In short: a Bonnell spring mattress uses hourglass-shaped steel coils that are wired together into one connected unit. It is firm, supportive, durable and usually the most affordable sprung mattress you can buy. The trade-off is that the springs move together, so you feel a partner turning over more than on a pocket sprung mattress. It suits guest rooms, children’s rooms, bunk beds and anyone on a budget who likes a firmer, bouncier feel.
When shopping for a new mattress you will meet memory foam, latex, hybrids and several kinds of spring unit. One that has stood the test of time is the Bonnell spring mattress. This guide explains how it is built, its pros and cons, how it compares with pocket sprung and open coil, and who it suits, so you can decide whether it is right for your bed.
What is a Bonnell spring mattress?
A Bonnell spring mattress has a classic innerspring core. Each coil is shaped like an hourglass: wide at the top and bottom, narrow in the middle. The coils are laced together with helical wire and held in a rigid border rod, so the whole unit works as one. Under light pressure the narrow waist gives a little softness; under heavier pressure the coil firms up quickly. That is why Bonnell mattresses feel supportive and slightly bouncy rather than sinking.
Spring units are often described by wire gauge. A 13.5g unit, used in several mattresses we sell, is a medium-gauge steel that gives a medium to medium-firm feel once the comfort layers are added on top.
The pros of a Bonnell spring mattress
Durability: the steel coils hold their shape well, and the wired construction makes the unit sturdy, which is why Bonnell units are popular for bunk beds and guest beds that get heavy use.
Affordability: a Bonnell unit is simpler and quicker to make than individually pocketed springs, so these mattresses usually cost less than pocket sprung or hybrid models of the same size.
Even support: because the coils are connected, body weight is spread across the whole surface. Many people find this firm, even support comfortable, particularly back and front sleepers.
Breathability: the open space between the coils lets air move through the mattress, so a Bonnell mattress tends to sleep cooler than solid foam.
Lighter weight: with fewer springs and less fabric than a pocket unit, a Bonnell mattress is easier to lift, turn and carry upstairs.
The cons of a Bonnell spring mattress
Motion transfer: connected springs move together, so you are more likely to feel a partner’s movements during the night than on a pocket sprung mattress.
Less contouring: Bonnell springs give good support but do not mould to the shape of your body the way memory foam, latex or pocket springs do. Side sleepers with sharp pressure points at the hip and shoulder may prefer something softer.
Sagging over time: although durable, any open spring unit can dip in the most-used area, often the centre. A turnable (two-sided) model and regular rotation help to slow this.
Noise: as a spring unit ages, the joins can squeak when you move. This matters most to light sleepers.
Bonnell vs pocket sprung vs open coil
| Feature | Bonnell spring | Pocket sprung | Open coil (continuous) |
|---|---|---|---|
| How the springs work | Hourglass coils wired together into one unit | Each spring sewn in its own fabric pocket and moves independently | One long wire formed into rows of coils |
| Feel | Firm, even and slightly bouncy | Contours to the body; feel depends on spring count | Firm and uniform |
| Partner disturbance | Noticeable | Lowest of the three | Noticeable |
| Typical price | Lowest | Highest | Low |
| Best for | Guest rooms, children, bunk beds, budget buyers, back sleepers | Couples, side sleepers, everyday main bed | Occasional use and budget buyers |
If you share a bed and one of you is a restless sleeper, a pocket sprung mattress is usually the better investment. See our guide to pocket sprung mattresses for the full comparison.
Who is a Bonnell spring mattress best for?
- Guest rooms that are used a few nights a month, where value matters more than luxury.
- Children and teenagers, where a supportive, breathable and affordable mattress makes sense while they are still growing.
- Bunk beds and cabin beds, where a lighter mattress is easier to lift and change.
- Back and front sleepers who like a firmer, even surface.
- Anyone on a budget who wants springs rather than foam.
Bonnell spring mattresses at Apley Beds
These are the Bonnell spring mattresses currently in our coil sprung mattress range:
- Apley Titan Mattress: a 13.5g Bonnell unit with polyester fillings, 22cm deep, turnable, medium feel; small single and single. A good fit for children’s rooms and bunk-bed sized frames.
- Eden Rupert Mattress: a 13.5g Bonnell unit with a micro-quilted damask cover, 24cm deep, non-turn, medium feel; small single to king size. Made in the UK and National Bed Federation approved.
- Foam Bonnell Spring European Size Mattress: Bonnell coils with 2cm high-density foam on both sides so it can be flipped, a zipped removable cover and a medium-firm feel; European single, double, king and super king sizes.
Every mattress is delivered free to mainland England and Wales (see delivery information), and you can spread the cost with Klarna, subject to status. Browse the full mattress range to compare other types.
Bonnell spring mattress: common questions
Is a Bonnell spring mattress good?
Yes, for the right sleeper. It gives firm, even support, sleeps cool and costs less than most alternatives. It is less suitable if you share a bed with a restless partner or need deep pressure relief at the hips and shoulders.
How long does a Bonnell spring mattress last?
Lifespan depends on use, body weight and care, but like most mattresses a Bonnell mattress should be checked for dips and lost support after several years of nightly use. Rotating it regularly, and turning it if it is a two-sided design, spreads the wear.
Is Bonnell better than pocket sprung?
Neither is better for everyone. Bonnell is cheaper, lighter and firmer; pocket sprung isolates movement and contours to the body. For a couple’s main bed, pocket sprung usually wins; for a guest or child’s bed, Bonnell is often the sensible choice.
Is a Bonnell spring mattress good for back pain?
Many people with back pain prefer a firmer, supportive surface, which a Bonnell mattress provides. Comfort is personal, though, and anyone with a medical condition should take advice from a healthcare professional before choosing a mattress.
What does 13.5g mean on a Bonnell mattress?
It is the gauge (thickness) of the spring wire. A lower number means thicker, firmer wire; 13.5g is a medium gauge commonly used for a medium to medium-firm feel.
To learn about the standards UK bed makers work to, visit the National Bed Federation website.