The first innerspring mattress was invented in the 1870s. Even though these mattresses have been around for nearly a century and a half, they still are seen as the best mattress by many consumers. Innerspring mattresses are designed with coils, also referred to as springs, that add support to the mattress. These coils can help keep the spine aligned to prevent back pain. In addition to supportive coils, innerspring mattresses feature a padded upper layer to keep you comfortable as you sleep.
Choosing a mattress is a big decision. On average, people spend around 26 years of their life sleeping, so clearly finding the best innerspring mattress is essential. To help simplify this challenging task, this guide lists some top mattresses and outlines key considerations for choosing the ideal innerspring mattress to help you get a restful night’s sleep.
- BEST OVERALL: DreamCloud Premier Mattress
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Inofia Mattress, 10 Inch Hybrid Innerspring
- UPGRADE PICK: Saatva Classic Mattress
- BEST ORGANIC: Avocado Green Mattress
- BEST COOLING: Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
- BEST FOR HEAVY PEOPLE: Big Fig Mattress
- BEST FOR BACK PAIN: Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
- ALSO CONSIDER: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
How We Chose the Best Innerspring Mattresses
We researched the most sought-after innerspring mattresses in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their suitable sleeping positions, firmness level(s), number of and types of layers, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included options in our list of top picks that were suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers and that come in soft, medium, and hard mattress options to support these sleeping styles. To ensure these mattresses met the preference of every sleeper out there, we included options with pocketed, wrapped, and Ascension coils for added support and tension relief to the back, hips, and shoulders.
As for the special features included with each mattress, many of these chosen top picks come with quilted, hypoallergenic, or Euro-top layers; fireproof materials; cooling-gel layers; memory foam; and foam rails to suit shoppers’ preferences. Plus, many of these picks come with edge support that allows users to get in and out of bed easier, high-density bases for added durability, and/or CertiPUR-US certifications for their use of sustainable materials.
Our Top Picks
Continue reading for some top picks for the best innerspring mattress based on many of the criteria outlined above. Also, consider the quality of construction and materials.
Photo: dreamcloudsleep.com
This DreamCloud Premier Mattress design offers many unique features that contribute to comfort. Six separate layers on the mattress work together for enhanced comfort and cooling capabilities. The top layer is a soft yet lightweight cooling and moisture-wicking Mongolian cashmere. Beneath the top layer is a Euro-top layer with quilted memory foam to cradle the sleeper’s body. The Euro-top design also gives this mattress greater edge support than other options.
Two layers of foam lie beneath the padded Euro-top layer: a point-activated, gel memory-foam layer to relieve pressure points and a low-motion transfer foam layer to provide support and limit disturbances from motion on the other side of the mattress. The next layer features edge-to-edge pocketed coils for optimal support and comfort. The final layer of the mattress is made from a porous foam that improves airflow and lessens unwanted vibrations when the coils are redistributed. Higher-gauge coils extend to the perimeter to improve edge support. This mattress is considered a luxury firm mattress suited for side, back, or stomach sleepers.
Product Specs
- Suitable sleeping position(s): Side, back, and stomach sleepers
- Coil type: Edge-to-edge pocketed coils
- Firmness: Firm
Pros
- 6-layered design; provides comfort and cooling capabilities
- Cooling and moisture-wicking Mongolian-cashmere top layer
- Euro-top feature provides edge support
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Some strictly stomach sleepers may not be very comfortable in the long term
Get the DreamCloud innerspring mattress at DreamCloud.
Photo: amazon.com
The Inofia 10-inch hybrid innerspring mattress is an example of a great mattress at an equally great price. It features seven layers that provide cooling comfort and pressure relief. The top layer is hypoallergenic and designed to promote airflow to regulate body temperature for all-night comfort. A foam layer beneath the top layer has fireproof materials for safety. The third layer features a comfort foam that offers pressure relief and provides padding to soften the feel of the innerspring layer. Two additional layers, under the comfort foam, are designed to increase airflow within the mattress and manage temperature for added cooling benefits.
