Coil spring (also called innerspring) mattresses use metal coils to provide resistance and support. Contemporary bedding use pocket coil systems that are entirely independent from each other so there are less pressure points. The rule of these new pocket coil systems is the more coils that are used, the more independent movement and response is in mattress.
Older coil spring mattresses, however, have one frame with coils interconnected to one another. Although this provides good support across the entire surface, and a longer durability life, there are comfort concerns about these mattresses.
Additionally, most coil spring mattresses have memory foam, latex, or some other type of bedding to provide a soft surface to sleep on.
Pros: Durable materials, and newer pocket coil systems provide comfortable support.
Cons: Older coil spring mattresses can cause more back pain and irritate pressure points.
Pocket springs are individually wrapped coil systems that are stitched into mattresses below a comfort layer of foam or other material. Unlike traditional innerspring systems that are interconnected, pocket springs are entirely independent allowing for added contour and pressure point relief than older innerspring models.
The general rule on pocket coil systems is the more coils, the more responsive and motion controlled the mattress is, while still providing support. This directly translates to more comfort.
In most pocket spring beds, there is a layer of memory foam or latex foam above the pocket spring array so that the sleeper gets both the benefits of contouring foam and the comfort of the pocket springs.
Pros: Durable materials and superior comfort to traditional innerspring systems.
Cons: Sleepers should be equally as interested in the foam that is wrapped around the coil system - if that is low quality, the bed still may be uncomfortable.
Overall Score:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Pocket Spring: 9.8/10
Comfort:
Coil Spring: 9.2/10
Pocket Spring: 9.8/10
Softness:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Pocket Spring: 9.4/10
Cooling:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Pocket Spring: 9.8/10
Hypoallergenic:
Coil Spring: 9.5/10
Pocket Spring: 9.8/10
Odor:
Coil Spring: 9.5/10
Pocket Spring: 9.8/10
General Support:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Pocket Spring: 9.6/10
Eco-Conscious:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Pocket Spring: 8.7/10
Price Value:
Coil Spring: 8.4/10
Pocket Spring: 8.4/10