What is a Pocketed Coil Mattress? | Here’s Everything Consumers Need to Know

The popularity of pocketed coil mattresses keeps going up. In the US alone, over 60% of households own a pocketed coil mattress. As people seek restful sleep, pocketed coil mattresses don’t fail, they offer a combination of comfort and support.

In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about pocketed coil mattresses including their unique construction, working mechanism, benefits, pros, and cons, and even share some consumer feedback.

We will explore pocketed coil mattresses and compare them with other types of mattresses. And then guide you on the factors to consider when choosing a mattress, followed by maintenance tips, some popular brands and models, and finally commonly asked questions about pocketed coil mattresses.

What is a Pocketed Coil Mattress?

A pocketed coil mattress is a long-lasting mattress that consists of individual coils separated by fabric pockets. The individually wrapped coils offer more support and comfort compared to traditional mattresses. Since each coil moves independently, the mattress conforms to your body’s contour and there is no motion transfer.

In 1899, James Marshall invented the pocketed coil system leading to the famous name “marshall coils.” With more technological advancements in the manufacturing industry, the construction of pocketed coil mattresses has evolved providing more comfort and support.

Pocketed coil mattresses have always stood out from the crowd compared to other types of mattresses. When compared to innerspring mattresses which have interconnected coils, pocketed coil mattresses provide more targeted support and better motion isolation and contouring.

While memory foam mattresses conform closely to the body, they easily retain heat. Pocketed coil mattresses on the other hand are breathable and offer temperature regulation while sleeping. Latex mattresses are as durable and comfortable but are more expensive compared to pocketed coil mattresses.

How a Pocketed Coil Mattress Works?

The pocketed-coil technology involves multiple coils wrapped individually in fabric pockets. The idea is to ensure each coil works separately without rubbing against each other for an enhanced sleep experience. The fabric pockets are then glued together. Above each pocket, you will find additional comfort layers depending on the user’s preference.

When sleeping, each coil moves separately and contours to the sleeper’s body shape. The pocketed coils respond accordingly to the movement without transferring the motion to the neighboring coils hence a quiet sleep environment. The cylindrical shape of the pocketed coils ensures an even distribution of pressure on each coil for better support and comfort.

The pocketed coil system is ideal for couples since there is minimal motion transfer. Each coil moves independently, reducing sleep-disrupting noises. The pocketed coil mattress combines coils and comfort layers to ensure comfort and maximum support for every sleeping position.

Benefits of Pocketed Coil Mattresses

• Support: Unlike regular mattresses, pocketed coil mattresses provide maximum contouring as each coil responds to pressure to ensure appropriate support. The mattress maintains the natural curvature of the spine preventing pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
• Comfort: Regardless of your sleeping position, pocketed coil mattresses alleviate all the pressure points. You can find a wide range of comfort layers like latex that offer a balance between comfort and support.
• Durability: Besides the good physical health benefits the pocketed coil mattresses provide, they are also a smartinvestment that gives you years of comfort. The individual coils are designed to withstand wear and tear and the pocket fabric prevents the friction between the coils.
• Temperature regulation: The design of the pocketed coil mattress is unique such that there are spaces between individual coils to support air circulation, therefore providing natural temperature regulation. There is also enhanced breathability that prevents the mattress from retaining heat during hot nights.
• Noise Reduction: The mattress has pockets that prevent the coils from rubbing against each other hence a quieter sleeping environment compared to innerspring mattresses.

Choosing the Right Pocketed Coil Mattress

Coil count

Coil count is one of the factors that influence support and comfort. The ideal range of coil count depends on the mattress size. A higher coil count translates to a firmer mattress since the body weight is distributed evenly while sleeping, hence better support.

A low coil count provides less support, makes the mattress feel softer, and wears faster. Ideally, the minimum range of coils is 300 for a full-size mattress. A queen-sized mattress can have 400 coils and a king-sized up to 2000 coils.

Coil gauge

The coil gauge is simply the thickness of each coil. The thicker the gauge, the firmer the mattress. A mattress coil gauge ranges between 13 and 15. The lower the number, the thicker the gauge.

Thinner coil gauges are softer and provide sturdiness and stability, but they also wear faster. A lower gauge mattress is the right choice if you are looking for durability, resistance, firmness, balance, and comfort.

Materials

The material used in a pocketed coil mattress impacts comfort and durability. Consider high-quality materials that are breathable and hypoallergenic. For breathable materials, the commonly used are cotton, wool, and fiberfill. Low-quality materials indicate less durable mattresses.

Additional comfort layers

On top of your pocketed coil mattress, think about comfort layers to improve support and comfort. Memory foam and latex provide a comfortable feel and protect you from the pressure caused by the coil. Pillow tops also enhance comfort and support.

Other Factors Affecting the Choice of a Pocketed Coil Mattress

Sleeping Position

Getting the right mattress also narrows down to the position you feel comfortable sleeping. Research has established that sleep is closely associated with mental health. Here is a guide on how to choose a mattress based on your sleeping position:

Side sleepers

Side sleeping usually exerts pressure on the shoulders and hips. The position is the most common among adults. A pocketed coil mattress is ideal for side sleepers for maximum comfort. You also need a softer mattress to reduce pressure on the shoulders and hips.

An extremely firm mattress can cause strain on the pressure points. Side sleepers can add comfort layers like latex, foam, gel, and pillow tops for proper spine alignment, cushioning, pressure relief, and more support.

