Pocket sprung mattresses differ from traditional continuous spring mattresses in that the springs are not joined together. Rather, each spring is contained within its own calico bag and they are nested together to form a honeycomb effect.

Pocket springs are available in all types of tensions from very soft through to firm but the spring itself tends to be more flexible than a continuous spring. The main advantage of pocket springs is that they minimise roll together if two people are sharing a mattress.