The bottom line:
A mattress: containing pocket springs is the best you can buy. Far superior than any cage sprung mattress no matter what name they go by.
A mattress: containing a cage or continuous sprung unit is essentially the foundation for a cheap mattress - If if does not have pocket springs - it is inferior in spring type alone, the most important part of your mattress.
A Mattress: containing the least amount of pocket springs (800) is far better than ANY similarly priced cage sprung mattress. A 1000 pocket sprung unit should really be your minimum standard. It is mine.
What are pocket Springs?
Pocket springs are individual springs contained in a *calico fabric pocket, totally independent of the springs that surround it. Therefore, virtually eliminating roll together as your body is only using the springs that it needs. If a spring is not being used it stays in the upright (unused) position.
There are three types of pocket spring that are ‘common’ in the construction of a mattress:
Nested Pocket Springs: Linear [Boxed] Pocket Springs; Suspension Pocket Springs.
There is no initial reason to unduly worry about which type you get. They are all relative to the price you’ll pay.
Nested pocket springs look like a honeycomb with the springs being closer together on all ‘sides’. More common on high spring count mattresses but also used in some 1000 counts.. The principle being that the springs are (being additionally supported by its ‘neighbours’ and also offer a more individualised comfort level – more of your body / weight is supported / distributed.
Linear pocket springs run in rows. More common on the lower spring counts Also used to create a firmer foundation.
More or less 1000 pocket springs is classed as a “low spring count” -
1500 to 2000 is classed a “high count “-
2000 upwards is a “very high count”.
Suspension Pocket Springs are relatively new and do not normally have spring counts associated with them (although some do). A premium example of a SPS is The Revolution® used by Harrison’s Beds / Somnus et al, aso referred to as Spring in Spring. The proposed benefits are that the main spring will take the initial weight and the internal spring will take the surplus thereby equally balancing the weight load.
As a point of note – Suspension Spring Systems should not normally be counted in the same way as traditional PS, but based on the type of suspension offered. Some manufacturers/retailers are counting one pocket as two springs which theoretically it is – but can confuse when doing comparisons.
The same is true about some 3000 suspension counts. Some of these [known as Air Suspension] are half height springs taking the space of a full height spring. So two half springs will take up the space of one spring (if you follow me). For mattresses using suspension pockets it is not the spring count that is paramount but the way the system is used.
There are various designs of suspension springs but all essentially doing the same thing by offering ‘progressive support’. This means that the main spring will take the initial bodyweight ‘shock ‘and the smaller suspension spring will adjust to even out the weightload. I personally think they all improve slightly on the traditional single pocket spring. You get a back up support should you ever/or need it. Ideal solution for when there are two greatly differing bodyweights. Light=uses main spring: Heavier=uses main spring and suspension spring.
To confuse matters, but also to clarify. There are numerous other combinations, shapes, sizes etc of Pocket Springs, each system with their own particular attributes. Do not let these confuse you until you come to make your final decision.
There is also ‘Hand Nested’ Pocket Springs. This technique is not common on mass produced mattresses but found on top of range hand made mattresses. In brief, the springs are inserted one by one, or hand formed by rows, and clipped/stitched together to create a bespoke ‘bed’ of pocket springs. Note: It is worth double checking if you see a description of ‘Hand Nested’ pocket springs that they really are ‘Individually Hand Nested‘ and not a mass produced pocket sprung base (Nested).
For clarification. In the video I make mention that pocket springs are not connected to each other in any way. This is correct in the fact that the actual springs themselves are not connected but, the pockets that contain them are. The fabric pockets are (in most cases) heat sealed and glued to make complete ready to use units. Top end pocket spring units use calico as the casings and these are laced together with twine.
How are Pocket Springs Counted?
The standard way of counting pocket springs is the number of pockets contained in a Kingsized mattress (5’0 x 6’6). A mattress described as having 1000 pocket springs will have 1000 in a king size – proportionately less in a double and proportionately more in a superking. The mattress model name will usually, but not always have the number of springs directly after. Such as Memory Pocket 1000. The more pocket springs in a mattress means the springs get smaller and thinner offering more individual support – The less a mattress contains means they are bigger and wider.
For very high spring counts in excess of 2000 – 3000, they are usually laid on top of each other creating a double unit and then clipped together around the perimeter, These types of mattresses are usuallyin the very top of range of models. But – are they any better? Depends. If the price is negligible for the extra springs then definitely go for it but as I always say – 1500 – 2000 pocket springs are really more than adequate.
Another point of sound reasoning on this topic is that I personally see Vi-Spring as the one of a few ultimate mattress manufacturers in this country and a respected leader in their field (accredited to have invented Pocket Springs) they use 2800 in one of their excellent top of range models (The Magnificence) albeit a double layer, So, I justify my comments by saying, if Vi-Spring uses an average of 1500-2000 counts in many of their models then this count should be more then acceptable for anyone.
