HYBRID MATTRESSES
A hybrid mattress is any mattress that uses a pocketed coil or springs unit as its support layer, combined with one or more foam and/or fiber layers for comfort.
This design blends the sturdy support of coils with the cushioning and pressure relief of foam and fibers, offering a versatile sleep experience.
Hybrid mattresses are among the most popular mattress types on the market today, and they’re also one of the fastest-growing and most recommended by sleep experts.
When it comes to making your own hybrid mattress, the pocketed coil unit you choose forms the foundation of the bed’s support system.
Choosing The Best Pocket Coil Unit For You
DIYers in the U.S. have access to six (6) primary pocket coil units through suppliers of support layer components. These include three (3) units from Leggett & Platt (L&P) and three (3) from Texas Pocket Springs (TPS).
Not all coil units are the same, and selecting the right one is crucial to the feel and performance of your hybrid mattress. Below is a field guide to some of the terminology to help you understand your options.
Coil Gauge
Coil gauge tells you how thick the steel is. A higher number means thinner wire and a softer, more flexible feel. A lower number means thicker wire and a firmer, more rigid feel.
Common DIY builds use gauges between 13.5 (very firm) and 15.5 (softer and more flexible – but still very supportive).
For lower-weight sleepers (say, under 200 lbs), a 14–15.5 gauge coil is usually ideal. Heavier people (higher BMI) or strict stomach sleepers may want to opt for something closer to 13.5 or 14 for firmer support.
If you’re under 130 lbs or a side sleeper, you will likely want a softer (higher) gauge to avoid triggering pressure points.
Zoned vs. Non-Zoned Units
Some pocketed coils are zoned, meaning different areas of the mattress offer different levels of firmness.
For example, you might get firmer coils under your hips (to support your spine) and softer coils near your shoulders and legs.
Zoned coils are great for back and stomach sleepers who benefit from targeted support.
But some side sleepers may find zoned units a little too firm across the shoulders and hips, depending on how the zones are laid out, especially if paired with a too-thin and/or too-firm comfort layer.
Coil Height: 6″ vs. 8″
The two most common pocketed coil heights in DIY builds are 6″ and 8″.
The 6″ coils tend to create a firmer, more compact mattress profile and can feel a bit more rigid.
They’re great for low-profile builds or for sleepers who like a firmer foundation.
The 8″ pocketed coils, by contrast, generally offer a bit more give, bounce, and airflow.
They also allow more layering possibilities and a slightly more “elevated” feel, both literally and figuratively.
Coil Count & Configuration
Coil count refers to how many individual springs are in the unit, with higher counts often providing better contouring and motion isolation.
But it’s not just about the number, also pay attention to the configuration.
Some units use pocketed coils arranged in rows (standard), while others feature quad coils or perimeter-reinforced coils to reduce motion transfer and improve edge support.
Coil count is helpful to know, but the overall feel will also come down to how those coils are arranged, their gauge, and what materials you layer above them.
DIY Mattress Pocketed Coils Comparison
DIYers can choose from six main pocketed coils offered by reputable support layer suppliers.
These options include three models manufactured by Leggett & Platt and another three designed and produced by Texas Pocket Springs, catering to a range of preferences and mattress builds.
Leggett & Platt Coil Units
Headquarters: Carthage, Missouri, USA | Founded: 1883
Legget & Platt (L&P) has been a cornerstone of the bedding components sector since the late 1800s.
L&P is a dominant supplier pocketed coils to almost every major mattress brand worldwide. They work with mass manufacturers, boutique manufacturers, and even high-end luxury bedding brands, offering a broad range of coil technologies from entry-level units to advanced Quantum Edge systems.
L&P Quantum Edge Elite
- Height: 8 inches
- Coil Count: 1,283 (King), 1,057 (Queen)
- Gauge:
- 15-gauge coils in the interior
- 16-gauge narrow-diameter perimeter coils doubled up for side support
- Construction: Quantum Edge® Elite design – replaces foam rails with reinforced narrow steel coils for perimeter support
- Compatibility: Works with adjustable bases
- Feel: Slightly softer and more contouring than other L&P options due to 15g interior coils
- Best For: Side sleepers or those wanting a slightly plush yet supportive coil core with strong edge reinforcement
L&P Caliber Edge Pocket Coil
- Height: 6 inches
- Coil Count: 660 (Queen)
- Gauge: 13.75 throughout interior
- Edge Support: Reinforced edges at the head and foot using stiffer steel coils
- Design: More compact than L&P’s other offerings, using Caliber™ steel coils
- Compatibility: Works with adjustable bases
- Feel: Firm, with a no-frills, supportive profile
- Best For: Budget-conscious DIYers, bunk beds, or guest setups where overall thickness is kept minimal
L&P Combi-Zone Pocket Coil
- Height: 8 inches
- Coil Count: 1,414 (King), 1,130 (Queen)
- Gauge:
- 17-gauge narrow diameter coils in the center third (lumbar zone)
- 14-gauge wider diameter coils on the head/foot zones
- 16-gauge perimeter Quantum Edge coils for side support
- Construction: Quantum Edge® Elite perimeter with narrow-diameter steel coils replacing foam encasement
- Feel: Balanced support with softness through the 17g center zone; ideal for all body types, especially combination and back sleepers
- Best For: DIYers seeking high responsiveness and zoned comfort with firm edges
Texas Pocket Springs Coil Units
Headquarters: Carrollton, Texas, USA | Founded: 2012
Texas Pocket Springs (TPS) supplies a variety of pocketed coil systems designed for mattress manufacturers, from boutique shops to larger-scale producers. TPS’s signature QuadCoil® technology uses four small coils per pocket, providing enhanced stability, durability, and reduced motion transfer compared to standard coil systems.
