Quick Answer: "Spring mattress" covers a wide range of technologies, from budget Bonnell coils to premium pocketed coil hybrids and advanced coil-on-coil systems. Pocketed coils are the gold standard in spring technology: each coil moves independently for superior motion isolation, targeted support, and silent operation. A Restonic ComfortCare Queen with 1,222 pocketed coils ($1,619) at Mattress Miracle in Brantford represents modern spring engineering at its best.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 10 minutes
When someone says "spring mattress," it could mean a $300 Bonnell coil bed from a department store or a $3,000 pocketed coil hybrid with micro-coil comfort layers. The term covers such a wide range that it is almost meaningless without specifics.
This guide breaks down every spring technology available in Canada, compares spring mattresses against foam and latex alternatives, and helps you understand which spring type (and which price point) actually delivers the sleep quality you are looking for.
Every Spring Type Explained
There are six distinct spring technologies used in mattresses today. Knowing which one is in your mattress tells you more about quality than the brand name on the label.
Bonnell Coils
The oldest design, dating to the 1870s. Hourglass-shaped springs connected by helical (spiral) wires. All coils move together as a single unit. Found in budget mattresses under $500. Adequate for light sleepers and guest rooms but lacks motion isolation and develops squeaks over time.
Continuous Wire (Mira-coil)
A single steel wire bent into rows of S-shaped coils. Durable and inexpensive to manufacture. Better structural integrity than Bonnell but similar motion transfer issues. Common in the $400-800 range.
Offset Coils
Similar to Bonnell but with flattened tops and bottoms that hinge, allowing some independent movement. Better conforming than Bonnell or continuous wire. Found in mid-range innerspring mattresses ($600-1,200).
Pocketed Coils (Marshall Coils)
Each spring is individually wrapped in its own fabric pocket. This is the defining technology of modern mattresses. Pocketed coils move independently, isolate motion, produce no noise, and can be zoned for different support levels. Found in mattresses from $800 to $5,000+. This is what the Restonic ComfortCare and Revive collections use.
Micro-Coils
Very small pocketed coils (typically 1-2 inches tall) used as a comfort layer on top of a standard coil unit. They provide a spring-based alternative to foam comfort layers, adding conforming ability while maintaining the responsive, breathable character of coils throughout the entire mattress. Found in premium mattresses ($1,500+).
Coil-on-Coil
A full-size pocketed coil unit topped by a second, smaller pocketed coil unit. The bottom coils provide deep support; the top coils provide conforming comfort. This creates the most responsive, bounciest feel of any mattress construction. Found in luxury mattresses ($2,000+).
| Spring Type | Motion Isolation | Conforming | Noise | Typical Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnell | Poor | Poor | Develops squeaks | $300-500 |
| Continuous wire | Poor | Poor | Minimal | $400-800 |
| Offset | Fair | Fair | Minimal | $600-1,200 |
| Pocketed | Good-excellent | Good-excellent | Silent | $800-3,000 |
| Micro-coil | Excellent | Excellent | Silent | $1,500+ |
| Coil-on-coil | Very good | Excellent | Silent | $2,000+ |
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "In the early days, all I sold was Bonnell coil mattresses. They were what existed. When pocketed coils came along, I immediately felt the difference: you could press one area and the coils six inches away did not move. That was the moment I knew the industry had changed. Today, every mattress I recommend to Brantford families uses pocketed coils. The technology is simply better."
8 min read
Spring vs All-Foam Mattresses
This is the fundamental divide in the mattress market: coils versus no coils.
| Property | Spring (Pocketed Coil) | All-Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Support structure | Steel springs (proven, resilient) | Dense polyfoam base (softens over time) |
| Airflow | Excellent (air circulates through coils) | Poor (foam is an insulator) |
| Temperature | Sleeps cool | Sleeps warm |
| Edge support | Strong (reinforced perimeter coils) | Weak (foam compresses at edges) |
| Bounce and responsiveness | High (springs rebound quickly) | Low (foam recovers slowly) |
| Durability | 8-12 years (quality pocketed coil) | 5-8 years (foam softens and sags) |
| Weight support | Better for heavier sleepers (200+ lbs) | Can bottom out for heavier sleepers |
Why Airflow Matters More Than You Think
Your body generates approximately 75-100 watts of heat during sleep. This heat needs somewhere to go. In a spring mattress, warm air rises through the open coil system and dissipates. In an all-foam mattress, the foam acts as insulation, trapping heat against your body. This is why foam mattresses consistently test 2-5 degrees warmer than equivalent spring mattresses. For hot sleepers and Canadian summers, this temperature difference can mean the difference between restful sleep and tossing all night.
