Feeling good in the morning, vigor and, ultimately, performance depend on how comfortable your sleep was. A properly selected, comfortable mattress is the key to a full, healthy sleep. If you choose a model carelessly, the result can be back pain, irritation and a feeling of fatigue. Modern mattresses are equipped with spring blocks or are made without them.
To clearly answer the question: “Which mattress is better, spring or springless?”, you need to know what the difference is between them, what are the features of each option, advantages and disadvantages. And only then begin to consciously choose a mattress.
Springs in a mattress - their types and features
The design of a spring-type mattress has four components:
- springs made of wire of various thicknesses
- layers that give the mattress softness or hardness. A variety of materials are used for interlayers, for example, coconut fiber, sisal, wool, holofiber, felt, etc.)
- filler. The filler material can also be very different (foam, foam rubber, latex, etc.)
- The cover is made from jacquard, knitted, velor, terry, cotton and other types of fabric.
Depending on the method of manufacturing and installing springs, mattresses are divided into two groups:
- dependent spring blocks (bonnell);
- independent spring blocks.
Dependent spring block "Bonnel"
In such a mattress, all the springs are connected and interconnected.
Thus, if one spring is pressed, all neighboring ones are also compressed. Advantages of products with dependent installation of springs:
- low cost
- attractive appearance
- light weight
Disadvantages of Bonnell spring blocks:
- short service life
- uniform rigidity of the entire surface of the mattress
- lack of orthopedic effect
Independent spring block
The installed springs are located in an individual fabric casing and are independent of adjacent springs. Pros and cons of independent blocks:
- orthopedic effect
- long service life
- withstands heavy loads
- has different hardness
- supports the body and spine well
Disadvantages of independent spring blocks:
- high price
- difficulties during transportation, because The mattress cannot be rolled and is heavy.
Mattresses can also be divided into 3 groups depending on the degree of hardness:
- Soft. Suitable for older people and people with lower back problems.
- Medium hardness is suitable for adults and teenagers, as well as people with problems with the thoracic spine.
- Hard ones are recommended for teenagers and people with diseases of the spine, cervical and thoracic regions.
Now let's study each type of mattress in more detail.
Which mattress is best for a child?
The choice of a mattress for a child deserves a separate discussion. Not only a comfortable, full sleep, but also the formation of correct posture and the health of the musculoskeletal system depend on this. Considering that a child needs more time to sleep, an uncomfortable mattress can lead to unpleasant consequences - scoliosis, headaches, etc.
Pediatricians recommend choosing the right mattress for a child depending on his age characteristics.
- Children from birth to three years old should sleep on springless mattresses with hard natural fiber filling, such as coconut coir.
- From 3 to 7 years old, a child will need a mattress of medium hardness: firstly, during this period, preschoolers are actively developing their motor system; secondly, children at this age often play on the bed, and doing this on a surface that is too hard is not very comfortable. However, during this period, you can also use spring models - only with an independent block, orthopedic options that will support every point of the body, repeating its anatomical curves.
- For teenage children, it is better to choose combined springless mattresses. A good solution is orthopedic bilateral models (coir with latex). This option allows you to adapt to the needs and changes of a growing organism. A high-quality mattress with an independent spring block is also suitable for this age.
Thus, only springless mattresses are suitable for children, and models without springs and with an independent block are suitable for children after three years of age. The main requirements are that the chosen mattress must be orthopedic, hypoallergenic, with a natural cover and, preferably, filler.
Dependent spring block, also known as a “Bonnel” block
Dependent springs are made from a block of springs with four to five turns, with a silhouette reminiscent of an hourglass. They are installed over the entire surface and connected to each other with a thin wire. For the production of springs, hardened high-carbon steel is used. Wire 1.2-2.2 mm thick is twisted into turns from 60 to 100 mm.
Advantages and disadvantages
The only advantage of dependent blocks is their affordable price. A significant disadvantage of the Bonnell block is that after a short period of time the surface will begin to collapse inward, i.e. a “hammock effect” will occur.
