There are two types of sprung units used in manufacturing mattresses, Bonnel Sprung units and Pocket Sprung units.

Bonnell Sprung mattresses contain a mattress cage that is constructed using one long steel wire that is coiled into springs and connected to the frame. This type of construction probably gives most concern to those mindful of Electromagnetic Smog, as the large amount of connected steel is seen as a possible aerial, picking up surrounding waves.

Pocket Sprung mattresses consist of very short pieces of wire, coiled into individual springs which are then enclosed in fabric pockets, with no metal on metal contact. This construction means that any possible electromagnetic field is minimal. Therefore, if you are concerned about the possible effects of Electromagnetic Smog it would be better to go for a Pocket Sprung mattress.

To confirm this view, we decided to run our own experiment using an independent expert who was invited to our showroom to carry out his own test on our mattress.

Some people claim external sources such as mobile phone or other magnetic fields can be amplified by springs. So, to make the test as fair as possible, we placed a mobile phone and a small magnet next to the bed.

To test any possible magnetic fluxes, we used a Tesla Flux Meter and set it on the most sensitive setting, showing readings up to 1000^th of a Tesla or Millitesla.

With the mobile phone turned on we tested the phone and magnet followed by the pocket sprung mattress.

For a split second the mobile phone reached .083 and magnet .384. Our pocket sprung mattress had a most common reading of .000 and for a short time .001 (one thousandth of a Tesla).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends ….

“A continuous exposure limit of 40 mT is given for the general public.”

International Standards  https://www.who.int/peh-emf/publications/facts/fs299/en/

So why is there so much confusion about EMS on the internet? It is particularly important when researching online that you check who has funded the research that you are reading. Companies selling latex or memory foam mattresses as a “natural alternative” will be big promoters of EMS in order to encourage the sale of their mattresses. Read more about latex mattresses here.  

Here at Cottonsafe® our number one concern is the kilos of toxic chemicals inside UK mattresses. Therefore, from our point of view, the use of Pocket Springs in mattresses allow us to move away from chemically treated foams, whether natural or man-made, as well as giving maximum comfort and ventilation. We believe that the evidence of the dangers of using these Fire Retardant chemicals is significantly more important to your health than any research produced on Electromagnetic Smog.

If you still have concerns, then please look at our beech wooden sprung "Aspiro" mattress range or our spring-free Futomat selection which are felt and fibre based.