Simba Hybrid
- Simbatex & Aerocoil springs
- 25 cm (10 inches)
- Medium-firm
Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid
The Simba Hybrid is an award-winning hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress by Simba Sleep.
This is a medium-firm mattress that's an excellent choice for a wide range of sleepers but is particularly suited to side sleepers.
The Simba mattress is supportive enough to prevent a build-up of tension but also soft enough to allow your body to sink in where necessary.
This allows for optimal spinal alignment.
The Simba Hybrid mattress comes with an antibacterial hypoallergenic cover, which is removable and machine-washable.
The Simba comes with free delivery, a 200-day risk-free trial period, and a 10-year guarantee.
Reasons to buy
200-night sleep trial |
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10-year guarantee |
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Excellent support for side sleepers |
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Washable cover |
Reasons to avoid
May be too soft for larger builds |
Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress
- ThermoSync foam, memory foam, & pocket springs
- 25 cm (10 inches)
- Medium-firm
Tell me more about the Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress
Emma Sleep's most advanced Luxe Cooling mattress combines six layers of foam and springs for medium-firm support.
It ensures optimal spinal alignment with targeted support and sufficient push-back to prevent excessive sinking.
The mattress offers exceptional edge support, a standout feature not common in bed-in-a-box options.
It features enhanced temperature regulation technologies, so you won't feel as hot and clammy on this mattress as you may feel on other Emma memory foam mattresses.
The machine-washable cover is ideal for allergy sufferers and hygiene maintenance.
Delivered compactly rolled in a box, though it is notably heavy for easy manoeuvring.
Reasons to buy
200-night trial |
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10-year guarantee |
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Excellent edge support |
Reasons to avoid
The foams retain some heat and feel warmer than non-memory foam products |
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We experienced some delivery issues during testing |
DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid
- Memory foam & pocket springs
- 28 cm (11 inches)
- Medium-firm
Tell me more about the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid is a premium mattress from the same company that makes the Nectar memory foam mattress.
It combines high-quality memory foam with full-size pocket springs (called ActiveEdge coils), each measuring 15 cm (5.9 inches).
This is an orthopaedically designed mattress with medium-firm support to help eliminate back, neck, and shoulder pains.
The mattress offers enhanced breathability to help keep you cool and refreshed all night long.
It also has low motion transfer and great edge support, making it an excellent choice for couples.
Reasons to buy
365-day trial period |
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Lifetime warranty |
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Excellent motion isolation for couples |
Reasons to avoid
Extra deep sheets required |
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Too firm for lightweight side sleepers |
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The cover is not removable |
Nectar Premier Hybrid
- Memory foam, micro springs & full-size pocket springs
- 28 cm (11 inches)
- Medium-firm support
Tell me more about the Nectar Premier Hybrid
The Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress is one of Nectar's best-selling medium-firm mattresses, designed for superior comfort and support for all body types.
This mattress has been designed with enhanced cooling in mind, wicking away moisture and allowing for greater air circulation. ❄️
This helps keep the mattress cooler and more comfortable, making it better suited to hot sleepers or those who sweat easily.
The combination of up to 2,462 micro springs and full-size pocket springs also aids support and gives you a more stable sleeping surface.
It also comes with a risk-free 365-day trial, giving you the chance to try the product in the comfort of your own home.
Reasons to buy
365-day trial |
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Lifetime guarantee |
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Free named-day delivery |
Reasons to avoid
Not the best edge support |
Panda London Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro
- Bamboo, memory foam & pocket springs
- 27 cm (10.6 inches)
- Medium-firm to firm
Tell me more about the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro mattress
The Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro mattress is made in the UK and offers orthopaedic-grade support.
It's infused with bamboo, making it odour-resistant and highly breathable, and it also features a plush bamboo cover that's soft, temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic, and antibacterial.
We found the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro Mattress exceptionally comfortable, especially in the back-sleeping position.
The OrthoAlign foam optimises spinal alignment and works with a multi-zonal spring base for superior support.
