Innerspring mattresses— also known as traditional beds— derive their support from a coil system rather than layers of foam. The coils provide support, while fabric or foam padding keeps the coils from damaging the mattress. Foam or batting is used to provide cushioning, so you don’t feel the coils as you sleep.

Innerspring mattresses are available in several different firmness levels, which makes them ideal for any sleeper. Even better, innerspring mattresses tend to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam beds.

In this article, we share our favorite innerspring mattress options and offer a guide to help you discover the best innerspring mattress for a good night’s sleep.

Designed to help you achieve deeper, more restorative sleep, the Zoma Boost offers a luxurious pillow top feel that’s quick to relax you as you lay down to rest. It’s ideal for anyone who wants the feel of an innerspring mattress without forgoing the pressure-relieving cushion that many traditional spring models lack.

The Zoma Boost comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

While the Zoma Boost has some similarities to a classic innerspring mattress with a pillow top, it feels quite different when you lie down and compare the two. A feathery pillow top may not feel as supportive as responsive foams that yield as needed to the body, while the fabric of the Zoma Boost is less heavy and heat-absorbent than a traditional mattress cover.

The Zoma Boost is the best innerspring mattress overall for a reason. Here is what some had to say:

Jordan B: As a healthcare professional that recommends mattresses to people every day, this is by far my number one mattress suggestion for patients.

Ryan M: Extremely happy with the purchase – sleeping on anything else would be a downgrade at this point.

Daemon P: Falling asleep was almost as uncomfortable as waking up sore after a hard workout. This bed stopped all that. It’s really improved the quality of my sleep.

Inside the Mattress

One of the standout features of the Zoma Boost is its ultra-cool fabric cover. It is plush and light, with a colorful print of triangles and a mild lustrous feel. The Zoma Boost’s cover is woven to work with underlying layers and create the feel of sleeping on a cool, refreshing cloud.

Quilted into the cover is hypersoft foam for immediate cushion, followed by a layer of graphite-infused memory foam. These two layers enable the mattress to hug your curves and eliminate tension while also staying cool as you stretch out and sleep.

The Zoma Boost also features Zoma’s proprietary Reactiv™ foam, a bouncy material that prevents unwanted sinkage, and makes it easy to move across the mattress. This foam layer works in harmony with the bed’s pocketed coils to provide support that’s both firm and responsive, promoting healthy spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.

The pocketed coils that make up the Zoma Boost’s support are typically viewed as better than classic open coils. They are wrapped to isolate motion, and the sides are reinforced to offer edge support for an easier time sliding out of bed in the morning.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Seniors

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Boost Mattress

Amerisleep’s AS3 Hybrid has a medium firmness and offers sleepers a perfect balance of contouring and support, perfect for most sleep positions and body types. Plus, this mattress works well for combination sleepers and couples with different firmness needs.

How Laying Down Feels

The AS3 Hybrid has a 3-inch Bio-Pur® comfort layer. Based on reviews, sleepers have noticed the bed’s instant pressure relief and support, making it easier for them to get comfortable and never want to get out of bed. In addition to the natural airiness of Amerisleep’s plant-based comfort foam, the soft mattress cover is also ventilated to encourage airflow and regulate temperature.

Couples had a lot to say about the AS3 Hybrid innerspring mattress. Here are some reviews:

Ari: It’s changed our lives. Sleeping better, feeling better, we are a happier couple because of this bed.

Mooshie: I don’t feel trapped or like I’m sinking, like with some memory foam mattresses. Movement does not transfer which is good for couples. 

River Rat: We bought two kings for our new guest bedrooms at our summer home where we have lots of summer company. We could not be more pleased. They have been used now by 6 different couples that have all indicated how soft, comfortable and supportive these mattresses are.

Inside the Mattress

Beneath the comfort layer is a stable base made of hundreds of individually wrapped spring coils. This feature allows sleepers to stay well supported without dealing with coil squeaks or breakage. Plus, the sides of the coils are reinforced to ensure the bed provides good edge support.

If you are interested in testing out the AS3 Hybrid, you can take advantage of Amerisleep’s 100-night sleep trial period. Their 20-year warranty also covers you if the mattress develops defects, such as sagging or indentations.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress Made in the USA

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid Mattress

Most hybrid beds with a plush foam comfort layer cost upwards of $1000. However, Vaya Sleep aims to offer affordable, yet high-quality innerspring mattresses, including the Vaya Hybrid, which costs just $799 for a queen size. This great price also includes their 10-year warranty, 100-night sleep trial, free shipping, and free returns.

