What is a pocket spring mattress?
Before we look at spring count, it is helpful to understand what a pocket spring mattress is and the benefits of pocket springs versus coil springs. In a pocket spring mattress, each individual spring is housed in a fabric pocket, allowing the springs to move independently. This means that each spring will react to your body weight and your movements. This provides the ultimate in support whilst keeping your spine alignment in the correct position. This is different to a standard coil sprung mattress, which consists of an interconnected spring system so that the springs all move together as one.
Are firm mattresses better for bad backs?
Firm mattresses are often recommended for individuals with back pain or bad backs, but it is very important to note that mattress preference can vary from person to person.
While some people find relief and support from a firm mattress, others may find it uncomfortable and prefer something softer and more forgiving.
To determine the best firmness for you, We always recommend that you try out different mattresses and assess how they feel in your preferred sleeping position. Visit our showroom our sleep specialists can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific requirements. We have over 75 years of experience in the bed and mattress industry. The most important advice we can give to bad back sufferers is to take your time and we will help to find the right mattress for you !
Traditional Mattresses
Natural fillings such as wool, cotton, mohair, silk and even horsehair help wick away excess moisture close to our bodies and regulate the temperature we sleep at. As soon as your body increases in temperature above 38 degrees, it is known that we become restless, and this can disturb our sleep at night. Allowing natural upholstery to work at lowering and regulating the temperature we sleep at can help you relax and sleep deeper for longer while being totally supported from head to toe.
Natural mattresses are one of our best-selling options and have been the number one seller for nearly 40 years. Mattresses with natural breathable upholstery are durable, comfortable and naturally regulate body temperature in a way nothing else offers helping you stay cooler as you sleep ensuring you sleep better for longer.
Support:
Look for a mattress that provides good support for your spine, particularly in the lumbar region. A mattress that is too soft can cause your spine to sink in, while a mattress that is too firm for your individual body weight can create pressure points.
Ultimately, the best mattress for a bad back is one that provides the correct level of support, while also having a sufficient layers of fillings to promote restful sleep. It’s important to take the time to find the right mattress, as it can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being and on average you’ll keep it for the next 10 plus years – that’s an average of 30,000 hours resting on the same surface!
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses include a combination of supportive pocket springs paired with layers of pressure relieving memory foam or cooling gel which is layered above the springs to provide responsive and long-lasting comfort.
The benefits of having a dual layer hybrid system inside the body of a mattress is proven to enhance sleep and provide a greater level of comfort long term. Pocket springs respond to the contours of your body and move effortlessly around you in a responsive way which enhances the core support your body needs and the foam layers provide increased pressure relief and cushioning which work well with layers of springs in a way pure blocks of memory foam don’t.
A standard block of memory foam can sometimes feel very solid and unresponsive and the feedback from our customers over the years is a feeling of being stuck or forced to remain in a position the foam manipulates your body into. The ability to turn easily in your sleep without feeling stuck is vital to a good night’s sleep and making sure your muscles don’t cease up.
Hybrid mattress options eliminate the feeling of being stuck.
Manufactured using a combination of materials that usually include memory foam, latex and pocket springs, hybrid mattresses are designed to give a more balanced sleeping experience. They often come with a pocket-sprung base and a memory foam top layer, providing both comfort and support – alleviating aches and pains by responding to your body’s shape. These mattresses offer a non turnable option for customers.
Natural Latex Mattresses
Ideal for those seeking a natural and breathable alternative to fillings such as wool and cotton and love a cooling and supportive sleeping surface with instant pressure relief.
Natural Latex is a hypo-allergenic and antibacterial mattress, the sustainable and completely natural properties of Latex mean the mattress remains this way for the duration of its life. The open cell structure is made up of millions of microscopic air bubbles which makes it extremely breathable and durable. As you lay across the surface, your body will naturally compress the latex layers and push air through the surface helping the mattress to circulate air around you and keep you at a comfortable temperature.
As the name suggests, these mattresses are filled with Tallalay latex a natural material made from the sap of the rubber tree. These mattresses are completely breathable, so you won’t overheat in the middle of the night. It’s also extremely durable and will last for many years. It’s also a good option for those with allergies or asthma.
Natural Latex is very resilient, instantly responsive and completely noise-free meaning undisturbed sleep and a greater level of pressure relief around your body. Latex mattresses instantly respond to your movement and the shape of your body to provide enhanced support. Sourced from rubber trees and baked as to set the latex, it can last way beyond the average lifespan of a more traditional mattress and any chemical-based alternative such as memory foam.
Pocket Spring Mattresses
The ultimate support you get when sleeping is when the mattress you rest on adapts to the contours of your body and supports every inch of your body from head to toe without causing pressure points. Pocket springs are totally individual and laid out across the surface of the mattress within their own fabric pouch, this means the coil in the spring can flex effortlessly when pressed down and spring back when you move away from it.
What about the life of a pocket sprung mattress?
Many bed makers now make their mattresses using pocket springs due to the support and ultimate life span you can get out of each coil. The quality varies enormously depending on what you spend, and each bed maker will decide how good they want their pocket springs to be. Some last longer due to the steel used, others will have extra durable calico fabric covers which will breathe and not tear.
There are thousands of pocket spring options on the market and the choice is bewildering. With over 75 years of experience in manufacturing and retailing we have sourced a range of mattresses and beds to suit every budget. Perfecting what works for our customers individual needs. Speak to our experienced bed experts about our range of pocket sprung mattresses.
Town & Country Collections
Exclusive to Bramley Bed Centre, the Town & Country Crown collection features three collections, ranging from 1000 spring count to 9000. All models within the collection are upholstered with natural fillings including cotton, lambswool, cashmere, alpaca, silk and horse hair. The mattress borders are all traditionally hand side stitched giving support across the mattress from edge to edge. Each model comes in either a comfort or firmer tension and can be used on either a traditional divan base or a slatted bedstead.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses have been an extremely popular choice for customers of the past few years due to the media coverage and original NASA space programme marketing. We cut through the jargon to inform you of the benefits and drawbacks of sleeping on Memory foam…
Enhanced pressure relief
The pressure relief aching joints and muscles can benefit from when you sleep on supportive memory foam can be transformational. Believe it or not memory foam comes in many variations, you can choose from a firm dense foam ideal for those who sleep on their tummy or backs to very pliable softer memory foam layers ideal for side sleepers. Hybrid options support the contours of your body extremely well because of the responsive pocket springs moving inside and the layers of soothing memory foam on top.
How long should it last?
The lifespan of memory foam generally depends on how dense the foam is, and the quality of materials used to form it. As with everything, you get what you pay for, and a good mix of quality memory foam will mean it continues to perform and support long term before you start to see signs of wear after your body has been lying night after night. Years of experience have taught us the cheaper memory foam options only last a very short time before showing signs of wear and are poor value for money.
Warm and soothing…
Memory foam is warmer to sleep on than the other mattress alternatives. Memory foam gently warms up as our body heat permeates into the foam layers around us and reflects it back to gently keep us cosy and warm through the night. One of the big benefits of this is the heat generated from the foam soothes aching muscles and acts as a heat pad during the time spent on it.
Coil Sprung
A popular budget option. An open coil mattress is made from single springs fixed together with a helicoil wire and has a rod edge border . These are significantly cheaper than other mattress types. These mattresses also move around a lot with you as you sleep, as they are designed as one unit so if you or your partner tends to toss and turn in the night, we’d suggest you consider other options.