The most common type of mattress is the innerspring mattress. This mattress type has been around for decades, and is most closely associated with the look and feel of the “classic” mattress. Popular among consumers due to their affordability and availability, innerspring mattresses can be found at most mattress retailers and on most websites.
Components of an Innerspring Mattress
The innerspring mattress, or simply spring mattress for short is typically composed of three layers: A support layer, a comfort layer; and a fabric cover. The basic structure of these mattresses is interior coils which give the mattress its firmness, enveloped by two other layers geared toward user comfort.
Support Layer
The support layer of the mattress is what gives the mattress its structure and shape. It is made of hundreds, or in some cases thousands of metal coils or springs, packed closely together to support the user during sleep. Depending on the gauge of coil, the amount of coils, and the quality of coil construction, the mattress will either be firm or soft, inexpensive or expensive.
Comfort Layer
Most often composed of polyurethane foam, latex, or gel foam, the comfort layer of the mattress is the top layer which provides the user comfort and a buffer from the metal coils of the support layer. Inexpensive mattresses often have comfort layers made of polyester or cotton. These options may often lack the comfort of more expensive materials.
Fabric Cover
Also referred to as ticking, the fabric cover of a mattress is what encases both the comfort and support layers and provides the look and exterior feel of the mattress. High end models may be covered in a variety of fabrics, including polyester, silk, or cotton. The fabric cover also can be adorned with patterns, fun colors, or designs.
Types of Mattress Coils
When it comes to the interior mattress coils which offer the mattress structure and support, there are four common variations, as well as a variety of patented coil versions owned by specific companies. Below are details on the different types of mattress coils you can expect to find when shopping for an innerspring mattress.
Open Coils
The most widely used coil type for innerspring mattresses is the open coil or “Bonnell spring” coil type. This version of the innerspring mattress has existed for decades and is often the most affordable. The coils are most often made of steel shaped in an hourglass figure and packed closely together. Open coil mattresses tend to offer a medium level of support, high motion transfer, and may not be as durable or comfortable over extended periods as other innerspring options.
Offset Coils
Superior to the open coil mattress in comfort and contouring is the offset coil mattress. These mattresses are similar in structure to the open coil mattress, except the interior coils are fused together. Offset coils can be found in medium priced innerspring mattresses.
Continuous Coils
Another lower-end option for the innerspring mattress coil is the continuous coil design. The interior of these mattresses is composed of one continuous piece of steel wrapped multiple times forming the length of the mattress. These mattresses are not typically durable, and have issues with motion transfer. Also, they have issues with reacting to the physical form of the user, and may not contour as well.
Pocket Spring
The pocket spring mattress is composed of thousands of smaller, individual springs which react independently to exterior pressure and motion. These mattresses offer a high degree of support and durability, and cut down on transferred motion during use. They tend to be on the more expensive side when compared to other mattress options.
Patented Coil Types
A variety of mattress manufactures have created their own patented variation on the four common interior coil systems. These patented options are engineered by the company to provide superior comfort, durability, and contouring over what could be expected with the four generic types of mattress coils. When considering a name brand, patented innerspring mattress, ask a professional at Tier 4 Mattress what type is the best fit for you.
Additional Factors to Consider
When looking to purchase an innerspring mattress, it is best to understand the two main factors which determine the interior structure and composition of the support layer. These are coil count and coil gauge.
Coil Count
The coil count of a mattress is a number used to determine the number of coils that compose the interior support layer of the mattress. This number is generally rated for a queen-sized bed, so smaller or larger models will differ. It is common to see coil counts of 500, rising steadily up to the thousands for high-end mattress models. The coil count can often translate into the price of the mattress, with higher coil count mattresses tending to be more expensive than lower alternatives.
Coil Gauge
Coil gauge refers to the size of the wire used to construct the interior coils of the mattress. The lower the gauge, the thicker the wire that is used for the coils. Typical coil gauges range between 12 and 18, and increase by 0.5. An extremely soft mattress may be a 14, while a firm mattress may have a coil gauge of 13 or 12.
Contact Tier 4 Mattresses Today!
Have any questions about purchasing an innerspring mattress? Don’t know what coil type, gauge, or count is right for your back? Talk to the professionals at Tier 4 Mattresses to find out what type of mattress best suits your needs. Don’t spend another sleepless night on the wrong mattress, contact Tier 4 Mattresses today.
