There exist 3 types of spring units that each have their own characteristics. Their quality depends on the number of springs and the spring gauge.
As far as the number of springs is concerned, the more springs, the more spread the pressure of the body is; therefore you benefit from a superior comfort. Your mattress will last longer as less pressure will be applied on the springs.
The number of springs also depends on the type of spring unit. In a double open coil mattress, there are between 299 and 336 springs; in a pocketed spring mattress, between 600 and 2000.
The firmness of the mattress depends on the spring gauge. The thicker the diametre of the spring, the firmer the mattress.

- OPEN COIL SPRINGS

The open coil spring system is known as the Traditional Bonnell spring unit. An open coil spring unit is made up of rows of hour-glass shaped springs which are joined to neighbouring springs by a small wire.
Its reaction is proprtional to the pressure applied on the stucture. Therefore it can adapt to all kinds of heights and weights.
It has got a long lifetime and the air circulates making it unfriendly for dustmites.
To alter the firmness of the mattress different gauge wires are used- 12.5g for a firmer feel and 13g for a softer feel. Open coil mattresses provide a firmer than average sleeping surface. If there isn’t a big weight difference between you and your partner then open coil mattresses offer great value for money.

- CONTINUOUS SPRING SYSTEM

Silentnight’s mattresses employ a system called “Miracoil” that runs continuously from the head to the foot of the mattress. This means that the springs cannot fall through a slatted base, and therefore ensures total support for the full life of the bed. The Miracoil system also offers a “no roll together” guarantee, which means that the spring unit absorbs your body weight evenly up and down the bed. This means you are less likely to disturb your partner at night. The Miracoil spring system means a long mattress lifetime, and represents good value for money.

- POCKETED SPRINGS

Pocket spring mattresses are the best quality spring mattresses money can buy. Each spring is individually pocketed in a textile case. As the springs move independently, a restless sleeper is less likely to disturb his or her partner as movement is not translated throughout the entire mattress. The springs help the mattress mould to the contours of the body, giving complete and even support exactly where you need it.
Properties of independance and support are better than in a continuous wire spring system.
The spring count generally determines the comfort of the mattress, between 1000 and 1800 springs in a double mattress is the most common, although double layer pocket spring mattresses can contain anything up to 3000 springs. Double layer or “double-decker” spring units give extra depth and softness to a mattress. Manufacturers often combine pocket springs with visco (memory) foam or latex, which enhance the qualities of both products.

If you choose a foam/latx mattress, you must take into account the type of foam and the depth of the mattress.
The main advantage of foam/latex is that they mould to the contour of your body and keep your spine straight while you sleep.
The firmness of the foam depends on its density (that itself varies according to the type of foam). In order to compare densities, we recommend you to read our product descriptions and our buying guides.

- REFLEX FOAM

This higly resilient foam is of superior quality and is more suitable to sleep than a regular foam. Its density is traditionally around 35kg/m³.

The core of memory foam mattresses are made out of reflex foam.

- VISCO ELASTIC MEMORY FOAM
Visco elastic was developed by NASA in the 1970s to better cushion astronauts against the forces experienced during take off and landing. Visco reacts to the weight and heat of your body to precisely mould to its changing contours as you sleep. Sleeping on conventional mattresses we sometimes suffer from pressure points during the night that cause us to stir, and reposition ourselves. The highly supportive enveloping properties of visco foam will alleviate any pressure points or areas with poor circulation. This reduces the amount of times you will awaken, allowing you to get a deeper, more relaxing nights sleep, with longer “sleep cycles”. Visco foam offers excellent sleeper independence as the foam absorbs movement, meaning that you are unlikely to wake your partner by stirring in the night. Manufacturers often combine visco with pocket springs; this offers excellent comfort and support as both technologies have excellent qualities, and complement each other well. C'est une mousse de polyuréthane viscoélastique à mémoire de forme, à très haute résilience.

Its density varies between 78 and 85 kg/m³.

- LATEX

Mattresses for bunk and guest beds are usually made out of regular foam, because they are designed for children. Unlike traditional single mattresses (90x190cm), mattresses for bunk and guest beds are usually a little smaller (width and length), as well as thinner. We invite you to take all this information into consideration.

Click here for the most frequently asked questions about children mattresses

Bunk beds
allow to save a lot of space when two people are sleeping. It is ideal for children, or small student rooms.

There are three groups of standard divan bases: platform top, sprung edge and slatted bases. When choosing the type of base, make sure it is compatible with your mattress.
Most of our divans are available in various storage options.
Head boards are an optional extra.

The platform top divan gives a firmer, more responsive feel to the mattress.

It is made of 2 or 3 strong wooden bars that run accross the length of the base to ensure a strong support. Then a cardboard top lies on them, to help and spread the support.