Advantages and disadvantages of a springless mattress
If you want a mattress that provides softer but firm support, choose a polyurethane foam or latex mattress, also sometimes called an innerspring mattress.
Due to the high density of the materials, these mattresses feel firmer. In addition, they distribute the load evenly than spring ones, which is especially important for people with large body weight. These mattresses also absorb movement well, so it’s comfortable for two people to sleep on them. If you are worried that your neck will get tired on such a mattress, we recommend that you study our instructions for choosing a pillow. Pros and cons of springless mattresses
| pros | Minuses |
| There are no unnecessary vibrations. They do not give a pushing effect. | Cost of a high mattress A high model without springs is more expensive than its spring counterpart. |
| They operate silently and do not squeak even after several years. | There is no zonal effect. The spring block adapts better to the features of the figure. |
| Fully reveal the properties of materials Rigidity is formed by a combination of soft and hard materials | |
| Sturdy design The mattress is not afraid of jumps and heavy loads |
Your pillow also plays an important role. Find out how to choose a pillow for sleeping.
Independent spring block
We have already explained above what an “independent spring block” is.
A product with independent springs consists of 250-1200 springs per square meter, shaped like an hourglass or a barrel. Each spring has up to eight turns, and the diameter of the turn does not exceed 60 mm. Each spring is in a fabric cover, which allows it to be independent from neighboring springs. The springs are made from the same steel wire as the springs for Bonnell blocks. Thanks to independent springs, the mattress is able to withstand heavy loads, provides comfort, healthy sleep, and the spine is in the correct position.
The difference between independent springs is that they have different degrees of hardness and, depending on the required functions (preventive, therapeutic), you can choose a soft, medium-hard or hard mattress. In addition, such mattresses often have two sides, “summer” and “winter,” which are designed to provide the consumer with comfortable sleep depending on the season.
Cost of mattresses
The price of mattresses depends on many indicators: type of construction, materials of manufacture, size.
- The cheapest products are spring ones with a dependent block. Their average cost is from 6 to 10 thousand rubles.
- Models with independent springs, due to the properties already described above and high performance characteristics, are much more expensive. Here the price depends on the number of springs: the more there are, the more expensive the mattress will cost. So, the simplest double option will cost 9-12 thousand rubles; elite model with 2000 springs - from 23 thousand and above.
- The price of springless mattresses mainly depends on the filler - it is this that is responsible for all the properties of the product. The cheapest models are polyurethane foam (double - from 8 thousand rubles). The price segment of latex products is from 20 thousand rubles. Combined mattresses will cost, depending on the fillings, from 22 thousand. The most expensive ones are models made from “smart” Memory Foam, which can “remember” the curves of the body. For a double model you will have to pay from 70 thousand rubles. However, today there is no more comfortable and “correct” mattress for health.
Even with a small budget, you can choose a high-quality option in an affordable price category. If you have limited funds, the best choice would be a model with independent springs and a latex layer - for those who like soft mattresses, or hard coir ones.
Mattresses at competitive prices
Best prices for bulk purchases
View in the catalog
Comparison of different types of mattresses
Size
Each buyer knows what size he needs based on the size of his bed. In the case where the client has a non-standard size of furniture, you can order a mattress in individual sizes from most manufacturers.
Life time
The average lifespan of a mattress is 5-10 years. But in reality, it can last either less or more. It all depends on how it was used and on the quality of the mattress. As mentioned above, the service life of mattresses with an independent spring block is much longer than that of mattresses with a Bonnell block. In order for it to last longer, the mattress must be rotated every three months, dry cleaned regularly, and if it is necessary to remove stubborn stains, you should contact the dry cleaner. An excellent solution is to use a protective cover and mattress pad.
Summing up
- If we are talking about buying a mattress for daily use, preference should definitely be given to mattresses based on an independent block (and not BONNEL).
- The greater the number of elements per 1 m², the higher the orthopedic, more accurate support and distribution of body weight. Multi-zone options are very good.
- The high cost is justified. It is compensated by a long service life, proper rest, ensuring stable functioning of internal organs, and maintaining the spine in a healthy condition.
