Although both pocket coil and bonnell coil mattresses are classified as "coil mattresses," their features and functionality are completely different. Therefore, many people end up regretting their decision and end up with a disappointing result. There are also cases where the product is damaged or needs to be replaced.

For those who want to choose a mattress that suits them, we will introduce the differences between pocket coils and bonnell coils, their advantages and disadvantages, and recommended ways to choose.

Although the content may be somewhat technical, we will try to explain it as simply as possible. We have compiled all the information you need to choose the best mattress for you, so please read to the end.

[Author introduction]

Senior Sleep Health Instructor ( No. 733). An expert on sleep and bedding. He has purchased and tried over 50 mattresses in a year and is an expert in choosing a mattress that suits your environment and body type. → Good Sleep Hack

 Mattresses can be broadly divided into two types: "coil mattresses" and "non-coil mattresses ." These terms refer to the mattress material, with "coil mattresses" using springs as cushioning material, and "non-coil mattresses" using materials other than springs, such as urethane, fiber, or latex.

Coil mattresses are also called spring mattresses. Because they use springs, they are characterized by their strong elasticity. This elasticity makes it easier to turn over and get up, and also has a positive effect on lower back pain.

In addition, compared to non-coil mattresses, they are less likely to wear out and are more durable. For those who do not move frequently, it is recommended as it can be used for a long time.

The disadvantage is that it is thicker and heavier than a non-coil mattress. For those who are not strong or women, it is not a weight that can be easily carried. It is not a suitable type of mattress for traveling or for guests.

Non-coil mattresses are characterized by their light weight and relatively low cost because they do not use springs. They are also easy to carry and handle on a daily basis.

Additionally, compared to coil mattresses, non-coil mattresses are easier to dispose of. Once disassembled, they can be disposed of with household waste. Compared to coil mattresses, which must be disposed of as bulky waste, they are more environmentally friendly.

The disadvantage of non-coil mattresses is that they are less durable than coil mattresses and tend to wear out easily. Non-coil mattresses are not suitable for use for around 10 years.

Also, depending on the material, many non-coil mattresses are less breathable than coil mattresses. Because there is space in the coils, non-coil mattresses that are filled with space have difficulty releasing heat and moisture.

There are several types of coil mattresses. From here, we will explain the types of coil mattresses in detail, so please refer to it.

Coil mattresses can be broadly divided into two types: pocket mattresses and bonnell mattresses .

Pocket mattresses are made up of many coils that move individually, providing support at a "point." On the other hand, bonnell mattresses are an integrated type in which the entire coil is connected and provides support at a "surface."

We will discuss the features of each mattress and which ones we recommend later, but first we will talk about the quality of the coils. By looking at the quality of the coils, you can roughly judge their durability and sleeping comfort.

The quality of the coils described below may or may not be written on the "quality label," so if you have any concerns, please check with the manufacturer or retailer.

The coils used in coil mattresses are of two types: hard steel wire and piano wire. This is the same for both pocket mattresses and bonnell mattresses.

If the quality label says "SWR H ," it means that hard steel wire is used, and if it says "SWR S ," it means that "piano wire" is used.

Hard steel wire is the wire material used in most coil mattresses.

If the mattress label says "SWRH70B Type A," it means that the hard steel wire has a carbon content of "70 ," a manganese content of "B " rank, and a tensile strength of "A " rank.

The higher the carbon content, the less likely the coil is to deform. It is generally expressed as 62 to 82.

As the manganese content increases (A < B ), the steel becomes more flexible and less likely to break. The higher the carbon and manganese content, the longer the steel will last.

The last one, tensile strength, is expressed as "A < B < C ", but this is an indicator that you don't need to worry about as it is roughly proportional to the "carbon content" value.

Piano wire is a high-quality wire that is used in precision instruments and has strict standards, which is why it is of high quality and has excellent durability.

If piano wire is used as the wire material, the quality label will say "SWRS." The carbon content is generally around 77 to 92 .

It is said to be flexible and durable, lasting for over 10 years, and can be used for a long time as long as the filling and fabric do not deteriorate. Although piano wire is high quality, its disadvantage is that it is rarely used in mattresses. If you want a mattress made with the highest quality wire possible, we recommend looking for a coil mattress made with piano wire.

The wire used for coils varies in thickness. The term "wire diameter" indicates the thickness of this wire. Depending on the display, the term "diameter of the wire" may also be used.

