How many coils should a mattress have? We answer that and all other mattress coil questions in this blog. Shop for your bedroom set at Surplus Furniture.

There’s more to mattress shopping than finding the right size and option that fits within your budget. Need help finding affordable, stylish, quality pieces to build your home? Let’s start by understanding how coil counts in mattresses affect your sleep.

What are Mattress Coils?

Coils are the metal springs woven or placed throughout a mattress to provide support and structure. Innerspring coils are included inside the mattress and spread to all edges, but the way they connect and spiral differs.

In spring mattresses, they can be arranged as single steel coils, individually wrapped coils, or interwoven coils made from a single thinner wire. They’re placed under a comfort layer so the user doesn’t feel them while getting support. They’re typically made from tempered steel which offers durability and resilience to support weight longer.

Coil Count in Mattresses

Coil count refers to the number of coils in a mattress. It determines how firm or soft a mattress is when a person lies on it. Coil count changes based on size, brand, type of mattress, and mattress construction.

Mattress coil count is a determining factor for finding the right mattress for better sleep, as they impact:

Those who prefer firm mattresses with sturdy support typically choose ones with a high coil count. Meanwhile, those who like softer mattresses usually pick those with a low coil count. Remember: a higher coil count doesn’t necessarily mean more support or durability if the coils are made from poor materials.

Coil Count vs Coil Gauge

When mattress shopping, note that “coil count” and “coil gauge” mean two different things. The coil count refers to how many coils are embedded in the mattress; coil gauge refers to the thickness of those coils.

Mattress coils are usually 13- to 17-gauge. The lower the number, the thicker the coil. Low-gauge coils offer more firmness and extra durability. High-gauge coils are more responsive and flexible. Essentially, an ideal coil gauge depends on individual preference.

3D image of a mattress with continuous coils and memory foam comfort layer

Mattress Coil Count Chart

How many coils should a mattress have? That depends on the mattress size and preference. Use this chart to purchase mattresses with the ideal coil count.

Types of Coils in Mattresses

Bonnell Coil

Bonnell coils are also called hourglass coils due to their curved shape. A wider top and bottom accommodates more pressure, with a thinner centre that allows more flexibility. These coils are knotted at the ends and connected to adjacent coils with thin, spiralling helical wires. Because they’re interconnected, they move together — creating more support but less adjustment to different weights and sleeping positions. They have a higher likelihood of making noise as they could rub together.

Offset Coils

Offset coils are similar to Bonnell coils but with squared-off ends, allowing the coils to hinge as a person moves on the mattress. This gives more contour to the body and reduces motion transfer compared to Bonnell coils.

Continuous Wire Coils

Continuous wire coils use a single, long wire to weave throughout the entire mattress, creating a network of springs. This design offers consistent support, but doesn’t conform to the body as well as other options and can transfer motion more readily.

Pocketed (Wrapped) Coils

Pocketed coils are individually wrapped in fabric pockets and are thought to be the most comfortable and supportive type of spring mattress. This lets each coil respond to pressure independently, giving you better body contouring and reducing motion transfer.

Single mattress coil close-up

Find Your Ideal Mattress at Surplus Furniture

A bed in a simple, well-lit bedroom

Now that you understand mattress coil counts and types, you’re ready to find the perfect mattress for your needs. Visit any of our 30+ locations across Canada to test mattresses in person, or shop online with same-day delivery on in-stock items.