- In order not to be disappointed and not to pay twice, it is better to purchase from a manufacturer with a good reputation. A product purchased from an unknown company may present a number of unpleasant surprises (chemical smell, violation of production technologies, non-compliance with the stated parameters, etc.).
- The selection of a mattress should be carried out carefully, taking into account the weight, age, needs, and health status of a particular person.
The selection of a mattress should be done carefully, then you will definitely purchase a quality product.
Recommendations for choosing the optimal mattress
Weight category
If you weigh a lot, we recommend choosing a hard mattress. Most people are comfortable with medium-firm mattresses. Married couples are recommended to purchase two mattresses, separate from each other, suitable for each spouse in terms of firmness.
Coating material
If you don’t have allergies, then you can safely buy a mattress with a natural cover.
However, when purchasing a mattress for newborns, you should avoid products with coconut coir, for the reason that this fiber is treated with a special composition containing formaldehyde. The concentration of the substance is small and safe for adults, but can be harmful for children. For children, it is better to purchase a mattress covered with natural linen. A mattress with artificial turf does not cause allergies, is durable and does not require maintenance.
How to choose a spring block for a mattress
To decide which mattress block to buy, just clarify your goals and wishes according to the following criteria:
- How often and where the mattress will be used.
- In what position does the person for whom it is purchased most often sleep?
- What kind of hardness is the future owner of the mattress accustomed to?
- Does he have any health problems?
The spring block in the mattress determines the quality and level of comfort of the bedding as a whole. That is why it is important to study the design and properties of the element system before purchasing a product.
SON.ru will help you with your choice
Our specialists are the best experts in matters of comfortable sleep and are always ready to help you. We are in touch and will answer all questions. The consultation is absolutely free.
Why is the filler called “snake”?
The sinuous shape of a metal spiral, similar to that taken by a snake when moving, prompted the inventors of furniture improvements to think about what to call the springy filling in upholstered sofas and armchairs.
The snake is formed at high temperatures. This is the only way to bend strong and tough steel according to the required parameters. And to prevent the spring from rusting, it is treated with an anti-corrosion compound. The finished workpiece is placed on the frame, where it is securely fixed with a special clamping element. To prevent the “snake” from touching the upholstery or damaging it, lay a layer of polyurethane between them. Sofas with such interior upholstery are in demand.
The reasons for this popularity are the following factors:
- Resistant to stress and retains its shape under a heavy body.
- Long service life without defects or repairs.
- Quiet operation without annoying squeaks.
- Thanks to its ventilation properties, the sofa “breathes” and does not have a harmful effect on the health of the occupant.
- There are no holes, bumps or irregularities in the sleeping area.
- Easy installation and transportation.
Upholstered furniture with a “snake” installed inside is endowed with an orthopedic effect, so doctors recommend sleeping on such a lounger if you have problems with the skeletal system.
The developers tried to get rid of the previous shortcomings of the springs and made the coil more stable. Previously, obese cyclists, if they tried to stand up, they could barely do it, they sank so deep into the saddle. Modern sofas are soft and elastic at the same time; they do not allow the figure to sag. The assembly of such structures is also simple, which the craftsmen do with pleasure.
Mounting features
The “Snake” spring is an internal element of upholstered furniture, which has a simple installation system and can be mounted both inside the frame and directly on a wooden frame. To secure the product, experts recommend wearing the following types of bras:
- shorten;
- hinged bar
The staple is a simple fastener that looks like cold-formed steel strip coated with LDPE. These parameters allow the structure to withstand a high level of load and avoid the appearance of squeaking at the point of contact of the support with the spring. To make clamping easier and increase the speed of work performed, experts recommend making auxiliary grooves. The hinged bar is a more advanced fastener that does not require additional measures during installation, which significantly increases the speed of work.
To avoid contact of the iron with the upholstery, it is necessary to use polyurethane material.
Upholstered furniture is the main piece of furniture, the quality and parameters of which determine not only the quality of sleep, but also the degree of comfort of rest. Given the increased demand for sofas, beds and armchairs, manufacturers produce a wide range of furniture that differs in design, color and design features. The type of spring block is the main criterion for choosing a product.
