Bonnell Springs vs Pocket Springs – Open Coil Explained

Bonnell springs are a classic in upholstered furniture, valued for durability and an affordable price. In the UK you will often see them described as an open coil spring system. At Pillovely we associate them with the solid, dependable furniture of our childhood – the sofa where the whole family gathered in the evening. Bonnell springs have been around for over a century and have evolved thanks to modern steel technology, remaining a popular choice for everyday use, from relaxing to sleeping.

What Is a Bonnell Spring – and Why It Works in Living Room Sofas

A Bonnell spring has a characteristic hourglass shape: the top and bottom coils are wider and the middle is narrower. The springs are connected to each other with helical wire, creating one interconnected unit. This structure gives progressive support – the springs feel softer under light pressure and firmer as the load increases, providing stable support when you sit or lie down.

In Pillovely living room sofas such as the OLEMO corner sofa bed 248 cm in Aragon fabric, Bonnell springs help prevent the "hammock effect" by spreading weight evenly across the seat. Picture a typical family evening: everyone on the sofa watching a film while the kids play next to it – an interconnected spring unit copes well with this kind of everyday movement.

Why for the living room? It is where life happens – nights in with friends, family dinners, film marathons. In a small flat, a corner sofa bed with Bonnell springs saves space by doubling as a bed for guests.

Checklist for choosing a sofa with Bonnell springs:

Padding layers: felt or wadding plus foam over the springs reduce the risk of creaking and add comfort.
Seat foam: a layer of high-resilience (HR) foam on top gives a softer surface over the firm spring core.
Seat depth: around 55–60 cm suits most people – sit on it for a while and check your feet rest comfortably on the floor.
Sleeping function: if you will sleep on it regularly, check the size of the sleeping area and the mechanism (for example DL).
Fabric: choose an easy-care upholstery fabric if you have children or pets.

Placement tip: put the sofa in a corner with a floor lamp and add a rug for a cosy feel. Avoid direct sunlight to stop the upholstery fading.

Bonnell springs in sofas and mattresses – are they a good everyday choice?

Where Bonnell Springs Are Used in Furniture

Bonnell springs are valued for stability: the connected unit reduces the "wobbly" feeling when children move around and gives solid support for pets climbing onto the sofa. They are used in:

Sofa beds and corner sofa beds – fast conversion into a bed and a stable sleeping surface.
Armchairs – progressive support for relaxed sitting.
Mattresses and beds – as the core of open coil mattresses.

Bonnell springs are often combined with HR foam to create a hybrid feel – a soft surface over a firm, supportive core. Because the spring unit is open, air can circulate more freely than in a solid foam block, which helps keep the seat or mattress fresher.

Bonnell (Open Coil) Mattress – Comfort for Everyday Sleep

An open coil mattress provides even, fairly firm support, which many back and front sleepers like. The surface responds to your movements, and the open structure allows good ventilation – especially when combined with natural layers such as coir (coconut fibre).

The main downside is motion transfer: because the springs are connected, movement travels across the mattress more than in a pocket sprung mattress, where each spring works independently. That is why couples, especially with a big difference in weight, often prefer pocket springs.

Tips for choosing a Bonnell mattress:

Firmness: softer (H1/H2) for lighter people, H3 for most adults, H4 for heavier people – always consider your sleeping position too.
Comfort layers: coir adds firmness and ventilation, memory foam adds contouring.
Test it: lie in your usual sleeping position for a while – your spine should stay straight without pressure on the hips.
Care: rotate the mattress regularly, air it and wash a removable cover according to the label.

Bonnell Springs vs Pocket Springs vs Sinuous Springs

Bonnell (open coil): connected springs, firm and even support, good ventilation, usually more affordable. More motion transfer.
Pocket springs: each spring in its own fabric pocket, point-elastic support and minimal motion transfer – ideal for couples and premium mattresses, usually more expensive.
Sinuous (zig-zag) springs: S-shaped wire springs used mainly in sofa seats and backs; slim and comfortable, often combined with foam.

Bonnell springs work well in everyday sofas and budget-friendly mattresses; pocket springs are the choice for beds shared by two people. Read more in our guides to sinuous springs and memory foam vs pocket sprung mattresses.

Bonnell springs vs pocket springs in sofas and mattresses

FAQ

Are Bonnell springs noisy?
Not when they are properly padded. Layers of felt or foam over the springs reduce friction and keep the seat quiet.

Is a Bonnell mattress suitable for allergy sufferers?
The open structure allows good airflow, which helps keep the mattress dry and fresh. Combined with a washable cover and regular airing, it can be a good option – check the materials used in the comfort layers.

Bonnell or pocket springs – which is better?
Bonnell is usually cheaper and offers firm, even support and good ventilation. Pocket springs give point-elastic support and less motion transfer, which is better for couples.

Can I sleep on a Bonnell sofa bed every night?
Yes, many people do – especially one person sleeping alone. For couples sleeping every night, consider a sofa bed or mattress with pocket springs.

How do I look after Bonnell springs?
Rotate a mattress regularly, vacuum the upholstery, wash removable covers according to the label and avoid jumping on the furniture or exposing it to damp.

Visit Pillovely and explore our sofas and corner sofas – find a piece that will become part of your story.