Pocket Coil or Continuous Coil for a Murphy Bed?

What Are Pocket Coil and Continuous Coil Innersprings?

Innerspring mattresses use steel coils for support. The two main types are pocket coils and continuous coils. Pocket coils are individual coils, each wrapped in its own fabric pocket. This allows each coil to move independently, which helps reduce motion transfer across the mattress. Continuous coils are made from a single piece of wire formed into a series of loops. Because the coils are connected, they move as one unit, which can create a firmer, more responsive feel.

For a Murphy bed, the mattress must stand on end when the bed is folded up. The coil type affects how the mattress holds its shape and how it feels when you sleep. Both types can work, but the choice depends on your priorities for motion transfer and edge support. To understand how the mattress fits into the overall bed design, see our guide to Murphy beds.

• Pocket coils: individually wrapped, independent movement, good motion isolation.
• Continuous coils: single wire, connected movement, firm and supportive.

Motion Transfer: Which Coil Type Is Better?

Motion transfer is how much movement travels across the mattress when one person moves or gets in and out of bed. Pocket coils excel here because each coil moves independently. If your partner shifts at night, the movement is less likely to be felt on your side. This makes pocket coil mattresses a strong choice for couples or for guest rooms where light sleepers might stay.

Continuous coils, by contrast, are connected. Movement at one point can ripple across the mattress. This is not necessarily a problem, but it means motion transfer is more noticeable. If you are furnishing a guest room and want to minimize disturbances, a pocket coil mattress might be the better option. For more on choosing a bed for guests, check our guide to cabinet beds.

Edge Support: Sitting and Sleeping Near the Edge

Edge support refers to how well the mattress holds its shape at the sides. Continuous coils often provide strong edge support because the connected wire structure creates a firm perimeter. This is useful if you like to sit on the edge of the bed or if you need to use the full surface area for sleeping.

Pocket coils can also offer good edge support, but it depends on the mattress design. Some pocket coil mattresses include a foam encasement around the edge to reinforce it. When choosing a mattress for a Murphy bed, consider how often you or your guests will sit on the edge. If edge support is a priority, look for a mattress with reinforced edges, regardless of coil type. For more on mattress features, see our guide to queen Murphy beds.

Mattress Thickness and Cabinet Fit

Murphy beds have a cabinet that the mattress folds into. The thickness of the mattress must fit within the cabinet depth. The listing for your Murphy bed will state the maximum mattress thickness it can accommodate. For example, Wilding Wallbeds' Murphy cabinet beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress, while their wall beds can take mattresses up to 12 inches thick, as seen in their mattress options.

When comparing coil types, check the mattress height. Pocket coil and continuous coil mattresses come in various thicknesses. A thicker mattress may offer more comfort but might not fit in a shallow cabinet. Always verify the mattress thickness against your Murphy bed's specifications before buying. For more on sizing, see our guide to full-size Murphy beds.

• Check the Murphy bed listing for the maximum mattress thickness.
• Measure the cabinet depth if you are unsure.
• Thicker mattresses may not fold into shallow cabinets.

What the Makers Offer

Some Murphy bed makers offer their own mattresses, which are designed to stand on end without slumping. Wilding Wallbeds sells foam core and innerspring mattresses, including models with continuous coils and foam encasement for edge support. Night and Day Furniture offers a trifold gel pocket coil mattress for their cabinet beds, which combines the benefits of pocket coils with the convenience of a folding design.

When you buy a Murphy bed, check whether a mattress is included or sold separately. Cabinet beds often come with a tri-fold mattress, while wall beds may require you to purchase one separately. If you are buying a mattress separately, ensure it is compatible with your bed's folding mechanism and thickness limit. For more on cabinet bed options, see our guide to Murphy cabinet beds.

How to Choose Between Pocket Coil and Continuous Coil

Start by considering who will use the bed. For a guest room where couples might stay, a pocket coil mattress reduces motion transfer. For a home office that doubles as a guest room, edge support might be more important if you sit on the bed during the day. Continuous coils offer a firmer feel and strong edges, which can be beneficial for heavier use.

Also think about the mattress thickness your Murphy bed can handle. If you have a shallow cabinet, a thinner mattress might be necessary, and both coil types are available in various heights. Finally, consider the overall feel: pocket coils tend to contour more to the body, while continuous coils provide a more uniform, supportive surface. For more on choosing a bed for a home office, see our guide to Murphy beds with desks.

What to Pick for Your Situation

The table below summarizes the key differences and suggests which type to choose based on your priorities. Remember to always check the mattress thickness against your Murphy bed's specifications and to follow the maker's instructions for mattress care and installation.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can I use a pocket coil mattress in a Murphy bed?

Yes, as long as the mattress thickness fits within the cabinet. Pocket coil mattresses are available in various heights, and some makers offer tri-fold versions for cabinet beds.

Is continuous coil better for edge support?

Continuous coils often provide strong edge support because the connected wire structure creates a firm perimeter. However, some pocket coil mattresses include foam encasement for similar support.

Do Murphy beds require a special mattress?

Murphy beds need a mattress that can stand on end without slumping. Makers like Wilding Wallbeds offer mattresses engineered for this, but standard innerspring mattresses can work if they are the right thickness and have a supportive core.

What is the difference between pocket coil and continuous coil?

Pocket coils are individually wrapped and move independently, reducing motion transfer. Continuous coils are a single wire formed into loops, providing a firmer, more connected feel with strong edge support.