The innerspring layer of the mattress features individually wrapped pocket springs to offer support and facilitate even more airflow. Finally, a high-density base keeps the mattress sturdy and increases its durability. This hybrid mattress offers sturdy edge support to make getting in or out of bed easier. It is also designed to minimize motion disturbances, allowing one partner to sleep soundly when the other is moving around.
Product Specs
- Suitable sleeping position(s): All
- Coil type: Pocketed
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- 7 layers provide cooling, pressure relief, and comfort
- Hypoallergenic top layer; promotes air flow and regulates body temperature
- Fireproof materials prevent accidental burning
- High-density base provides ample durability and keeps it in place
- Affordable compared to similar options
Cons
- Caution advised when removing the mattress from the packaging
- Does not work with an adjustable frame
Get the Inofia hybrid mattress at Amazon or Inofia.
Photo: helixsleep.com
The five-layer design of this luxurious classic mattress from Saatva can improve comfort for enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep. It comes in three firmness options—plush soft, luxury firm, and firm—so individuals or couples can select the best level for their specific needs and preferences. The top layer of the hybrid mattress is a soft Euro-pillow top. The plush pillow-top design helps the mattress provide relief for joint pain and pressure.
This mattress also offers high-density foam rails that wrap around the entire perimeter to provide firm edge support and keep the mattress from sagging when getting into or out of bed. In all, 884 pocketed coils at 14.5 gauge (on the queen innerspring mattress) help this mattress to contour to each body and reduce motion transfer. Additionally, the coils ensure air can flow to help regulate sleepers’ temperatures. Below the pocketed coils, this mattress also boasts a CertiPUR-US certified, high-density memory foam and active wire layer. These two materials provide pressure relief and back support along the center of the mattress.
Product Specs
- Suitable sleeping position(s): Any sleeper (depending on firmness)
- Coil type: Pocketed
- Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, and firm
Pros
- Soft Euro pillow top relieves pain and joint pressure
- High-density foam rails wrap around the entire mattress perimeter to provide edge support and prevent sagging
- 884 pocketed coils contour to the body and prevent motion transfer and heat
- CertiPUR-US certified high-density memory foam provides pressure relief and back support
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Luxury firm mattress option may be too firm for most side sleepers
- Some users report ample motion transfer depending upon the firmness chosen
Get the Saatva hybrid mattress at Saatva.
Photo: avocadogreenmattress.com
For a mattress featuring natural and organic materials, consider the Avocado Green Mattress. It features a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) organic certified latex and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) organic certified wool and cotton. Unlike other mattresses, this option uses no toxic fire retardants, polyurethane foams, or polyester. It is also hand-tufted for added quality and durability.
Depending on the mattress size, up to 1,414 pocketed coils provide support. They come in three different gauges and are placed into five zones to create a pressure-point support system that offers optimal levels of back support. The internal zones also contribute to the overall quality and durability of this model and help increase its lifespan. This mattress offers a medium-firm feel and can be a good option for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, or heavier and taller side sleepers. Side sleepers and other individuals looking for a softer mattress can upgrade their purchase with a Euro-pillow top to add an extra 2 inches of GOLS-certified latex rubber foam.
Product Specs
- Suitable sleeping position(s): Back, stomach, and side sleepers
- Coil type: Pocketed
- Firmness: Medium firm and gentle firm
Pros
- Made with organic materials; GOLS and GOTS certified
- No toxic fire retardants, polyurethane foams, or polyester
- Hand tufted for quality, comfort, and durability
Cons
- May not be suitable for strictly side sleepers
- May not muffle any motion transfer
Get the Avocado innerspring mattress at Avocado.