Additionally, the mattress has 1,500 premium pocket springs that isolate motion, so you won't be disturbed by your partner.
Reasons to buy
Firm & supportive feel |
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Matching emperor mattress protector available |
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100-night trial period |
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10-year guarantee |
Reasons to avoid
Might be too firm for lightweight sleepers |
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The mattress initially had a chemical smell that lasted a few days |
What is a pocket sprung mattress?
You’ve probably heard about pocket sprung mattresses before.
But what exactly is a pocket spring mattress?
In a nutshell, a pocket spring mattress is a type of innerspring mattress.
And an innerspring mattress is any mattress that has springs as its core.
These can be low-quality spring mattresses, like open coil mattresses, or high-quality spring mattresses, like pocket spring mattresses.
In a pocket spring mattress, the spiral-shaped springs are all wrapped in individual fabric pockets - hence, pocket springs.
Because they’re not connected to each other, as they would be in an open coil spring mattress, individual pocket springs offer numerous advantages:
- The springs can move independently of each other.
- Individual springs ensure precise body adaption.
- The springs can respond to pressure exactly where the pressure is applied.
- There is space between the springs, allowing air to move freely and keeping the mattress cool.
A good pocket spring mattress will consist of thousands of tightly coiled springs. 🌀
Together, they’re likely to give your mattress a medium-firm to firm level of support.
But, the exact feel of your mattress will depend on the other materials used.
A pocket sprung mattress doesn’t only contain springs.
The springs are generally housed between layers of comfort foam. 🥱
The comfort foam can be made of cold foam, latex foam, polyurethane foam, or memory foam.
Many luxury pocket spring mattresses also include natural fillings, such as wool, cashmere, or coir. 🐑
Barrel pocket spring mattresses
Barrel pocket spring mattresses are also pocket sprung mattresses, but they differ in the shape of the springs.
Instead of regular spirals, the springs look like barrels.
They are wider in the middle than they are at the top and the bottom.
Barrel pocket springs offer a slightly softer feeling, making them very comfortable.
They’re also often recommended to people who struggle with back pain.
Hybrid mattresses
All pocket sprung mattresses contain some layers of foam, but hybrid mattresses feature both springs and foam at their core.
They act as a cross between foam mattresses and spring mattresses, providing the advantages of both and eliminating any drawbacks.
The springs make hybrid mattresses stable and supportive, while the foams add comfort and contouring.
Pocket memory mattresses are very popular. 👌
These combine the soft body contouring features of memory foam with the support of springs.
Hybrid mattresses are a particularly good choice for people struggling with aches and pains.
They’ll effectively release pressure points and allow you to sleep snuggly. 🥳
The Simba Hybrid is one of our favourite hybrid mattresses, combining mini pocket springs with multiple layers of Simba-Pure foam.
Hybrid and all-foam mattresses can be compression-packed into a box for easy transport, giving rise to the popular bed-in-a-box mattress. 📦
This cannot be done with pure pocket spring mattresses.
Is a pocket sprung mattress the right mattress for you?
Pocket sprung mattresses are suitable for a wide variety of sleepers and sleeping positions.
Which sleeping position is best for pocket sprung mattresses?
Generally, spring mattresses are better suited for back and stomach sleepers because they offer greater stability.
Back and stomach sleepers often need a little more support to keep their hips lifted (and spine straight).
Spring mattresses do this better than foam mattresses.
Side sleepers, in contrast, often find spring mattresses a little too firm. 🧱
This isn’t always the case, though, so it’s always worth paying attention to the firmness specifications of a particular mattress.
You'll also find pillow top pocket mattresses that have a supportive spring base but a soft and squishy top to give you the best of both worlds.
Zoned spring mattresses are also particularly good as they allow for a little more sinkage in the hip and shoulder areas.
This helps create optimal spinal alignment. 📏
Spinal alignment is important for any sleeping position but becomes a little more difficult for side sleepers, who need the right mix of support and sinkage.
Is a pocket sprung mattress good for back pain?
Pocket spring mattresses are great for people who struggle with back pains.