Back sleepers

People who sleep on their backs need medium to firm mattresses depending on their body weight. They need a mattress that does not strain the lower back and provides maximum spine alignment. Pocket coil and orthopedic mattresses provide personalized support for back sleepers.

Stomach sleepers

The best mattress for stomach sleepers should provide optimal support for spine alignment. The stomach sleeping position puts pressure on the shoulder, neck, and arm. A latex mattress without too much sinkage is suitable to prevent pain and stiffness.

Budget

There are standard and premium pocketed coil mattresses in various price ranges, based on coil count, coil gauge, firmness, comfort, and brand. Premium models not only provide comfort and support but also luxury and are often pricier than standard models. The best way is to find a mattress that fits your budget and prioritize your preferred features.

Consumers can expect the following at different price points:

Budget-friendly (under $1,000)

A pocketed coil mattress with a low coil count of 200-300 and a thinner coil gauge for a queen size. Comfort layers may be basic foam and the overall design is average. The budget-friendly option will give you a lifespan of approximately 5-7 years.

Mid-range ($1,000-2,000)

These mattresses have a moderate coil count of 300-800 for a queen size and a thicker gauge. The comfort layers are mainly latex, memory foam, and cooling gels. The mattresses in this category have a higher firmness level suitable for different sleeping positions. The durability is usually 7-10 years.

High-end (over $2,000)

High-end pocketed coil mattresses are constructed using premium materials like high-density foams and natural latex. Some have advanced cooling technologies depending on the price. The coil count is over 1,000 for queen size and a thicker coil gauge. The lifespan for the luxury option is typically 10 to 10 years.

Brands and Models

Here are some popular brands and recommended models for mattresses that will help you get started:

Sealy

Is a leading company in providing pocketed coil mattresses for maximum support. The Sealy Posturepedic hybrid model is the best-selling mattress due to its multiple comfort layers for various sleepers.

Serta

Is a household name when it comes to mattresses. The company offers a variety of pocketed coil mattresses. The recommended model is the Serta perfect sleeper which is affordable and offers a luxurious sleep experience with its high coil count.

Saatva

It is a newer brand yet highly regarded for its customizable pocketed coil mattresses. The Saatva classic is the recommended model which combines a plush euro pillow top and high coil count.

Pros and Cons of Pocketed Coil Mattresses

Pros

• Better support- the mattress provides a “hugging feeling” that allows individual coils to mold around your body. It gives precise support to the pressure points preventing you from waking up feeling sore, especially on the neck. More coils enable the spine to stay aligned therefore reducing aches and pain.
• Reduced motion transfer– a pocket coil mattress is constructed using individually wrapped coils that adjust to your pressure points, hence providing individual support. It isolates movements offering more comfort and reducing disturbance when sleeping.
• Enhanced durability- as many say, pocket coil mattresses are the longest-lasting mattresses in the market, there is no doubt. The mattresses have a longer lifespan which means they are more resilient and withstand wear and tear than other mattresses.

Cons

• Heavier than other mattresses-pocketed coil mattresses have dense fillings which make them heavy to turn or move compared to other mattresses.
• Expensive- in as much as you are putting your health and comfort first, pocketed coil mattresses do not come cheap.
• Require compatible bed frame- a pocketed coil mattress does well with a compatible bed frame for firm and even support.

Maintenance and Care Tips

• Regular maintenance- Your mattress is not a trampoline, avoid jumping, standing, or walking across your mattress to keep the coils intact. Air your mattress out once in a while to maintain a good flow of air and reduce moisture build-up.
• Cleaning- use an upholstery attachment to vacuum your mattress every few months to remove the accumulation of dust and allergens. You can remove stains using mild detergent and air-dry the mattress. Avoid using harsh chemicals that might damage your pocketed coil mattress.
• Rotating and flipping- the general rule is to rotate your pocketed coil mattress every three months to ensure an even distribution of body weight and minimize sagging. For flippable pocketed coil mattresses you can flip every 1-6 months to ensure one side is not overly affected by the pressure.
• Mattress protection- get a good mattress protector to keep off stains, dust, sweat, food crumbs, and liquid spillage. The best materials for a mattress protector include cotton, polyester, and other waterproof fabrics. 

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Sarah L- “I used to wake up with constant back pain from my old mattress. After switching to a pocketed coil mattress (Saatva Luxury Firm), it’s like a whole new world! The support is incredible, and I no longer feel any aches when I wake up. I can finally sleep soundly through the night.”

John M- “My wife tosses and turns a lot, and my sleep used to suffer because of it. Since getting a pocketed coil mattress (Sealy Posturepedic Plus Plush), her movements don’t bother me anymore. The individual coils seem to absorb the motion, and I finally get an uninterrupted night’s sleep.”

Pocketed coil mattresses have received positive user reviews in terms of comfort, support, and durability. The average rating is between 4.5 and 5 stars on various platforms.

The most common feedbacks from users are reduced aches and pain, maximum comfort, and enhanced sleep.

Ready to Try Out a Pocketed Coil Mattress?

Pocket coil mattresses are among the top choices when it comes to spine alignment, comfort, durability, and reduced motion transfer. They are also versatile for consumers whether you are a side, stomach, or back sleeper.

Each coil in the mattress moves independently providing unsurpassed support and resulting in less motion transfer. Pocketed coil mattresses improve sleep quality, reduce sleep disturbance, and support overall well-being.

The choice of mattress depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research, go through reviews, and visit various stores before investing in your preferred mattress.