The surface of the Vaya Hybrid has cotton cushioning supplementing the comfort foam, creating a pillowy surface that stays cool at night. Pillow top mattresses are often associated with luxury and higher costs, so a well-made one like the Vaya Hybrid is a steal.

How Lying Down Feels

The comfort layer of the Vaya Hybrid features 2 inches of their soft foam that immediately contours to the curves of the body. While this material cushions and cradles the joints to prevent painful pressure points, it also has a slight bounce to prevent excess sinking. The buoyancy of this material ensures the spine remains neutral, so sleepers wake with less pain and stiffness.

People love the overall value of the Vaya innerspring mattress, with some not fond of the pillows included. Here is what some customers had to say:

Lisa S: Last night was my first night sleeping on the Vaya Hybrid, and wow I’m so glad I did my research and chose this bed!!

Jacqueline H: Excellent mattress! No more back aches. I am so please we read the reviews!

Lisa B: Sleeping pretty well. Mattress is comfortable and supportive. Very good price for this mattress. Pillows are very heavy. My husband does not like the pillow. I haven’t tried pillow yet.

Inside the Mattress

The spring coils in the base of the Vaya Hybrid innerspring mattress are designed to move separately from one another for deep contouring and pressure relief.

Beneath this coil base is a 2-inch layer of Vaya firm support foam to absorb shock and reduce motion transfer, perfect for couples with different sleep schedules. It also prevents the Vaya Hybrid from sagging and, while many people associate softer beds with being saggier, customers note how the bed isn’t saggy or unsupportive.

With both these stable layers, sleepers can place the Vaya Hybrid on most modern bed frames, including slatted and adjustable bases, without it causing sagging and indentations. Plus, both foam layers are backed by a CertiPUR-US® certification, ensuring no harmful substances were used in the mattress.

The Saatva Classic is a revamped version of the original innerspring mattress. While traditional, an innerspring mattress has not always been the most comfortable option, and they have lost some popularity as other mattress types have grown more common.

However, the Saatva Classic works to avoid that shortcoming with numerous features designed to increase the bed’s comfort, all while relying on a base of traditional open coils for support.

How Lying Down Feels

Regardless of what firmness you choose, the Saatva Classic always comes with a cushioning pillow top that cradles a sleeper. This pillow top stays cool with airy cotton fabric and a breathable fill, ensuring a cool cushion even in the hotter summer months.

Plus, no need to worry about a funky mattress smell, as the cotton has been treated to keep out microbes that can stink up the mattress and even make you sick.

When it comes to luxury, customers agree this is the best innerspring mattress!

LTibbets: I loooove my new mattress! I did a lot of research and it took me a while, but I’m absolutely delighted with my purchase of the Queen Size Saatva Classic Luxury Firm mattress and foundation.

Raksha: I bought Luxury Firm 14.5 mattress about 2 years ago. We both love the mattress. Great company to work with too.

Terra A: A firm mattress that feels like you’re in a luxury hotel.

Inside the Mattress

The top of the Saatva Classic is a Euro pillow top with an organic cotton covering, 3 inches tall and with specialized back support. Next is a layer of dense memory foam for pressure point relief to the back’s muscles.

The transition layer of the Saatva Classic is a layer of pocketed coils, providing bounciness without any sudden jarring motions. The wrappings around the coils enable independent reactions for greater motion isolation.

The base of the Saatva Classic is tempered steel coils, hundreds of them, surrounded by foam rails for durable edge support.

Another one of the most comfortable mattresses around is the Nolah Evolution 15 innerspring mattress. This ultra-thick innerspring mattress offers multiple layers of contouring foam for an incredibly luxurious feel that can relieve pressure and leave you feeling like you’re floating on a cooling cloud. This excellent mattress can offer everyone from side sleepers to hot sleepers an amazing night.

How Lying Down Feels

Lying down on the Evolution, the first thing you’ll notice is its superior contouring. The Evolution combines multiple layers of adaptable memory foam with an equally adaptable pocketed coil support core. That means this innerspring mattress can perfectly contour to your body to keep your spine in healthy alignment and cradle your pressure points.

This is also an incredibly cool mattress. It combines multiple cooling features that work together to both pull heat away from you and keep cool air flowing through the mattress. So no worries about overheating memory foam. This mattress can regulate its temperature!