This is because pocket springs allow your body to be supported optimally.
They:
- Give way only where pressure is applied.
- Distribute weight evenly.
- Reduce pressure points.
This allows your body to fully relax so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. 😴
Do pocket sprung mattresses sleep cool?
Pocket spring mattresses are among the coolest mattresses. 😎
This is because the spaces between the springs allow for natural ventilation channels.
This enhances breathability and airflow throughout the mattress, wicking away moisture and heat, and keeping you cool and comfortable all night long. ❄️
This makes pocket spring mattresses particularly suitable for heavier sweaters or people who easily feel hot at night.
Is a pocket sprung mattress good for couples?
Poor open coil spring mattresses can be very bouncy, which isn’t great for couples. 👩❤️👨
Pocket sprung mattresses provide less bounce than open coil mattresses - but a slightly more springy feel than memory foam mattresses.
A good pocket spring mattress will ensure that movements are absorbed well and that you won’t be woken up by your partner’s movements.
Take the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid, for instance.
This mattress offers some bounce to make it very comfortable, but it is excellent in absorbing motion, so you can sleep calm and comfortably all night long.
Criteria when purchasing a pocket sprung mattress
There are always important criteria to consider when buying a new mattress.
- Is it comfortable?
- Is it easy to set up?
- Will my dog fit?
Luckily, most of the important questions can be solved by choosing a mattress with a risk-free trial period.
Most of the quality brands come with a trial period that lasts at least 100 days. 🗓
This gives you the chance to see if the mattress is really right for you.
It will also help you decide if the firmness you’ve chosen is right for you. ☁️
You don’t want to lie on mashed potatoes, but you don’t want to sleep on an extra-firm steel table either.
As a general guideline:
- Heavier people need firmer mattresses than lighter people.
- People who sleep on their backs and fronts need firmer mattresses than people who sleep on their sides.
A good trial period (with free delivery and free returns) will help determine if you’ve made the right choice.
As to whether or not your puppy will fit, you’ll need to ensure you choose the right mattress size. 🐶
But, first, here are a few key criteria that will help you purchase the best pocket sprung mattress.
What type of coil does the mattress have?
Sometimes descriptions can be perplexing, so it’s always important to double-check that the mattress you’re considering is actually a pocket sprung mattress and not an open coil mattress.
Pocket sprung mattresses contain springs that are all housed in individual fabric pockets.
Open coil mattresses have springs that are all connected to each other.
How many pocket springs should a good mattress have?
The higher the number of springs a pocket sprung mattress has, the better.
This is because a higher spring count increases point elasticity, enabling the mattress to better adapt and react to your body shape. 🧍♀️
This equals more comfort.
A good quality pocket spring mattress contains at least 1000 springs, though you’ll also find models with up to 10,000 springs.
A very high spring count generally means that the mattress relies on smaller springs, like micro-coils or mini pocket springs.
Aim to choose a mattress with 1000 - 2000 springs.
These will provide the best support and most comfort at a good price.
Even a mattress with "only" 1200 springs, like the Silentnight Eco Comfort, will be an excellent choice.
The difference between a pocket sprung mattress with 2000 springs and one with more than that is negligible.
Some mattress brands specify the number of springs per square metre.
If that's the case, then remember that a good pocket spring mattress should have between 350 and 500 springs per square metre.
What is spring gauge?
Another element to pay attention to is spring gauge.
Spring gauge can best be described as the thickness of a spring.
This will range between 12 and 18.
The lower the gauge number, the thicker the spring.
Thicker springs are firmer, resulting in an overall firmer mattress with longer-lasting support.
A higher gauge means thinner coils, which provide more gentle support.
Does spring height matter?
We’ve briefly touched on spring height above, and this is certainly another key element to consider.
Some pocket sprung mattresses contain full-size springs, but others may rely on mini springs.
Hybrid mattresses, like the Simba, for example, often combine mini springs with memory foam.
Some mattresses even combine one layer of full-size springs with another layer of mini pocket springs.
- Full-size springs generally have a minimum height of 10 cm.
