What Is a Coil Mattress? Coil vs Spring Mattress Guide
Quick answer: A coil mattress is a mattress built around a steel coil (spring) support system. The most common type today is the pocket coil mattress , which uses hundreds of individually wrapped coils that move independently — giving better motion isolation, targeted support and durability than traditional spring mattresses. All coil mattresses are spring mattresses, but not all spring mattresses use the modern pocket coil design.
If you've ever felt lost between coil, spring, innerspring, and pocket coil , you're not alone — the terms get used as if they're interchangeable, but the internal structure matters a lot for back support, motion isolation, and how long the mattress lasts.
This guide covers what a coil mattress is , the difference between coil and spring mattresses, the four main coil types (Bonnell, continuous, offset, pocket), and how to pick the right one for your sleep style.
What is a coil mattress?
A coil mattress is a mattress whose support core is made from steel coils (also called springs). The coils sit beneath layers of foam, latex or fibre and carry the sleeper's weight while providing bounce, airflow and structural support. The term "coil mattress" usually refers to a pocket coil design — where each spring is individually wrapped in fabric and moves on its own — because that's the modern industry standard.
A coil mattress differs from a foam or latex mattress, which has no springs and relies entirely on layered foam or rubber for support.
If you're comparing different types, explore our full mattress collection to see coil, hybrid and foam options.
Are coils and springs the same?
Yes and no. All coils are springs, but not all spring mattresses use the same coil type. The word "spring" is the broad category — any mattress with a metal spring support system. "Coil" is the same thing, but in modern usage it usually means the individually-wrapped pocket coil design , which is what most premium mattresses sold today are built around. Older or budget spring mattresses often use interconnected Bonnell or continuous coils — also technically coils, but with different performance.
The 4 main types of coil and spring systems
1. Bonnell Coils (Traditional Springs)
The classic hourglass-shaped springs found in older or budget mattresses. They're connected together in a single grid, so motion ripples across the bed. Bouncy and breathable, but poor for motion isolation or pressure relief. Best suited to guest rooms and short-term setups.
2. Continuous Coils
Made from a single steel wire bent into rows of coils. Durable and cheap to produce, but lacks contouring often feels too firm or rigid for side sleepers. You'll see this in some entry-level Australian mattress brands.
3. Offset Coils
An upgrade on Bonnell the coils have flattened edges that link more flexibly. Better contour, better durability, less motion transfer. A good middle ground between Bonnell and pocket coils.
4. Pocket Coils (aka Pocket Springs)
Individually wrapped coils that move independently. This is the gold standard for modern mattress support — superior motion isolation, targeted pressure relief, and contouring comfort. Almost every premium coil mattress sold in Australia today is a pocket coil design.
Pocket coil vs continuous coil — what's the difference? Pocket coils move independently (better for couples and pressure relief). Continuous coils are linked into a single wire grid (firmer, cheaper, less responsive). For most sleepers, pocket coil is the better choice , especially if you share the bed or sleep on your side.
For most sleepers, pocket coil is the better choice — especially if you share the bed. You can explore our queen size mattresses designed with pocket coil support.
Coil mattress vs spring mattress: which is better?
For most sleepers, a modern coil (pocket spring) mattress is better than a traditional spring mattress . Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Coil Mattress (Pocket Coil) | Traditional Spring Mattress (Bonnell / Continuous) |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Targeted, contouring — individually wrapped coils | Uniform — coils connected as one unit |
| Motion isolation | Excellent — coils move independently | Poor — motion ripples across the bed |
| Durability | High, especially with tempered steel | Moderate — coils lose tension over time |
| Comfort | Zoned firmness, hybrid layers possible | Usually firm, less adaptable |
| Noise | Very quiet | Can squeak or creak over time |
| Airflow | Good — open coil structure | Good — but comfort layers often trap heat |
| Price | Mid to high | Budget-friendly |
| Best for | Couples, side sleepers, hot sleepers, back pain | Guest rooms, short-term use, tight budgets |
Bottom line
If you sleep with a partner, deal with back pain, or want a mattress that lasts 8+ years, a pocket coil mattress is the better investment . Traditional spring mattresses still make sense for guest rooms or short-term setups where comfort and longevity matter less. Browse pocket spring mattresses and memory foam hybrids at Levede.
