Anyone who has bought a sofa or bed at least once in their life knows that not only the appearance of the furniture is important, but also its internal content. Therefore, before making a choice, it is worth finding out what a Bonnell spring block is and comparing it with other types of similar structures.
Manufacturers of sofas and beds generally give preference to spring blocks, as they hold the shape of the furniture well, give it softness and elasticity, and resist sagging. It is these components that make up the comfort and quality of sleep of a potential buyer.
What types of spring blocks are there?
Spring block - what is it? This is an internal filler used in the manufacture of mattresses and upholstered furniture. It is a structure of springs connected to each other in different ways and attached to the frame in different ways. Such structures allow you to support the spine of the person lying on them in the correct position.
The main types of spring blocks today are:
- Bonnell, relating to blocks of dependent type;
- blocks with independent springs.
Both the first and second have their own advantages and disadvantages. The Bonnell block is a classic in furniture production; it has been used for over a hundred years. Many consider it outdated, but in addition to its affordable price, it also has other advantages. Modern mattresses with independent springs are considered more technologically advanced and comfortable, but they are also much more expensive. Let's look at this in more detail, starting with the characteristics of the Bonnell block.
Bonnell spring block - what is it?
Sometimes Bonnel is unknowingly confused with ordinary spring mattresses, which tend to quickly sag, and their springs jump out, digging into the owner’s side. In fact, a completely different technology is used to produce Bonnell blocks. It’s no wonder that mattresses with such “filling” are still in demand among millions of customers.
So what are Bonnell spring blocks? They are classified as dependent spring blocks. This means that all elements in this design are interconnected. When manufacturing it using the Bonnell system, a special method of fastening bicone springs is used, in which the radius of the coil either increases or decreases. They are narrowed in the center and widen at the edges, having a kind of “waist”. This is precisely what allows you to evenly distribute the load of the human body, maintaining its correct position.
The springs are made of high-quality steel and are connected to each other by a special frame or high-carbon steel wire with knots. To prevent them from unwinding on their own, fastening is done on the first and last turns to the block, which consists of two frames: lower and upper. Special “locks” are made on the turns of the final spirals.
Specially designed springs are woven in a specific sequence. The method used here prevents them from touching each other, so they do not creak or rub. Depending on the manufacturer, the number of springs varies: from 100 to 150 pcs. per 1 sq. m. For example, the Bonnell spring block used in the popular Ascona series mattresses is made with a density of 118 pcs. per 1 sq.m.
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An orthopedic mattress can be based on two types of spring weaving:
- four-turn;
- five-turn.
In the latter case, the block turns out to be slightly taller and will be somewhat more expensive.
What is a Bonnell mattress
The Bonnell mattress is a mattress with a dependent spring block inside, all the structural elements of which are interconnected.
Thanks to this, the person’s weight is evenly distributed over all the springs, without creating an overload on any one of them. Naturally, it is not very comfortable to sleep on bare springs, so manufacturers place various layers over them: latex, coconut, polyurethane, thermal felt.
Photo: Bonnell mattress and its possible composition
Advantages of the Bonnell block
This design can provide the mattress with a very high level of reliability and elasticity. It can withstand heavy loads and can be easily used by people weighing 115 kg or more. When weight begins to press on the spring, it hardens, allowing it to be evenly distributed. What is important is to avoid friction and squeaking. This effect is called “progressive elasticity”. The metal frame also gives the mattress stability, preventing the springs from swaying and moving to the sides. These factors, as well as special heat treatment of the springs, which gives them increased elasticity, significantly extend the life of the mattress. Bonnell spring blocks last on average at least 15 years.
Layers of fillers are usually placed on top of the layer of springs:
- felt;
- polyurethane;
- batting;
- spandbond;
- wool;
- coconut fiber;
- padding polyester and other materials.
This is done to soften the feel of the springs and at the same time increase the firmness of the mattress itself. Additional comfort is created, air and moisture exchange increases.
This type of spring structure is often used to make sofas. The most popular are:
- book;
- accordion;
- Eurobook, as well as straight and corner models.
So, the main advantages of the Bonnell spring block are:
- ability to withstand heavy loads for a long time;
- presence of orthopedic effect;
- long-term preservation of elasticity;
- good air and moisture exchange;
- low price;
- reliability and durability.
As for mattresses with a single-sided and double-sided surface, the former are the most budget option, often used in hotels, children's camps, sanatoriums, and various recreation centers. Mattresses with a double-sided surface, distinguished by their high quality and durability, are mainly purchased for private homes and apartments and are still very popular.
Pros and cons of Bonnell type mattresses
The advantages of Bonnell mattresses are:
- Ability to withstand heavy loads (more than 110 kg), although not for a long time (wear increases).
- Time-tested quality. After all, this mattress was invented back in the 19th century, using the design of cart seats in Europe as a basis. Of course, it has been improved many times since then.
- Reasonable price.
