If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you might have come across different types of mattresses, such as: memory foam, pocket spring, hybrid, latex, bonnell spring and others.
Bonnell Spring Mattresses are generally much less expensive than pocket spring ones. However, are they comfortable to sleep on? And is it worth buying a Bonnell spring mattress?
Let’s first start off by explaining “What is a Bonnell Spring Mattress?” and looking into the pros and cons in more detail.
What is a Bonnell Spring Mattress?
Bonnell springs are coils that are inter-connected by wires, and there are several variations, including open coil, cage sprung, and Miracoil.
Because of their interconnectedness, Bonnell springs move as a mass piece and are much more motion-sensitive than pocket springs. Couples who sleep on mattresses with Bonnell springs tend to be disturbed by partner motion as a result.
Because of the way they are comprised, Bonnell spring mattresses tend to be more affordable than those with pocket springs, and they are generally firmer, too. You will find that lots of mattress brands incorporate Bonnell springs into their products, so it’s important to understand how they’re likely to feel if you invest in one.
Pros:
- Less expensive than pocket sprung mattresses.
- Gives a traditional and even feel when you lay down on the sleep surface.
- Can be found in “medium”, “firm” and in some cases “soft” firmness levels.
Cons:
- Does not provide the advanced body support that pocket sprung mattresses do. The entire Bonnell spring is pressured down when you lay on top of it, providing little support to key pressure points on your body (example: hips, shoulders, etc.).
- More likely to experience issues with motion transfer and roll-on effect between sleeping partners.
- Might need to invest in a mattress topper to make it more comfortable. (Check out the Dorma Memory Foam mattress topper, priced at only £169 for a double size).
What is the difference between Bonnell spring and pocketed spring?
Alongside Bonnell springs, you will find a range of mattresses comprised of pocket springs, which have become increasingly popular in recent times.
While Bonnell springs are joined across the sleep surface, pocket springs are individually wrapped. They are comprised of coil units that are encased in individual fabric pockets, which significantly reduces movement throughout the mattress.
Below you can see the Turner Traditional Spring Mattress, which has a layer of Bonnell Springs in the middle. The mattress is 25cm deep, and has a “firm” comfort level, providing a firmer feel when you lay down. It’s priced at £209 for double size when it’s on sale (or £419 reg. price).
An alternative would be the Campbell Pocket Sprung Mattress (shown below). It has 667 pocket springs (inside the double size) individually wrapped in their own fabric pocket. The mattress is 21cm deep and comes in “medium” comfort level. It’s priced at £739 (reg. price) for a double size.
Tip: If you’re looking for a “firm” pocket sprung mattress, check out the Maitland Pocket Sprung Mattress. It is 23cm deep and has 858 individually wrapped pocket springs (inside the double size).
One of the main benefits of pocket sprung mattresses is that movement is isolated, and partner motion is less disruptive.
In practice, if your partner tosses and turns throughout the night, you won’t necessarily be disturbed if you’re sleeping on a pocket sprung surface. Also, because pocket springs are individually wrapped, they provide pressure-relieving support on different parts of the mattress.
Uniformly, pocket sprung mattresses are more expensive than Bonnells, as the technology is more advanced and the materials are more costly.
Are Bonnell Spring Mattresses Any Good?
Ultimately, the decision about whether to opt for Bonnell or pocket springs is a personal one and depends on a range of factors. From a cost perspective, mattresses with Bonnell springs will almost always be cheaper than pocket springs, which is an important consideration for many.
And because Bonnell springs are interconnected, they’re not necessarily ideal for couples who are easily disturbed by their partner’s motion during the night. As such, if you’re buying a double, king or super king-size bed, it’s probably better to opt for a pocket sprung mattress to ensure an undisturbed night’s sleep.
Bonnell springs are ideal for single beds where partner motion isn’t an issue and are suitable for those who are happy to sleep on a slightly firmer surface.
Shopping Tip: for a high quality Bonnell spring mattress check out the Turner Traditional Spring Mattress. It’s 21cm deep, has a “firm” comfort rating and is priced at £449 for a double size or £219 when on sale.
When making up your final decision, on which mattress is best for you, don’t forget to consider: the comfort rating, how deep it is, what layers and materials the mattress is made of, customer reviews and feedback, price, and others.