TPS places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using 97% recycled steel, glue-free ultrasonic welding, and chemical-free fabrics that align with the health and eco-friendly trends in the mattress market. They offer customization options such as different coil gauges and zoned edge support to meet the needs of a wide range of mattress designs.
TPS QuadCoil Pocket Coil 15.5g
- Height: 8 inches
- Coil Count: up to 1224 (King), 1008 coils (Queen)
- Gauge: 15.5
- Construction:
- Patented QuadCoil® design (4 coils per pocket)
- Ultrasonic welds (no glue used)
- Made from 97% recycled U.S. steel
- Fabric is free of carbon fillers and additives (same type used in medical face masks)
- Mechanically descaled wire (no chemicals)
- Zoned Edge Reinforcement
- Can opt for firmer coils on just the edges, while keeping the interior at a softer gauge
- Compatibility: Works with adjustable bases
- Feel: Medium-firm – suitable for most sleepers
- Best For: DIYers looking for comfort, resilience, and moderately firm support with environmental considerations
TPS QuadCoil Pocket Coil 14.75g
- Height: 8 inches
- Coil Count: up to 1224 (King), 1008 coils (Queen)
- Gauge: 14.75
- Construction:
- Patented QuadCoil® design (4 coils per pocket)
- Ultrasonic welds (no glue used)
- Made from 97% recycled U.S. steel
- Fabric is free of carbon fillers and additives (same type used in medical face masks)
- Mechanically descaled wire (no chemicals)
- Zoned Edge Reinforcement
- Can opt for firmer coils on just the edges, while keeping the interior at a softer gauge
- Compatibility: Works with adjustable bases
- Feel: Firm – better for higher BMI sleepers and/or strictly belly sleepers
- Best For: Heavier individuals or those who prefer a firmer feel overall without sacrificing the resiliency of the QuadCoil design
TPS QuadCoil Pocket Coil 13.5g
- Height: 8 inches
- Coil Count: up to 1224 (King), 1008 coils (Queen)
- Gauge: 13.5
- Construction:
- Patented QuadCoil® design (4 coils per pocket)
- Ultrasonic welds (no glue used)
- Made from 97% recycled U.S. steel
- Fabric is free of carbon fillers and additives (same type used in medical face masks)
- Mechanically descaled wire (no chemicals)
- Zoned Edge Reinforcement
- Can opt for firmer coils on just the edges
- Compatibility: Works with adjustable bases
- Feel: Very firm – you enjoy sleeping on rocks (kidding, not kidding)
- Best For: People needing the firmest support possible, such as stomach sleepers, or those who require high durability and zero “sink”
Side-by-Side Comparisons of L&P and TPS
For the chart lovers, we bring you…. a chart.
| Feature | Leggett & Platt | Texas Pocket Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Traditional pocketed coils with optional zoning and edge support technologies. | Patented QuadCoil® design with glue-free assembly, enhancing durability and reducing environmental impact. |
| Edge Support | Quantum Edge® and Caliber Edge technologies provide robust edge reinforcement. | Optional firmer side coils (13.5 gauge) offer customizable edge support. |
| Zoning Options | Combi-Zone model offers targeted lumbar support with firmer center coils. | Custom zoning available upon request, allowing for personalized support configurations. |
| Gauge Variability | Multiple gauges within a single unit for zoned support (e.g., 13.75 and 14). | Offers distinct units in 13.5, 14.75, and 15.5 gauges to cater to different firmness preferences. |
| Environmental Impact | Standard manufacturing processes. | Emphasizes sustainability with recycled materials and chemical-free components. |
| Adjustable Base Compatibility | Quantum Edge and Caliber Edge units are compatible. | All units are designed to be compatible with adjustable bases. |
| Price Point | Generally more affordable; Caliber Edge units start around $179. | Higher price point; QuadCoil units start around $305. |
| Availability | Widely available through various retailers. | Sold directly through the Pocket Coil Store. |
