This is a mattress shaped version of the gabion used mainly for erosion control when the retaining properties of box gabions are not required. Their strength lies in their double twisted hexagonal mesh of steel wire which is reinforced by selvedges of heavier wire running along the edges. The base section is divided into compartments to restrict the movement of stone and strengthen the structure. The lid is supplied as a separate panel and wire will not unravel when cut. Reno Mattress construction does not require skilled labor because they are very easy to build. Standard construction equipment can be used. Structures can be build in stages, if necessary, and baskets can be prefilled and launched to enable the installation under water.

Reno Mattress are environmentally friendly products. The blending of Reno Mattress structure into the environment is rapid and pleasing. The voids in the rockfill become progressively filled with silt, promoting vegetation growth which is essential to the preservation and maintenance of the ecological balance of the surrounding environment.