When choosing a mattress, buyers face a difficult choice. If a person understands the difference between a spring and a springless mattress, then the choice of the type of spring block confuses most buyers. Let's start with the fact that dependent and independent springs are used in the mattress. “What’s the difference?”, “Which mattress is better: with dependent or independent springs?” - these are the most popular questions for furniture showroom consultants. We will talk about spring blocks, their varieties and design features, which one is better to choose, as well as the differences between a dependent spring block (Bonnell) and an independent one.
Springs in a mattress - their types and features
The design of a spring-type mattress has four components:
- springs made of wire of various thicknesses
- layers that give the mattress softness or hardness. A variety of materials are used for interlayers, for example, coconut fiber, sisal, wool, holofiber, felt, etc.)
- filler. The filler material can also be very different (foam, foam rubber, latex, etc.)
- The cover is made from jacquard, knitted, velor, terry, cotton and other types of fabric.
Depending on the method of manufacturing and installing springs, mattresses are divided into two groups:
- dependent spring blocks (bonnell);
- independent spring blocks.
Dependent spring block "Bonnel"
In such a mattress, all the springs are connected and interconnected. Thus, if one spring is pressed, all neighboring ones are also compressed.
Advantages of products with dependent installation of springs:
- low cost
- attractive appearance
- light weight
Disadvantages of Bonnell spring blocks:
- short service life
- uniform rigidity of the entire surface of the mattress
- lack of orthopedic effect
Independent spring block
The installed springs are located in an individual fabric casing and are independent of adjacent springs.
Pros and cons of independent blocks:
- orthopedic effect
- long service life
- withstands heavy loads
- has different hardness
- supports the body and spine well
Disadvantages of independent spring blocks:
- high price
- difficulties during transportation, because The mattress cannot be rolled and is heavy.
Mattresses can also be divided into 3 groups depending on the degree of hardness:
- Soft. Suitable for older people and people with lower back problems.
- Medium hardness is suitable for adults and teenagers, as well as people with problems with the thoracic spine.
- Hard ones are recommended for teenagers and people with diseases of the spine, cervical and thoracic regions.
Now let's study each type of mattress in more detail.
Spring block, dependent and independent springs, bonnel
A spring block is the classic and most common version of the mattress base. The springs follow the contours of the human body well and give the mattress a classic “elastic” effect. There are different types of spring blocks, using for gradation such characteristics as:
— Thickness of wire used — Number of springs per sq.m. — Spring diameter — Spring height
The combination of these indicators provides the mattress with anatomical properties (the ability to follow the contours of the body). Springs of a smaller diameter, made of thinner wire, better follow the contours of the body and support it more evenly, and an increase in their number per sq.m. allows the mattress to better withstand loads and improve performance characteristics. The better the anatomy, the higher the class of the mattress and the higher the level of comfort it gives.
Independent spring block - springs interconnected using modern non-woven material Spunbond. Spunbond is absolutely hypoallergenic, resistant to any kind of friction, breathable and resistant to bacteria and microorganisms. Each of these springs is more flexible and adaptive (compared to Bonnell block springs), and a larger number per sq.m. allows you to distribute the load more evenly, thereby extending the life of the mattress. To strengthen the shape of the block, “reinforcement” is used - gluing an additional layer of Spunbond on both sides of the assembled spring block, which prevents deformation of the block itself and protects the fillers from mechanical stress. Mattresses with an independent spring block have a number of undoubted advantages: firstly, you are guaranteed an individual targeted approach to different areas of your body and this contributes to the maximum manifestation of the anatomical properties of the mattress. Secondly, this design avoids premature wear of springs and squeaking.
In the production of such a block, springs of a smaller diameter are used, made of thinner wire, while their number per sq. m. increases. This combination allows you to create excellent support during sleep, because the more springs, the higher the anatomical effect of the mattress, which means the level of comfort that it gives. This block fits perfectly with fillers, guaranteeing anatomical support.
Multi-zone blocks are a block of independent springs consisting of zones of different stiffness. A multi-zone block uses wire of varying thicknesses to create zones with varying load-bearing support. The supporting system of the mattress includes reinforced transverse zones that take into account the structure of the human body. This mattress design best relieves tension from muscles and joints, reduces stress on the spine and creates ideal conditions for comfortable rest and sleep.
Bonnell is a dependent spring unit in which each spring is connected to its neighbor using a wire spring. In the Bonnel block, the springs have a characteristic “bicone” shape; this design allows the coils to avoid contact and friction of the structural parts, which means the mattress will work completely silently. It should be noted that due to the rigid fastening of the springs to each other, the ability of such a mattress to smoothly follow the contours of the body is much lower, and therefore its level of comfort is lower compared to mattresses on blocks of independent springs.
Bonnell dependent spring block is used in LINEA ECONOMICA
Spring block Interactive is a block of independent springs.
The vertically zoned “interactive” block of independent springs is a unique system of alternating springs of various diameters in a checkerboard pattern, each of which is sewn into a separate cover made of non-woven material. It has high anatomical properties, is silent, resistant to deformation, is able to bear increased loads, and minimizes wear and tear of soft mattress materials. A double block mattress is ideal for couples with significant weight differences, providing each of them with maximum comfort.
General characteristics:
— Thickness of wire used: 1.8 / 1.3 mm. — Number of springs per sq.m.: 255 / 125. — Spring diameter: 60 / 42 mm. — Spring height: 140 mm.
Independent living block Interactive is used in LINEA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Spring block MIKROPOCKET - independent anatomical block - 2000 springs per bed. The highest level of comfort for people of any weight thanks to the isolated operation of the springs. Maximum interaction at every touch point.
