Pocket Coil vs Innerspring Mattresses: What’s the Difference? (H1)

You spend a third of your life in bed, so choosing the right mattress matters more than you might think. That said, walking into a furniture store can be overwhelming—dozens of options, confusing technical terms, and salespeople all pushing the “latest innovation.” The “pocket coil vs innerspring” mattress debate, in particular, can leave you scratching your head instead of sleeping soundly. 

The good news is you don’t need a degree in sleep science to pick the perfect mattress. At Surplus Furniture, we believe the best choice comes down to three simple factors:

  1. How you sleep (side, back, stomach, or combination)
  2. Who you sleep with (light sleeper? restless partner?)
  3. What you can afford (without sacrificing quality)

In this guide, we'll break down exactly how pocket coil and innerspring mattress types compare in terms of support, comfort, durability, and value. Let’s find your perfect mattress! 

Pocket Coil vs Innerspring Mattresses At a Glance (H2)

Both innerspring and pocket spring use a type of coil system for support, but they're built differently and offer unique benefits. Here’s how innerspring vs pocket coil mattresses compare:

Feature

Pocket Coil Mattress

Innerspring Mattress

Construction

Individually wrapped coils encased in fabric pockets

Interconnected/continuous coils

Motion Isolation

Excellent

Poor (expect movement to be felt on both sides)

Support

Targeted, more adaptive

Uniform, less contouring

Comfort

Contours to body shape

Bouncier, firmer surface

Temperature Regulation

Can be less breathable depending on comfort layers, but can also be designed for cooling.

Generally more breathable due to open coil structure.

Durability

More durable and resistant to sagging.

May show signs of wear faster, especially in high-pressure areas.

Price (for Queens)

$650 to $999+

$350 to $600+

 

 

What Is Pocket Coil Mattress? (H2)

Pocket coil mattresses consist of individually wrapped coils, each enclosed in its own fabric pocket. When you lie down, only the individual coils directly under your body compress while the surrounding coils remain unaffected. This creates what sleep experts call "point elasticity" or targeted support that adapts to your body's unique curves and weight distribution.

The construction of a pocket coil mattress (also known as a pocket spring mattress) offers better motion isolation and pressure relief than traditional mattresses, as it adjusts to every curve of your body, keeping your spine properly aligned regardless of your sleeping position, whether you're on your side, back, or stomach. 

Pocket coil mattresses offer superior motion isolation. If you share the bed, you won't feel your partner moving around during the night. They come with a higher price tag, but as far as pocket coil vs innerspring goes, pocket springs typically offer better long-term value.

Learn more:Understanding Mattress Coil Counts

Pros

Cons

  • Superior motion isolation 
  • Great pressure relief for joints
  • Quieter (no squeaking) 
  • Longer lifespan (if well-made)
  • Good air circulation (between fabric pockets)
  • Usually more expensive than innerspring models
  • May retain more heat depending on the materials used
  • Heavier and harder to move

Pocket Coil Mattress Staff Pick: Windham Pocket Coil Mattress


Pick a coil mattress if you:

  • Share your bed with someone
  • Are a side or combination sleeper
  • Have pressure points like hips and shoulders that need cushioning and contouring
  • Want a longer-lasting investment.
  • Don’t mind spending a bit more for comfort.

Alt text: Production workers assembling a pocket coil mattress

Image Source: Shutterstock

What Is an Innerspring Mattress? (H2)

A traditional innerspring mattress tends to favour a system of interconnected coils or springs as its support unit. Unlike pocket springs that work independently, innerspring coils function as a unified unit, creating that familiar bouncy feel many sleepers love. 

In terms of noise, coil mattresses are generally louder than spring mattresses, so we don’t recommend them for sensitive sleepers. However, certain coil types, like offset coils, can be designed to limit motion transfer and minimize squeaking sounds. 

Here’s an overview of different types of innerspring metal coils: 

  • Bonnell coils are hourglass-shaped with narrower centers and wider tops and bottoms, offering firm, even support. 
  • Coil-in-coil or offset coils are also hourglass-shaped, but they feature squared sides and offer stronger pushback while reducing motion transfer and noise.
  • Continuous wire coils are a single, long piece of wire twisted into a series of S-shaped coils and are more conforming.

Pros

Cons

  • Affordable and widely available
  • Firm support for back/stomach sleepers 
  • Cooler sleep (better airflow)
  • Lightweight and easy to move
  • Motion transfer can be an issue (you’ll feel your partner move)
  • Less contouring support
  • May sag or develop pressure points over time

Innerspring Mattress Staff Pick: Nottingham Prime Tight Top Firm Queen Mattress

 

Pick an innerspring vs pocket spring if you:

  • Sleep hot and need maximum cooling
  • Prefer a traditional bouncy mattress feel
  • Are on a tight budget but want quality
  • Sleep alone or with a heavy-sleeping partner

Alt text: A block of innerspring coils 

Image Source: Shutterstock

Get the Sleep You Deserve with Surplus Furniture (H2)

Choosing between pocket coil vs innerspring ultimately comes down to your personal sleep needs, preferences, and budget. At Surplus Furniture, we believe everyone deserves a great night’s sleep without breaking the bank. That’s why we offer:

  • Both pocket spring and innerspring mattresses at factory and warehouse prices
  • Layaway and on-the-spot financing (including no interest, no payments for 1 year OAC)
  • Weekly promotions 
  • Same-day delivery on all in-stock items
  • Competitive price-matching through iSave

Ready to find the perfect mattress for your sleep style and budget? Visit your nearest Surplus Furniture store or browse online to discover unbeatable deals on pocket coil and innerspring mattresses today!