---
title: "Pocket Spring"
description: "What a pocket spring is in a UK mattress, how it differs from open coil, and why spring count alone is not a quality score."
url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/glossary/pocket-spring/"
category: "glossary"
primary_entity: "pocket spring"
date_published: 2026-10-21
date_modified: 2026-10-21
---

# Pocket Spring

> A pocket spring is a steel mattress spring that sits in its own fabric pocket. Because each spring is separate, it can move more on its own. So a pocket sprung mattress follows your shape and passes on less partner movement than an open coil. Spring count alone is not a quality score.

**Definition.** A pocket spring is a steel coil sewn into its own fabric bag, so it can move more on its own than linked springs.

Also called: pocket sprung, pocketed coil, individually pocketed spring.

Pocket springs are sewn into rows of fabric pockets, then joined into one unit.
Wire thickness and coil shape set how firm the unit feels.

A higher spring count is not automatically better. Check the spring count is for
the same mattress size, and whether mini springs in the top layers are included.

Full guide: [pocket sprung mattresses explained](/mattresses/pocket-sprung).
Also: [spring count explained](/mattresses/spring-count-explained).

---

Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/glossary/pocket-spring/ · BedGuide — independent UK bed guide; paid links are labelled (see /how-we-make-money/). Facts checked against official sources where possible; see https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy. Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.