- Mini pocket springs are generally 2 - 3 cm in height.
As a standard rule of thumb:
The smaller the springs, the less push-back feeling the mattress will give.
UK pocket sprung mattress sizes
Pocket sprung mattresses are available in all standard UK mattress sizes. 🇬🇧
These include:
- Pocket sprung small single mattress: 75 x 190 cm (2'6" x 6'3")
- Pocket sprung single mattress: 90 x 190 cm (3’ x 6’3”)
- Pocket sprung small double mattress: 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
- Pocket sprung double mattress: 135 x 190 cm (4’6” x 6’3”)
- Pocket sprung king size mattress: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
- Pocket sprung super king size mattress: 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)
Foam mattresses are easily available in custom sizes, but this is a little more difficult with pocket sprung mattresses.
This is because foam can easily be cut into custom sizes, but pocket spring mattresses have to be designed in set sizes.
What do pocket sprung mattresses cost?
Pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses are generally more expensive than all-foam mattresses, but they don’t have to be unaffordable.
Often, pocket sprung mattresses are actually more cost-effective as they’re likely to last you a longer time.
A decent hybrid or pocket sprung model, like the DreamCloud, should set you back at least £500 - £1000 for a double. 💷
We’d steer clear of anything much cheaper than that, as you’re likely to compromise on quality.
Choose the right bed frame for your pocket sprung mattress
Of course, if you’re investing in a quality pocket sprung mattress, then you also want to make sure you’re getting a bed frame that will best support your new mattress. 🛏
Rigid slatted frames are best for pocket sprung mattresses.
Pocket sprung mattresses tend to be quite heavy, so make sure the frame you choose is robust and stable.
You need a bed base with the structural strength to carry a heavy mattress. 🏋️♀️
Ideally, your frame will also be divided into the same zones as your mattress.
This will enhance overall support.
We’d recommend you stay away from adjustable slatted frames. 🙅
These may be practical, but adjusting the head and foot zones can damage the springs of your mattress.
Some of our favourite UK bed frames:
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![DreamCloud Platform Bed]()
![DreamCloud Platform Bed]()
DreamCloud![DreamCloud]()
Platform BedPrice from £ 139The DreamCloud Platform Bed is an elegantly-designed bed frame that fits any room and decor.The DreamCloud Platform Bed is an elegantly-designed bed frame that fits any room and decor.Price from £ 139
Is a pocket spring mattress better than a foam mattress?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question.
The right type of mattress will depend on your personal needs.
Heavier-weight sleepers will often find a pocket sprung mattress more comfortable as they enjoy the stability and support a firm mattress provides.
But, you’ll also be able to find quality foam mattresses with a high degree of firmness that are well-suited to heavier people.
The Nectar, for example, is a memory foam mattress with a top layer of dynamic support foam.
This top layer gives it an overall firmer and more supportive feel than many other memory foam mattresses.
Lighter people and side sleepers often prefer foam mattresses as these tend to be softer.
But, you can also find suitable pocket sprung or hybrid models, like the more medium-firm Simba mattress.
Which mattress is right for you will ultimately depend on a number of individual preferences.
Can a mattress topper make my pocket sprung mattress softer?
As a standard, pocket sprung mattresses are firmer than all-foam mattresses.
If you’re looking for the support of a pocket sprung mattress and the comfort of an all-foam mattress, there are a few options available:
- Choose a hybrid model with memory foam.
- Choose a pillow top spring mattress.
- Invest in a mattress topper.
If your actual mattress is quite firm, you can add a soft mattress topper. 👌
Mattress toppers are layers of additional padding designed to add more softness and comfort to a too-firm mattress.
