Open Coil Mattresses At A Glance
Traditional Support
Interconnected springs provide a familiar supportive feel with plenty of traditional mattress bounce.
Budget Friendly
Open coil construction is generally more affordable than pocket sprung and many specialist mattress types.
Firm Feel
Many open coil mattresses provide a firmer, stable sleeping surface that suits back and front sleepers.
Good Airflow
The open spring structure allows air to move through the mattress, helping provide a breathable sleep surface.
What Is An Open Coil Mattress?
An open coil mattress is made using a system of interconnected steel springs, also known as Bonnell coils. The coils are arranged in a grid-like structure and connected with wire to distribute weight across the mattress.
Because the springs work together rather than independently, open coil mattresses have a traditional feel with good support and noticeable bounce.
How Does An Open Coil Mattress Work?
01. Interconnected Springs
The steel coils are joined together, allowing them to work as one supportive spring unit across the mattress.
02. Weight Distribution
The connected spring system distributes weight across the sleeping surface to provide consistent support.
03. Comfort Layers
Foam, felt, padding and other upholstery materials are added above the spring unit to create the mattress's overall comfort and feel.
Open Coil vs Pocket Sprung vs Memory Foam
| Feature | Open Coil | Pocket Sprung | Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support | Even, traditional support | More individualised support | Contouring support |
| Feel | Firm and bouncy | Responsive with controlled bounce | Body-contouring with less bounce |
| Motion Transfer | More noticeable | Generally reduced | Generally low |
| Pressure Relief | Depends on comfort layers | Good targeted support | Excellent contouring |
| Price | Usually the most affordable | Usually higher | Varies by foam construction |
Benefits Of An Open Coil Mattress
Affordable
Open coil mattresses are often a cost-effective way to get traditional spring support without the higher price of many premium constructions.
Supportive
The interconnected spring system provides consistent support across the sleeping surface.
Traditional Bounce
If you prefer a mattress that feels responsive rather than deeply contouring, open coil construction can be a good fit.
Widely Available
Open coil mattresses are available in a wide range of sizes, firmnesses and price points.
Which Sleeping Positions Suit An Open Coil Mattress?
Back Sleepers
Often a good match because the firmer, even support can help maintain a comfortable sleeping position.
Front Sleepers
The firmer surface can help reduce excessive sinking around the middle of the body.
Side Sleepers
Some side sleepers may find open coil mattresses too firm, particularly around the shoulders and hips where greater cushioning may be preferred.
Are Open Coil Mattresses Good For Back Pain?
An open coil mattress can suit someone who prefers a firmer sleeping surface and consistent support. However, there is no single mattress type that is best for everyone with back pain.
Your sleeping position, body shape, preferred firmness and individual comfort requirements all matter. If you need greater pressure relief, a memory foam, pocket sprung or hybrid mattress may be worth comparing.
Are Open Coil Mattresses Good For Couples?
Open coil mattresses can be suitable for couples, particularly when affordability and traditional spring support are priorities. However, their interconnected spring system means movement can travel more easily across the mattress.
Choose Open Coil If...
You want a traditional, bouncy feel and are looking for a budget-friendly mattress.
Choose Pocket Springs If...
You share a bed and want more independent support and reduced movement between sleepers.
What Bed Base Works With An Open Coil Mattress?
Open coil mattresses do not require one specific type of bed frame, but the base needs to provide suitable and even support.
Slatted bed frames and platform-style bases can be suitable when they meet the mattress manufacturer's requirements. Always check the recommended base type and any requirements regarding slat spacing before fitting your mattress.
Check Mattress & Bed Base CompatibilityOpen Coil Mattress Buying Checklist
✓ Consider your sleeping position: Open coil mattresses are often better suited to back and front sleepers.
✓ Think about firmness: Check the individual mattress rather than assuming every open coil model feels the same.
✓ Compare motion transfer: Couples may prefer pocket springs if partner disturbance is a concern.
✓ Check comfort layers: Foam, felt and padding can significantly affect the final feel.
✓ Check your bed base: Make sure the base is suitable and meets the manufacturer's requirements.
✓ Set your budget: Open coil mattresses are a strong option when value is a priority.
Ready To Find Your Mattress?
Compare open coil mattresses with other mattress types to find the right combination of support, comfort and price.
Explore Mattress GuidesOpen Coil Mattress FAQs
What is an open coil mattress?
An open coil mattress uses interconnected steel springs, commonly known as Bonnell coils, arranged in a grid-like structure to provide support across the mattress.
Are open coil mattresses firm?
Many open coil mattresses provide a firmer, supportive feel, but the exact firmness depends on the mattress construction and comfort layers.
Are open coil mattresses good for back sleepers?
They can be a good option for back sleepers who prefer firm, even support.
Are open coil mattresses good for side sleepers?
They may not be the best choice for side sleepers who need greater cushioning around the shoulders and hips. Pocket sprung or memory foam mattresses may provide more pressure relief.
Are open coil mattresses good for couples?
They can be suitable, but interconnected springs generally allow more movement to transfer across the mattress than individually pocketed springs.
Are open coil mattresses cheaper?
Generally, yes. Open coil mattresses are usually one of the more affordable sprung mattress options.
Do open coil mattresses provide good support?
Yes. Their interconnected spring system provides consistent support across the mattress, although the ideal level of support depends on the individual sleeper and mattress construction.
Are open coil mattresses good for heavier sleepers?
It depends on the individual mattress. Heavier sleepers should check the manufacturer's specifications and consider whether a construction designed for higher weight capacity would be more appropriate.
How long does an open coil mattress last?
There is no fixed lifespan for every open coil mattress. Quality, construction, frequency of use, the bed base and care all affect longevity. As a general guide, mattresses can last around 7–10 years, but condition and support are more useful indicators than age alone.
What is the difference between open coil and pocket sprung mattresses?
Open coil springs are interconnected and work together, while pocket springs are individually wrapped and respond more independently. Pocket springs generally offer better motion isolation and more individualised support, while open coil mattresses are typically more affordable and have a more traditional, bouncy feel.