All spring mattresses that are on the market can be divided into two large categories - with dependent springs and with independent spring blocks. The fundamental difference is how they work under load. In a dependent block, the load is distributed among all springs simultaneously, creating a hammock effect. In an independent one, each spring works separately, which creates increased comfort.
Mattresses with dependent and independent spring block
How the mattress works
A mattress with dependent springs consists of a metal frame on which springs are installed, rigidly fastened together and forming a single block.
The structure of a mattress with dependent springs
The most common is the Bonnell spring unit, invented more than 150 years ago, which contains from 120 to 160 springs per square meter. The spring consists of coils of different diameters - maximum at the edges and tapering towards the center. Thanks to this, they do not rub against each other and do not make increased noise.
Mattress based on Bonnell dependent spring block
The most common are five-turn steel springs made of hardened wire; four-turn springs are less commonly used. Dependent spring blocks are used in the production of upholstered furniture - sofas, ottomans, and are also produced for the production of mattresses for beds.
This block system consists of spring elements of a special cone shape, which are fastened together with a spiral wire made of hard carbon steel
This type of mattress is still in great demand among buyers due to its practicality and durability. The cost of this product is 30–40 percent lower than independent spring mattresses.
In a mattress with independent springs, which are called orthopedic, the springs are in covers made of non-woven material, which are glued together into a single block.
Bed mattress based on an independent spring block
With this scheme, the load is distributed more evenly, which allows the body to take a natural position when sleeping.
In this system, each spring element in the shape of a cylinder or “barrel” is located in its own special case made of thick fabric or elastic materials
An orthopedic mattress prevents the occurrence of back diseases, the sleeper’s blood circulation is not impaired, and a person wakes up in the morning rested, without pain.
Independent spring block for orthopedic mattresses
The greater the number of springs used per square meter, the more pronounced the orthopedic effect.
There are 3 types of hardness:
- high, recommended for weights over 95 kg;
- average, weight from 60 to 95 kg;
- soft, weight up to 60 kg.
According to the number of springs, mattresses are divided into:
- multipack TFK, with 250 springs. per square meter;
- multipack S 1000–500 pcs.;
- multipack S 2000– 1000 pcs.
Types of springs for independent blocks
How to extend the life of a mattress
Continued care can significantly extend the life of a refurbished old mattress.
- The mattress is not intended to be used as a trampoline. Children should not be allowed to run and jump on it.
- It is not recommended to stand on the mattress.
- To avoid stains, dirt, and unpleasant odors, try to avoid eating and drinking while sitting or lying on the mattress.
- At least once a year, take the mattress outside to air and dry it.
- Use a mattress protector to keep your mattress cover in good condition.
Following these simple rules will allow you to use the product for several more years.
What is a spring mattress made of?
Composition of a mattress with a Bonnell spring block
The mattress consists of the following elements:
- spring block;
- an underlying layer of non-woven material or burlap;
- sealing layer, materials used – heat-pressed felt, coconut coir, polyurethane foam (foam rubber), struttofiber, latex, highly elastic foam;
- The top layer is a cover, made of natural fabrics - linen, cotton.
Composition of a spring mattress with an independent block
Summing up
Do-it-yourself spring mattress repair is cost-effective. If you approach the repair of an old Bonnell-type mattress meticulously and thoroughly, the final result may surprise you.
If the mattress is badly damaged or you are categorically not satisfied with its characteristics, it is better to look at a more modern option, for example, a model with a block of independent springs.
Repair of mattresses with spring blocks
The service life of spring mattresses is 8–15 years. But sooner or later the question of replacing or repairing it arises. In some cases, it is preferable to repair the mattress and save 30–40 percent of its cost. What is mattress repair?
Over time, the highest quality mattress loses its properties - dips appear, springs burst, shape changes, the covering fabric becomes frayed and dirty.
In this case, there are two ways - buying a new mattress or repairing the old one.
The easiest way is to contact a mattress reupholstery workshop, where specialists will carry out a comprehensive repair of your product, replace the entire spring block, or, if there are only a few damaged springs, replace individual elements. A mattress that has undergone high-quality repairs in a workshop is not inferior in its properties to a newly purchased one.
Mattresses with continuous weave springs
Mattresses with springs tied into a block are a classic design that can be found in almost any home. The shock-absorbing elements of such models are made of high-carbon steel and are fastened together with steel wire. Their main advantage is their low price, and their main disadvantage is the lack of orthopedic properties.
The production of mattresses is carried out in factories using semi-automatic machines. Therefore, it is impossible to buy shock-absorbing elements for them individually, unless you remove them from another mattress. But if the only problem is that a depression has formed on the product, then you can use the old method and tie the springs. This will align all shock-absorbing elements in one plane, give the product elasticity and extend its service life.
The binding of mattress springs with continuous weaving is carried out in stages:
- Hammer construction staples into the wooden frame opposite each spring row.
- Thread the binding cord into the staples. To do this, you need to use durable synthetic twine.
- First stretch the cord between the springs in the transverse rows, then tie the longitudinal shock absorbers and move on to strengthening the diagonal row.
- Hammer all the staples with twine threaded through them.
When tying the springs, you need to make sure that their height along the plane is the same. In sagging rows, the tension should be stronger.
