Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
The innerspring mattress is perhaps the most classic option out there. It’s been around for a while, and for good reason. To put it simply in the mattress world, springs equal support.
The best innerspring mattresses will feature coil units that encourage good spinal alignment and complement the other layers of the bed. However, not all springs are the same: they have various gauges, they might be encased differently, and the total number of them will vary from bed to bed. Given that it is rare to find a classic innerspring mattress online, most of the mattresses included in our list are hybrids, which means they have foam layers over a base of coils.
My team and I have tested out plenty of innerspring beds. So, if you’re looking for springs over foam (or a mix of the two), we’ve put together a list that should help you pick a mattress with the right kind of coils for your needs.
The Best Innerspring Mattress of 2024
The Saatva Classic earned the top spot for the best innerspring mattress due to its supportive innerspring unit that offers a comfortable medium-firm feel. It’s a luxury mattress, but it comes in at a decent price for the level of quality you’re getting!
Best Innerspring Mattresses
- Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick
- Helix Midnight – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Innerspring Mattress for Couples
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Innerspring Mattress
- Titan Plus Luxe – Best Innerspring Mattress for Heavy People
- Plank Firm Luxe – Best Firm Innerspring Mattress
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Innerspring Mattress
Best Innerspring Mattresses: Our Video Review
Compare Innerspring Mattresses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Saatva Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 25-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 Nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
For this roundup, we prioritized features that are especially important for an innerspring bed. such as support, responsiveness, and pressure relief.
What We Want to See in an Innerspring Mattress
Support
How well a mattress supports you is one of the most important factors for getting quality sleep on an innerspring mattress. We look for beds with quality coils that aren’t going to allow sleepers to dip too far down in the mattress. We also see if the coils are individually wrapped to isolate motion better or utilize zones to provide more support around heavier parts of the body such as the midsection.
Bounce
Innerspring beds are often praised for their bounce as this makes them easier to move around on. Coils typically respond quickly to the pressure of body weight, which we often find makes repositioning much easier. With this in mind, bouncy innerspring beds are usually a great fit for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
Cooling
The open structure of innerspring beds makes them one of the best mattresses for cooling because air can circulate through the coils in these beds. Also, they don’t contour as tightly around your body as some foam mattresses, which can help keep your body temperature lower. This is an important feature when evaluating the beds on our list as overheating throughout the night can wreak havoc on your sleep.
The Best Innerspring Mattresses, Reviewed
Saatva Classic – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: The Saatva Classic is the gold standard for lower-back support, strong edges, and customizable luxury. It’s not the softest or most motion-isolating bed out there, but it’s a dependable, bouncy hybrid that consistently impresses our testers with its two coil units.
Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best Innerspring Mattress Overall
What’s better than a sturdy, responsive innerspring unit? Two of them, of course. The Saatva Classic has long dominated the innerspring mattress market with a luxury bed that features dual coil units: an upper layer of pocketed springs, and a lower one of interconnected springs.
The result is, as our lead reviewer Julia put it, a “Goldilocks-esque blend” of cushioning and support. Her midsection was “perfectly lifted” in multiple sleeping positions, and she was pleasantly surprised by how pillowy and not-at-all obtrusive that first layer of coils felt.
The Classic’s innovative design proves that you can truly double your fun when you double down on springs, and for that reason, it’s earned Editor’s Pick.
Helix Midnight – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Advisor Says: The Midnight has one of the most impressive score spreads of all the mattresses we’ve reviewed. The best word to describe it is “balanced”: it’s got pressure relief, support, and cooling power in spades, plus a versatile medium-firm feel that tends to satisfy lots of sleepers.
Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers require a welcoming, pressure-relieving surface paired with robust support that won’t let their spine dip out of alignment. On both counts, the Helix Midnight satisfies.
My fellow tester Loren noticed that it’s a perfect balance, saying that “you feel hugged and cradled by the top layer of foam, but the coils keep you from sinking too far.” There’s also plenty of cushion on top to keep pressure from building up in your hips and shoulders.
