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Which coil is best for you
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Innerspring mattresses are composed of precisely configured tempered steel (coil springs) and many different qualities of foam (padding), which work together to support weight, limit stress to pressure points such as hips and shoulders, and comfortably suspend a sleeper's body throughout the night.
Innerspring mattresses have a variety of different configurations including individual coils that are placed together, individual coils that are placed in fabric pockets, or one continuous wire that forms an entire row of coils. An important variable to these three types of innerspring construction is the gauge of steel. The coil count combined with the gauge of steel and border support system is critical in the creation of a quality mattress set.
Coil Count: This indicates the number of coils used in an innerspring mattress. A high coil count does not necessarily translate into a better quality mattress. Instead, the design of a coil, the gauge of the wire used, and the way the coil is engineered are equally significant indicators of the comfort, support and durability the mattress will provide.
Gauge of Coil: The gauge of coil is the thickness of the wire used in a mattress and/or foundation coils. A lower gauge denotes a heavier/thicker wire, which may mean more support.
Edge Support: Mattresses with edge support offer edge-to-edge comfort across the mattress, ensuring the mattress retains its shape and provides long lasting comfort. Edge support also reduces the chance of mattress-edge sink (typically caused by sitting on the edge of the mattress) over a period of time. Edge support is provided using several methods, such as foam encasement for the innerspring unit, additional coils near the edge of the mattress, or a tied coil construction.
Open Coil or Bonnell Coil: These are the oldest and most commonly used. They were adapted from a design used in buggy seats in the 19th Century. This hourglass-shaped wire coil is joined to adjacent coils by small wire spirals called helicals. The open coil design provides good initial support but these coils fatigue more quickly than more technically advanced coil constructions. You'll know this mattress has reached the end of its life when you and your bed partner are experiencing the 'roll together' or you suddenly realize that your mattress feels more like a hammock.
Offset Coil: This coil construction is similar to the open coil but it has a squared head, which in theory enables the mattress to contour better. It is a descendant of the Bonnell or open coil. An offset coil is slightly more cylindrical in shape than an open coil, which may make it more durable. It is also laced to its neighbors by helicals. These are usually the most expensive coils.
Pocket Coil/Independent Coil or Marshal Coils: A pocket or independent coil is a cylindrical spring wrapped in its own fabric pocket. This construction is designed to give the most contour of any support system. Each coil works independently which means that you will feel your partner move much less. Each pocket coil absorbs the weight placed on it without distributing the load to other coils. Because of this, it is possible that the coils will provide less support over time, particularly for heavier people. This type of coil is a good choice for people who toss and turn and for their bed partners because the motion separation may prevent waking from a deep sleep which is very important for well being. Simmons uses this type of coil