Side sleepers are raving about this innerspring mattress. Here is what some had to say when looking for a side sleeper mattress:

Guiliani: This is an overall spectacular mattress! I’m a predominant side sleeper so I got the plush version of the signature 15 and it has not disappointed me.

Katie M: My husband and I are both under 150lbs and are side sleepers. This Nolah hybrid plush mattress is super comfy but supportive.

Bekah S: Absolutely the best mattress I’ve had! It is SOOOOO hard to get up in the mornings when my alarm goes off! Definitely recommend!

Inside the Mattress

The Evolution starts off with the ArcticTexTM cooling cover and quilted cooling Euro top. These two features keep the surface of your bed cool to the touch and offer an amazingly plush feel no matter which firmness level you choose.

Next, comes the AirBreathTM heat escape gusset. This gusset ensures there is nothing impeding airflow underneath your body. That allows the mattress to wick away moisture and body heat from the time you go to sleep to the time you wake up.

The comfort layer of this mattress is cooling Nolah AirFoamICETM. This graphite-infused memory foam helps conduct heat down into the mattress. The graphite infusions also create a hostile environment for microbes that could infest your bed.

Between the coils and comfort layer, you’ll find two layers of high-resilience and high-density foam. These layers create buoyancy to keep you on top of the sleep surface.

Finally, the HDMaxTM pocketed coils provide 25 percent more support than traditional coils. They’re also arranged into three zones to ensure each zone of your body gets its ideal mix of support and comfort.

SEE ALSO: Nolah Mattress Review

Spindle takes a unique approach to an innerspring mattress design by shipping the mattress in layers that are then assembled at home by the customer. On the one hand, it’s more work for the customer. On the other, you get a custom-built mattress based on your comfort preferences.

Besides, many customers say that with the help of customer services and the how-to videos on Spindle’s website, it’s easy to assemble the layers to suit your preferences.

Spindle offers a 365-day comfort adjustment, which is their sleep trial period. They recommend a 60-day break-in period—if you don’t like the mattress, it can be returned. However, Spindle may also suggest changing the order of the layers to adjust the firmness level.

Spindle’s mattresses also come with a 10-year warranty that covers indentations over 0.75 inches, but it also has a 25-year comfort renewal program—you can contact Spindle and they’ll replace layers that have lost their comfort. However, the replacement layers come with a fee.

How Lying Down Feels

Because of the adjustable design to the Spindle Organic Latex Mattress, there’s no one way for the bed to feel. It can be soft or firm, depending on how you arrange the three latex layers. Regardless of firmness, the breathable latex and airy cotton and wool coverings ensure you’ll stay cool all night long.

Spindle is a medium firm innerspring mattress that has had great reviews so far as well:

Jenna H: There was no adjustment period. It was instant relief. I kept waking up, actually, because I was so comfortable.

Bassel: I am glad I have invested in this mattress. Now my back feels well supported sleeping on it after switching from a memory foam mattress. I got the medium firm mattress.

Deborah T: I love this bed. I was so worried because I couldn’t test it, but was not disappointed in anything. Lots of support with a soft top layer. Awesome.

Inside the Mattress

Spindle uses Dunlop latex that’s OEKO-TEX, GOLS, and Rainforest Alliance Certified:

• The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means that the entire mattress has been tested and found free of harmful levels of chemicals and emissions.
• The GOLS certification means the latex foam is at least 95 percent organic.
• The Rainforest Alliance certification has to do with the sustainability of the rubber trees where the sap for the latex is harvested.

The mattress contains three individual foam layers, with firm, medium, and soft feels. The order in which the layers are assembled affects the final firmness and feel of the mattress. In its standard order, the bed is a medium-firm mattress, but it can be firmer or softer as needed. Spindle even lets you order the layers in a certain arrangement, so the mattress arrives with your desired firmness.

Wrapped around the mattress is a zippable cotton cover with GOTS-certified fibers, with wool padding underneath that’s also certified organic. These materials work to maintain a cool, cozy temperature by pulling away heat and sweat. The wool also serves as a natural flame-resistant barrier.

The Aviya® Innerspring mattress is available in three firmness levels: plush, luxury firm, and firm. So, although Aviya® only offers one bed, it’s unique and suits different sleepers. Based on reviews and Aviya’s® own words, the luxury firm is the most popular firmness level as it has the best balance of cushioning and support.