WinkBed – Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
Why the WinkBed Earned Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
When a bed boasts about something called a LumbarLayer™, you can reasonably infer that it’s going to feel good on your back. The WinkBed’s LumbarLayer™ is an internal portion of foam that boosts support around the lumbar spine, and it’s just one of several features that can help with back pain.
Others include the mattress’s zoned coils and its cushiony Euro top, which work together to provide a good balance of targeted pushback and pressure relief.
Our reviewers Sean and Mark enjoyed the WinkBed’s sturdiness and “ample support.” Speaking about its innerspring system, Sean commented that the pocketed coils do indeed “[help] keep the spine aligned when I roll onto my back.”
Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress
The Advisor Says: The Nolah Evolution is a team favorite with a highly competitive score spread—our testers gave it at least a 4 out of 5 in every single performance category. It’s definitely a luxury mattress, with the height (and price) to match.
Why the Nolah Evolution Earned Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress
At 15 inches high and with several original materials inside, the Nolah Evolution isn’t too concerned with mattress tradition or looking modest. It’s a luxury bed that’s “packed with soft layers for plush relief,” according to our tester, Stuart.
Even though it has an above-average number of components, the Evolution harmonizes them well. Its softer foam layers complement its responsive coils, and it keeps its lofty profile from getting too warm with multiple cooling elements.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Innerspring Mattress for Couples
The Advisor Says: For shoppers on a budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is one of the top hybrids we recommend. It’s simultaneously soft and bouncy, with three firmness options and decent cooling power.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Earned Best Innerspring Mattress for Couples
When there’s more than one person in an innerspring bed, you’ll want to counteract the responsiveness of the coils with the right amount of motion isolation. Fortunately, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid excels in both areas without sacrificing either.
This bed is topped with two types of foam for a cushioning surface that also absorbs motion. Its edges hold up well under weight, so couples can spread out and utilize the bed’s full surface area. What’s more, Emma characterized the mattress as “super versatile,” since she was able to switch from her stomach to her side and feel comfortable in both. The bed’s versatility extends to its firmness level: you can order it as a Soft, Medium, or Firm model, depending on you and your partner’s preferences.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Cooling Innerspring Mattress
The Advisor Says: This is a memorably bouncy and supportive hybrid with state-of-the-art cooling elements. It had a delightful balance of cushion and lift for back and stomach sleeping in particular.
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid Earned Best Cooling Innerspring Mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most luxurious model, and it also keeps cool. Most of it is owed to its cover, which incorporates both temperature-regulating phase change material and the performance textile Celliant®. According to early studies, Celliant® may be able to up the quality of your sleep by converting excess heat into infrared energy, which then promotes muscle recovery.
Our tester, Stuart, also enjoyed the Bear Elite Hybrid for its targeted support that the innerspring unit offers. “Sleepers with back, hip, or shoulder pain will love the zoned coil system,” he said.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Innerspring Mattress for Heavy People
The Advisor Says: This is a softer, taller bed than its predecessor, the Titan Plus. It’s designed for plus-size sleepers, but its versatile feel makes it approachable for average-weight sleepers, too. It’s a great choice for couples, even ones with different comfort preferences.
Why the Titan Plus Luxe Earned Best Innerspring Mattress for Heavy People
The Titan Plus Luxe was developed as an upgrade to the Titan Plus, with more height and an additional layer. Its construction seeks to directly counteract the most common issues shared by larger sleepers, such as a saggy middle, a lack of edge support, and overheating.
Our tester, Sean, was a fan. “It’s hard to find beds that accommodate heavier folks like myself, and this one did the trick,” he said. “It generously supported my weight.”
Plank Firm Luxe – Best Firm Innerspring Mattress
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding brought us the Plank Firm, one of the firmest beds in the online mattress market—and now they’re giving it an upgrade. As the name Plank Firm Luxe implies, this super-firm hybrid mattress should bring more to the table than its predecessor. We’re talking specialized foams, a supportive coil unit, and that same flippability—just even firmer, if you can believe it!
