Abstract: A coil wound heat exchanger utilizing a deformable support system and method for making a tube bundle for the same includes a mandrel, a first tube layer formed by winding one or more tubes around the mandrel, and a plurality of supports and spacers circumferentially-arranged in an alternating pattern on an outer surface of the first tube layer. A second tube layer is formed by winding one or more tubes around the mandrel, whereby the second tube layer contacts an opposite side of the supports. A deforming force is applied to the second tube layer in a direction normal to the outer surface of each support, which causes the one or more tubes forming the second tube layer to deform the outer support surface of each support.