Quick Reference
Definitions
Encased Coils: Mattress springs that are individually enclosed in fabric and not connected to neighboring springs. Also known as individually wrapped coils, pocket springs, pocketed coils, and Marshall coils.
Innerspring or Continuous Coil System: A system of springs created by a single, continuous metal wire.
Innerspring Mattress: A mattress that primarily relies on a system of metal coils for support. NOTE: Traditional innerspring mattresses with continuous innerspring systems and thin comfort layers have become increasingly obsolete with the advancements in hybrid mattress technology.
Hybrid Mattress: A modern mattress type that combines multiple foam or latex comfort layers with a coil support core, typically crafted with individually encased coils.
Mattress Type Comparison
| Traditional Innerspring Mattress | Hybrid Mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Layers | Thin layer or layers of foam, fibers, or quilted materials | Multiple layers of memory foam, other polyfoam, latex, or a combination |
| Support System | Coil Support Core: Usually a continuous coil system | Coil Support Core: Usually individually encased springs |
| Overall Feel | Firm, responsive support with minimal contouring and higher motion transfer | Balanced support and contouring with better motion isolation and slight bounce |
The Coil Question
Typically, the last thing anyone thinks about is what kind of spring is in your mattress—but maybe it’s time you did. After all, a good night’s sleep is a top priority for anyone with a busy, active lifestyle, and having the right kind of mattress spring for your body can make a huge impact on sleep quality.
In this guide, we break down the differences between the most common coil types—encased coils and continuous innerspring coils—and how they affect your mattress's performance and feel.
The Old-School Innerspring Experience
Innerspring systems, also known as continuous coils or open coils, are a traditional mattress feature. A single steel wire is shaped into a network of springs that are interconnected to form a single unit.
The metal coils in an innerspring mattress are often an hourglass shape: wider at the top and bottom, but thinner towards the middle. However, you’ll also see more uniform or unique coil constructions from different manufacturers.
Because the innerspring coils are all connected, they have a tendency to all move as one. That’s why when you sit or lie down on an innerspring mattress, it feels like everything sinks to where you are on the bed.
What Is an Innerspring Mattress?
An innerspring mattress uses a steel coil system as its primary source of support. Compared to memory foam and latex mattresses that are entirely foam-based, innerspring mattresses have a more structured and stable feel.
Technically, the term “innerspring mattress” can refer to any mattress with coils, including modern hybrids. But in recent years, this moniker has more commonly been used to describe older beds with a traditional continuous coil support system and just a thin layer of comfort materials. This traditional innerspring mattress design was the precursor to the hybrid mattress, which we’ll discuss later.
The Case for Encased Coil Systems
What Are Encased Coils?
Encased coils are a system of metal springs, each individually enclosed in a fabric sleeve. In today’s mattresses, you’ll often see encased coil systems sandwiched between foam comfort layers and a stabilizing base layer or pad.
Encased coils are also commonly called:
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Individually wrapped coils
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Pocketed coils
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Pocket springs
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Marshall coils (named after the inventor, James Marshall)
These terms generally describe the same basic construction, though coil shape, gauge, height, zoning, and fabric design can vary among manufacturers.
Because the springs move more independently, an encased coil system can adapt to the sleeper’s weight and position more precisely than a basic interconnected system. This design also reduces how much movement travels from one side of the mattress to the other.
Encased Coil Mattress Benefits
This independent response of encased coils offers several practical benefits:
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Better adaptation to the body’s curves
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Reduced motion transfer
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Greater flexibility for zoned support systems and targeted support
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Less noise caused by metal-on-metal contact
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Enhanced durability, as damage to one coil doesn’t affect the coils around it
Hybrid Mattresses: A Modern Sleep Solution
Now that you understand the key differences between continuous and individually wrapped coil support systems, you’re ready to consider another categorical question that will help your mattress search: What’s best for me—a traditional innerspring mattress or a hybrid mattress?