Why the Plank Firm Luxe Earned Best Firm Innerspring Mattress
A firm innerspring mattress should have sturdy, strong springs that won’t lose their structure or bounce. If they’re too weak, you’ll be stuck with a saggy (and potentially even poky) mattress.
The Plank Firm Luxe doesn’t have this problem. It’s a flippable bed with a Firm side and an Ultra-Firm side, both of which derive the bulk of their support from a robust 6-inch core of pocketed coils. Regardless of which side suits your tastes, my colleague Stuart said “You should feel excellent support and alignment in this bed.” But take note: this bed is firm with a capital F, and it’s not a good fit for sleepers who need a pillowy surface.
Birch Natural – Best Organic Innerspring Mattress
The Advisor Says: Dare we say the Birch Natural is the bed that comes to mind when we think latex? As the name implies, this bed combines natural components with quality construction, yielding a supportive, luxurious, and eco-friendly mattress.
Why the Birch Natural Earned Best Organic Innerspring Mattress
If you try to keep the Earth in mind while you shop, the Birch Natural should gel well with your values. It’s a hybrid mattress with several organic and eco-friendly components, including organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex. As for the domestically made springs, they give the mattress a lovely amount of responsiveness under all those green ingredients.
“This is a mattress that should work well for those who want a little more bounce and mobility, and those who prefer a more natural product,” said our tester, Stuart.
Other Innerspring Mattresses We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these innerspring beds are great fits according to our testing team. Check out our bonus featured recommendations below.
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
What Is an Innerspring Mattress?
An innerspring mattress is a bed that utilizes a coil unit (also called an innerspring unit) to support sleepers. These steel coils are typically positioned under layers of foam or other comfort materials to balance out their sturdy feel.
The number, shape, and gauge of the springs varies and yields different performance results. The way that these springs are arranged in a mattress can also vary; for example, they might be connected to one another or individually encased in fabric sleeves.
This classic mattress type has a traditional, bouncy feel. It’s been around for a while, so it might even be the kind of bed you slept on each night growing up. Nowadays, though, they’ve gotten an upgrade, so they retain the same springy support with some swanky added features.
Benefits of Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses come with some significant advantages shoppers will definitely want to consider.
More Airflow
Innerspring beds do not conform to the shape of your body as much as memory foam beds. This means there is more airflow around you, which can prevent you from overheating at night.
Quick Response
You can also move quickly on an innerspring’s surface thanks to the highly responsive coils. Changing positions and getting up doesn’t require nearly as much effort. This can be beneficial for combination sleepers, sexually active couples, and those who might need extra help getting in and out of bed.
Variety
Innerspring mattresses are sold in a wide variety of models from a large selection of brands. Shoppers can choose from traditional innerspring or hybrid models, with numerous options among manufacturers. This means that there is likely to be one to suit your needs as well as your budget. Whether you want firm or soft, large or small, and with or without foam comfort layers, you should be able to find the right model for you.
Read More: Our List of Mattress Reviews
Budget-Friendly
Innerspring mattresses, particularly the traditional kind, are among the cheapest mattress types out there. Even though hybrids may cost more, some good-quality budget options are still available to consumers. As there are so many mattress models on the market, there should always be an affordable choice if you are on a budget.
Read Our Full Guide: Best Budget Mattresses
Disadvantages of Innerspring Mattresses
Poor Motion Isolation
Innerspring mattresses don’t isolate motion as well as all-foam mattresses due to the bouncy coils in the construction. This may be a setback for couples because one partner could easily feel the other’s movements.
Innerspring mattresses with pocketed coils and thick comfort layers are better at isolating motion.
The coils will react individually to movements rather than all together, and a thicker foam can aid in further keeping motion in one spot.
On the other hand, continuous coils and thin foam on top won’t do a good job. One movement will trigger the response of more coils, and the thin foams won’t do well to absorb it. These innerspring mattresses will have especially noticeable motion transfer.
Weight
Innerspring mattresses are fairly heavy due to the steel coils in the construction. Hybrid mattresses will be even heavier with the added foam layers. This may not seem as important, but what if you want or need to flip the mattress over? Plus, a heavy mattress requires a heavy-duty, reliable foundation that can carry the weight of the mattress plus whoever is sleeping on it.