The spring count has an impact on two main areas:
Price: The less springs the cheaper the mattress.
Firmness: The more springs in your mattress means the more comfortable / supportive it will be. Less springs means the mattress support will be firmer – but manufacturing techniques can make a 1000 PS mattress feel soft by the use of softer comfort layers..1500 – 2000 pocket springs is more than adequate. Many manufacturers try to have a mattress with more springs than their competitors – currently, in excess of 17000 pocket springs. This is in my opinion, a game of one-upmanship they play between themselves so don’t be dragged into this showcasing game unless you benefit by getting it at a good price.
Also remember that your own bodyweight will dictate the number of springs that will be best for your own persoanl needs. For example, a bodyweight of 10st will have no need or use whatsoever for a spring unit in excess of 1500. Whereby a bodyweight of 16st would be more supported by a pocket count of 2000.
As I have said, a pocket sprung mattress is the best you can get. More springs will give you exceptional individualised support, longevity and comfort - but in all cases it depends on your bodyweight. Any pocket spring count is far superior than Any cage spring unit. A 1500-2000 pocket sprung mattress comes in within most manufacturers ‘top of range’ models. Therefore all complimentary components such as waddings and fabrics will also be amongst the best you can get for your budget.
Comfort Layers
Remember, the springs are only the support part of the mattress and they will only be supporting / distributing your bodyweight. What provides the comfort is your choice of comfort layer. Comfort layers can be memory foam, lambswool, cashmere, polyester wadding, High Density foam, latex etc, or indeed a combination or blend of these.What comfort layer/s you choose will have an impact on the price of the mattress. The better the comfort layer, such as latex, the more expensive the mattress will be.
Associated Links:
Read more on waddings and fillings (Video Clip) …
Read more about Hand Side Stitching…
Read more on spring types (notes)
*Calico is a term that is banded about the same way as hoover is for vac cleaners. It is unlikely that calico is used for the pocket spring encasings in mass produced units but more likely a synthetic [polypropylene] fabric. Top end manufacturers will still insist upon calico or other natural material for their encasings. Our Artisan Naturals 1200 uses calico encased hand nested pocket springs for example.
Dear Sir, Whats your opinion of the Sealy 150cm matt pocket latex 2000.
Hi Charles. You will notice throughout this site that we are never disengenuous towards another manufacturer or retailer. What we try to do is steer you towards the questions you should be asking in order to come to an informed and educated decision by yourself.
For example, if we take The Sealy Pocket Latex 2000 as a mattress for your consideration you will need to know – What you are buying. The official description is as follows;
Featuring a layer of super responsive latex this bed is big on comfort. With special air vents and micro quilted mattress, it keeps you at the optimum sleep temperature too.
A medium firmness bed with special rebound technology, the Pocket Latex 2000 has a layer of Innergetic Latex, which gives ‘push back’ support and aiding optimal spinal alignment during sleep. Also helping you sleep well are two layers specially designed spring systems. The renowned Sealy Posturetech 660 distributes weight away from the heaviest part of the body and another layer of up to 1360 individually nested pocket springs that react independently to offer optimum support.
This bed doesn’t just keep you comfy, with its specially designed air vents and plush micro-fibre mattress cover, it keeps you at the right sleep temperature all night long.
Reading between the lines you will see that it is a one sided mattress consisting of two layers of springs and a layer of latex. That’s it. And that’s all you need to either keep it on your list for further consideration or disgard it.
What you need to do now is find something similar to compare it to. For this example, I would ask you to consider our Origins 1500 or 2000 (obviously which one will depend on your bodyweight) This has 6cm of talalay latex and 2cm of Reflex foam on top of the pocket springs.
How much latex is used in The Sealy Pocket Latex 2000?
This is where you will come a cropper because Sealy do not tell you this most crucial piece of information. When you come across stumbling blocks like this you really do have to phone Sealy Customer Services [016973 20342] and ask them for the relevant detail – What is the depth of latex used in the Sealy Pocket latex 2000? and just to satisfy my curiosity – What on earth are ‘Specially designed Air Vents? Hope this helps and please let us know how you get on. John and Ryan.
Hello.
We are looking to buy a guest bed but have very narrow staircases that we will need to bend the mattress around to get it to the bedroom. We would like something firm but comfortable and not too expensive. Do you have any recommendations on what type of mattress we should buy?
Thank you!
Tamara
Hi Tamara. Decently built mattresses will not bend and so dependant on the size you require I would think that a zip and link mattress would be an option. If budget is tight and taking into account your narrow staircase then it may be a consideration to look at vac packed mattresses. Hope this helps. John and Ryan.
Hi,
I need some advice. I am shopping for a kingsize bed. Found a mattres Breasley Flexcell pocket 1600 (1600 pocket springs and 75mm memory foam, but only on one side hence ‘non-turn’). But the mrs wants a Joseph Wales wooden bedstead which comes with either sprung or solid slats. I read that pocket spring mattresses are not compatible with slatted beds as the mattress may be damaged due to the gaps between slats. Is this true? If the Flexcell is not compatible with the bedstead, do you have a similar mattress which can be used on a slatted bed?
Many thanks.
Ian
Hi Ian. Pocket springs ideally like a flat cushioned surface. However, this does not mean that they can’t be used on slatted bed frames. Personally I would opt for the solid slats to keep the mattress flat. Adding a mattress pad of your own [a cheap duvet or blanket etc] to cushion the mattress from the slats and all should be fine.
Finally, and particularly for the benefit of other readers, please take the time to read our own personal thoughts on Memory Foam Mattresses
Hope this helps Ian, and please let us know how you get on. John and Ryan.
to clarify.. when i say.. “sometimes use side stitching, sometimes hand side stitching” im referring to their wordiing, not their construction.. I have no idea what their contruction methods are at all!
To add to that.. this Harrison’s brochure suggests that it’s perfectly possible to have a sheet either side of the main layers of pocket springs within the spring count..http://www.barrowclark.com/Downloads/Harrison%20Beds.pdf
Seriously.. it’s ridiculous. Sorry to keep banging on about this!
Hi James. Your previous post is quite explanatory. I would be quite taken aback if any of their models were machine stitched, particularly their Performance Collection Range. So I am assuming they do mean hand side stitched rather than machine side stitched but It is a question worth asking just to be sure. John and Ryan
Thanks for that.. Harrisons sometimes use hand side stitching and side stitching interchangeably, though curiously even on the super duper 100million springs mattress it doesn’t explicitly say hand side stitching (they have a picture of someone hand side stitching on another page).. More curious still the only ones it does explicitly refer to as hand side stitched (interchangeably) are the Ortho Tailor range and the cheapo Express range (which are vacuum packed in a roll).
I find the explanations they’ve offered re the spring counts highly unsatisfactory and am very disappointed at the ridiculous answers they’ve given when I’ve phoned>> i can’t believe that they don’t know how many springs in their own mattresses.. and the explanation given by the sales lady that the hd springs are sandwiched inbetween normal pocket springs utterly ridiculous. (it’s not true as a subsequent called discovered). However, the second call (after sales) got through to a guy who said that the HD sheet was on only one side of the mattress, and that on the reverse side you simply lay on the 1435 pocket springs (not pockets, springs.. 1 in 3 are revolution springs, so it’s about 1,100 pockets). If this is true it is certainly not mentioned in the brochures so to me they’ve got two choices.. 1) their staff are woefully misinformed about their products and their marketing is not misleading or 2) the staff or generally misinformed and their marketing is misleading and illegal. I wonder what the ASA would say about their literature.. they’d get a straight answer at least.
So in short, either way it’s not great.. and neither explanation works. 2000 springs in a HD sheet and 1000 in a Posturful sheet (approximations)..If the one side only explanation is true then how does it explain the fact that the next mattress up has a spring count 500 springs higher?
In the end i come away feeling confused and cheated and all this could be sorted by clear marketing and someone on the end of the phone who knows what they’re talking about!.. how sad.. nevermind.
Hi James. What more can we say. On our home page we say that buying a mattress is easy – If you know what to look for, and know the right questions to ask. As you are slowly finding out, this, in the majority of cases is a lot easier said than done. John and Ryan.
Hello,
Looking at a Harrison Turquoise 4000 (1000 of which are in base which we don’t want as we’ve a new quality sprung slat base already).. so of the 3000 spring count we’ve got ‘spring in spring’ (SIS) and some HD mini springs laid on top (and bottom as it’s a turnable bed). Accoring to the Spinks Springs page there are equivalent of 2000 HD springs in a King size sheet (they are just selling the components)..
If there are 2000 springs then that’s 4000 before we’ve even done the sis’s..
So in short, just how many springs are there (not counting SIS as doubles) or is the 3000 count an equivalent of how it feels.. confused!!
James
Hi James. Lets work this out. This is the official decription:
With a total of 4000 pocket springs, 3000 Revolution and HD system in the mattress and 1000 pocket springs in the True Edge base, the Turquoise is designed to contour naturally with the curves of the body. A rich blend of wool, cotton and mohair together with a layer of natural Hempure makes this bed so comfortable. Thoughtfully arranged, with a wool blend to form a warm for winter side and the crispness of natural cotton on the cool for summer side.
Finished with double side stitching which prevents you from rolling out of bed and the mattress sides collapsing, four handles to assist with turning and vents to allow the mattress to breathe.
