At Sleep Gallery, one of the most common things we hear from customers is:
“I’m not exactly sure what kind of mattress I have at home.”
And while that’s completely understandable — especially if it’s been years since your last mattress purchase — knowing what you’ve been sleeping on can really help you choose your next mattress with more confidence.
If your current mattress has served you well and you’re waking up feeling rested and pain-free, it might make sense to stick with something similar. But if you’ve been struggling with discomfort, stiffness, or restless sleep, switching to a different type could make a world of difference.
The 3 Main Types of Mattresses
To simplify the process, we typically break mattresses down into three broad categories. Here’s how to identify which one you have — and what that might mean for your comfort:
1. Bonnell Spring Mattresses
This is the classic spring mattress most of us grew up sleeping on. Bonnell springs are hourglass-shaped coils connected by a wire frame, which gives the mattress its signature bounce and “trampoline” feel.
Key characteristics:
- Noticeable bounce and spring-back when you lie down or shift positions
- Motion transfer is more noticeable — if your partner moves, you’ll likely feel it too
- Often one of the most affordable mattress types
Tell-tale sign: If your mattress feels springy and responsive all over, especially when someone else moves on the bed, it’s probably a Bonnell spring mattress.
2. Pocket Coil Mattresses
Pocket coil mattresses are known for offering a more refined and luxurious feel. Unlike Bonnell springs, each coil is individually wrapped, allowing them to move independently. This means better support for your body, improved spine alignment, and reduced motion transfer.
Key characteristics:
- Coils respond individually, moulding to your body’s shape and pressure points
- Great for reducing partner disturbance
- Available in a wide range of comfort levels — from ultra-plush to extra-firm
How to tell: You’ll feel targeted support rather than a bouncy or springy surface. Movement on one side of the bed won’t ripple across to the other. If the mattress contours to your shape and still contains springs, chances are it’s a pocket coil.
3. Layered Foam Mattresses
Layered foam mattresses have no springs at all and are built using various densities of foam to offer support and comfort. Many also include memory foam or gel-infused comfort layers to enhance pressure relief and add a softer top layer.
Key characteristics:
- No bounce or spring-back — foam absorbs movement completely
- Supportive and durable, especially for back and joint support
- Available in firmer comfort levels, often with plush tops for added softness
How to tell: Foam mattresses feel “dead” to the touch — there’s no rebound when you press into them. Also, if your mattress has a smooth edge with no wire border or inner springs, it’s likely an all-foam construction.
Still Unsure?
No worries — that’s what we’re here for. If you’re considering a new mattress and not sure what type you’ve been sleeping on, visit us in-store or send us a few pictures of your mattress. Our team can help you identify the type and recommend the best options based on your sleep needs.
Better sleep starts with the right mattress — let’s find yours.