What to Look For in an Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses come in a variety of models with many different features to entice you. Read on as we look at the important considerations to help determine which innerspring bed is right for you.
Sleeping Position
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers bear a lot of weight on their shoulder and hip, which is why pressure relief is extra important for them. Considering that many classic innerspring mattresses don’t offer much in the way of pressure relief because of their lack of contouring foam, they aren’t usually a great fit for side sleepers. However, hybrid beds with foam on top and a sturdy coil base can be an excellent alternative.
Back Sleepers
There are advantages to sleeping on your back when it comes to healthy spinal alignment, as this position encourages your spine’s natural curvature. However, to make sure that you accomplish this, you’ll need a supportive mattress with a firmness level that works for your body type. Traditional innerspring and hybrid mattresses can be great choices for these sleepers. If you choose an innerspring mattress, you’ll want to concentrate on those that don’t tend to sag over time and will keep your lower back well-supported.
Stomach Sleepers
To prevent their hips from dipping too far in a mattress and hyperextending their spine, stomach sleepers need a firm and supportive mattress. As long as the bed is supportive enough for the sleeper’s midsection and hips, innerspring beds can work well. That said, some stomach sleepers who sleep without a pillow might like a little foam on top for some cushioning against their head, in which case a hybrid might be preferred.
Combination Sleepers
Since combination sleepers change positions throughout the night, they need to find beds that are comfortable in different positions and that are easier to move around on. Innerspring beds often provide superior bounce, which makes changing positions easier. Hybrid beds can also be a good choice, as the foam should provide pressure relief if lying on your side is one of your go-to positions. However, the type of foam in a hybrid is important because memory foam is slow-moving and may make you feel stuck when trying to move. If you go with a hybrid, you may want to consider one with responsive latex foam.
Body Weight
Traditional innerspring mattresses are good for average to heavier sleepers because these beds are firm enough to support and evenly distribute the sleeper’s weight. However, a lightweight individual might prefer a softer hybrid bed, with the comfort foams cushioning pressure points. Some hybrid versions are useful for average and heavier sleepers, but they’ll need to consider the firmness of the particular model and their sleeping position.
Firmness
Your preferred sleeping position and body weight are some of the biggest factors influencing the firmness level you’ll find most comfortable.
Soft beds are best for side and lightweight sleepers, who need gentle cradling and pressure relief. Medium-firm beds are best for back sleepers, combination sleepers, and average-size individuals. Lastly, firm beds are most beneficial for heavier individuals and stomach sleepers who need extra support for spine alignment. But you don’t have to subscribe to these suggestions. Firmness is subjective, and you should be able to feel what works for you!
Durability
Innerspring mattresses are known to be durable, lasting approximately seven to ten years. However, this can vary depending on a few factors, such as the quality of the materials and maintenance. As you might expect, beds with high-quality materials will last longer than more basic models made of lower-quality materials.
How you care for a mattress also has a huge say. For example, rotating it regularly and not letting your kids jump on it should help prolong its life. Find mattresses that don’t sag for more durable bed options.
Motion Isolation
Innerspring mattresses don’t isolate motion as well as all-foam mattresses because of their inherent bounce. This may be a setback for some couples because you can easily feel one another’s movements.
If one or both of you are light sleepers, you may be waking each other up by tossing and turning or getting in and out of bed.
If you want an innerspring mattress and are worried about motion transfer, consider a spring bed with pocketed coils and thick comfort layers.
On the other hand, a bed with continuous coils and thin foam on top won’t do a good job absorbing movement.
Seniors looking for a supportive mattress should check out our Best Mattresses for Seniors.
Sex
For many people and couples, how well a mattress performs during sex is an important thing to consider. Fortunately, innerspring mattresses tend to be a great choice for those who are sexually active.
Innerspring mattresses’ bouncy coils quickly go back to their original shape when pressure is released. The responsiveness helps people from feeling stuck in the mattresses and allows them to reposition more easily. Additionally, innerspring mattresses generally have good edge support, which will allow couples to utilize the entire surface area of their bed.
