Quick Answer: A coil spring mattress uses metal springs as the support core, typically topped with foam or fibre comfort layers. The three main coil types are bonnell (interconnected, budget), continuous wire (durable, firm), and pocketed (individually wrapped, best motion isolation and contouring). Pocketed coil mattresses are the current standard for quality coil construction.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Coil spring mattresses are the original modern mattress and remain the dominant type sold worldwide. Understanding the differences between coil types helps you choose with confidence rather than relying on marketing terms like "luxury coil" or "premium spring system" that rarely tell you anything useful about performance.
The Three Coil Types Explained
Bonnell Coils
Bonnell coils are the original innerspring design, invented in the 19th century. They are hourglass-shaped steel coils linked to each other by a wire helical system. When pressure is applied to one area, adjacent coils respond simultaneously. This creates a bouncy, responsive feel but also high motion transfer: movement on one side of the bed is felt on the other.
Best for: Single sleepers on a budget, guest beds, or sleepers who prefer a traditional bouncy feel. Not ideal for couples where one partner is a light sleeper.
Continuous Wire Coils
Continuous wire systems (sometimes called Mira-coil after the original patent) form all coils from a single piece of wire woven in an S-shape through the mattress. This creates a consistent, stable support surface. They are more durable than bonnell coils and quieter, but still interconnected and transfer motion across the sleep surface.
Best for: Budget to mid-range mattresses where durability matters more than motion isolation.
Pocketed Coils (Individually Wrapped Coils)
Pocketed coils are the current standard for quality coil construction. Each spring is wrapped in its own fabric pocket and stitched independently. This allows each coil to compress and extend individually, responding to the exact body area pressing on it without affecting adjacent coils. The result is better contouring, reduced motion transfer, and quieter operation.
Best for: Couples, sleepers who move frequently, and anyone who wants better body contouring from a coil mattress. The Restonic mattresses carried at Mattress Miracle use pocketed coil systems.
| Coil Type | Motion Isolation | Contouring | Durability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnell | Poor | Low | Good | Budget |
| Continuous Wire | Poor to Fair | Low | Very Good | Budget to Mid |
| Pocketed Coil | Good to Excellent | High | Very Good | Mid to Premium |
8 min read
Coil Count: Does It Matter?
The Truth About Coil Count: Coil count is one of the most marketed and least reliable indicators of mattress quality. A queen mattress with 1,000 thin, low-gauge coils is not better than one with 600 properly gauged, tempered steel pocketed coils. What matters is coil gauge (thickness of the wire), temper (heat treatment for durability), and whether the coils are pocketed. Ask about gauge and construction rather than count alone.
For reference, a reasonable coil count for a queen pocketed coil mattress is 600 to 1,400 coils depending on coil size. Restonic's ComfortCare collection uses 1,222 coils in a queen configuration. Numbers above 2,000 in queen size typically indicate micro-coils used as a secondary comfort layer rather than a primary support system.
Coil Mattress Comfort Layers
The comfort layers above the coil system determine how the mattress feels against your body. Most coil mattresses use one or more of:
| Comfort Layer | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | Contouring, pressure relieving | Side sleepers, joint pain |
| Latex | Responsive, cooler than foam | Hot sleepers, back sleepers |
| Polyfoam | Neutral, firmer | Back and stomach sleepers |
| Wool or natural fibre | Temperature regulating, plush | Those seeking natural materials |
| Pillow top | Soft, plush initial feel | Sleepers who like cushioning |
Coil Spring vs. All-Foam Mattresses
| Feature | Coil Spring | All-Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow / temperature | Better (coils allow circulation) | Retains more heat |
| Edge support | Better (foam-encased coils) | Softer edges |
| Bounce / responsiveness | More responsive | Slower rebound (memory foam) |
| Motion isolation | Variable (pocketed = good) | Excellent |
| Durability | 7 to 10 years quality | 5 to 8 years quality |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter per comparable size |
Mattress Miracle Insight: At our Brantford showroom we carry Restonic pocketed coil mattresses at multiple price points. The most significant difference you will feel between a bonnell coil mattress and a quality pocketed coil mattress is motion isolation. If you sleep with a partner, that difference is immediately noticeable. Come in and we will show you the range so you can feel the distinction rather than just reading about it.
Coil spring mattresses remain the most popular mattress type worldwide, with pocketed coil systems offering the best combination of support, airflow, and motion isolation. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford carries coil mattresses from Restonic with counts ranging from 690 (twin) to 1,440 (king). Brad recommends testing pocketed coil mattresses in person to feel the difference from older Bonnell coil designs. Call (519) 770-0001.
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Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coil spring mattress?
A coil spring mattress uses a support core made of metal springs (coils) to provide lift and structure. The coils can be interconnected (bonnell or continuous wire) or individually wrapped in fabric pockets (pocketed coils). Most coil mattresses also have foam or fibre comfort layers above the spring core.
Are coil spring mattresses good for back pain?
Yes, coil spring mattresses provide solid core support that keeps the spine aligned. Pocketed coil mattresses in particular can adapt to body contours while maintaining firmness. Studies show medium-firm innerspring mattresses are among the most effective for reducing chronic low back pain.
How long does a coil spring mattress last?
Quality coil spring mattresses last 7 to 10 years with proper care. Signs of wear include visible sagging, noisy springs, and reduced support in the centre of the bed. Rotating the mattress every 6 months extends its lifespan.
What is the difference between a pocketed coil and a regular coil mattress?
Regular coil mattresses (bonnell or continuous) connect all springs to each other. When one spring moves, adjacent ones move too. Pocketed coil mattresses have each spring wrapped individually in fabric, so they move independently. This reduces motion transfer and allows better contouring to the body.
Sources
- Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, "Medium-Firm Mattresses and Chronic Low Back Pain," 2023
- Restonic Canada, "ComfortCare Collection Specifications," restonic.com, 2026
- Sleep Foundation, "Types of Mattress Coils," 2025
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle carries a curated selection of coil spring and pocketed coil mattresses from Restonic. Come in and try them in person so you can feel the difference between coil types before making a decision.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON , (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
No appointment needed. Our team is ready to walk you through the options.
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