Best Pocket Sprung Mattress

One popular type of mattress in the UK is the pocket sprung mattress, which gives the sleeper an extra level support through hundreds or even thousands of small springs. But with so many brands and models to choose from, how do you know which one to pick?

I’ve done the research for you and rounded up five of the best pocket sprung mattresses on the market in 2024. From high-end luxury to budget-friendly options, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect pocket sprung mattress for you!

So what *is* a pocket spring exactly?

A pocket sprung or ‘enclosed 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 innerspring 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 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 are looking for a pocket sprung mattress really don’t like memory foam and want to avoid it. And that’s fine. But don’t overlook a cross between the two – called a hybrid mattress.

Nowadays most of the big mattress companies are selling hybrids, and rarely sell ‘full fat’ pocket sprung, but I’ve reviewed both types below, depending on your preference.

How do I choose the best one for me?

Pocket spring, pocket sprung – these are both the same thing. 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.

One of the most important things to consider is the level of support that the mattress provides. This largely depends on the number of springs and the gauge (type) of wire used in the springs. So, it’s crucial to choose a mattress with enough springs to provide the right level of support for your body weight and sleeping position.

Comfort is another key consideration that’s quite subjective and varies from person to person and as a result it’s important to choose a mattress that feels comfortable to you. Look for a mattress with a suitable firmness level and a comfortable top layer, such as a pillow top or memory foam layer, that caters to your sleeping preferences.

Durability is an essential factor that cannot be overlooked when choosing a pocket sprung mattress. You want to be sure you invest in a mattress made of high-quality materials that will last for years, and give you the best value for your money.

The size of the mattress is also a key consideration. You should choose a mattress that fits your bed frame and provides enough space for you to sleep comfortably. A mattress that’s too small can lead to discomfort and poor sleep quality.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider the brand reputation either. My top tip is to look for a reputable brand with positive customer reviews and a good track record of producing high-quality mattresses, even if it will cost a bit more. Overall, you’ll need to take into account the price, trial period, and warranty offered by the manufacturer, as these factors can also influence your decision. It’s a lot of learning, but I’m hoping my guide will maek it easier.

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)

The BEST Pocket Sprung Mattresses in the UK

In this article, without further ado, I’m going to review 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, but all can be purchases online.

1. Emma Premium Mattress – Best Overall

The Emma Hybrid Mattress – now called the Emma 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 provided me with a highly 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 – Best for Luxury

The Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress is a luxurious pocket sprung mattress that features 5,000 pocket springs, making it one of the most supportive mattresses available. Ithas also been designed with layers of memory foam, natural wool, and hypoallergenic material, providing a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment. The Simba Hybrid Pro also comes with a 200-night trial and a 10-year guarantee.

With its five layers, I noted in my testing that the Hybrid Pro provides exceptional support and pressure relief thanks in large part to its two layers of pocket springs. There’s a special zoned foam layer in the mattress, too, for targeted comfort and assistance.

The Hybrid Pro is an expensive mattress, but if you’re searching the best support and comfort on the market (and it’s made in the UK too…) then it’s money well spent. Don’t forget that Simba are a premium brand. They’ve put a lot of effort into the design and craftmanship and it shows – users and reviewers alike have praised it as a top hybrid mattress in the UK.

Price: Around £1,049 (before discounts)

TIP: If you’re looking for a ‘full wool’ mattress then read more on the best wool mattresses to buy in the UK.

3. OTTY Original Hybrid Mattress – Best Budget

The OTTY Original is a hybrid – so in other words 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 is best known for providing excellent support but also generally providing enough comfort for a decent night’s sleep. The OTTY Hybrid Mattress also comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year guarantee.

If you’re looking for a pocket sprung mattress that provides supportive sleep, this one performs very well for the price. This budget-priced mattress, generally speaking, suits every type of sleeper too including side sleepers.

But what makes the OTTY Original Hybrid stand out from the rest of the bed-in-a-box market? I put it to the test, sleeping on it for a few weeks to assess convenience of delivery, support, and any handy features, and you can read the full results of my test here.

The Original Hybrid comes in at 25cm deep, so that’s pretty sizeable compared to other brands at this price point who usually come in at around 20-23cm.

In terms of price, it’s also one of the cheaper hybrids in the UK: expect to pay around £299 to £449 (view all OTTY discounts here). One thing to be aware of, though, it’s not made in the UK sadly, so if that bothers you, then consider another brand.

You can read my full, in-depth review of the Otty Original here.

4. Silentnight Eco Comfort 1200 – Best Pure Pocket Spring

Anything by Silentnight with ‘ECO’ in the name is usually a good sign.

The Silentnight Eco Comfort Mattress is one of tjhe best choices for those looking for an eco-friendly option without compromising on quality or comfort. With 1400 pocket springs, it provides the necessary support for your body while also being made from sustainable materials. The mattress features a layer of Eco Comfort Fibres, which are not only kinder to the planet but also promote breathability, ensuring that you don’t overheat during the night.

In testing, the Mirapocket zoned springs adjusted well to my weight, providing you with luxurious comfort and tailored support where you need it most, such as your shoulders and hips. This helps align your spine and improve posture while sleeping.

Silentnight’s commitment to the environment is, in my opinion, highly commendable – being the first and only sleep brand to commit to the Climate Pledge; meaning they have set a target to be net zero carbon by 2040.

In a nutshell:

The Silentnight Eco Comfort Mattress comes with a 60-night sleep guarantee, so you can try it out and make sure it’s the right fit for you. Plus, with a 5-year warranty, you can buy with confidence. The mattress is also 100% recyclable, making it an even more sustainable choice for the planet.

This sleep trial isn’t quite as long as others – if you’re looking for the best sleep trial reviews, then read this.

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.

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.

More from WhatMattress...

A Guide to UK Mattress Sizes

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers

Conclusion

Well, that’s a wrap on our journey through the top pocket sprung mattresses available in the UK. I’ve covered everything from the luxurious to the budget-friendly and everything in between.

If you take one thing away from this article, then make it this: choosing the right pocket sprung mattress for you really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the creme de la creme of pocket sprung mattresses, the Hypnos Orthos Elite Wool is a no-brainer. But if you’re looking for something more affordable, the Emma Hybrid Mattress is a great option for most of us.

Overall, all the mattresses I’ve looked at here are made from high-quality materials and come with impressive trial periods and guarantees, so you can sleep easy knowing you’re making a solid investment.

Remember, when choosing a pocket sprung mattress, make sure you consider the number of springs, the level of support and comfort provided, the durability, size, and brand reputation. Also, be sure to check for eco-friendly options and certifications. Let me know in the comments section below what you think !

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