Pocket Sprung Mattresses

The UK’s Best Pocket Sprung Mattresses (2024)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 11 Min.

Pocket sprung mattresses are among the most popular mattresses in the UK.

And rightly so - these are enormously comfortable. 😴

But is a pocket sprung mattress the right choice for you?

And, if it is, which is the best pocket sprung mattress to buy?

We’re here to help you out, giving you recommendations of the best pocket sprung mattresses in the UK - and helping you choose the perfect model for your needs.

Let’s get to it. 🎉

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Our top UK pocket sprung mattresses

Sleep Hero Favourite

Simba Hybrid

The Simba Hybrid mattress is a high-quality pocket-sprung mattress with multiple layers of foam. With 10 year guarantee.
  • 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

10-year guarantee 

Excellent support for side sleepers 

Washable cover 

Reasons to avoid

May be too soft for larger builds

Best For Back Sleepers

Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress

The Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress is made with temperature regulation technology.
  • ThermoSync foam, memory foam, & 7-zoned pocket springs
  • 27 cm (10.6")
  • Medium-firm

Tell me more about the Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress

Emma Sleep's NextGen Cooling mattress combines six advanced layers of foam and springs for medium-firm comfort.

This mattress offers zoned support to ensure proper spinal alignment, adapting to your body to relieve pressure points effectively.

It features multiple cooling properties:

  • With advanced ThermoSync foam infused with graphite particles, it promotes excellent temperature regulation, keeping you cool throughout the night.
  • The breathable and washable UltraDry cover wicks away moisture, providing a fresh and hygienic sleep surface ideal for allergy sufferers.
  • The pocket sprung base creates natural ventilation channels and allows for better airflow.

This mattress is delivered rolled and vacuum-sealed in a box for convenient transport.

It also comes with a 200-night risk-free trial and a 10-year guarantee.

Reasons to buy

Advanced cooling features

Excellent edge support

200-night trial

Reasons to avoid

Non-memory foam products will still feel cooler

Not the cheapest option

EXTRA 5% OFF WITH
SLEEPHEROUK5Click to copy code

-40% EMMA NEXTGEN COOLING

Luxury Option

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress is a 5-layered premium mattress.
  • 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

Lifetime warranty

Excellent motion isolation for couples

Reasons to avoid

Extra deep sheets required 

Too firm for lightweight side sleepers

The cover is not removable 

Best Trial Period

Nectar Premier Hybrid

The Nectar Premier Hybrid combines pocket springs, micro springs, and memory foam.
  • 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

Lifetime guarantee

Free named-day delivery

Reasons to avoid

Not the best edge support

Eco-Friendly

Panda London Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro

The Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro is the world's most advanced bamboo mattress.
  • 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

Matching emperor mattress protector available

100-night trial period

10-year guarantee

Reasons to avoid

Might be too firm for lightweight sleepers 

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.

Mattress springs
Spring mattresses have a coil 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.

Pocket spring mattress with foam casing
Pocket springs are surrounded by comfort foam

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 mattress

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.

Simba Hybrid mattress
Pocket springs are hidden in the core of the Simba Hybrid mattress

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.

FREE PILLOW - SIMBA HYBRID£ 599

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. 🧱

Comfort levels

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.

Optimal spinal aligmnet
Optimal spinal alignment is important

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.

Temperature regulation scale

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.

BUY DREAMCLOUD£ 499

Motion transfer
The ideal mattress for couples will absorb movements well

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. 🗓

Risk-free trial period

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.

Firmness according to sleeping position

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.

BUY SILENTNIGHT ECO COMFORT POCKET 1200£ 429

The difference between a pocket sprung mattress with 2000 springs and one with more than that is negligible.

Number of springs

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.

FREE PILLOW - SIMBA HYBRID£ 599

Sizes of pocket springs

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”)

UK mattress sizes

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.

BUY DREAMCLOUD£ 499

Price-performance ratio

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:

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.

BUY NECTAR MATTRESS£ 349

Nectar memory foam mattress
The Nectar is a firmer foam mattress

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.

FREE PILLOW - SIMBA HYBRID£ 599

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:

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.

BUY NECTAR MATTRESS£ 349

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.

Latex foam

Latex foam layer

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.

cold foam mattress

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. 💃

Mattress materials

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • References

Nicky

Nicky

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with numerous qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

Was this article helpful?
Please fill out
Yes
No

Great! Do you have any questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.

What would have made it better?

You may also be interested in:

    Yes, please!
    No, thank you. Take me to the UK site.

    We have an affiliate relationship with some manufacturers, where we receive a commission on sales if you click over from our site. This does not affect the purchasing price. In contrast: By using our discount codes, you'll get the best deal possible.