Photo: helixsleep.com
Hot sleepers appreciate cooling effects in a mattress, like those offered by the special Tencel cover on this Midnight Luxe Mattress from Helix. The layer allows plenty of air to flow to prevent the mattress from retaining heat. The mattress also features a smooth quilted pillow top designed with ultracool technology to provide additional temperature-regulated comfort.
This mattress has a medium level of firmness. It offers a good compromise for partners who do not completely agree about the optimal firmness level. Zoning technology with more than 1,000 pocketed coils is another feature of this product. The various zones offer greater firmness beneath the hips and a softer feel around the shoulders to keep the body in alignment and supply optimal lumbar support. Additionally, the zones offer improved edge support to make it easier to get into and out of bed.
Product Specs
- Suitable sleeping position(s): Side sleepers
- Coil type: Pocketed
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Tencel cover provides plenty of airflow for cooling capabilities
- Smooth quilted pillow top for added cooling effects; ultracool technology integrated
- Zoning technology prevents motion transfer; 1,000 pocketed coils
- Provides ample support and tension relief for shoulders and hips
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with larger builds
- Not recommended for stomach sleepers
Get the Helix innerspring mattress at Helix Sleep.
Photo: bigfigmattress.com
The Big Fig Mattress was created specifically for heavier individuals. The foundation for this mattress is up to five times as supportive as many other mattresses; it can support up to 2,000 pounds. A hybrid design offers optimal comfort and support to prevent heavier individuals from sinking too deeply into the mattress and putting their spine out of alignment.
To keep users cool all night, the mattress also features a quilted top treated with ThermoGel cooling technology; when the cooling gel senses body heat, it activates to cool the body down. Additionally, the mattress features a perforated foam layer infused with gel. This layer allows for optimal airflow and works along with the ThermoGel cooling technology to provide maximum comfort.
Product Specs
- Suitable sleeping position(s): Stomach and combo sleepers
- Coil type: Wrapped
- Firmness: Medium firm
Pros
- Hybrid design aids in supporting heavier individuals; supports up to 2,000 pounds of weight
- Quilted top layer is treated with ThermoGel cooling technology
- Perforated foam layer infused with gel for added support and airflow
Cons
- Not suitable for side sleepers
- Not recommended for those with smaller builds
- Not recommended for those who prefer a softer mattress
Get the Big Fig innerspring mattress at Big Fig.
Photo: casper.com
The Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress is designed to offer relief from back pain to help users get a more restful night’s sleep and feel less pain the next day. The mattress features special Zoned Support Max + gel pods that keep the spine aligned. It also offers gel pod support for the hips for enhanced comfort. Additionally, this mattress includes hundreds of coils that offer lift and enhanced airflow. The bed springs also provide edge support to make it easier to get into or out of bed.
The Wave hybrid mattress also provides cooling properties. Its design features three layers of breathable foam to prevent heat retention. A cooling gel layer can help regulate the body’s temperature to restrict overheating. All of the foams used for this mattress are CertiPUR-US certified.
Product Specs
- Suitable sleeping position(s): Back and side sleeping
- Coil type: Pocketed
- Firmness: Soft/medium
Pros
- Special Zoned Support Max plus gel pods for excellent spine alignment to relieve back pain and tension in the hips
- Hundreds of coils provide lift and airflow for cooling capabilities
- Springs help enhance edge support; makes it easier to get in and out of the bed
- 3 breathable foam layers and a cooling-gel layer aid in heat resistance
- Ethical materials used; all CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Memory foam may not provide softness (if preferred)
- Very pricey compared to similar products
Get the Casper hybrid mattress at Casper.
Photo: brooklynbedding.com
This economically priced innerspring hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is available in three firmness layers to match individual preferences. Choose from soft, medium, or firm options based on preference and typical sleeping position. Pocketed Ascension coils and a responsive foam provide compression support and enhanced comfort. In addition to the pocketed coils, this mattress offers Ascension perimeter coils to provide optimal edge support for getting into and out of bed with ease.