For both pocket mattresses and bonnell mattresses, the thicker the wire diameter, the firmer the sleeping experience will be, and conversely, the thinner the wire diameter, the softer the sleeping experience will be.

Please refer to the following as a guide to sleeping comfort.

• Wire diameter 1.7mm: soft
• Wire diameter 1.9mm: normal
• Wire diameter 2.1mm: Hard

However, the comfort of sleeping will also vary depending on the wire material and coil arrangement used in the mattress, so be sure to check the wire diameter as a reference.

The number of coils is an indicator that applies only to pocket coil mattresses. A higher number of coils tends to improve body pressure distribution and promote proper sleeping posture. However, be aware that the more coils used, the higher the price.

The number of coils in a typical pocket coil mattress is around 450 for a single size. While the number of coils isn't everything, mattresses with fewer than 400 coils may be less comfortable and durable, so it's best to avoid them if possible.

Coil arrangement is also an indicator that applies only to pocket coil mattresses. There are two types of pocket coil arrangement: "parallel arrangement" and "alternate arrangement."

The "parallel arrangement" of pocket coils arranged in parallel creates spaces between the coils, resulting in a softer sleeping experience. The bouncy feel also makes it easier to turn over in bed. Recently, many pocket coil mattresses are delivered compressed, but they are all parallel arranged due to the compression mechanism.

On the other hand, with the "alternating arrangement," as the name suggests, the coils are laid alternately with no gaps between them. The fewer gaps, the firmer the mattress feels. If you want a pocket coil mattress with excellent body pressure distribution but don't like mattresses that are too soft, we recommend the "alternating arrangement."

From here, we will explain in detail the features of pocket coils and how to choose them.

Pocket coil mattresses are made up of a large number of springs placed in small bags (non-woven fabric), each acting as a point to support the body. This means that they are better at distributing body pressure than bonnell coil mattresses.

In addition, because each coil is independent, there is less swaying and creaking noise. The person sleeping next to you will not hear you turn over, so even if there are two or more people sleeping together, you can sleep comfortably.

Although it is slightly less breathable than a bonnell coil, it is not prone to getting stuffy. As long as you maintain it properly, it can last for a fairly long time.

Although they are a little pricey, many of the mattresses used in luxury hotels are pocket coils because of their structure and functionality that suits most people.

However, it is thick and heavy, making it quite difficult to transport. It weighs around 20 to 30 kg, so it is not suitable for people who plan to move or move frequently.

When choosing a pocket coil mattress, it is important to pay attention to the coil quality, filling, and breathability.

As mentioned above, choose a mattress that uses hard steel coils with a high carbon and manganese content, or piano wire, as this will help keep the springs in good condition for a long time.

If the mattress has a thin layer of filling, the hardness of the coils will be directly transmitted to your body. This can result in stiff shoulders, back pain, and other discomfort, so be careful. As a general rule, we recommend a mattress with a filling layer that is 5 to 8 cm thick.

Generally, urethane, cotton, polyester, and other materials are used for stuffing. Wool is the highest quality, but it is also expensive. There are also an increasing number of polyester wadding products that have antibacterial and anti-mite properties, so be sure to check before purchasing.

Coil mattresses are characterized by their high durability compared to non-coil mattresses, but if the filling itself deteriorates, the mattress will become unusable. To ensure long-term use, choose a coil mattress that uses high-density filling (urethane).

The density and durability of urethane are summarized in the table below. Please note that the density guidelines differ between "low-resilience urethane" and "high-resilience urethane."

  * Durability varies depending on the usage environment.

The last point is "good breathability." Pocket coils are not necessarily bad at breathing, but because the coils are wrapped in nonwoven fabric, they are slightly less breathable than bonnell coils. For this reason, it's best to choose a mattress that has ventilation holes on the sides or one with wavy-cut urethane filling, or other features that improve breathability within the mattress itself.

Pocket coil mattresses are recommended for the following people:

• Prioritizing quality sleep over budget
• I want to sleep in a good sleeping position
• I want to use it with two or more people

Pocket coil mattresses are excellent in many ways, such as body pressure distribution, ease of turning over, sleeping posture, breathability, and durability, making them a type that can be recommended to almost anyone. However, due to the manufacturing costs, the somewhat higher price is a disadvantage. Also, the quality of the coils and the filling can have a big impact on whether or not a mattress is suitable for your body, so please refer to the "How to Choose" section mentioned above.