What we glean for the mattress: ..
3000 Revolution and HD system.
blend of wool, cotton and mohair
a layer of natural Hempure
wool blend to form a warm for winter side
natural cotton on the cool for summer side.
Finished with double side stitching
four handles
vents
The questions you should be asking:
Breakdown of springs. How many Revolution and how many HD
Weight of upholstery used for winter side
Weight of upholstery used for summer side
Side stitching or Hand side stitched?
Just having the answer to these simple questions would enable you to do adequate comparisons. Unfortunately, Harrisons along with many others, fail to tell you this relevant stuff.
When looking at any mattress, the only numbers you should be interested in is GSM [ Grams per Square Meter ] of Upholstery.
Then look at The spring system.
Then look at the price. Everything else should fall into place.
Keep in touch, and let us know how you get on. John and Ryan.
Hi John & Ryan,
My partner and I have decided to buy a new mattress to fit our slatted double base. We are researching what would be the best choice for us and the enormity of the facts and figures have left my head in a spin! Initially, we had considered a pocket sprung bed with a memory foam top layer but have now rejected that idea because it seems they are too hot. Now we have limited the search to a pocket sprung with natural materials and are favouring the range made by Harrison but have found them to be quite expensive.
I just wondered if you have any recommendations regarding pocket sprung mattresses with similar qualities to those of the Harrison mattresses range (Harrison Tailor Turquoise, Harrison Appleton and Harrison Platinum Express 3000)?
If there is any further info you might need before making a recommendation please get in touch.
Many thanks.
Hi Tracy. I’m sure Harrison’s are quite capable of explaining the differences between the three models you mention above more than we and it’s a pity that these fundamental details are not published to save you phoning the manufacturer direct to ask. If it were me I would ask them to tell me how much upholstery of each type per square meter they have put in each matress rather than telling me – at repetitive length, how many springs are in each mattress. Surely after 4000 springs have been placed there can’t be much room left for comfort layers! Something has to give. I wonder what?
If you are looking for Natural fillings with the best calico encased pocket springs then take a look at our Artisan Naturals. This has 3700gsm upholstery on both sides of the mattress. Feel free to ask Harrisons what models they have with upholstery that compares to this. Of course their Revolution springs will not be able to be compared as they are exclusive (in this country) to them. Is the Revolution any better than calico encased? I would say No. Vi-Spring would say No. Savoir Beds would say No.
In order for you to get the best for your money you have to know what exactly you are spending your money on. And at the risk of [me] becoming repetitive, a list of cashmere, cotton and wool just will not do. You have to know how much of each is in your mattress. Only when you have this information will you be able to make an educated and informed purchase.
John and Ryan.
Hi there,
I’ve found your website so helpful already and now have a question of my own.
We are buying our first home after years in pre-furnished rental properties and we are prepared to invest in a good king size bed. On visiting friends we slept in their spare bed which was the best night’s sleep we’ve ever had. We were so impressed that we asked our friends the brand and model of the mattress and they informed us that it was a ‘Handmade Bed Company 3000′.
At over £2000 unfortunately this mattress is out of our price range, but having read the information on your website I’m hopeful you can recommend something at a more reasonable price!
Thanks for your help in advance! I’m sending your website around to everyone!
Kind regards
Alecia
Hi Alecia. Thanks for the kind comments. The first thing your question goes a long way to
enforce is the actual difference between a well made quality natural fibre mattress and one that has been mass produced. There really is no similarity.
Ryan and I bang on at length that the minimum standard for springs for example should be pocket springs and not those awful cage springs or continuous coils springs that are sold as ‘beneficial’ in many mattresses. Unless you have actually tried the two – side by side – you will never know how different they actually are. The difference in comfort and quality is just as apparant as the difference you have experienced between a beautiful well made mattress and the ones you have probably been subjected to in your rental properties.
However, this does not mean that you have to pay over the odds for this level of comfort. The compromises you may have to make to bring the price down for an equivalent model should not neccessarily be too many. Take the hand side stitching on the Handmade Bed Company 3000 model for example. That particular model has 4 rows – an expensive detail that if it were reduced to two rows would be quite sufficient for the job they perform but save you a considerable sum. I would assume the springs used are calico encased and not mass produced units, and therefore would be in the same league as our Artisan Naturals model so the level of quality on this further aspect would be in keeping. The use of 3000 in the HMBC (I am not particularly sure of the arrangement of their springs – 2 layers? can also be cut to a lower level without compromise (ours use 1360) and by way of acceptance that this is a satisfactory count, the bulk of all Vi-Spring models use less than 2000 pocket springs. Your bodyweights will dictate whether this is acceptable.
Moving up from there, the important parts of the mattress and the parts that you found so comfortable is the quality of the wadding and upholstery. Comparing natural fibres to man made fibre is like chalk and cheese and therefore getting the best comfort layers to fit your budget is essential. HMBC, I note have used Pashmina as a layer (or blend) an expensive component but I would ask if the quantity used was of a considerable weight (gsm) to make a noticeable difference to the overall comfort level of the mattress when Lambswool at a greater weight would do just as good a job.
This is too big a question to outline all the differences here, but it can be done and I am sure that Ryan and I can help you put together the mattress of your dreams without too much compromise.
As an example of what we do. Our Artisan Naturals 1200 is the best mattress we have built able to be retailed at around the £800 mark. This low price does not detract from the actual quality of build and components. We have listed precisely how it has been made in order for you to do your own research and comparisons. However, the problem you will find is that many other manufacturers are not as open as we are, and therefore you will have to phone them direct to see what exactly is in their mattress.
Feel free to call us direct on the number at the top of the page. This should not be a rushed purchase so the more homework and groundwork you do before you move will pay dividends at a later date. Many thanks. John and Ryan.
Hi John
If you are that confident, we have nothing to lose!
I wait for Ryan to mail me and we can sort the details. Thanks
Hi Brian. Of course we are confident. But we want you to be confident in us as well. The description of The Artisan Naturals has been purposefully detailed to the extreme in order that you yourself can do some sort of basic comparisons to other similar models.
Take the first model you enquired about: The PSBC Malham for 1850 Euros. The comparison to that one model alone as outlined below should give you the confidence that you will be getting a far superior mattress for less than half the price. And neither forget , you will not be getting an off the peg mattress. The Artisan will be built specifically for you and your wifes requirements without a hefty bespoke price.
John.
Hi John/Ryan
sounds good to me, and reading the spec. you seem very proud of the product. However, just one question – does your excellent money back guarantee extend to us living in Portugal? Pretty obviously you would not deliver here, but I can get one way transport for about £30 from anywhere in UK. If you are prepared to pay one way, in the event that we don’t get on with the mattress, we’ll pay the return.What do you think. For info, I weigh 70k and my wife weighs 56k. Is this medium firmness?
Thanks for all the help, sorry to keep going on, but it is a big purchase and I’d like it to be right.
Hi Brian. We are indeed proud of all our mattresses as our feedback can help to affirm. The Artisan 1200 (which actually has 1360 of the ‘absolute finest’ calico encased pocket springs you can get) knocks spots off all the mattresses you enquired about below. When people such as yourself asks for advice on a particular product we give our opinion the best we can without actually knocking or deriding the product. That is why we ask you to check for yourself the build quality and component weights of the mattresses that you mention. Only in this way will you see that when you compare them to our collection the differences in quailty of build alone becomes only too apparant.
The Artisan is our current top of range. We stake our hard earned reputation on this model by saying you just cannot get a better mattress for your money. The springs alone, because they are calico encased, hand nested and hand formed will be placed and utilised to suit your exact weight requirements – softer for your wife’s bodyweight, and slightly firmer for yours. This is not an off the peg mattress and is as close as bespoke as you can get without paying astronomical and silly prices for it.
As for paying the delivery? Absolutely!
Like you say we are exceptionally proud of this model and we put our money and again our reputation where our mouths are. Ryan and I believe that everyone should have this particular mattress (built specifically for them) which really would put an end to the myriad of complaints we all read about so called brands who really should know better.
So confident are we that you will love this particular mattress we will also pay the return delivery in the unlikely event our promises do not match your expectations.
Ryan will mail you later on today to establish contact and if you wish we will go from there. John and Ryan.
Hi John/Ryan
Thanks for the advice. You were right, the assistants in the two stores did not have any answers to the questions, and were not real helpful in offering to find out. One of them confused the issue even further by offering another 1600 spring mattress, the Durabed Cambridge (any good?). I could not see from your list who owns them. One also brought up another confusing term – “seasonal turn mattress”(?). Also, I have seen on the net a Millbrook Royal 3000 for £720 is this a contender and what is the top spring count in your range? Keep up the good work, at last a site with a bit more than just “puff”.
Hi Brian. Durabed? probably Durabeds, not sure of the fillings.
Seasonal turn is usually a memory foam mattress with polyester on the underside.
As for The Millbrook 3000?
Specs
4 rows of traditional hand stitching to borders
Hypo allergenic interliner,
Layer of soft lambswool,
Layer of resilient polyester,
Sumptuous layers of silk/wool/cashmere,
On the face of it, it sounds good for £750 considering all those sumptious layers, so a bit more investigation is required by you and therefore a call to Millbrook is once again required:
3000 pocket springs ? Not really posible to have more than 2000 on a Kingsize layer so I would question what these consist of EXACTLY.
Hypo Allergenic interliner? - every decent mattress should have this most basic component.
Layer of soft Lambswool? - Needs the weight (I would guess it would be 300gsm.)
Layer of polyester?Need to find out how much
LAYERS (more than one?)
Sumptious layers Silk, Wool, Cashmere..?Layers .. indicates more than one. Now this would be really interesting to see exactly what this consists of!
Finally. Why dont you just buy The Artisan Naturals from me and get it over and done with? Let me know what you decide. John and Ryan.
I am currently living in the Algarve, and we are looking for a new pocket spring mattress (king size). Unfortunately the choice here is pretty poor and prices very high. We have seen two which I would like your views on, plus whether you have a comparable mattress in your range;
Pocket Spring Bed Co – Malham – (costs here €1850)
Relyon Bedstead Luxury 1360 (I think this is discontinued) – (€1320)
From the brochure/web site they seem similar, but not much detail on weights of filling etc. If you can reduce our confusion I’d be grateful.
Hi Brian, As we have said countless times throughout this site you will not find the details you require because manufacturers [with the exception of Vi-Spring to some extent] purposefully do not want you to know!
What would happen if these essential details you are requesting were openly published?
Firstly, the hundreds and hundreds of mattresses on offer in shops and online would be so easily comparable that many manufacturers would go bust because you will soon come to realise that many are identicle bar name and fabric.
Lets look at the description available for the two matts you mention;
Spec for PSBC – Malham:
1600 pocketed spring unit
fillings include Natural Cotton, Lambswool and Horsehair.
2 rows hand side stitching
Spec for Relyon Bedstead Luxury:
• 1360 in a (5ft) mattress
• Regular Turn
• Lambswool
• Reflex Foam
• White Fibre
• Felt Tufts
• Handles and Vents
• 2 Rows of Hand Side Stitching
You say they seem similar, but the only similarity is that they are both white and they both ‘contain’ lambswool. The Malham fillings – Natural Cotton, lambswool are blended (no bad thing) but the very least you should know is what the total weight of the blend is. Is it a paltry 1000gsm or an impressive 2500gsm? In an ideal world you really should know the balance of the blend is as well – is there a 50/50 mix? Is there a 5% content of expensive cotton and 95% of less expensive wool? Is the horsehair blended in as well or is this a seperate layer? Bloody frustrating thats what it is!
As for Relyon. Again no indication of any weight but at least you can see they are using progressive layers. Springs – Reflex Foam – White Fibre [which means polyester] and Lambswool. Practically identicle to my Origins 2000 at £455 (except for the 2 rows of hand side stitching – for now!).
People like you should be phoning up the manufacturers and asking them what EXACTLY are these fundamental details. How much Cotton? How much Lambswool? Is it two sided? What is the support layer? How does that work? Why not woolen tufts instead of felt tufts for the money you are asking me to pay? What weight is the so called White Fibre? How much Reflex Foam? What insulator is used? Nine times out of ten the person you speak to wont even know themselves.
How anyone can make such a significant purchase on the strength of well crafted superlatives is really beyond me. I was speaking to a manufacturer recently and he told me of a case where a mattress that “contained wool” referred to the woolen tufts!
Don’t be scared of asking these important questions and if the manufacturer can’t answer them satisafactorily, then go elsewhere. And what exactly is Natural Cotton?
Keep in touch. John and Ryan.
I have been agonising over a matress for many weeks now to the point where our old one is shot.
I have largely looked at Milbrook ranges and have been taken by their planets collection as well as their Lavender available thorugh ****.
I would appreciate advice on the different fiilings. I always thought the top price bed would have the best fillings but for example the neptune has similar fillings to the Jupiter yet the Saturn that has less springs has Latex. Can I have your thoughts and also whetheer you have something comparable. My wife and I both prefer medium firm or firm beds.
Many Thanks. Mr D. Carter.
Hi Damian, Good questions. Your stumbling block is the fact that you cannot do adequate comparisons because the actual specifications of each mattress are just not available! Just because a mattress states that it contains opulent fillings such as cotton and Pashmina begs the question OK, How much cotton does it contain? and more to the point – how much Pashmina wool? Once we can establish this simple little detail you will be in a better position to do an actual and realistic comparison from every manufacturer and retailer.
Ryan and I always draw upon the analogy of beefburger ingredients – it wasn’t that long ago when meat content by percentage did not have to be stated. The way to now find out which burger has the highest meat content is to look on the list of ingredients and therefore make an informed choice as to which one you would be happy with. Mattresses should also have a list of components by weight and so your choice would be simple and straightforward.
As for can we do anything similar? – Yes, of course we can. But can you tell us what you want us to provide? Unlikely. The information you need to do so is not there. Give us a call and we can do our best. John and Ryan.
Hi – I was hoping for your advice – I am looking at your Origins 2000 king zip and link bed but have also stumbled across a cancelled order Harrison 4000 pocket sprung zip and link for the same price – A bit chheky but what would you do???
