Can A Continuous Coil Mattress Be Put On An Adjustable Base?
Continuous coils mattresses are supported by one continuous coil/wire that runs from top to bottom. The helical lacing/wiring in this system also runs from top to bottom, adding support. Continuous coils are considered standard mattresses and are constructed using coils in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs.
Standard mattresses are not ideal for adjustable bases as they don’t flex as easily as foam and latex. They can create pressure points that can cause you to sleep in uncomfortable positions and wake up with aches and pains.
Newer innerspring mattresses with coils made from flexible material can be used on adjustable frames but may need to be replaced more frequently than memory foam.
Traditional Innerspring mattresses are what most people are used to. Mattress coils used to be primarily made from metal, but today coils can be made from bronze, titanium, and even plastic.
About Innerspring Mattresses
There are a few different types of Innerspring (coil) mattresses sold on the market today.
- Bonnell coils are the most common type of mattress coil. First used in the 19th century, they are the simplest coil type. They are less expensive to make and are constructed with a hinge-like rounded top and bottom.
- Pocketed Coils are individual coils wrapped in a fabric pocket. This provides support and minimizes movement when shifting positions. They are more expensive to manufacture and create.
- Offset coils have flattened tops and bottoms that give them an hourglass shape. Joined together with spiral-like helical wires makes it easy to comfort to the body’s natural contours.
- Continuous coils are made in an S-shaped curve rather than being coiled. Made from one long wire, this makes them more stable and durable than other coils.
Coil Construction
Within each type of Innerspring mattress are a number of variances that set them further apart and affect the comfort of the mattress:
Coil Count
Each mattress has a certain number of coils. The higher the count, the more support the mattress will provide. Innerspring mattresses contain anywhere from 250 to 1,000 coils, with the average being about 725.
Mattresses should have at least 300 coils, queen mattresses should have at least 400, and king mattresses should have at least 480.
Coil Turns
The number of working turns in each coil, which measures how tightly the coil is wound, is another factor. The higher the number of coils, the softer and more durable the mattress will be, as the weight will be more evenly distributed.
Higher coil numbers represent the points of weakness which allow the coil to depress easier. Most coils have between 5 and 8 complete rotations.
Coil Gauge
Steel gauge, which is measured in thickness, will affect the firmness of the mattress. Higher measurements indicate that the coils will be thinner and have a softer feel, lower gauge coils will be thicker and firmer.
Mattress coil gauges range from 12 to 15. If you want a mattress that offers more give, a coil gauge above 14 is best. If you like a very firm mattress, a gauge of 13 or lower will suit you.
What Is Continuous Coil?
Continuous coils provide the maximum coil strength, working together and gathering strength off the next coil to support your body. This design allows for significantly more coils per mattress.
Benefits of Continuous Coil Mattresses
The benefits of continuous coils and helical lacing/wiring are fill-mattress support. It reduces pressure points because the wiring is running in the same direction as the blood vessels in your body.
Continuous coils limit the transfer of motion due to their design. When you turn in the night the movement moves down and out, as opposed to other coil systems which are felt throughout the bed.
Well known for their ability to lessen motion transfer, continuous coil is a great system when beds are shared. This means that if one person shifts and turns a lot in their sleep, the other person will not notice and be awakened by it.
It is also ideal for those who suffer from lower back pain, as the center third of the mattress is fully supported. It is often recommended by sleep experts as the mattress for people with issues relating to posture and the spine.
Structure of a Continuous Coil Mattress
Continuous coils, also referred to as Mira-coils, are S-shaped and made from one long wire. With their interlinked coil structure, they are more durable and offer more support where it’s needed.
The comfort layer of continuous coil mattresses will vary depending on the material used in each layer. There are many different materials, such as:
- Feathers
- Silk
- Wool
- Cotton fibers
- Foam
Finding the right one will depend on personal preference and it’s best to try out the different versions before purchasing.
Adjustable Bases
An adjustable base lifts the top and bottom of a mattress between 40 and 70 degrees. This creates different angles and shapes for a wide range of activities.
There are many different price points depending on the overall quality and features of the adjustable bed you choose. Ranging from basic models that simply raise and lower the head and feet, to smart models that feature an array of options that can be controlled from your phone.
Features of Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds make reading, watching TV, and even sleeping easier. They used to be advertised to help mainly with health issues and are now targeting those who spend more time in bed doing other things, such as using electronics.
Adjustable beds make it more comfortable to raise your head and feet, which is especially good for someone who sleeps on their back. If you have issues with acid reflux this can also help alleviate that.
Some adjustable bases have a massage feature which is very relaxing and can help make falling asleep easier. Elevating the legs is recommended for sports injuries, such as sprained ankles. It can also help with circulation issue. This is great if you are on your feet all day or fly long distances often.
For older people, raising up the head can make it easier to get out of bed.
Related Questions
Which Mattress is Best for an Adjustable Bed Frame?
Memory foam mattresses are the best option, as they lack the rigid structure of standard mattresses. This allows them to flex and bend easily on adjustable frames.They also cut down on pressure points which create a more comfortable sleep and less chance to experience body aches and pains.
Are there Standard Mattresses I can use on an Adjustable Base?
If you want to use a spring mattress, most pocket coil mattresses would be fine. Mattresses that are connected with helicals or that have a border wire would need modifications. This is so that bending the coils won’t damage the spring system.
Do Adjustable Bases Ruin Mattresses?
If you are using a compatible mattress, an adjustable base will not cause any damage to it. It may however shorten the lifespan of the mattress due to the extra pressure place on certain areas.Mattresses with coils may experience some deforming over time as the springs get used to being in shapes other than intended.
Sean Jarvis is an interior decorator, writer, and expert handyman. Well versed in everything home improvement, he is a savant at manipulating words and spaces and upgrading everything around him. Sean specializes in writing concise guides about appliance repair and installation, home and lifestyle, and other residential projects.
More by Sean Jarvis
