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Questions about beds and mattresses answered. And some stories told.

The History of the Pocket Coil Mattress

The story of the pocket coil mattress begins at the turn of the 20th century and is rooted in a desire for better sleep. In 1899, James Marshall, an English-born engineer living in Canada, conceived the idea of using independently wrapped springs in mattresses. He patented his invention—the “Marshall coil”—in 1900 in Canada and subsequently in the United States and United Kingdom.

Before Marshall’s innovation, mattresses were typically stuffed with materials like horsehair, cotton, or wool, or used open coils wired together. These offered limited support, poor pressure relief, and could quickly become lumpy and uncomfortable. Marshall’s concept was revolutionary: he used cylindrical steel springs, each sewn inside its own cotton fabric pocket. Unlike continuous coil systems, where springs are interconnected, each pocket coil moves independently of the others. When the mattress was upholstered, this “independent suspension” system surfaced as a new standard for comfort and support, better contouring to the sleeper’s body and minimizing motion transfer.

Marshall founded the Marshall Mattress Company in Toronto, Canada, setting a trajectory that influenced mattress design globally. The company’s reputation for quality and luxury was established early, with their mattresses chosen for high-end hotels and even ocean liners, including the Titanic. By the 1920s and 1930s, the technology was so influential that it spread to the UK, forming the foundation for companies like VI-Spring, which continued to innovate on Marshall’s original design. Over the decades, the pocket coil system was refined; in 1995, for example, Harrison Spinks launched a double-layered pocket spring for enhanced comfort and support.

In the modern era, the pocket coil mattress has become ubiquitous. The global luxury mattress sector continues to be shaped by Marshall’s original invention, and companies routinely advertise advanced pocket spring technologies, further refining comfort and durability. Today, millions of pocket coil mattresses are manufactured annually, a testament to the enduring impact of Marshall’s innovation.

Why You Should Make a Pocket Coil Mattress Your Next Mattress

The pocket coil mattress has remained a popular choice for over a century because of several distinct advantages that make it stand out if you're buying a coil mattress.

Pocket coil mattresses excel at reducing motion transfer. Because each coil operates independently, movement on one side of the bed doesn’t disturb the other side, making them perfect for couples—especially if one or both partners are light sleepers or have different 

The design allows each coil to contour to the sleeper’s body, providing support exactly where it’s needed. This means better spinal alignment and reduced pressure points on the hips, shoulders, and back. The mattress adapts to individual body shapes and weight, helping to prevent morning aches and pains.

Nine Clouds Beds in Mississauga has a number of very high quality pocket coil mattresses available and most of them are made two sided for longer life.