Independent living block Micropocket is used in LINEA LUXURY
Dependent spring block, also known as a “Bonnel” block
Dependent springs are made from a block of springs with four to five turns, with a silhouette reminiscent of an hourglass. They are installed over the entire surface and connected to each other with a thin wire. For the production of springs, hardened high-carbon steel is used. Wire 1.2-2.2 mm thick is twisted into turns from 60 to 100 mm.
Advantages and disadvantages
The only advantage of dependent blocks is their affordable price. A significant disadvantage of the Bonnell block is that after a short period of time the surface will begin to collapse inward, i.e. a “hammock effect” will occur.
Types of spring blocks
Modern manufacturers use designs with independent and dependent springs in mattresses. To answer this question, which ones to choose, you need to understand the features of each type, their advantages and disadvantages.
Bonnell
An inexpensive spring block with dependent springs has long been in high demand among buyers. The design is distinguished by a double-cone shape of the springs, which minimizes the metallic creaking characteristic of this type of structure.
The block uses five-turn springs of various diameters, which also reduces the contact of metal parts.
Among the advantages of the Bonnell block it is worth highlighting:
- reliability (the springs are connected in a special way, which prevents them from jumping out even during long-term use);
- durability (mattresses with a Bonnell block base will last a long time even under heavy loads);
- budget price (the cost of mattresses with this block is much lower than similar filling structures with independent springs).
Among the disadvantages, buyers usually name the hammock effect, which is inevitably created when the springs are connected in a dependent manner. But for some consumers it is not critical, especially for single beds.
The video shows in detail what Bonnell springs and the design of the block as a whole look like:
Independent springs
Blocks of this type have recently begun to actively displace Bonnell. The reason for its growing popularity is the absence of squeaking and wave effect, which makes it possible to use mattresses without problems for couples with a large difference in weight.
A design feature is the presence of individual covers for each spring. The connection of metal spirals is non-contact. An additional bonus is a larger number of turns in the spirals, which allows you to create models of varying stiffness.
Advantages of independent blocks:
- absence of squeaking (covers are connected in the block, not springs);
- spot compression (does not create a wave effect);
- using springs with different numbers of turns, you can create mattresses with zoned support;
- models are presented in different price categories, which allows you to find the best option.
Among the disadvantages, only the high cost of products is usually mentioned, but if you wish, you can always find a budget mattress.
Independent spring block
We have already explained above what an “independent spring block” is. A product with independent springs consists of 250-1200 springs per square meter, shaped like an hourglass or a barrel. Each spring has up to eight turns, and the diameter of the turn does not exceed 60 mm. Each spring is in a fabric cover, which allows it to be independent from neighboring springs. The springs are made from the same steel wire as the springs for Bonnell blocks.
Thanks to independent springs, the mattress is able to withstand heavy loads, provides comfort, healthy sleep, and the spine is in the correct position.
The difference between independent springs is that they have different degrees of hardness and, depending on the required functions (preventive, therapeutic), you can choose a soft, medium-hard or hard mattress. In addition, such mattresses often have two sides, “summer” and “winter,” which are designed to provide the consumer with comfortable sleep depending on the season.
Block with dependent springs (Bonnel)
The most common, simple and economical type.
The springs are connected to each other, forming a single mechanism and having a metal frame around the perimeter. Such mattresses have good rigidity and elasticity, but they do not follow the curves of the human body and do not have point support. The most common in the world is the classic block of dependent springs, which is called the “Bonnel” block. This is a block that consists of 5 coil springs connected to each other in a chain. All springs have a bicone design. Their radius first decreases and then successively increases. Therefore, the spring is easily compressed at the beginning of the load, and as the load increases, it becomes harder. The structural features of double-cone springs create a large volume of air in the mattress. This ensures good ventilation of the internal and external parts of the mattress. If a person sweats a lot during sleep, then the “bellows effect” that arises from the compression of the springs allows the cover to absorb moisture and dry quickly. Advantages:
low cost and can withstand heavy loads.
Flaws:
the person sleeping next to him feels all the movements of the other person during sleep, has no orthopedic properties, and over time a hammock effect is formed.
The catalog of mattresses with such a spring block is here.
Comparison of different types of mattresses
Size
Each buyer knows what size he needs based on the size of his bed. In the case where the client has a non-standard size of furniture, you can order a mattress in individual sizes from most manufacturers.
Life time
The average lifespan of a mattress is 5-10 years. But in reality, it can last either less or more. It all depends on how it was used and on the quality of the mattress. As mentioned above, the service life of mattresses with an independent spring block is much longer than that of mattresses with a Bonnell block. In order for it to last longer, the mattress must be rotated every three months, dry cleaned regularly, and if it is necessary to remove stubborn stains, you should contact the dry cleaner. An excellent solution is to use a protective cover and mattress pad.
Recommendations for choosing the optimal mattress
Weight category
If you weigh a lot, we recommend choosing a hard mattress. Most people are comfortable with medium-firm mattresses. Married couples are recommended to purchase two mattresses, separate from each other, suitable for each spouse in terms of firmness.
Coating material
If you don’t have allergies, then you can safely buy a mattress with a natural cover. However, when purchasing a mattress for newborns, you should avoid products with coconut coir, for the reason that this fiber is treated with a special composition containing formaldehyde. The concentration of the substance is small and safe for adults, but can be harmful for children. For children, it is better to purchase a mattress covered with natural linen.
A mattress with artificial turf does not cause allergies, is durable and does not require maintenance.
