A pocket sprung or ‘enclsoed spring’ mattress is similar to the traditional inner spring mattress that most of us would have slept on, before many of us started opting for memory foam instead.
The main differnce is that each spring is individually enclosed in a “pocket” of fabric, hence the name.
Are pocket sprung mattresses any good?
The good news is, it’s entirely possible to buy a decent pocket sprung mattress in the UK without spending lots of money. But it might be better to pay a bit more for quality that lasts – because not every pocket spring mattress is being built to last, sadly.
Mattress trends change often.
Once upon a time, the inner spring dominated. Then along came memory foam. These ate up the sales of traditional spring mattress companies, many have had to either cut costs or increase prices in order to survive. Then along came the hybrid mattress, which is a combination of pocket spring and memory foam. Phew!
But all the while that was happening, pocket spring mattresses have continued to be popular with a certain type of customer.
The good news is that buying a pocket spring mattress is probably easier, on balance, than buying a memory foam one. Why Because there’s less choice, but that isn’t a bad thing – you won’t get bamboozled by 50 different mattress companies trying to sell you their product…!
Should I consider a hybrid mattress instead?
I’ve noticed that most people who choose a pocket sprung mattress really don’t like memory foam. And that’s fine. But don’t overlook a cross between the two – called a hybrid matterss.
Nowadays most of the big mattress companies are selling hybrids, and don’t often sell full pocket sprung, but I’ve reviewed both types below, depending on your preference.
What exactly *is* a pocket sprung mattress?
Pocket spring, pocket spring – these are all the same thing, generally. I’ll just call them ‘pocket sprung’ to avoid confusion, from here on.
When it comes to choosing the best mattress overall, pocket sprung mattresses are still a fairly popular choice in the UK.
These mattresses are made up of individual springs that are contained in individual fabric pockets. This means that each spring can move independently from the others, providing more support and reducing the chance of motion transfer.
At a glance: The facts about pocket sprung mattresses
Here’s my summary of the good and some of the bad points regarding buying a pocket sprung:
- Will generally last longer than a memory foam mattress
- Slightly more eco-friendly than a memory foam
- However, they are quite expensive
- But there’s no “off-gassing” or horrid smell
- Difficult to move upstairs
- Requires flipping over every so often (some, not all)
Are ‘premium’ pocket sprung mattresses always worth it?
The number of springs in a pocket sprung mattress can vary hugely, with higher-end mattresses typically having more springs and smaller gaps between them, resulting in a more comfortable and supportive sleeping surface. Pocket sprung mattresses can sometimes also have additional layers of padding, such as foam or wool, to enhance comfort and cushioning.
Overall, pocket sprung mattresses are a popular choice for people who want a comfortable, supportive mattress that can help reduce back pain and provide a restful night’s sleep.
How much should I be budgeting for a pocket sprung?
Cheaper end
At the lower end of the price range, you’ll find pocket sprung mattresses for as little as £150 to £200 for a single-sized mattress. These mattresses typically have a lower number of springs, around 800 to 1000, and may have fewer additional comfort layers. However, they can still offer a decent level of comfort and support for those on a budget.
Mid range
In the mid-range, you can expect to pay between £300 to £700 for a single-sized pocket sprung mattress. These mattresses usually have more springs, around 1000 to 2000, and may have additional layers of padding for added comfort. They may also be made by more reputable brands and have longer warranties than their cheaper counterparts.
High end/Premium
At the higher end of the price range, you can expect to pay upwards of £1200 for a single-sized pocket sprung mattress.
These mattresses usually have a high number of springs, around 2000 to 3000 or more, and may have multiple layers of padding, including high-quality natural materials such as wool, cashmere, or silk. They may also be handmade and feature additional comfort-enhancing features such as built-in pillow tops. These mattresses are often made by luxury brands and may have long warranties or guarantees, think John Ryan By Design or Tempur.
NB: There’s also a different type of spring – some have encapsulated springs and some do not. I’m not going to go into this in detail here, as it can get very confusing. Thankfully, John Ryan By Design have a helpful article if you want to find out more.
The BEST Pocket Sprung Mattresses in the UK Today
In this article, without further ado, I’m going to describe some of the best pocket sprung mattresses available in the UK to buy right now. Some of these are hybrid and some are full pocket sprung.
1. Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress
The Emma Hybrid Mattress – now called the Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress – is a great choice for people who want the benefits of a bouncy pocket sprung mattress, but with added memory foam comfort.
While Emma mattresses in general have a reptuation for not lasting that long, you should easily get 5 to 10 years out of this mattress. It has scored better generally than their full memory foam mattresses – read my Emma Hybrid review here.
