---
title: "Wire Gauge, Coil Types and Microcoils"
description: "Plain guide to spring wire gauge, coil shapes and microcoils in UK pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses."
url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/mattresses/wire-gauge-and-coil-types/"
category: "mattresses"
primary_entity: "mattress wire gauge and coil types"
date_published: 2026-08-03
date_modified: 2026-08-03
---

# Wire Gauge, Coil Types and Microcoils

> Wire gauge means spring-wire thickness. Thicker wire usually holds more load and feels firmer. Coil size and shape change contouring. Microcoils are tiny springs in comfort layers that raise the headline spring count. They are not the same as the main support unit below. Read gauge and where springs sit, not the count alone.

## Key facts

- Materials: tempered steel wire, fabric pockets, microcoil units
- Typical lifespan: 7–10 years

## What gauge means

Wire gauge tells you how thick the spring wire is. Thicker wire usually holds
more weight and feels firmer. Pair this with
[spring tension vs comfort feel](/mattresses/spring-tension-vs-comfort-feel).

## Coil roles in the stack

| Coil role | Job |
| --- | --- |
| Primary pocket / open-coil unit | Main support |
| Microcoil layer | Surface moulding / count on the label |
| Edge coils or foam rails | [Edge support](/mattresses/edge-support) |

## Related BedGuide entries

- [Spring count explained](/mattresses/spring-count-explained)
- [Pocket sprung](/mattresses/pocket-sprung)
- [Open coil Bonnell](/mattresses/open-coil-bonnell)

## Frequently asked questions

### What wire gauge is best?

There is no single best gauge. Thicker wire suits heavier people and firmer spring tension. Thinner wire suits lighter people and softer tension. Match gauge to your body weight using the maker's guide.

### Are more microcoils always better?

Not always. Microcoils can help the surface mould to your body. A very high total count may mostly be tiny comfort-layer springs, not more main support springs. Ask where the springs sit in the stack.

---

Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/mattresses/wire-gauge-and-coil-types/ · BedGuide — educational encyclopedia, no affiliate commission. Facts checked against official sources where possible; see https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy. Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.