All spring mattresses on the market can be divided into two large categories: dependent springs and independent spring blocks. The fundamental difference is how they work under load. In a dependent block, the load is distributed between all springs at the same time, creating a hammock effect. In an independent block, each spring works separately, which creates increased comfort.
Content
How a mattress is constructed
A mattress with dependent springs consists of a metal frame on which springs are installed, rigidly fastened together and forming a single block.
The most common is the Bonnell spring block, invented more than 150 years ago, in which 120 to 160 springs are installed per square meter. The spring consists of coils of different diameters - maximum at the edges and tapering to the center. Due to this, they do not rub against each other and do not make increased noise.
The most common are five-turn steel springs made of hardened wire, four-turn springs are used less often. Dependent spring blocks are used in the production of upholstered furniture - sofas, ottomans, and are also produced for the manufacture of mattresses for beds.
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 located in covers made of non-woven material, which are glued together into a single block.
With this design, the load is distributed more evenly, allowing the body to assume a natural position while sleeping.
An orthopedic mattress prevents back problems, the sleeper's blood circulation is not impaired, and the person wakes up in the morning rested, without pain.
The more springs are used per square meter, the more pronounced the orthopedic effect.
There are 3 types of hardness:
- high, recommended for weight 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:
- TFK multipack, with 250 springs per square meter;
- multipack S 1000–500 pcs.;
- multipack S 2000– 1000 pcs.
What is a spring mattress made of?
The mattress consists of the following elements:
- spring block;
- a base layer made 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.
Repair of mattresses with spring blocks
The service life of spring mattresses is 8-15 years. But sooner or later the question of its replacement or repair 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, even the highest quality mattress loses its properties – holes appear, springs burst, the shape changes, the covering fabric becomes frayed and dirty.
In this case, there are two options: buying a new mattress or repairing the old one.
The easiest way is to contact a mattress re-upholstery 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 repair in a workshop is not inferior in its properties to a newly purchased one.
DIY Spring Mattress Repair
With some home repair skills and a minimal set of tools, you can do this type of repair yourself.
You will need tools for this job.
- Pliers
- Side cutters
- Flat head screwdriver
- Hammer
- Furniture stapler with staples
Materials and consumables required for repairs:
- springs (can be used from an old block of similar shape and height);
- lining fabric;
- stuffing material;
- nails;
- durable cord with a cross-section of 4–6 mm;
- new case.
Repair stages:
- disassembly of the product;
First, you need to disassemble the mattress. - removal of old lining and deteriorated filler;
- cleaning from dust and dirt;
- inspection and identification of damaged areas;
After this, you need to inspect the springs and set them all in the correct position. - restoration of the frame and spring block;
After all the springs are evenly and firmly fixed to the frame, we carry out the binding 
A strong rope will be needed for tying. - control inspection of the unit;
We check whether all the springs are the same length and cover the mattress with lining fabric, securing it around the perimeter. - laying new lining and filler;
- upholstery with a new cover.
We cover the mattress with a new cover
Repair of a spring mattress begins with removing the old upholstery. It is better to do this work outside the home, since during operation, a large amount of garbage, dust, and decomposed foam crumbs have formed in it. When disassembling at home, you need to prepare a vacuum cleaner and cover the floor with polyethylene film.
After the upholstery is removed, the filler is carefully rolled up. This can be foam rubber, coconut fiber, batting. The lining fabric is removed. After cleaning the frame from old staples, nails, foam rubber residues and other non-woven materials, they begin to inspect the spring block. The steel frame that encircles the mattress along the perimeter is checked.
The metal frame surrounding the spring block can be either one-sided, in less expensive models or used in furniture production, or on both sides. A block with a two-sided frame is close to orthopedic mattresses in its performance qualities.
Spring block repair
The frame damage is repaired, broken springs are removed and new ones are put in their place. The springs are fastened together with wire. The block is attached to the base made of wooden slats using fabric belts, staples or nails. We remove all the old fasteners, align the springs on the slatted frame and re-fasten 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. Nails are driven in along the perimeter of the wooden base opposite each spring, to which the cord is attached. The rows of springs are alternately secured with a cord using a strapping. First, the transverse rows are tied, then the longitudinal ones and diagonally at 45 degrees. Once the binding is complete, the nails with the attached cord are bent.
Final assembly
The lining material is spread on the repaired block, a sealing layer is laid, which is fastened with staples to the wooden base. A cover made of thick fabric is stretched over the mattress, smoothed out and also fastened to the base. In the corners, the fabric of the cover is folded into a kerchief, and synthetic padding is placed under the corner to give it shape.
Repair of a mattress with independent blocks
After performing disassembly operations and removing the sealing layer, the spring block should be inspected.
The most common damages are rupture of the fabric of the spring bags and disruption of the adhesive bond between the covers, separation of the springs from the frame, and bending of the frame.
After inspection and detection 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.
To glue the spring bags, it is recommended to use a glue gun with rods for gluing fabric. The covers are glued in the center for one third of their length to maintain the orthopedic effect. After gluing the springs together, the fastening of the bags to the frame is checked. In places where they are missing, the springs are attached to the frame using plastic ties or wire. Finally, a sealing layer is placed on the block, and the cover is put on.
A mattress repaired by yourself can last for more than 5 years. Repairs take a little time, it is quite possible to do it within one working day. And the work done by yourself will bring satisfaction. Another undoubted plus is a decent saving of money, which in any family will always find a use.
Mattress re-upholstery
There is a bed with a spring mattress of Hungarian manufacture 190x90 cm, manufactured in 1969.
The springs are uneven, the sponge is worn out. I want to revive and use it again.