Related: Best Mattress for Sex
Pressure Relief
To provide adequate pressure relief, a mattress needs to offer comfort and contouring around more sensitive areas of the body, such as the hips and shoulders.
Considering that the top comfort layers of innerspring mattresses can be considerably thinner than other mattresses, they don’t typically offer much cushioning to relieve pressure. If pressure relief is near the top of your list of must-haves, hybrid mattresses, which have coils and thicker foam layers, could be a better fit.
More: Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Edge Support
Couples or people who tend to migrate toward the edge of a bed will want a mattress that has good support around the perimeter.
Since coils are stronger and some models feature reinforced coils along the edges, we think innerspring beds are solid picks for couples and others who want added stability when getting in and out of bed.
Budget
Innerspring mattresses, particularly the traditional kind, are among the cheapest mattress types out there. Even though hybrids may cost more, some good-quality budget options are still available to consumers. As there are so many mattress models on the market, there should always be an affordable choice if you are on a budget.
Read Our Full Guide: Best Budget Mattresses
Types of Coils In an Innerspring Mattress
Different innerspring beds will feature different coil patterns and designs. The four primary coil types used in mattresses are featured below.
Bonnell Coils
Open coils, also called Bonnell coils, are the oldest type of spring system found in innerspring mattresses. Their design consists of multiple springs that are interconnected within a wire frame. A standard open-coil mattress usually contains about 300 springs.
This design usually provides very firm support. Bonnell coil units are also typically lighter than pocket spring units, making the beds easier to turn.
However, they aren’t the most durable coil type and are liable to sag or dip in the middle over time. This process can cause an uneven feel across the surface of the bed, as well as “roll-together,” which is when couples find themselves rolling into the divot.
Encased Coils
Encased coils are the most modern and sought-after coil type in innerspring beds. They’re also referred to as pocketed, wrapped, or Marshall coils.
A bed with these springs can have hundreds or even thousands of individual coils, each sitting in its own fabric pocket. As they are not attached to each other, the springs can move independently to provide pushback as needed. The individually wrapped springs also help prevent motion transfer, so if you move during the night, your partner is less likely to wake up.
This type of coil system conforms to your body, distributing your weight evenly and preventing the pressure buildup that can cause shoulder and back pain.
Due to these highly desirable features, pocket spring beds are usually the most expensive kinds of innerspring mattresses available.
Offset Coils
Offset coils are similar in structure to open coils, except each spring is hinged together by a helical wire on top. Like pocketed coils, this design provides increased contouring and better motion isolation than open coils.
This coil design can also feel firmer than pocketed coils, as the hinging effect allows the springs to bear more weight. Offset coils can be an excellent choice if you want a mattress with a softer surface but an especially firm, supportive core.
Continuous Coils
As the name suggests, continuous coil units (also known as Mira Coils) are made up of rows of coils that stretch from the head to the foot of the bed, made with a single piece of wire. These coils are then attached to one other with additional helical wires, forming an interconnected foundation.
This design results in a durable, firm, supportive mattress at a low cost. However, continuous coils do not conform to you in quite the same way as pocketed and offset coils do, and they can also be noticeably creaky.
Coil Count
The coil count is the number of coils (or springs) inside the mattress. This amount can range from 200 in a Twin to 1000 in a Queen size bed, or 2000 in a high-quality King size bed.
More coils tend to indicate a better-quality mattress, as the more springs there are, the sturdier it should be. This means a more supportive and longer-lasting bed.
It may not come as a surprise, then, that the higher the number of coils, typically equates to a higher cost. As a general rule of thumb, anything under 300 is considered poor quality.
However, bear in mind that the coil count isn’t the only thing that matters regarding quality. The gauge of the coil can be just as important.
Coil Gauge
The gauge of the coil refers to the thickness of the metal wire used to form the coil. Numbers commonly range from 12 and 15, with half gauges in between, but they can sometimes go up to 18.
