nights sleep.

Ideal For: Those that like memory foam but don’t like the heat

Latex Foam

Latex foam is a natural product derived from the sap of the rubber tree. In foam form it provides excellent support and a springy but firmer feel. Excellent durability and neutral to heat change unlike more modern memory foam mattresses.

Ideal For: Those looking for a more sustainable material and a cooler nights sleep.

“Edge to Edge” Support

Another thing to consider when selecting your new mattress is the level of support on the edges.  Some mattresses have a steel rod edge which while available at a lower price point can bend out of shape if you sit on the edge often and can give the sensation of rolling out of bed.  To reinforce the side walls of a mattress they are either hand side stitched on more luxurious models or foam encapsulated, both which give edge to edge support to the user.

Foam Encapsulation

Our encapsulated range of mattresses gives excellent support on the sides of the mattress using a firm foam bolster to allow edge to edge sleep. Also very useful if you have mobility issues or simply like to sit on the side of the bed regularly.  Available with gel foam, latex foam and natural wool/silk/cashmere toppings.  These types of mattress are usually single sided/no turn.

Hand Side Stitched

The traditional artisan method used in mattress making to re-inforce the sides to give edge to edge support. This method is usually only found in the most luxurious hand crafted mattresses using only high quality natural materials.  This skill has passed down through generations and is still employed today.  Hand side stitched mattresses are usually double sided so require turning regularly as part of your care routine and can be quite heavy

Use our guides below for further help in choosing the right bed and mattress to suit your needs or contact our Mattress Medics for friendly helpful advice!