Which coil mattress is best for your sleep style?
Choosing between a coil and spring mattress isn't just about specs — it's about how you sleep.
Best coil mattress for side sleepers
A pocket coil mattress with zoned support is the best pick for side sleepers. Side sleepers need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips — individually wrapped coils contour to those pressure points without letting the spine sag. A pocket coil mattress with zoned support is the best pick for side sleepers. You can check our medium-soft queen mattresses designed for pressure relief.
Coil mattress for back sleepers
Either type works for back sleepers, but a coil mattress with zoned lumbar firmness prevents sagging around the lower back. Medium-firm to firm is usually the right feel. Medium-firm to firm is usually the right feel — explore our firm mattresses for better spinal alignment.
Couples and light sleepers
A pocket coil mattress is essential. If your partner tosses and turns, individual coils absorb the movement so you don't feel every shift. Traditional Bonnell springs don't isolate motion one restless sleeper can wreck two nights of sleep. A pocket coil mattress is essential for couples browse our queen mattresses for couples for better motion isolation.
Are coil mattresses better for warm sleepers?
Yes — coil mattresses generally sleep cooler than all-foam beds. The open coil structure lets air circulate naturally beneath the comfort layers. Pair a pocket coil base with gel-infused foam or breathable Tencel/bamboo covers for the best cooling. A cooling mattress with a pocket coil core is the best combination for hot sleepers in Australia.
Budget-conscious shoppers
A well-made traditional spring mattress is still a solid budget option, especially for guest rooms or short-term setups — just expect a shorter lifespan and less comfort than a pocket coil alternative.
Back or joint pain
A pocket coil mattress with zoned ergonomic support offers the targeted pressure relief and spinal alignment that chronic pain sufferers need.
Coil mattress myths debunked
Myth 1: All coil mattresses are bouncy and noisy
False — that's only true for old open-spring systems. Modern pocket coil mattresses use individually wrapped coils that move silently and absorb bounce.
Myth 2: Coil mattresses cause back pain
False. Back pain usually comes from poor support or the wrong firmness — not from coils. A well-built coil system with zoned support often improves spinal alignment better than all-foam mattresses.
Myth 3: The more coils, the better
Partly true. Coil count matters, but coil gauge (thickness), steel quality, and zoning matter more. A 1,000-coil queen with cheap steel will lose support faster than a 700-coil queen with tempered steel and proper zoning.
Myth 4: All spring mattresses are the same
False. Bonnell, continuous, offset and pocket coils all perform very differently. Knowing the coil type is the most important spec when buying a coil or spring mattress.
What to look for when buying a coil mattress
1. Coil type
Pocket coils are best for most sleepers. Offset is a solid middle option. Bonnell or continuous coils are best left to budget or guest-room mattresses.
2. Coil count
For a queen size, a good coil count is 600–1,000 coils . More coils generally means better support — but only if the steel quality and zoning are also good. Don't be upsold on coil count alone.
3. Coil gauge (thickness)
- Lower gauge = thicker, firmer coils (12–13 gauge feels firm)
- Higher gauge = thinner, softer coils (14–15 gauge feels plush)
- Multi-gauge systems with different thicknesses by zone give the best targeted support
4. Edge support
If you sit or sleep near the edge, look for reinforced edges thicker perimeter coils or a foam encasement that stops the mattress collapsing where you sit. If edge support matters, explore our premium mattresses with reinforced edges.
5. Breathability and cooling
Coils provide airflow, but the comfort layers determine heat. Look for Tencel, bamboo, open-cell foam or gel-infused layers for cooling. Look for breathable materials check our breathable mattresses for hot sleepers.