While it may sound confusing, lower coil gauges have thicker wires and create a firmer spring, while higher coil gauges have thinner wires and provide a softer spring.
If your body type needs a bed on the firmer side that is more supportive, it’s best to go towards a 12-coil gauge. However, if you prefer a bouncy, plush mattress, shoot for 13.5 and above.
You should always compare the number of coils to the gauge of the coils when choosing your bed. This is because a bed with stronger wires but fewer coils can offer the same or even better quality as one with more but thinner coils.
Innerspring vs. Other Materials
As we’ve said, an innerspring is the most classic you can go when it comes to mattresses. But how does it compare with other mattress types on the market?
Innerspring vs. Memory Foam
Memory foam and innerspring beds are about as opposite as can be. Memory foam beds are constructed entirely out of memory foam, providing cushioning and sinkage that’s best for lightweight sleepers or those who sleep on their side. Innersprings tend to feel firmer than memory foams and offer more bounce.
Innerspring vs. Hybrid
Simply put, a hybrid is an upgraded version of an innerspring mattress. Both mattress types feature coils, but a hybrid bed has added comfort layers on top, usually made of memory foam. Hybrids balance softness and support, making them a great pick for side and back sleepers. Learn more in our full Innerspring vs. Hybrid Mattresses guide
Innerspring vs. Latex
Latex is a springy material naturally derived from the sap of rubber trees. Both springs and latex should provide bounce, but latex also possesses some cushioning and pressure-relieving abilities that some springs cannot offer. Latex is a great option for eco-conscious shoppers and combination sleepers. If you’re still not sure which option is best for you, check out the complete Latex vs. Innerspring Mattresses article.
Innerspring vs. Pillow Top
A pillow top mattress has an extra pillowy, cushioning comfort layer on the mattress surface. It’s usually associated with higher-end or luxurious mattresses. An innerspring mattress can theoretically have a pillow top, but it’s more common in hybrid mattresses. Pillow top beds are great for luxury shoppers or anyone looking for pressure relief.
Compare Average Performance Ratings of Mattress Types
| Performance Test | Innerspring | Memory Foam | Hybrid | Latex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure Relief | 4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3.3 |
| Support | 5 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.8 |
| Motion Isolation | 3 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Cooling | 4 | 3.7 | 4 | 4.3 |
| Bounce | 4 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4.8 |
| Edge Support | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Couples | 4 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 4 |
Who Should Buy An Innerspring Mattress?
Innerspring beds can work well for all types of sleepers. Traditional spring mattresses are best suited for average to heavy-set people. These beds are typically firmer, so they can keep these sleepers well-supported. Lightweight individuals will likely prefer the hybrid version since these come with softer comfort layers to provide more cushioning. That being said, people who carry significantly more weight may opt for a hybrid because the additional foams can provide enhanced support and prevent them from sinking through the layers down into the coils.
Depending on what position you sleep in, certain types of innerspring mattresses will perform better or worse for you. For stomach and back sleepers, it is recommended that you have a strong core support system to maintain optimal alignment of the spine. Therefore, pocket coils, which help spread weight evenly on the bed, are a good choice if you fall into this category.
Side sleepers can do well with a hybrid innerspring mattress like the Helix Midnight. You still need support from a coil core, but a top layer can provide a more comfortable, pressure-relieving surface.
Who Shouldn’t Buy An Innerspring Mattress?
An innerspring mattress should be good for most people, but there are a few factors to consider before buying one. First, most innerspring beds can’t handle too much weight, which may be a problem for heavier sleepers or if you sleep with a partner. The limited motion isolation spring mattresses have is also a drawback for many couples.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the mattress itself. These have steel coils that weigh more, so carrying them may be difficult unless you have someone to help you. Finally, people with spine and lower back problems may need more support than an innerspring bed can provide.
Best Innerspring Mattress FAQs
How often should I replace an innerspring mattress?
An innerspring mattress can last you up to seven years or so, depending on the quality and type of the coils within it. Lower-gauge coils tend to have a longer lifespan than higher-gauge ones due to their thicker construction.