Such a helpful website – many thanks Sam
Hi Sam, I am aware of the model you mention and I shall be looking into this a bit further in the new year. Too many ‘cancelled orders’ for my liking and I wonder what the real reason is! Please give me a call to discuss. John
Hello,
I was wondering if you could please advise? I am agonising over mattress choice for months now. I loved Vi-Spring but decided it was too expensive and am now trying to choose between Somnus and Harrison. Someone recommended Somnus but when I tried it (had only 5000 spring one in showroom though I would buy a 3000 one) didn’t quite feel right. The medium support felt too firm for me (have a low back and pelvic problem) and my husband found the firm one too soft. We then tried a Harrison one with 3,500 springs and it felt better for both of us, but I am now worried whether it will be too soft in the long run (felt softer than the Somnus one). We have also liked a John Lewis Premier I mattress which is also around 3,000 springs and apparently the same as a Harrison mattress.
I am now torn between Harrison and Somnus as I have had quite a strong recommendation for that and it seems a successful brand.
Please help! Thanks.
Hi Tijana, To be quite frank, the manufacturers you mention – Vi-Spring, Somnus and Harrison all fall into the same quality stable. Harrison and Somnus are in fact the same family business with Somnus being the posher and Harrison the more mainstream. You don’t mention any model names so I am unable to verbally disect them for comparison. There is also Spink and Edgar (same Harrison family) who are now in the running as offering the most pocket springs in a mattress – with The Empire having over 21.000!!
When you are looking at mattresses of this pedigree, and as you have so eloquently pointed out, firmness levels cannot really be placed on any particular model (although it is done). Your husband finding the so called firm one – too soft, clearly illustrates this anomoly in categorising firmness levels of natural fibre matts.
As for which one would be best for you, I would suggest for the first stage you disregard the manufacturer and concentrate on the reasons why you find the mattress comfortable. Then break down the components and then do your comparisons with like for like models. Bear in mind that spring counts over 2000 particularly from the Harrisons family utilise layers of mini springs above/below the main unit. Once you have found out what the spring layout is then the all important wadding layers have to be detailed to ensure you are getting the maximum amount of filling you posibly can.
Long term (longevity), mattresses of this calibre are built to be bedded in over time. The tension you feel when they are new will most definitely not be the same some years down the line. Always work on the principle that they will become softer – and incidentally, this principle should be used on all mattresses – exactly like breaking in a new pair of shoes. This is one reason why trying a mattress out in a shop can only give you a general idea of comfort levels.
Finally, Harrisons et al, do manufacture for John Lewis -and although the specifications may look similar for a lower price, they invariably have some differences between the similar models – ask as many questions as you can to differentiate between models. Hope this helps, and let me know what you choose. John.
I have found your website really informative John, and was particularly interested in your information on Harrison beds. I bought an ‘almost top of the range’ Harrison pocket sprung (4000 spring medium tension mattress with 1000 spring base) and have been trying unsuccessfully to sleep on it for the past 3 weeks. I have a lower back problem and find many beds too firm for my muscles to relax. I have had a bit of a love affair with Slumberland (open coil) beds until now but was informed by my local store that they are not what they used to be after a take over. We thought we would treat ourselves to a new luxury bed, but I have been awake for hours each night and taken loads of painkillers. So now we are thinking of putting the Harrison into the spare room and replacing it for ourselves. Any suggestions about which bed would be closest to our Slumberland Gold Seal of a few years ago?
Hi Lesley. I’m seriously perplexed as to why you find the Harrisons too firm and then say you prefer the SL open coil. To me that sounds the same as someone preferring beefburger to Steak. But, I do accept that this can really be someones preference. In fact one of my customers exchanged a pocket sprung mattress (hated it) for a much cheaper open coil mattress that I was embarresed to sell and yet she loved it.
To consign the Harrisons bed to the spare room seems such a waste but the fact that it is now three weeks down the line and you still havn’t got used to it means it will never be.
My last ditch attempt – whilst looking for an alternative mattress (which should not be rushed) buy a mattress topper to tweak the mattress to the comfort level just right for you. Dunelm Mill do a lovely feather and down topper for around £40. I would say that this (beneath the protector) will soften the top up just enough to take the edge off the firmness but still utilising the support. Hopefully, this will help. Please feel free to phone me and we can go through the alternatives. John.
Hi John
Firstly thank you for the very informative and well put together website. After a number of trips to various mattress shops and a lot of searching on the net I came across your site by chance – what a pleasure to find somewhere that has a small selection and good explanations of what you are buying as opposed to a confusing and complicated selection of options and marketing jargon.