Aviya® offers free shipping, and once your innerspring mattress arrives, you’ll have a 100-night sleep trial to test it out. A 10-year warranty protects the mattress from manufacturing defects and covers indentations greater than 1 inch.

How Lying Down Feels

Regardless of which firmness level you desire, the queen-size mattress features an 8-inch innerspring core of 850 individually wrapped coils. The coils are made of 15-gauge steel with more centered for additional support to the hips and lower back.

It is hard to find someone not happy with their Aviya innerspring mattress. Here are some reviews:

Beatrice L: I am so, so happy we decided to give the Aviya mattress a try. We figured we had nothing to lose and everything to gain. This mattress does not disappoint! From the beginning it has been comfortable, but at this point it is absolutely perfect!

Zoe A: The first time in years that I wake up in the morning with no aches or strains in my lower back.

James M: I ordered the queen size plush version. The bed itself is comfortable, seems sturdy and durable, overall solid product at good price. However, a few issues with the buying process.

Inside the Mattress

Two layers of 1-inch high-density poly-foam provide a plush comfort layer, covering the coils so you’ll never have to choose between support and comfort. Both layers of foam are CertiPUR-US® certified— free of harsh chemicals like flame retardants and formaldehyde. The Aviya® Innerspring mattress is compatible with any mattress foundation, including slatted beds and adjustable bed bases.

The My Green Mattress Pure Echo innerspring mattress is a firm, hand-tufted, luxury mattress handmade in the United States. My Green Mattress focuses on making all-natural spring mattresses and the latex-free Pure Echo is one of their most popular products, next to their Natural Escape Hybrid innerspring mattress. The main difference between the two beds is that the Pure Echo is free of latex, while the Natural Escape contains Dunlop latex.

My Green Mattress offers free shipping, free returns, and a 120-night sleep trial. Each Pure Echo Mattress is protected from manufacturing defects by a 20-year warranty, but you’ll be responsible for any transportation charges.

How Lying Down Feels

The Green Mattress combines organic hybrid innerspring mattress materials with comfort and is the perfect choice for adults and couples.

Here is what some had to say:

Adriana S: This is the most comfortable mattress we’ve slept on! It’s quite firm, as we like it, and we love the feel of the latex and the fact that we don’t have to worry about off-gassing or toxins. Customer service and delivery were also great–our mattress shipped and arrived in 2 days.

Teresa F: My husband is enjoying not rolling off the side of our new mattress! We’re both sleeping well on it, thanks!

Lyle K: Bought the king size natural escape bout a month ago. So far the bed is extremely comfortable. Nice and firm without being too hard. Our back pain went away and we’ve been sleeping better as a result.

Inside the Mattress

At almost 10 inches tall, the innerspring mattress includes GOTS® certified natural wool, organic cotton batting, and a zoned pocketed coil support layer. Many customers love the Pure Echo as it’s gentle to sleepers with sensitivities or allergies and how the bed feels firm, but still has a comfortable amount of give.

Thinner gauge coils (15.5 millimeters) offer softer support to the head and feet, while higher gauge coils (14.5 millimeters) provide firmer support to the lumbar region. The Pure Echo mattress also includes a 13.5-millimeter gauge perimeter for excellent edge support, so sleepers won’t have to worry about rolling off the mattress.

The firm support of the Pure Echo mattress makes it a great choice for back and stomach sleepers. Wool and cotton batting cradle the body, while the zoned coil support prevents sagging and aligns the spine. This mattress is compatible with any foundation, including an adjustable base.

Reduce your carbon footprint by shopping for sustainable and natural products, such as the JoyBed LXP. This innerspring mattress is GOTS organic and OEKO-TEX® certified. They use wool responsibly produced in Oregon and test it for toxins at UC David University.

The JoyBed LXP comes with free shipping, a 120-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Air flows through natural cotton and wool fibers creating a cool mattress. Foam cannot replicate this. Foam restricts air, even with “enhanced technology” or added chemicals.

Customers rave about the JoyBed, here is what some have said:

Kate: After sleeping on a foam mattress for over 15 years, I’m delighted with my Joybed innerspring mattress! With its natural materials, I was able to sleep on it immediately after setting it up. No gasses or smells to worry about.

Mat: Absolutely love this mattress. It is extremely comfortable. Had been sleeping on a memory foam mattress for years. I cannot believe how much better the Joybed mattress is.