A 1-inch quilted gel memory-foam layer tops the mattress to keep individuals cool as they sleep. Beneath this layer is a 1.5-inch layer of TitanFlex foam. This special foam offers exquisite contouring properties and responds to the movements of an individual’s body. This mattress comes in a box for easy transport from the front door to the bedroom
Product Specs
- Suitable Sleeping Position(s): Any sleeping position (depending on firmness)
- Coil type: Pocketed Ascension coils
- Firmness: Soft, medium, and firm
Pros
- Responsive foam provides compression support and comfort
- Ascension perimeter coils for added edge support; makes it easier to get in and out of bed
- 1-inch quilted gel memory-foam layer top provides cooling properties
- TitanFlex foam aids in contouring an individual’s body
Cons
- May not be suitable for strictly stomach sleepers
Get the Brooklyn Bedding innerspring mattress at Brooklyn Bedding.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Innerspring Mattress
Before purchasing a new innerspring mattress, take some time to learn about the options that are available. There are a large number of these mattresses on the market, and each product offers different features that might better suit individual needs.
Sleeping Position
Think about your preferred sleeping position when shopping for a new innerspring mattress, as various mattresses provide better support and comfort for certain sleeping positions over others. Innerspring mattresses are popular among back sleepers since the coils can help support the back. The coils also move and bend in sync with a person’s movement, contouring well to the body. Many stomach sleepers also prefer an innerspring mattress; the firmer design can keep a sleeper’s hips from sinking into the mattress too much.
Side sleepers interested in an innerspring mattress might prefer a hybrid model. Hybrid mattresses contain similar coils but also include layers of memory foam or latex to relieve the pressure placed on the joints when sleeping on one’s side.
Coils
Coils are a central component of an innerspring mattress. There are four different types of coils: pocketed, open, offset, and continuous.
- Pocketed coils help a mattress better conform to the body and help distribute weight evenly across the mattress. This is because pocketed coils can move independently of one another since each coil has its own pocket. Often mattresses with pocketed coils cost more than others. Mattress companies also might call pocketed coils wrapped, encased, or Marshall coils.
- Open coils are the most common option and the oldest spring system. Mattresses with open coils have numerous interconnected springs in one wire frame. They typically cost less than other coil types but are not ideal for minimizing movement across the mattress for couples and might sag in the center after a number of years. Open coils typically provide a firmer level of support. They also are called Bonnell coils.
- Offset coils, like open coils, feature multiple interconnected springs. However, with this type, a helical wire hinges the coils together. This design difference helps the mattress conform better to an individual’s body. It also helps limit motion disturbance to partners. Offset coils cost more than pocketed coils.
- Continuous coils, also called Mira coils, run in multiple rows the entire length of the innerspring mattress. A single piece of wire makes up each row and helical wires connect the coils together. A mattress with continuous coils can be very supportive and durable. These mattresses are not ideal for conforming to the body, however.
In addition to considering the different types of coils, look for information about the number of springs in each mattress. In general, a higher coil count corresponds with a higher quality mattress.
Additionally, look at the gauge of the coils. This refers to the thickness of the coils’ wire. Most innerspring mattress wires run between 12 and 15 gauge, but some could be as high as 18 gauge. The lower the gauge, the thicker the wire and the more supportive the mattress. So, if you are looking for a firmer mattress, consider one with a coil gauge around 12. For a bouncier mattress, coil gauges of 13.5 or higher will be best.
One final consideration on coils: A mattress with fewer coils made of a lower gauge can actually offer a higher-quality option than a mattress with more coils of a higher gauge.
Top Layer
In addition to looking for information about the coil type, count, and gauge, it is important to consider the materials used to make the top layer that sits above the coils. The top mattress layer adds padding and sometimes is called the upholstery layer. Companies might use foams or fibers to create the top layer and make the mattress more comfortable.
