Bonnell spring mattress systems are the most traditional type of innerspring mattress. The Bonnell coil has an hour glass shape (wider at the bottom and the top than the middle) and are interconnected with a mesh of metal to make the spring system.
In many traditional innerspring mattresses from the 20th century and still some entry level models today have used the Bonnell spring to create durable and supportive mattresses.
Though this system is good at providing even support, there are complaints of aggravated pressure points and discomfort with Bonnel spring systems.
Pros: Durable materials and traditional even feel.
Cons: Pressure point discomfort and motion transfer issues.
Gel is a recent newcomer to the mattress space. It is being used as both a standalone layer and an infusion into foam. Gel benefits mattresses by retaining less heat than memory foam. Also, newer gels compete against memory foam by being more responsive and less toxic.
Gel is similar to foam because it is a polymer made by blending plastics and other chemicals.
Because of gel's heat diffusing properties, it is generally found in the top layer of the mattress under the cover.
Pros: Cooler sleeping surface vs memory foam. More responsive feel when not combined with foam.
Cons: Similar to foam, it is a synthetic blend of chemicals.
Overall Score:
Bonnell Spring: 8.7/10
Gel: 8.6/10
Comfort:
Bonnell Spring: 8.7/10
Gel: 8.7/10
Softness:
Bonnell Spring: 8.4/10
Gel: 8/10
Cooling:
Bonnell Spring: 9.5/10
Gel: 8.1/10
Hypoallergenic:
Bonnell Spring: 9.5/10
Gel: 8.1/10
Odor:
Bonnell Spring: 9.5/10
Gel: 8.1/10
General Support:
Bonnell Spring: 8.9/10
Gel: 9.5/10
Eco-Conscious:
Bonnell Spring: 9.5/10
Gel: 8.1/10
Price Value:
Bonnell Spring: 8.4/10
Gel: 9.2/10
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