To answer that question, we first need to take a deep dive into hybrid mattress construction and benefits.
What Is a Hybrid Mattress?
As the name suggests, a hybrid mattress combines two mattress construction types into one bed. Hybrid mattresses feature a coil system for structure and support, combined with foam or latex layers for cushioning and pressure relief. The materials used for the upper layers, how many layers are used, and their density and contouring properties vary between manufacturers and models. But all hybrid mattresses have the same basic structure in common: a coil support core with comfort layers on top.
Hybrid Mattress vs. Innerspring Mattresses
So, what’s the difference between a hybrid and innerspring mattress? It comes down to two main characteristics:
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Hybrid mattresses feature a thicker comfort system than traditional innerspring mattresses. Most high-quality hybrid mattresses feature two or more layers of memory foam, polyfoam, or latex for cushioning comfort, contouring, pressure relief, and added support.
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The vast majority of hybrid mattresses use individually encased coils rather than a continuous coil system. On the other hand, older, more traditional innerspring mattresses typically use continuous innerspring systems—which many mattress manufacturers now consider inferior and outdated.
Hybrid Mattress vs. Innerspring Mattress: Key Differences
| Feature | Hybrid Mattress | Innerspring Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort and Pressure Relief | Thicker comfort layers provide greater contouring and cushioning around pressure points. | Thinner cushioning creates a firmer, less-contouring surface that may place more pressure on sensitive joints. |
| Support and Responsiveness | Combines responsive coil support with foam cushioning. Some models use zoned coils for targeted support. | Provides a buoyant, spring-forward feel because sleepers rest closer to the coil system. |
| Motion Isolation | Foam layers and individually wrapped coils generally help limit movement across the mattress. | Interconnected coils may transfer more movement when a sleep partner changes positions. |
| Cooling and Airflow | The coil core promotes airflow, while cooling performance depends on the foams, cover, and other materials. | Often feels especially airy because there is less foam above the coil system. |
| Edge Support | May use reinforced edges coils or dense foam to create a stable, usable edge. | Edge stability varies by model and may be strengthened with reinforced coils or foam. |
| Price | Often costs more due to its thicker comfort layers, pocketed coils, and specialized features. | Often more affordable because of its simpler construction and thinner comfort system. |
Is a Hybrid Mattress Better Than an Innerspring Mattress?
Hybrid mattresses are newer and now more common, but neither mattress type is automatically better for every sleeper. The right choice depends on the feel and performance you want.
A hybrid mattress may be the better option if you want:
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More pressure-relieving cushioning
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Less motion transfer
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Responsive support without an overly springy feel
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A balance between contouring foam and coils
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Specialized options such as zoned support or cooling layers
An innerspring mattress may be the better option if you want:
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A traditional, spring-forward feel
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Strong responsiveness
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Minimal contouring
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Ample airflow
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A simpler or potentially more affordable construction
While traditional innerspring mattresses offer a responsive feel with minimal cushioning, hybrid mattresses add thicker comfort layers for greater contouring and pressure relief. If you want targeted support, reduced motion transfer, and a balanced combination of foam and coils, opt for a hybrid made with an individually wrapped coil system.
Encased Coils & Hybrid Construction in Action: The Bear Elite Hybrid
At Bear, our hybrid mattresses pair foam comfort layers with responsive encased coil support. The Bear Elite Hybrid is our premium performance option, combining pressure-relieving foam comfort layers—including cooling copper-infused memory foam—with an 8-inch core of individually wrapped and zoned coils.
The coil system features five support zones, providing enhanced support through the lumbar area, plus reinforced coils for a sturdier edge. Because the coils move independently, they can adapt to pressure while limiting motion transfer.
The Elite Hybrid comes in Soft, Medium, and Firm, giving shoppers options for different sleep positions and comfort preferences. It also includes a Celliant® infrared cover, with an optional CoolForce™ Layer available for additional cooling relief.
Disclaimer: Bear does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Bear blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.