Spring block repair
If out of the entire array of springs there is not a single broken one, and the central or side part has only sagged a little, then only the sagging elements are replaced
Damage to the frame is repaired, broken springs are removed, and new ones are installed in their place. The springs are fastened together using wire. The block is attached to a base of wooden slats using fabric straps, staples or nails. We remove all the old fasteners, align the springs on the slatted frame and re-secure them with nails or furniture staples. Nails 40-50 mm long should be used. To fasten the springs, the nails are driven in half their length and bent across the coil on both sides. To give additional rigidity, it is better to strengthen the spring block with a strong nylon cord. Along the perimeter of the wooden base, opposite each spring, nails are hammered into which the cord is attached. The rows of springs are alternately secured with a cord using a strapping. First, transverse rows are tied, then longitudinal and diagonally at 45 degrees. At the end of tying, the nails with the attached cord are bent.
If the location of the breakdown is a break in the steel frame, then the joint can be repaired by welding or, most simply, stuffing a copper tube
Tools needed for repairs
The choice of tool depends on the damage to the mattress. If you need to replace the upholstery, you will need glue and a fabric of suitable size and structure that will not tear after several months of use. If the problem is in the metal structure, you will have to buy new springs to repair the mattress.
Materials and tools that may be needed for repairs:
- Metal wire or elastic cord.
- A backing that can be used with any durable and breathable fabric.
- Wooden slats 70×20 mm.
- Decorative cladding.
- Nails, hammer.
- Furniture stapler.
- Decorative cladding.
- Thread, needle or sewing machine.
- Glue gun.
- Scissors.
- Pliers.
Repairing or restoring a spring mattress for a bed with your own hands involves: removing the upholstery material, replacing the necessary elements, tying the springs and final covering.
Repair of a mattress with independent blocks
Independent springs can also become deformed if used incorrectly
After disassembling and removing the sealing layer, the spring block should be inspected.
The most common damage is rupture of the fabric of the spring bags and disruption of the adhesive connection of the covers to each other, tearing of the springs from the frame, bending of the frame.
When the spring block is damaged, you need to cut out the damaged part, usually the middle part of the mattress
After inspection and identification of damage, they begin to eliminate them. The frame is checked and, if necessary, leveled. If broken springs are found, they should be replaced with new ones of the same shape. Bags that have become unusable are replaced.
We cut to size a spring block of the same height and density with the same number of springs per square meter and insert it in place of the old springs
To glue spring bags, it is recommended to use a glue gun with fabric glue sticks. The covers are glued in the center for one third of their length to maintain the orthopedic effect. After gluing the springs together, the attachment of the bags to the frame is checked. In places where they are absent, springs are attached to the frame using plastic ties or wire. Finally, a sealing layer is placed on the block and a cover is put on.
Place a coconut leaf on the spring block
You can lay foam rubber or natural latex on a coconut sheet to give it softness, or felt or padding polyester to make it stiffer.
A self-repaired mattress can last more than 5 years. Repairs take little time and can be completed within one working day. And work done with your own hands will bring satisfaction. Another undoubted advantage is a decent saving of money, which can always be used in any family.
Then a cover is put on the mattress - new or old depending on the condition - and the mattress can be used again
DIY orthopedic spring mattress repair
Orthopedic mattresses wear out in the same way as conventional products with independent springs. Therefore, if you want to throw away your old mat because it has sagged and it has become uncomfortable to sleep on, then you don’t need to do this.
Use scissors to open the mattress edging tape and identify the problem. Depending on the breakdown, follow the steps described for repairing models with independent springs. If the product is springless, then you need to replace one or more worn layers; you can buy material for them in specialized stores.
Types of faults
There are two types of spring mattresses: with an independent spring block and with a continuous weave of springs. Modern orthopedic mattresses in most cases are equipped with separate blocks of springs; continuous weaving is found in old-style mattresses.
During repairs, the user may encounter various breakdowns:
- the need to replace external upholstery or sealing material;
- disconnecting the spring from the base;
- deformation of the spring block;
- cracks in the mattress frame.
A number of tools are required to carry out the work:
- hammer and pliers;
- nails (regular 50-60 mm and furniture);
- clamps;
- stationery knife or scissors;
- needle and strong thread (preferably regular thick or silk);
- sealing material – synthetic winterizer or foam rubber;
- durable cord (recommended thickness 5 mm);
- manual or electric stapler, staples;
- spare springs.
Disassembling the mattress
The best place for repairs is a barn or other non-residential premises. During the period of operation, dust and particles of debris accumulate inside the product. Therefore, a good option is to use a vacuum cleaner when working.
First, the mattress is turned over with the outer surface down. Position it to ensure a flat surface. To make it easy to approach the mattress from each side, it is placed on four stools. Next, carefully free the product from its contents: remove old nails, remove paper clips with pliers, remove the decorative fabric of the upholstery and take out the soft rollers.
Repairing mattresses at home as a business
To start a mattress repair business at home, you don’t need to have a lot of start-up capital. But before you start working in this service sector, you need to analyze the demand market in your region and determine the percentage of competitive entrepreneurs.
The main costs will be associated with registering an individual entrepreneur, purchasing consumables and tools necessary for work. It is better to buy upholstery fabrics, fillers, substrates and shock-absorbing elements at wholesale stores or from manufacturing plants.