Despite the variety of types, the most popular springs for many years have been “Snakes”, characterized by their simplicity of design, versatility and orthopedic properties. Before making a final decision, you need to carefully study the properties of the springs, as well as check their quality and, if possible, correct installation.
The types of spring blocks are described in the following video.
Snake
What does a snake spring look like on a sofa: The elements inside the frame are connected by steel brackets, they are interdependent and resemble a snake in appearance.
Spring bars are familiar to us from Soviet furniture and, in fact, are not a block.
Such blocks are made of galvanized steel under high temperatures. It is believed that the most reliable foundations have many curves.
Such a sofa “gives” faster under the weight of the human body, is deeply pressed in and begins to resemble a hammock.
The main advantage of the mechanism is its low cost. However, spring snake sofas are not suitable for upholstered furniture for frequent use.
This is the cheapest option, but also the most prickly.
Mattress hardness depends on age
— Should I choose a double-sided or single-sided mattress?
— Some mattress manufacturers recommend turning the products over, since they sag and lose their shape; they also make winter-summer sides (the winter side is softer than the summer side). Regularly turning over and changing pressure points on the mattress is not a panacea. It’s better to buy a high-quality mattress right away and forget about constantly shaking the entire bed. In addition, for older people, turning over a mattress is not always convenient or possible.
Photo: nastol.com.ua
All Sealy mattresses are one-sided, they do not need to be turned over, which is very convenient during use. They also have thermoregulation, so you can sleep comfortably at any time of the year. The mattress regulates its temperature itself.
- Which mattress do you prefer - hard or soft?
The hardness of the sleeping place is:
- soft (low);
- moderately soft (below average);
- average;
- moderately hard (above average);
- hard (high).
Before buying, do not hesitate to test the mattress in the store: lie on products with different hardnesses, test it for yourself. The body should be in full contact with the mattress. If there is a gap in the kidney area, this means that the mattress is too hard. Does your elbow collapse when pressed? The mattress is too soft.
When choosing the degree of hardness, take into account age, physical activity, and weight. The younger the person, the harder he needs a sleeping surface, the older, the softer.
Orthopedic doctors advise newborns and children under 3 years of age to sleep on hard surfaces. This is necessary for the correct formation of the spine.
For a child 3-10 years old, choose a moderately hard model. A teenager can sleep on products of moderate or medium hardness. Choosing a mattress for an adult’s bed is much easier: 90% of people from 20 to 50 years old are suitable for medium-hard models. After 50 years, it is desirable to soften the sleeping area as much as possible in order to minimize back pressure on the joints and not disrupt blood flow. People with low weight are advised to choose soft mattresses, while those who are heavier will find it more comfortable to sleep on hard ones.
— Nowadays there is such a thing that many people buy only a mattress without a bed. By giving up a bed, some save the family budget, while for others, a mattress on the floor is an original interior solution.
— Yes, there are such mattresses for the floor. They are usually tall, their height is from 24 cm. And the filling, hardness, size and shape are the same as regular mattresses. If you are buying a mattress for the floor, pay attention to the quality of the cover. It should be as dense and wear-resistant as possible.
For example, the cover of Sealy mattresses is made of soft, innovative knitwear. It does not wrinkle or stretch. And during use you will not get an “accordion” from the case under the sheet.
However, the mattress needs a base for air flow and aeration; accordingly, it will last longer. It is better to buy both a bed and a mattress at the same time.
Highlights
Furniture springs are assembled using different assembly methods.
It turns out differently:
- Orthopedic property. This effect is more pronounced for free-standing structures.
- Cable-connected hoods may tighten under load in one area, but in others, the mattresses have insufficient ability to conform to the body's shape.
- Spirals are placed on materials of different quality and composition, the principle of fastening is different for all models.
- The sofa cannot be placed in a “snake” position; they sag with prolonged use.
- The independent spring seats are raised too high, which is inconvenient for sofas, more suitable for beds.
It should be borne in mind that furniture with the highest orthopedic properties is not a medical instrument for its intended purpose; it only relieves muscle tension and gives rest to the organs.