I am trying to decide between the Origins Pocket 2000 Kingsize and the Origins Pocket Latex 1500. I am 182cm tall and weigh about 70kg. At the moment I live alone so the mattress is just for me. Generally I prefer a relatively firm mattress. They both sound good and are similarly priced so I am not sure which to choose?
Kind regards. Angela.
Hi Angela. These two matts are completely different in construction and so the decision will have to be based on what comfort layer will suit you best – either latex or polyester/wool. The spring count difference 1500 or 2000 is nominal and because of your light bodyweight it will be unlikely you will be utilising the springs to their full. With the Origins Latex you will be getting additional support from the latex but it will also be cradling using only what it needs to – but also exceptionally comfortable. The Origins 2000 has the support but the primary layers are polyester topped with wool. Comfortable – but without the extra support that the latex offers. With you preferring a relatively firm mattress then I think the Latex 1500 ticks all your boxes. Hope this helps. John.
I bought a Staples super king size pocket spring mattress from Dreams last September – not cheap, about £900 within a very short time two body shapes appeared – normal settlement said Dreams. Despite rotating as per recommendation sleeping shapes became deeper. Normal said “independent” inspector supplied by Dreams. We not very happy and body shapes in mattress do not make it very comfortable. We’re not excessivle heavy, 13st & 11st. Where can I go from here? I wish I had found your site before – if I could get a refund I’d buy from you – you seem to know what you are talking about.
Hi John. Sorry to hear this. Can you please add further details of the mattress model.
Indents and settlement are always visibly more pronounced on Superking mattresses for the simple reason that you are not using the entire surface and it does take time to settle evenly Read Article. Believe it or not, mattress faults are rare! The most common reasons for premature indentations can be put down to three main posibilities 1. The ommision of a component layer – usually the ‘support’ layer above the spring unit or 2. A faulty spring unit or 3. A design flaw.
The manufacturer you mention has a very high pedigree and it would be unlikely that a design flaw was the reason. I am guessing that for the price you paid the primary comfort layer on your mattress would be more than polyester or wool – as you say – you rotate the mattress (not turn) indicates it is one sided – perhaps latex? If so, then I’m perplexed and if dips are present with a latex comfort layer then my hunch would be a faulty spring unit. As it is pocket sprung the posibilities of spring units being faulty are relatively rare – it is never the spring itself failing but the fabric pocket that contains it -. These ‘pockets’ are either glued and/or heat welded together to make the complete unit and undue force can cause these ‘pockets’ to tear or separate [Hence the Do Not Bend warning - and do not allow kids to use the matt as a trampoline advice].
Being a Superking I would imagine delivery into your home was a nightmare. Not many hallways / stairwells can accommodate the delivery of a mattress this size with ease, and if the delivery men had to ‘force’ it round a sharp bend or ‘squeeze’ it beneath an overhang on your stairs then the posibility of the spring unit being damaged as described above would be my initial inkling as to what may be wrong.
Let me know how this gets sorted via the comments section on the Settlement and Indents page. John.
I have recently bought a pocket sprung (1000) matress with memory foam and dismayed to find it has already (6 weeks) settled into two distinct sleeping shapes (and I have turned it). Is this normal? and if so why?
Hi Sheila, No, it’s not normal. How much did you pay? Have you tried to return it?
Ryan and I do not sell memory foam mattresses – the advertising and hype has just gone completely out of control. If you are considering this type of mattress you really do have to understand exsactly what you are buying – and more importantly understand what you are being sold. Please read the Memory Foam posts elsewhere on this site. John
Hi John,
I’m very interested in the Origins 2000, but have heard that too many pocket springs can be a disadvantage in terms of durability due to their smaller relative size meaning that they are more susceptible to becoming damaged or wearing out more quickly. Can you give your opinion on this?
I’m very grateful for your clear and no-nonsense approach to selling mattresses! I just wonder if I’d be better off with an equivalent grade mattress with a lower spring count (such as the Origins 1500) as I really don’t want to have to buy another mattress 5 years down the line because of spring failure!
Many thanks, Luke
Hi Luke,
Whoever told you that too many pocket springs are a disadvantage is talking out of their hat. True, the springs will obviously be smaller in diameter and not that much thinner, but the individual support will be greater. Consider a bowling ball on your mattress; On a 1000 pocket springs the ball will be supported by say 10 springs with the centre of the ball (the pressure point) depressing about 4 springs to support the weight. The remaining 6 springs will be aiding the support – but not used fully. The same ball on a 2000 pocket spring unit will be supported by 20 springs with the pressure point utilising 8 springs – but as the weight is shared more equally the depression of the pressure point will be much less.
Incidentally, There is only one way that pocket springs can become damaged and that is when the seams on the pocket [containing the] spring come apart / separates. This situation happening naturally is rare. It is usually found that the mattress has been severely bent or used as a trampoline (kids eh?)
Thanks for your comments Luke, and good question. John.