Why our sleep experts loved it
I have a lot of respect for Vispring’s craftsmanship, and I’ve tested enough of their beds to believe the quality is real. The theatre around the brand can feel a touch exclusive, and if you strip away the gloss, this Traditional Pocket Sprung doesn’t feel wildly different to a well-specified Hypnos at a lower price. Still, the combination of calico-encased springs, natural fibres and that exceptional guarantee makes a strong case if you want a mattress that should run and run.
Construction & Materials
This is a relatively slim, traditional build at 21 cm deep, entirely hand made in Britain. The core is Vispring’s proprietary six-turn vanadium steel pocket springs, hand nested in natural calico pockets, with a quoted 1,254 springs in a king size. Above and below sit layers of natural fillings, primarily Platinum Certified British fleece wool and cotton, topped with a wool protector pad. The cover is quality ticking, hand tufted, with wool-upholstered borders, two rows of hand side-stitching, plus handles and air vents. It is a very old-school specification done properly.
Why these details matter: calico pockets allow each spring to move quietly and breathe, which helps durability and airflow, while vanadium alloying on the spring wire improves resilience and corrosion resistance. This is the kind of engineering you tend to find on heritage, repairable mattresses, not roll-ups.
Firmness & Feel
Available in soft, medium or firm tensions, the Traditional feels reassuringly buoyant rather than marshmallowy. On medium, my first nights were a touch firm, then it mellowed as the natural fibres settled, which is typical of wool-rich beds. You get a taut, supportive surface with a little loft from the tufting and wool pad, and that classic pocket-spring float rather than the slow sink you would get from memory foam. Edge stability is decent for the depth, and motion transfer is controlled, though not as deadened as a hybrid with foam layers.
Performance & Support
The six-turn spring set gives you progressive pushback, so heavier areas are supported without shoving lighter parts of the body out of alignment. Calico pockets contour well for side sleepers, and the tension options mean back and stomach sleepers can step up to firm if needed. At 21 cm, it is thinner than most luxury rivals, so ultra-heavy sleepers or those who prefer a deep, enveloping feel may want to look higher in the Vispring range. Regular rotation is advised while fillings settle, which helps longevity and even wear.
Temperature Regulation
Breathability is a strong suit. Natural wool and cotton wick moisture and regulate temperature far better than foam, while the calico spring unit and border vents promote airflow. In testing I stayed comfortably neutral, with none of the heat build-up I often get on thick foam pillow-tops.
Practical Features
Handles make rotation manageable and the vents are a small but meaningful detail if your bedroom runs warm. The brand recommends airing the mattress after delivery and notes that settlement and small body impressions are normal with natural fibres, which matches my experience. Depth at 21 cm also means standard fitted sheets stay put.
Do Your Own Research: Are the Materials Actually Better?
Compared with mass-market pocket spring mattresses, the upgrade here is twofold - calico-encased, vanadium steel springs rather than polypropylene-pocketed units, and proper natural fibre upholstery rather than foam. Calico and vanadium are costlier choices that trade short-term softness for long-term resilience and quieter performance. If that sounds like marketing, it is worth noting this construction is widely regarded as the high-water mark for traditional pocket springs.
Value vs Hypnos
This is where the conversation gets interesting. A like-for-like rival would be the Hypnos Wool Origins 6, another British-made, wool-rich, hand-stitched pocket spring mattress with a six-turn spring system and seasonal-turn care. In feel terms, both deliver buoyant support, good temperature control and that classic pocket-spring responsiveness. Hypnos usually carries a 10-year guarantee rather than 30 years, but you can often find keener ticket prices on comparable sizes and tensions. If you are unmoved by the Vispring name and want similar comfort with a smaller outlay, Hypnos is a sensible comparison to try in store.
Guarantee & Longevity
Furniture Village covers structural elements for 20 years, which is generous at retailer level. On top of that, Vispring’s own guarantee runs to 30 years once you register the product, an industry-leading sign of confidence in the build. It does not mean you will never want to change your mattress, but it does mean workmanship defects are covered for the long haul.
Price & Options
At the time of writing I have seen a double listed at £1,499 in a promotion against a £1,940 RRP, with soft, medium and firm tensions and the usual size run. Pricing does fluctuate with retailer offers, so treat RRPs as guidance and look at total value after delivery and disposal.
Who It Suits
You want traditional craft, not foam: calico-sprung, wool-rich construction with hand side-stitching and tufting.You sleep warm: natural fibres and vented borders help keep things temperate.You value longevity: the combination of robust springs, natural fillings and the 30-year brand guarantee is compelling if you plan to keep a mattress for a long time.
Who It Doesn't Suit
Bargain hunters: even on sale, this sits firmly in premium territory. If you want similar feel for less, shortlist Hypnos.Fans of plush, sink-in tops: you get buoyant support rather than deep, pillowy softness. Look to a deeper Vispring or a pillow-top hybrid if that is your preference.Those unwilling to rotate: natural mattresses benefit from regular care to manage settlement and keep the feel even.
Final Verdict
The Vispring Traditional Pocket Sprung Mattress is a beautifully built, slimline, natural mattress with an unmistakably classic feel. I share the view that Vispring’s positioning can feel a little rarefied and, yes, in pure comfort terms this model is not miles ahead of a well-chosen Hypnos. But the calico springs, careful hand work and that 30-year guarantee make it a serious long-term buy. If you want something that could credibly outlast several cheaper mattresses and you prefer the crisp, breathable feel of wool and cotton over foam, this is absolutely worth a test-lie.
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