- Reliability and durability. Minimum service life is 15 years.
- Good air and moisture exchange, since the base of the mattress is almost hollow.
- Long-lasting elasticity.
Photo: Ormatek mattress “Orma Bonnel Roll”
Among the disadvantages are the following:
- Sometimes the fasteners cannot withstand the load, break, and the springs can come up. Then sleeping on a mattress is not possible.
- There is a possibility of squeezing; because of this, the mattress must be turned over periodically.
- Squeaking, crunching, or cracking noises may appear after a long period of use. This is due to wear on the fastenings inside.
- “The hammock effect”, as a consequence, the lack of orthopedic support. It is especially noticeable if several people are sitting/lying on the mattress. As soon as one moves, the other will immediately feel it.
Disadvantages of Bonnell blocks
Despite all the obvious advantages, the Bonnell design is considered somewhat outdated. Modern furniture manufacturers offer models of new spring blocks that surpass Bonnell in their technical characteristics.
What are the disadvantages of mattresses based on this system?
- In extremely rare cases, when the unit is operated under heavy loads, the fastening may fail, break and straighten the spring. A strong spring breaks through both the filler and the cover. It will no longer be possible to sleep in this place.
- The orthopedic properties of the Bonnell system are not perfect enough. When using a mattress, the so-called “hammock effect” is noticeable when the springs located nearby are compressed. This occurs due to the bonding of the springs to the frame. This effect is especially noticeable if two people sleep in the bed: the disturbance of the surface is also felt by the other person, who does not create it himself.
- Mattresses with a Bonnell spring block are pressed down over time, which, of course, affects their comfort. To avoid this, it is recommended to turn the mattress about once every six months.
- After a few years, the mattress may begin to creak, as the spring fastenings become loose under load. To eliminate this defect, manufacturers offer a more modern version in which the springs are reinforced with blocks of very dense polyurethane foam. This makes it possible to double the service life of the product and increase the permissible load to 180 kg.
Advice
The website Mschistota.ru recommends choosing Bonnell for a single bed. But it can also be quite appropriate as a marital bed, as long as the difference in the load on the sleeping places is not too great (preferably no more than 20 kg), so that the “hammock effect” already mentioned above is not created. And the increased strength of the structure has long been appreciated by children who love to jump and play on such mattresses without causing them any harm.
Despite certain shortcomings, Bonnell is an excellent option for those who want to maintain the optimal proportion of price and quality. To explain this more clearly, let’s compare Bonnell with more modern mattresses with an independent spring block.
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Independent spring block
In this type of spring block, a separate cover is made for each spring from non-woven material - spunbond, fibertex and other similar ones.
Thus, it turns out that the independent springs in the mattress are not directly connected to each other. Any of them compresses as the load is applied to it and does not depend on the others. Typically, such structures are additionally glued with spunbond on both sides, which allows them to maintain the geometric shape and dimensions of the block.
In blocks of this type, springs of a much smaller diameter are used when compared with Bonnell system springs. Accordingly, this increases their number by 1 square. m., due to which the mattress becomes denser, more elastic and flexible. The number of springs usually ranges from 265 to 1000 or more pieces per 1 square meter. m. However, experts say: the optimal option is no more than 350 pcs. per 1 sq. m. In their opinion, if there are more springs, then they bend on the sides, touching others and dragging them along with them, and this does not have the best effect on the anatomical qualities of the product.
The price category of blocks of independent springs compared to Bonnell blocks is much higher. Their production is expensive, since each cylindrical or barrel spring must be sewn into a separate fabric pocket. And only then are they connected together. In this case, the connections must be extremely concentric so that each spring has the opportunity to fully demonstrate its elastic properties. This makes it possible to achieve an anatomical effect: the mattress follows the contours of the human body, the spine of a lying person remains straight, and the back muscles are relaxed. In combination with certain fillers, this will significantly reduce the risk of spinal diseases.
It should be noted that due to the high price, mattresses with an independent spring block are not available to everyone, unlike Bonnell blocks. That is why, for their simplicity, reliability and cost-effectiveness, Bonnell system mattresses continue to remain no less popular than in the last century. Although their technology, of course, has been seriously improved, this has had virtually no effect on the increase in price - it still remains low and affordable.
Bonnell mattress or independent springs: which is better?
In blocks with independent springs, elements of a much smaller diameter are used, respectively per sq.m. there are many more of them: from 260 pcs. and higher. Because of this, the flexibility, density and elasticity of the mattress increases, allowing you to achieve an anatomical effect: the design follows the contours of the body, relaxing the back muscles and leaving the spine straight.
Models with independent springs are much more expensive than Bonnell, because each spring is sewn into a special pocket case, which requires a lot of time and cost.
Thus, the Bonnell mattress should be chosen by those who do not care about the orthopedic effect and who do not have back problems. A block with independent springs, although more expensive, is needed by those who have problems with the health of the spine.