Our favourite UK mattress toppers:
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![Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper]()
![Simba Hybrid Mattress Topper]()
Simba![Simba]()
Mattress TopperPrice from £ 299The Simba mattress topper is a high-quality hybrid topper.The Simba mattress topper is a high-quality hybrid topper.Price from £ 299 -
![Panda London Mattress Topper]()
![Panda London Mattress Topper]()
Panda London![Panda London]()
Mattress TopperPrice from £ 84.96 £ (99.95 )The Panda Mattress Topper is a gel-infused memory foam topper with a breathable bamboo cover.The Panda Mattress Topper is a gel-infused memory foam topper with a breathable bamboo cover.Price from £ 84.96 (£ 99.95 ) -
![Silentnight Ultimate Luxury Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress Topper]()
![Silentnight Ultimate Luxury Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress Topper]()
Silentnight![Silentnight]()
Ultimate Luxury Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress TopperPrice from £ 135The Luxury Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress Topper has been designed for superior comfort.The Luxury Hungarian Goose Feather & Down Mattress Topper has been designed for superior comfort.Price from £ 135
Alternatives to pocket sprung mattresses
We really like pocket sprung mattresses but they’re not the right choice for everyone.
If you feel that this isn’t the right type of mattress for you, consider one of the below alternatives instead. 👇
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam is characterised by its memory imprint.
What this shows is:
- As pressure is applied, the foam moulds to the shape and forms an imprint.
- The imprint remains for a little while even after pressure has been removed.
This high adaptability allows for optimal pressure relief.
For this reason, memory foam is often used in orthopaedic mattresses.
Memory foam is also hypoallergenic [1], which is great for people prone to allergies. 🤧
On the downside, memory foam mattresses are quite difficult to move around on and they retain more heat, making them unsuitable for restless sleepers and heavy sweaters.
The Nectar is one of our all-time favourite memory foam mattresses.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses are great for people focused on organic choices. 🌱
Natural latex mattresses may be very expensive, but they’re environmentally friendly, breathable, supportive, and very comfortable.
Cold foam mattresses
Cold foam mattresses provide good point elasticity and high adaptability and are often a good choice for orthopaedic concerns.
They sleep much cooler than memory foam mattresses, while still offering good support. 🧊
Cold foam is often used as a base layer in all-foam mattresses.
Gel foam mattresses
Geltex or gel mattresses have good point elasticity, are very comfortable, and have very good ventilation.
They’re also an excellent choice for restless sleepers. 💃
Should you buy a pocket spring mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress is a good choice for a wide variety of sleepers.
This is a good all-rounder choice.
We would also particularly recommend pocket sprung mattresses to:
- Heavier-weight people
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Heavy sweaters
Make sure you choose a mattress with a risk-free trial period so you can try it out in the comfort of your own home before having to decide.
Table of Contents
Our top UK pocket sprung mattresses
What is a pocket sprung mattress?
Is a pocket sprung mattress the right mattress for you?
Criteria when purchasing a pocket sprung mattress
UK pocket sprung mattress sizes
What do pocket sprung mattresses cost?
Choose the right bed frame for your pocket sprung mattress
Is a pocket spring mattress better than a foam mattress?
Can a mattress topper make my pocket sprung mattress softer?
Alternatives to pocket sprung mattresses
Frequently asked questions
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Are pocket spring mattresses safe to use?
Pocket sprung mattresses have been criticised for allegedly being susceptible to magnetic fields or radiation.
This is not true.
Pocket sprung mattresses are perfectly safe to use.
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How long do the best pocket sprung mattresses last?
Quality pocket sprung mattresses are very durable and designed to last a long time.
You should expect to keep your mattress for at least ten years.
Most quality brands offer a 10-year guarantee.
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Where can I buy pocket sprung mattresses?
We love bed-in-a-box mattresses.
But, it's really difficult to find pocket sprung mattresses in a bed-in-a-box format.
This is because bed-in-a-box mattresses have to be compressed a fair bit to fit into a box, which isn't always possible with pocket springs.
That said, hybrid mattresses, which combine pocket springs with layers of foam, are popular in the bed-in-a-box format.
You can also buy pocket sprung mattresses at retailers across the UK.
Some of our favourite online and brick-and-mortar retailers include:
- Amazon
- Silentnight
- Happy Beds
- John Lewis
- Dreams
- Argos
If in doubt, stick to brands you trust.
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References
Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.