Some of the materials commonly used to create the top layer of an innerspring mattress include latex, gel memory foam, visco-elastic, or polyurethane foam. Top layers also might be from cotton, polyester, or polypropylene, but these are less expensive materials typically found on cheaper mattresses and might not last as long as higher-grade materials.
Firmness
Selecting an innerspring mattress that provides the desired level of firmness is essential. Each individual has preferences, and selecting one depends mostly on what you (or you and your partner) prefer.
In general, a firm mattress is optimal for stomach sleepers or heavier individuals, as it will provide enough support to keep the spine in alignment and prevent sleepers from sinking into the mattress too much. Back sleepers often prefer medium or medium-firm mattresses. These mattresses provide enough support for the back while also offering some contouring. Finally, softer mattresses are a popular choice for side sleepers since they offer more cushioning to relieve pressure on the joints.
Contouring
In general, innerspring mattresses do not offer as much contouring or cradling as other types, such as pillow-top mattresses. They generally are a firmer option and are most ideal for stomach sleepers or heavier individuals who need a mattress that won’t let their body sink down too much.
However, many available hybrid mattresses offer more contouring. A hybrid mattress is a mix of elements from both innerspring and foam mattress designs. They offer the support associated with an innerspring mattress but include softer foam layers that provide better contouring for side or back sleepers.
Pressure Relief
A standard innerspring mattress isn’t the most ideal option for relieving pressure on the joints. They are too firm and do not contour to an individual’s body enough to relieve pressure on the hips, shoulders, or back.
However, a hybrid innerspring mattress is a good option to relieve pressure on the joints. Additional layers of foam and padding help hybrid mattresses contour to an individual’s body and alleviate pressure for a more comfortable night’s sleep. Choosing the best mattress for back pain, hip pain, or shoulder pain should be a priority if you wake up in pain or experience pain throughout the day.
Edge Support
Innerspring mattresses can offer better edge support than other types of mattresses. They have coil support systems that span the full width and length of the mattress, which can help prevent the edges from sinking too much when getting into or out of bed.
Innerspring mattresses also have a solid, integrated top layer, unlike many pillow-top mattresses. This layer helps provide support at the edges to keep them from sinking.
Temperature Regulation
Compared to other types of mattresses, such as those made from memory foam, innerspring mattresses are a good option for people who tend to get too warm when they sleep. The open coil design of these mattresses causes more air to flow and keeps the mattress from retaining too much heat.
Innerspring mattresses can offer additional cooling features. For example, some manufacturers infuse gel, graphite, or other cooling materials into layers of their mattresses to help regulate temperature. Other manufacturers might add a more breathable fabric to cover the top of the mattress.
FAQs
The frequently asked questions below offer additional information and insight to help you select the best innerspring mattress. If you still have questions about choosing a mattress, consider reaching out to one or more of the manufacturers to learn more about the products they offer.
Q. What is the difference between innerspring and coil mattresses?
A coil mattress is just another name for an innerspring mattress. However, sometimes the term “coil mattress” is used to refer to one type of innerspring mattress with pocket coils. Pocketed coil mattresses distribute weight more evenly and conform to the body better than other innerspring mattresses.
Q. Are spring mattresses good for back pain?
Some spring mattresses might be a good option for individuals suffering from back pain. Mattresses with pocket coils can help distribute a sleeper’s weight evenly to provide relief from pressure points. They are also more supportive, which is important when trying to remedy back pain.
Q. Do innerspring mattresses need a box spring?
No, a box spring is not always necessary for an innerspring mattress. Box springs aren’t required if an innerspring mattress will rest on a sturdy foundation, such as a platform bed. However, many prefer to use a box spring since it can help prevent a mattress from sagging and elevate the mattress further off the ground.
Q. How long will an innerspring mattress last?
The exact amount of time an innerspring mattress will last varies, based on the quality of the springs and other materials and how well a user cares for the mattress. In general, though, an innerspring mattress will last between seven and 10 years.
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