However, the best indicator that it’s time to replace your mattress won’t be the number of years you’ve owned it. Instead, pay attention to the feel of your bed, and note when it begins to sag or lose its bounce.
Do you need a box spring for an innerspring mattress?
Most innerspring mattresses that you can order online today don’t need a box spring. They’re designed to provide enough support on their own, often with the help of sturdy bases and foam layers.
However, more traditional innerspring mattresses with thinner designs may need a box spring underneath. Always check the instructions that come with your bed to see if it’s meant to be placed on top of a box spring.
Can you flip an innerspring mattress?
Most innerspring mattresses aren’t designed to be flipped. However, this depends on the construction of the specific mattress you’re interested in. If the structure has the same layers when turned upside down, it’ll likely perform the same when flipped. If not, the bed may not operate correctly if you flip it. Some manufacturers create dual-sided beds that have a softer firmness on one side and a firmer feel on the other. Ensure you check your mattress specifications from the manufacturer before you do any flipping. All beds can be rotated, though, if you’re looking to increase mattress longevity.
How many coils should a mattress have?
A full-size mattress should have at least 300 coils, a queen-size mattress should have at least 375–400 coils, and a king-size mattress should have at least 450–480 coils. These coil numbers are the bare minimum for a reliable mattress—you’ll commonly see high-quality mattresses on the market with more than 1,000 coils.
Keep in mind that coil count isn’t the whole story. Coil type and gauge also have an impact on the support, feel, and longevity of your bed. If one mattress has fewer coils than another, those coils might be thicker (with a lower gauge) and therefore compensate for the difference.
What is the best innerspring mattress without memory foam?
An innerspring mattress with memory foam is essentially a hybrid mattress. If you want a true innerspring, be sure to make sure the mattress is called an “innerspring” versus a hybrid, and check the manufacturer’s materials listed. Most innersprings will include some type of softer layer on top, though it may not be memory foam–the same is true for hybrids. For more information on the subject, check out our article on innersprings versus hybrids.
Why do hotels use innerspring mattresses?
Hotels likely use innerspring mattresses due to their sturdy construction that will last long, keeping up the support and comfort as they keep up with guest demand. A high-quality innerspring bed can feel luxurious for most, especially if it features a pillow top. If you’re curious about what mattresses hotels use, check out our best hotel mattress page.
Are innerspring and coil mattresses the same?
All innerspring mattresses have coils, but not all coil mattresses are innersprings. A coil mattress can be topped off with memory foam, latex, or some other combination of comfort materials–and usually multiple layers of them. An innerspring usually only has a thin layer covering the springs.
Which is better: innerspring or pocket coil?
Pocketed coils in an innerspring unit allow for coils to respond individually, as opposed to connected coils, which may respond all at once. Therefore, pocketed coils contribute to motion isolation, AKA if you feel your partner or pet’s movements from the other side of the mattress. Whether that makes them better than traditional springs is up to you!
Conclusion
Innerspring mattresses are the traditional choice and are still widely popular today. They provide support, bounce, and breathability in their sturdy construction.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best innerspring mattress, including spring design, coil count, and coil gauge. These all contribute to how durable, soft, or firm it is. There are many models to choose from, which can be frustrating when you are trying to select a mattress, but it also means that there should be one that will suit your needs.
Hopefully, our how-to-buy guide has cleared up some of the mattress-related mysteries that were on your mind before you read this article.
Compare Prices of Our Top Innerspring Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Saatva Classic | Editor’s Pick | $1,995 | Saatva Classic Mattress Review |
| Helix Midnight | Side Sleepers | $1,332 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
| WinkBed | Back Pain | $1,799 | Winkbed Mattress Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Luxury | $2,299 | Nolah Evolution Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Couples | $1,249 | Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Cooling | $2,305 | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Titan Plus Luxe | Heavy People | $1,599 | Titan Plus Luxe Mattress Review |
| Plank Firm Luxe | Firm | $1,072.40 | Plank Firm Luxe Mattress Review |
| Birch Natural | Organic | $1,799 | Birch Natural Mattress Review |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach