"The Steel Almost Never Fails First" - SA Manufacturer Reveals Why Spring Mattresses Actually Wear Out, and Publishes Endurance Test Results

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa - South African mattress manufacturer Mr Mattress has published consumer guidance challenging the most common belief about spring mattresses: that they fail when their coils wear out.

"Cut open almost any 'worn out' spring mattress and the steel is fine," says founder Andries Taljaard. "What's collapsed is the foam comfort layer above the coils. When low-density foam compresses into the spring system, the sleeper feels every coil, and the springs get the blame. The industry knows this. Buyers generally don't."

The overlooked spec on spring beds

According to the manufacturer, spring-mattress shoppers focus on coil type, Bonnell versus pocket springs, while ignoring the component most likely to fail: the comfort-layer foam. The company advises buyers to request the density (kg/m3) of foam layers above any spring system before purchasing, applying the same standard used for foam mattresses.

The company describes the two spring systems' genuine trade-off: Bonnell's connected-coil lattice offers robust, uniform support and responsiveness at lower cost, while pocket springs offer superior partner-motion isolation at a premium.

Endurance-tested, and honestly labelled

Mr Mattress manufactures its spring option, the Hybrid, with a Bonnell steel coil core under high-density foam comfort layers, from R4,999 with a 10-year written warranty. The model has undergone EN 1957 endurance testing, the European durability standard simulating years of use.

Notably, the manufacturer is explicit that its Hybrid is a Bonnell system rather than a pocket spring mattress. "If a buyer specifically wants individually pocketed coils, we don't make one, and our website says so and points them to specialists who do," says Taljaard. "A definition you blur to make a sale is a warranty claim waiting to happen."

All Mr Mattress products sell factory-direct with a 365-night home trial and free national delivery.

About Mr Mattress

Mr Mattress is a South African mattress manufacturer founded by Andries Taljaard, producing high-density foam, memory foam and hybrid spring mattresses at facilities in Gauteng, Cape Town, East London and Bloemfontein. All products use SABS-approved materials and sell factory-direct with a 365-night home trial. Showroom: 47 Piet Human Street, Bloemfontein.