Price: Expect to pay around £350 – £450 for the Emma Hybrid Premium.
Structure: Internally, the Emma Hybrid mattress has 2000 pocket springs, which are topped with a layer of memory foam plus a further layer of breathable foam. The combination of these materials provides a supportive and comfortable sleeping experience. The Emma Hybrid Mattress is also made with eco-friendly materials and comes with a 200-night trial and a 10-year warranty.
TIP: Which memory foam mattress is best in the UK? Find out here.
2. Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress
The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress is a luxurious pocket sprung mattress that features 5000 pocket springs, making it one of the most supportive mattresses available. The mattress is also designed with layers of memory foam, natural wool, and hypoallergenic material, providing a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment. The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress also comes with a 200-night trial and a 10-year guarantee.
This is quite a dear mattress but it is high-end considering Simba are a mass-market brand. They’ve put a lot of effort into the design and craftmanship – and it shows.
Price: Around £1049 (double)
TIP: If you’re looking for a ‘full wool’ mattress, not just one with a wool layer, then find out the best wool mattresses to buy.
3. Otty Original Mattress
The Otty Original is a hybrid – firstly it’s a pocket sprung mattress that features 2000 springs (the same as the Emma) and four layers of foam, including memory foam and a cooling gel layer. This combination provides excellent support and comfort for a restful night’s sleep. The Otty Hybrid Mattress also comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year guarantee.
In terms of price, it’s also one of the cheaper hybrids. Expect to pay around £399 to £449.
You can read my full, in-depth review of the Otty Original here.
4. Silentnight Mirapocket Eco Comfort Mattress
Anything by Silentnight with ‘ECO’ in the name is usually a good sign.
The Silentnight Mirapocket Eco Comfort Mattress is a pocket sprung mattress that features 1400 pocket springs and is made with sustainable materials. The mattress also features a layer of eco-comfort fibres, which are made from recycled plastic bottles. The Silentnight Mirapocket Eco Comfort Mattress is a great choice for those who want a comfortable and eco-friendly mattress.
5. John Lewis & Partners Luxury Natural Collection Linen 3250 – From £1199
The John Lewis & Partners Natural Collection Leckford Linen Pocket Spring Mattress is a luxurious pocket sprung mattress that features 2000 pocket springs and is made with natural materials, including linen and wool. The mattress is also designed with seven comfort zones, providing tailored support for different parts of the body. The John Lewis & Partners Natural Collection Leckford Linen Pocket Spring Mattress also comes with a 7-year guarantee.
It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it if you can afford to stretch your budget this far. What’s more, John Lewis now offer a 60-day return policy for all their mattresses.
What should I look for, when choosing a pocket sprung mattress?
When choosing a pocket sprung mattress, it is important to consider factors such as the number of springs, the materials used, and the trial / guarantee periods. I’ve written a review of the best mattresses available (all types) that offer a free trial period. Some of these can be as long as one year…!
Here are a few things to consider when looking for a pocket sprung mattress:
- Support & Number of Springs: Look for a mattress that provides the right level of support for your body. The number of springs and the gauge of the wire used in the springs can affect the level of support the mattress provides.
- Comfort: Comfort is quite subjective, but if you choose a mattress that feels comfortable to you then you can’t really go wrong. Look for a mattress with a suitable firmness level and a comfortable top layer such as a pillow top or memory foam layer.
- Durability: The durability of a pocket sprung mattress depends on the quality of the materials used. Look for a mattress made of high-quality materials that will last for years.
- Size: Make sure to choose a mattress that fits your bed frame and provides enough space for you to sleep comfortably.
- Brand reputation: Look for a reputable brand with positive customer reviews and a good track record of producing high-quality mattresses.
- Price: Pocket sprung mattresses can vary in price, so choose one that fits within your budget while still meeting your requirements for support, comfort, and durability.
- Trial period and warranty: Look for a mattress with a trial period and a good warranty. This will allow you to test the mattress and return it if you’re not satisfied with it. The warranty will also protect you against defects and damage.
Are pocket sprung mattresses bad for the environment?
It’s difficult to make a blanket statement about pocket sprung mattresses being environmentally friendly or unfriendly, without knowing specific details about their construction and materials.
Some pocket sprung mattresses may be made either partly or fully with sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, wool, or latex, and may use recycled steel for the pocket springs.
However, other pocket sprung mattresses may use materials that are less eco-friendly, such as synthetic foams or chemical treatments. It’s important to research the specific mattress in question and look for certifications from organisations like OEKO-TEX to verify that the mattress meets at least a basic level of environmental standards. As far as I know, all of the above 5 mattress brands meet or exceed OEKO-TEX standards.