Spring vs Memory Foam
Memory foam dominates the bed-in-a-box category, but spring mattresses outsell foam overall when you include in-store purchases. Here is why people choose each.
Choose Spring (Pocketed Coil) If
- You sleep hot and need maximum airflow
- You like a responsive, bouncy surface that is easy to move on
- You sit on the bed edge regularly (getting dressed, reading)
- You weigh over 200 lbs and need deep structural support
- You want an adjustable base (pocketed coils flex; traditional coils do not)
Choose Memory Foam If
- Your top priority is motion isolation from a restless partner
- You are a dedicated side sleeper who wants deep contouring at shoulders and hips
- You prefer the "hugging" sensation of sinking into your mattress
- Budget is tight (quality memory foam starts lower than quality pocketed coil)
Spring vs Latex
Latex and spring share a key characteristic: both are responsive and bouncy. This makes latex the closest alternative to a spring mattress in feel.
| Property | Spring (Pocketed Coil) | All-Latex |
|---|---|---|
| Responsiveness | Very high | High |
| Durability | 8-12 years | 15-20+ years |
| Temperature | Cool | Cool |
| Edge support | Strong | Moderate |
| Eco-friendliness | Moderate | High (natural, renewable) |
| Price (queen) | $800-3,000 | $1,500-5,000+ |
If you want the best of both, a hybrid with pocketed coils and a latex comfort layer combines the edge support and airflow of coils with the durability and responsiveness of latex. The Restonic Revive Tiffany Rose ($1,995 queen) uses this exact combination.
Coil-on-Coil and Micro-Coil Systems
For sleepers who love the spring feel and want to go all-in, coil-on-coil and micro-coil systems represent the premium end of spring technology.
Coil-on-Coil
Two layers of pocketed coils stacked on top of each other. The bottom layer (typically 7-8 inch coils, heavier gauge) provides deep support. The top layer (typically 3-4 inch coils, lighter gauge) provides conforming comfort. The result: an all-spring mattress with no foam comfort layers.
Benefits: Maximum breathability (no foam to trap heat), extreme responsiveness, excellent durability, and a distinctly "springy" feel that some sleepers love.
Trade-offs: Less pressure relief than foam comfort layers, more motion transfer than foam-topped hybrids, and premium pricing ($2,000+).
Micro-Coils as Comfort Layer
Micro-coils (1-2 inches tall, very thin gauge wire) are used as a comfort layer on top of a standard pocketed coil support system. They provide conforming ability similar to foam but maintain the breathability and responsiveness of spring construction throughout the entire mattress.
Best for: Sleepers who want the pressure relief of a hybrid without any foam. Some premium European brands and specialty manufacturers use micro-coil comfort layers. They are less common in the Canadian market but growing in availability.
The Best Spring Technology for Most People
For the majority of Canadian sleepers, a pocketed coil hybrid (pocketed coils with 2-4 inches of quality foam or latex on top) represents the optimal balance of spring benefits with modern comfort technology. Coil-on-coil and micro-coil systems are excellent for spring purists, but most people prefer some foam cushioning over their coils for pressure relief. The Restonic ComfortCare hits this balance at $1,619 for a queen.
Understanding Coil Count and Wire Gauge
When shopping for a spring mattress, two specifications tell you the most about quality.
Coil Count
Coil Count Reference (Queen Size)
- 300-600 coils: Traditional innerspring range. Adequate but limited conforming ability.
- 600-800 coils: Entry-level pocketed coil. Good support for lighter sleepers.
- 800-1,000 coils: Good quality pocketed coil. Solid support and conforming for most body types.
- 1,000-1,200 coils: Very good. Enhanced body mapping and motion isolation.
- 1,200+ coils: Premium. Superior conforming, precise pressure relief. Restonic ComfortCare Queen: 1,222 coils. King: 1,440 coils.
Wire Gauge
Wire gauge measures the thickness of the coil wire. Counterintuitively, lower gauge numbers mean thicker, firmer wire:
- 12-13 gauge: Very thick wire. Very firm support. Common in heavy-duty or orthopaedic models.
- 14 gauge: Standard support coil. Good balance of support and conforming.
- 15-16 gauge: Thinner wire. Softer feel. Common in comfort layers and micro-coils.
- 17-18 gauge: Very thin wire. Used in micro-coils for maximum conforming.
Quality spring mattresses often use different gauges in different zones: firmer coils (lower gauge) under the lumbar region, softer coils (higher gauge) under shoulders and feet. This is called zoned support.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "When customers ask me about coil count, I explain it like thread count in sheets: it matters, but it is not the only thing that matters. Wire gauge, coil height, tempered steel quality, and the comfort layers on top all contribute. I have seen 800-coil mattresses that feel better than 1,200-coil mattresses because the overall design was smarter. That said, our ComfortCare with 1,222 coils has both the count and the engineering to back it up."
