Consumer Information on “Coil Count” in a Mattress.

The first thing many people ask when choosing a new mattress is, “How many coils are inside this mattress?”  Although coil count is a fair determination on the quality and support a mattress offers, it is not an overall statistic that one should base their opinion on when selecting a new mattress.  There are many factors involved in “coil count” which should be looked at as a whole.  Here is a list of the most important ones:

Coil Count

-          The coil count written on the description of the mattress tells you the number of springs or coils inside the mattress.  This number can range from 200 in a twin size mattress to over 1000 in higher quality king size mattresses.  The same mattress model will have different coil counts for their twin, full, queen, and king sizes because the larger the size, the more coils are required to provide the same level of support over the surface area.  The specification sheet found in many showrooms usually illustrates the coil count for a queen size mattress, as this is the most popular mattress size.

Quantity and Quality

-          More coils typically indicate better support and a better built mattress as your body is spread over more “support areas”.  It’s like building a house with more support columns.  The more columns, the sturdier the house, and the longer life span it will have.  However, the “gauge” of the coil is equally important as this indicates the thickness of the metal wire used to make the coil.  A mattress made with a thicker gauge coil and fewer coils can offer the same if not better quality and support as a mattress made with more but thinner gauge coils.  Always compare the gauge of the coils and the number of coils when choosing your new mattress.

Coil Types

-          Many mattresses are made with interlocked coils, or continuous coils, which support each other and work together to distribute body weight over the surface of the mattress.  These types of coil offer a firm support but can also transfer motion to your partner if not accompanied with the right amount of upholstery and comfort material such as foam, memory foam, and quilted panel.

-          Other mattresses are made with individual or pocket coils, which work independently, supporting the areas on which pressure is applied.  These types of mattresses create a softer feel and highly reduce the amount of motion transfer a partner will feel while sleeping on the other side of the bed.

Conclusion

-          It is always best to lie down on the mattress to see how it feels.  Coil count, gauge, and type of coils range from manufacturer to manufacturer.   The way the coil is twisted, and the amount of twists can also affect the feel of the mattress from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Look at the specification, but also lie down and feel it for yourself.  One manufacturers 800 continuous coil can feel a lot different based on the specifications listed above, than another manufacturer’s 800 continuous coil.  Also, make sure information is available on the coils in the mattress and don’t just take the salesperson’s word for it.  They can always get confused with the many different models available, or just take advantage of inexperienced consumers.  Whatever the case may be, at least now you know a little bit more about “coil count” and can make a more informed decision on your new mattress purchase.

For more information on the elements of a mattress and consumer information, visit National Mattress Outlet’s page on a comfortable bed.