Neither of the two types is better in itself: they feel different, and the particular properties depend on the construction, the layers, the cover and the base. Spring models can give a springier feel, springless ones a more even and dense one, but that has to be checked on particular models. Choose by how you sleep and what you will put the mattress on, not only by the name of the construction.
How a spring mattress is built
Inside is a unit of steel springs, with layers of fillings on both sides of it that set the firmness. Units come in two kinds.
A linked unit (Bonnell): the springs are joined to one another, so under weight not one of them gives but a whole area. Such a mattress is simpler, but follows the contours of the body less well, and one person's movement is felt by the other.
An independent unit: every spring stands in its own fabric pocket and compresses separately. This construction responds to load more precisely and can isolate movement better than a linked unit; the actual feel depends on the whole model. Built on such a unit — Multi Pocket Spring — are, for example, the Veneto Family Style Mattress (220 mm high, medium firmness, load up to 90 kg) and the higher and springier Veneto Comfort Multi Plus Mattress: 280 mm, firmness above medium, up to 130 kg.
Mattresses with a polymer spring unit instead of a steel one stand apart. In the catalogue this is the Dynamic series: the Veneto Dynamic Mattress has an Orthopedic Flex unit, a height of 230 mm and medium firmness. It is a separate variety of spring construction; how it feels compared with a steel unit is best checked in a showroom by lying on both.
How a springless mattress is built
There are no springs here at all: the mattress consists of one or several layers of foam, latex and coconut fibre. The firmness depends on which layers are put together and in what order.
- The Veneto Optima Plus Mattress — latexed coir Cocos Shield and Ecofoam foam; two sides of different firmness, 230 mm high, load up to 120 kg.
- The Veneto Balance Mattress — Aero Latex foam, Latex Support latexed foam and Ecofoam foam; a firm side and a medium one, 230 mm high, load up to 110 kg.
Both have a removable cover, which makes care easier.
Comparison
| What we compare | Spring (independent unit) | Springless |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Springy, “lively”: the surface pushes back gently | Dense, even: the body lies on a uniform base |
| Adapting to the body | Every spring works separately | Depends on the layers: latex and foam hug the body, coir holds it |
| A partner's movements | Usually passed on less than in a linked unit; depends on the model | Depends on the density and structure of the layers |
| Noise | Depends on the unit, the condition of the mattress and the base | No metal springs, but the overall noise also depends on the base and the bed |
| The edge of the mattress | Holds its shape if the perimeter is reinforced | The same across the whole area |
| Base | Level slats or a level solid base | Closely spaced slats or a solid base |
The table shows typical properties. A particular model can differ, so make the final comparison from the specifications on the product pages.
Who each type suits
A spring mattress with an independent unit is worth trying first if:
- you like a springy surface that is easy to turn over on;
- you sleep as a couple and differ noticeably in weight;
- you want a high mattress with several comfort layers.
A springless mattress is worth trying first if:
- you prefer a dense, even surface with no “bounce”;
- you need a firm model or a double-sided one with different firmness on each side;
- it is a mattress for a child: children's models are mostly springless.
Both types are gathered in separate collections: spring mattresses and springless mattresses.
What matters more than the type of construction
In practice buyers go wrong less often with the type than with three other things.
- Firmness. A medium spring mattress and a medium springless one are closer to each other than two spring mattresses of different firmness. We have a separate article on choosing firmness.
- Permissible load. It is given in the specification of every model and does not depend directly on the type: in the examples above it runs from 90 to 130 kg.
- The base. On a bowed or too sparse a slatted base any mattress will lie unevenly.
How to check in the showroom
Ask to be shown two models of similar firmness — a spring one and a springless one — and lie on each for long enough in your usual position. Notice three things: whether it is easy to turn over, whether the shoulders and hips “fall through”, whether it is comfortable to sit on the edge. If you feel no difference, choose by height, load and cover. Showroom addresses are on the stores page.
In short
- Spring and springless mattresses differ in feel, but ventilation, noise and the passing on of movement depend on the particular model.
- An independent spring unit responds to load more precisely; how well a model isolates movement should be checked on the particular mattress.
- Firmness and permissible load matter more than the type of construction itself.
- The most reliable way is to lie on both types in the same firmness.
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that springless mattresses last longer?
Not necessarily. Service life depends on the quality of the materials, the load and the base, not only on whether there are springs. We have a separate article about this.
Does a spring mattress creak?
An independent unit is built so that the springs work separately, but a stray sound can come from the mattress as well as from the bed or the base. If a creak appears, check all of these in turn.
Which type is better for two?
Both are suitable. It matters more to check how much a particular model passes on movement, whether the permissible load is enough and whether both partners are comfortable.
Can a springless mattress be put on the floor?
Temporarily, yes. Permanently it is not a good idea: the mattress needs air from below, so a slatted base is better.