Pocket coil mattresses have excellent body pressure distribution, meaning they don't transmit vibrations from the person sleeping next to you. This allows you to sleep comfortably without disturbing the other person, making them ideal for couples, families, and other groups.

Next, we will introduce the features of Bonnell coils and how to choose the best one.

Bonnell coil mattresses are made by fixing coils at regular intervals with wires and using them as the cushioning layer of the mattress. Because it is an "integrated" type that supports the body with the entire " surface" of the mattress , it is characterized by a firm sleeping comfort without the body sinking too much.

Because the coils are not wrapped in nonwoven fabric, they are slightly more breathable than pocket coils, and are also more likely to be effective in preventing mold and dust mites.

However, the downside is that the vibrations from the person sleeping next to you can easily be transmitted. This is not suitable for couples or families, as you may be woken up by the vibrations from your partner tossing and turning.

In addition, compared to pocket coil mattresses, this type has lower body pressure distribution and a firmer sleeping experience, so many people experience pain in their shoulders or lower back when they wake up.

By the way, the durability of a bonnell coil mattress depends on the quality of the coils and the filling, but since there are generally many cheap products of poor quality, it is safe to say that bonnell coil mattresses are not very durable.

When choosing a bonnell coil mattress, it is important to pay attention to the coil quality, filling, squeaks, and size selection.

Just like pocket coils, it's best to check the quality of the bonnell coils. Focus on the firmness that suits your preferences and body type, as well as durability that will allow you to use them for a long time. The detailed explanation of how to check coil quality has been explained above.

Bonnell coil mattresses are firm, so you need to be careful about the filling. If the filling doesn't fit well, your hips will often feel raised, so choose one that's a certain thickness. We recommend a mattress with a thickness of about 5-8cm just from the filling.

Also, the filling material and density are the same guidelines as pocket coils. Please refer to the information above.

Because the bonnell coils are connected to each other, they tend to make a creaking noise that some people find unpleasant. It's a good idea to try them out and choose one that doesn't make a creaking noise, or one that comes with a trial period.

The last point is choosing the right size. If you are using a bed with more than two people, we recommend connecting two single or semi-single beds together, rather than a larger size like a double or queen. This allows you to sleep comfortably without having to worry about the person next to you tossing and turning.

Bonnell coil mattresses are recommended for the following people:

• Those who are overweight or have a sturdy build
• Those who like a firm sleeping experience
• Those who want to purchase at a relatively low price
• Those who care about high breathability

Bonnell coil mattresses have a firmer feel and don't sink into the mattress too much. This makes them a great choice for overweight people or those who suffer from back pain caused by sinking. However, if the mattress is too hard and your hips float, it could actually hurt your body, so be careful.

Also, since they are generally sold at low prices, they are suitable for people on a limited budget or who are not particularly particular about comfort. They also have good breathability, making them the perfect mattress for people who sweat easily or are concerned about hygiene.

If you are unsure whether to choose a bonnell coil or pocket coil mattress, we recommend choosing a pocket coil mattress. It is tempting to choose a cheaper bonnell coil, but if you choose based on price alone, you will likely end up not getting used to it and will have to buy it again.

In this regard, a pocket coil mattress, which has excellent body pressure distribution, will reduce strain on the body and help reduce fatigue. It also has the advantage of not transmitting vibrations, making it comfortable for couples or families to sleep in together.

However, sleeping comfort varies depending on the pocket coil mattress. Be sure to compare the number of coils, wire material, and filling quality to choose the mattress that's right for you.

ZINUS, which has sold over 15 million mattresses worldwide , sells pocket coil mattresses (hybrid mattresses) that offer a luxurious sleeping experience but are relatively affordable . If you're looking for a pocket coil mattress that's comfortable and supports your body, this is definitely one to consider.

This page explains the different types of mattresses and how to choose a coil mattress. Pocket coil and bonnell coil mattresses are both coil mattresses, but they have completely different sleeping comfort and functionality, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs.

A mattress is a big purchase and one that you don't want to make a mistake on, so please use the selection tips explained on this page as a reference when considering your mattress.

However, for those who are unsure which to choose or don't have any particular preference, a coil mattress has fewer disadvantages and is a good choice. We recommend the "pocket coil mattress" which is becoming popular. It tends to suit many people, so you will probably be more satisfied than with a bonnell coil mattress.