Best Spring Mattress for Each Sleeper Type
| Sleeper Type | Best Spring Configuration | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Back sleepers | Pocketed coil hybrid, medium-firm | Coils maintain spinal alignment, foam prevents pressure points |
| Side sleepers | Pocketed coil hybrid with thick comfort layer | Softer comfort layer cushions shoulders and hips |
| Stomach sleepers | Pocketed coil, firm, minimal comfort layer | Prevents hip sinking and back hyperextension |
| Combination sleepers | Pocketed coil hybrid with responsive foam or latex | Easy to reposition, springs help with movement |
| Hot sleepers | Coil-on-coil or pocketed coil with latex | Maximum airflow, no heat-trapping foam |
| Heavy sleepers (250+ lbs) | High-count pocketed coil (1,000+), 14-gauge wire | Structural support that foam cannot match long-term |
| Budget shoppers | Quality Bonnell or continuous wire innerspring | Affordable, adequate for lighter sleepers and guest rooms |
Test Spring Mattresses in Brantford
The best way to understand spring technology is to feel it. Our Brantford showroom at 441 1/2 West Street has Restonic mattresses across multiple spring configurations: from the ComfortCare with 1,222 pocketed coils to the Revive collection with Talalay Copper Latex over pocketed coils. Press down in one spot and watch what happens six inches away. That demonstration tells you more about coil quality than any specification sheet.
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular picks at Mattress Miracle:
Or see all our mattresses in our Brantford showroom.
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
Are spring mattresses good for back pain?
It depends on the spring type and comfort layer. A traditional innerspring with thin padding may lack sufficient pressure relief for back pain sufferers. A pocketed coil hybrid with quality foam comfort layers provides both the structural support (from coils) and pressure relief (from foam) that research associates with reduced back pain. A 2003 study in The Lancet found medium-firm mattresses reduced back pain, regardless of whether springs or foam provided the support.
Do spring mattresses last longer than foam?
Generally yes. Steel coils maintain their structural properties longer than foam, which gradually softens and develops body impressions. A quality pocketed coil system lasts 10-15 years structurally, while the comfort layers (foam or latex) on top typically determine when replacement is needed at 8-12 years. All-foam mattresses commonly need replacement after 5-8 years.
What is the best coil count for a queen mattress?
For a pocketed coil queen mattress, 800+ is good, 1,000+ is very good, and 1,200+ is premium. Our Restonic ComfortCare Queen has 1,222 individually pocketed coils. However, coil count alone does not determine quality. Wire gauge, coil height, steel tempering, and the comfort layers above the coils all contribute to the overall sleeping experience.
Are coil-on-coil mattresses better than regular spring?
Coil-on-coil mattresses are more responsive and breathable than single-coil designs, but "better" depends on your preferences. They offer maximum spring feel with no foam, which some sleepers love. However, they provide less pressure relief than a hybrid with foam comfort layers. If you want the ultimate spring experience, coil-on-coil is excellent. If you want pressure relief and spring support, a hybrid is more balanced.
Can I flip a spring mattress?
Most modern spring mattresses are single-sided (comfort layers only on top) and should not be flipped. Flipping puts the comfort materials on the bottom and the support system against your body, which ruins the feel and support. Some specialty brands still make flippable mattresses. Our Restonic Revive Reflections ET ($1,395 queen) is a dual-sided, flippable mattress with comfort layers on both sides. Rotate (head to foot) any mattress every 3-6 months.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Spring technology has come a long way from the squeaky innerspring you grew up on. Come test modern pocketed coil mattresses and feel the difference that 1,222 independently moving coils makes. We have been matching Brantford families to the right spring technology since 1997.
Related Reading
- Innerspring vs All Mattress Types Guide
- Hybrid vs All Mattress Types: Complete Comparison
- What Is Inside a Hybrid Mattress? Every Layer Explained
- Latex vs All Mattress Types Guide
- Shop Restonic Mattresses at Mattress Miracle
- Memory Foam vs All Mattress Types: Complete Comparison Guide Canada
Sources
- Kovacs, F.M. et al., "Effect of Firmness of Mattress on Chronic Non-Specific Low-Back Pain," The Lancet, 2003; 362(9396):1599-1604.
- Jacobson, B.H. et al., "Effect of Prescribed Sleep Surfaces on Back Pain and Sleep Quality," Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2009; 8(1):1-8.
- Radwan, A. et al., "Effect of Different Mattress Designs on Promoting Sleep Quality," Sleep Health, 2015; 1(4):257-267.
- Sleep Foundation, "Types of Mattress Springs and Coils," SleepFoundation.org, 2024.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.