Mattress coils are the essential building blocks of many mattresses. They provide support, comfort and durability. You may not think about your mattress coils very often, but they actually have a big impact on something that's very important to you – your comfort! And, the way Happsy does coils, they have an impact on your health, too. (Spoiler alert: it’s a positive impact!)
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about mattress coils, from the different types of coils to their impact on firmness and why avoiding glues and adhesives is a wise choice.
Innerspring mattress vs. pocket coil
Coil systems come in two primary variations: the innerspring mattress and the pocketed coil mattress. Understanding the differences between these two coil mattresses is key to choosing the right mattress for your needs.
Innerspring mattress
Innerspring mattresses feature a system of interconnected coils. These coils are typically made from steel wire and are joined together, creating a network of support. Innerspring mattresses tend to be more affordable than pocket coil mattresses and provide decent support.
However, they may not isolate motion as effectively as pocket coils, which can be a concern for couples, people who sleep with pets or light sleepers.
Pocketed coil mattress
Pocketed coil mattresses, also known as encased coil or individually wrapped coil mattresses, have gained popularity for their ability to provide targeted support and motion isolation. In this design, each coil is individually encased in a fabric pocket. This allows the coils to move independently, contouring to your body's shape and reducing motion transfer.
Pocket coil mattresses are often preferred for their enhanced comfort and support, especially for couples.
To sum it up: While both innerspring and pocket coil mattresses have their merits, pocket coil mattresses tend to offer superior support, comfort and motion isolation.
Coils + latex = hybrid
If you're looking for a mattress that combines the best of both worlds, a hybrid mattress might be the ideal choice for you. Hybrid mattresses blend the support of coils with the comfort of other materials, such as latex or memory foam (although, for your health, we would not recommend the latter). This combination can provide an exceptional sleep experience, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Combining coils with latex comfort layers can result in a hybrid mattress that offers exceptional support and comfort. Made from the sap of rubber trees, organic approved latex is known for its full-body contouring and pressure-point relieving properties. Latex also has a natural bounce, which can be appealing to those who prefer a bit of springiness in their mattress.
The relationship between coils and firmness
The level of firmness in a mattress is a critical factor in determining your comfort and sleep quality – and it can be an entirely preferential thing! Factors such as your body shape and size, your age and your sleep position can determine whether you prefer a firm or plush mattress, and there’s no “right answer” as to which is the better option so long as you like the way that it feels. Learn more about mattress firmness here.
The type of coils used in a mattress has a significant impact on its firmness level. Here's how different coil configurations affect the firmness of your mattress:
Coil gauge
The gauge of the coils refers to the thickness of the wire used in their construction. Thicker coils, with a lower gauge number, provide firmer support, while thinner coils with a higher gauge number result in a softer, plusher feel.
Coil count
The number of coils in a mattress can also influence its firmness. A higher coil count typically results in a firmer mattress, as it distributes the body weight more evenly. Lower coil counts might make the mattress feel softer but can reduce support.
Coil shape
The number of turns in a coil is a way of measuring how tightly the coil is wound. Coils with more turns are wound more tightly, which can make the coil stiffer and less likely to compress and result in a firmer mattress. In contrast, coils with fewer turns are looser and more likely to compress under pressure, providing a cushier feel.
Why we say no to glues and adhesives
The support and comfort a mattress’s coils provide are both important factors to consider when mattress shopping, but they’re not the only factors you should consider. At Happsy, we believe you should always pay attention to the materials used in the construction of the mattress, too.
One aspect that often goes overlooked in coil mattresses is the use of toxic glues and adhesives to construct them. Even mattresses that claim to not use “any glues or adhesives in the comfort layers” often contain them in their coil systems – and yes, that deceptive marketing language is intentional.
At Happsy, we manufacture our pocketed coils in-house with proprietary technology that ensures there are no glues or adhesives in our mattresses. Here's why.
Harmful off-gassing
These adhesives, which often include formaldehyde, used to bind individually pocketed coils can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time, leading to an unpleasant chemical odor known as off-gassing – and as unpleasant as it smells, the effect it has on human health is even more unpleasant. (Read more about toxic VOCs in mattresses here!)
Environmental impact
Usually, when a material is harmful to human health, it’s harmful to Mother Nature’s health, too. Such is the case with off-gassing VOCs. Thus, the production and disposal of mattresses that use glues and adhesives can have a significant negative environmental impact.
Longevity and durability
Mattresses that rely on adhesives to hold layers together may not be as durable as those that use more robust construction methods. Over time, the adhesive can weaken, causing layers to separate and reducing the lifespan of the mattress.
The bottom line: If you want to protect your health, your planet and your investment (because a mattress is a big investment!), choose a mattress made without glues and adhesives.
Happsy’s certified organic bed-in-a-box is offered in two unique firmnesses – Medium Firm and Plush – to offer comfy-cozy, planet-friendly sleep for every sleeper. No harmful off-gassing, glues and adhesives, toxic VOCs or other nonsense involved. Ready to sleep better? Shop the Happsy mattress!