6. Certifications
Look for CertiPUR-US® or OEKO-TEX® certified foams and fabrics — these ensure no harmful chemicals.
7. Trial period and warranty
Reputable brands offer 100+ night trials and 10+ year warranties . These are your protection against bad coil integrity over time.
Insider tip: When you test a mattress in-store, lie on your side, back and the edge for at least 10 minutes each. Don't just test for first-impression comfort — test for support after your body settles.
Which one should you sleep on? Final verdict
Choose a pocket coil mattress if…
- You want zoned ergonomic support that adapts to your body
- You're a light sleeper or share a bed with a partner
- You have back pain, joint pain or pressure points
- You want a quieter, longer-lasting mattress
- You're happy to invest a bit more for better sleep
Choose a traditional spring mattress if…
- You're on a tight budget or furnishing a guest room
- You prefer a firmer, bouncier feel
- You need a short-term or secondary mattress
For most Australian sleepers, a modern pocket coil mattress is the clear winner — better support, better motion isolation, longer lifespan. Explore our queen size mattresses and full mattress collection to find the right coil mattress for your sleep style.
Frequently asked questions about coil and spring mattresses
What is a coil mattress?
A coil mattress is a mattress with a steel coil (spring) support core, usually under layers of foam, latex or fibre. The most common modern type is the pocket coil mattress , where each coil is individually wrapped in fabric and moves independently — giving better motion isolation and targeted support than traditional spring mattresses.
What is a coil spring mattress?
A coil spring mattress is the same thing as a coil mattress or a spring mattress — a mattress built around a steel coil system. The terms are used interchangeably. In modern retail, "coil" usually means pocket coil (individually wrapped), while "spring" can mean any coil type including older Bonnell or continuous designs.
Are coils and springs the same in a mattress?
Yes — coils and springs refer to the same component. "Spring" is the broad category for any mattress with a metal support system, and "coil" usually refers to the modern individually-wrapped pocket coil design. So all coil mattresses are spring mattresses, but not all spring mattresses use the newer pocket coil design.
What's the difference between a coil and a spring mattress?
The terms describe the same component, but in modern usage, "coil mattress" usually means a pocket coil design (individually wrapped springs), while "spring mattress" can include older interconnected Bonnell or continuous coil systems . Pocket coil mattresses offer better motion isolation, contouring and durability than traditional spring mattresses.
What's the difference between pocket coil and continuous coil mattresses?
Pocket coils are individually wrapped springs that move independently — best for motion isolation, pressure relief and couples. Continuous coils are made from a single steel wire bent into a grid — cheaper and durable but less responsive, often too firm for side sleepers. Pocket coil is the better choice for most modern sleepers.
Which is better — coil or spring mattress?
For most sleepers, a modern coil (pocket spring) mattress is better than a traditional spring mattress — better motion isolation, longer-lasting support, and better for back pain. Traditional spring mattresses are still a fair budget choice for guest rooms or short-term setups.
How many coils should a good queen mattress have?
A good coil count for a queen mattress is 600–1,000 coils . More coils generally means better support, but coil gauge, steel quality and zoning matter just as much. A 700-coil pocket spring queen with tempered steel and zoning will often outperform a 1,000-coil queen with cheap materials.
Are coil mattresses better for hot sleepers?
Yes — coil mattresses generally sleep cooler than all-foam mattresses. The open coil structure lets air circulate. For the coolest sleep, choose a pocket coil mattress with breathable comfort layers like gel-infused foam, Tencel or bamboo.
What's a good coil mattress for side sleepers?
The best coil mattress for side sleepers is a pocket coil mattress with zoned support and a plush-to-medium comfort layer . Side sleepers need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, which individually wrapped coils deliver without compromising spinal alignment.
How long does a coil mattress last?
A quality pocket coil mattress typically lasts 8–10 years . Lower-quality Bonnell or continuous coil mattresses tend to last 5–7 years before they lose support. Look for tempered-steel coils, reinforced edges and a 10+ year warranty as durability signals.