Priscilla: This is the one I’ve been waiting for my whole life! I invested in 3 or 4 different mattresses and ended up either recycling or donating them. The Joybed is the most comfortable all natural and sweetest smelling mattress I’ve ever owned.

Inside the Mattress

The JoyBed LXP is 12 inches thick and comes in medium-plush or medium-firm variations. Medium-plush is a good choice for side sleepers, back sleepers, and couples. Medium-firm works well for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people with back pain.

The JoyBed LXP’s cover is made from 100-percent organic jacquard cotton. The cover is soft to the touch but still breathable. Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic and long-lasting, ensuring you can use your mattress comfortably for years to come. JoyBed also includes hand-tufted rosettes to the cover to prevent the mattress layers from shifting and sagging.

Directly beneath the cover are woven potato plant fibers which act as a natural flame barrier. The fibers also increase the bed’s breathability and add an extra layer of cushioning.

Next are two layers of plush cotton to cushion the body’s curves. Cotton increases airflow throughout the mattress while wicking away heat and moisture. Not only is cotton a biodegradable and renewable resource, but it maintains its loft well compared to foam.

Under the cotton layer is wool, a natural temperature regulator. When it gets hot, the wool keeps the mattress cool. Conversely, the wool keeps you warm on cold nights. With that, wool draws away moisture and is naturally resistant to fire.

JoyBed adds another two layers of firm cotton beneath the wool to make the upper layers more supportive.

There’s a layer of pocketed nano coils under the comfort layers. Nano coils are small steel coils common in luxury innerspring beds. They contour to the body’s curves to relieve pressure without causing you to feel stiff or stuck in bed.

At the base of the beds are up to 1,764 standard pocketed coils with zoned support. The coils are firm around the back and softer around the hips and shoulders. Pocketing the individual coils prevents motion transfer, breakage, and squeaks.

SEE ALSO: Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers

Selecting the right mattress involves careful consideration of various factors, including price, materials, and comfort. Given that a significant portion of your life will be spent sleeping on it, it’s crucial to choose a mattress that not only provides exceptional comfort for restful sleep but is also crafted from durable, high-quality materials free from harsh chemicals. The Naturepedic ECO Classic is the perfect mattress for you.

How Lying Down Feels

Reclining on the Naturepedic ECO Classic mattress is an indulgence in pure comfort. The innovative design seamlessly combines plushness and support, cradling your body with a luxurious embrace. The organic cotton cover enhances the tactile experience, offering a soft, breathable surface.

As you lay down, the responsive latex and encased coils work harmoniously, delivering a balanced firmness that conforms to your body’s contours. This creates a sensation of weightlessness, relieving pressure points for a truly rejuvenating rest. The meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to organic, non-toxic materials ensure not only a delightful sensation but also a health-conscious and eco-friendly sleep environment.

People seeking an eco-friendly mattress are in love with the mattress comfort. However, people seeking an environmentally-friendly bed were not happy with the plastic wrapping the bed was delivered in:

Charlton: After a couple of weeks researching mattresses, I only came upon the Naturepedic brand name after stumbling upon an article extolling its virtues in construction quality, materials and environmental sustainability. The company deserves to be better known but my typical Google search resulted in seeing the same six or seven names of Naturepedic’s many competitors. As happy customers, we find that unfortunate.

Clay: We love this mattress — the feel, the materials, and the buying experience were all awesome. However, for a “sustainable” brand, they ship these in a SHOCKING amount of heavy gauge plastic film. In most places, this film is not actually recyclable and goes straight to landfill.

Alison: The mattress is great. But I felt sooooo guilty unrolling the miles of plastic wrap. I understand the mattress should be kept clean, but wouldn’t a natural paper do almost as well? Miles of plastic, seriously.

Inside the Mattress

The Naturepedic ECO Classic mattress features a soft organic cotton cover, providing a soft and breathable surface that enhances overall comfort while adhering to high standards of organic integrity.

Beneath the cover lies a layer of organic wool batting, contributing to the mattress’s natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties. This layer also acts as a natural flame barrier without the need for harmful chemicals.

The mattress incorporates a comfort layer made from plant-based PLA (polylactic acid), adding a responsive and breathable element to the sleep surface while ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly sleep environment.

Designed with precision, the mattress features encased coils made from high-quality steel, offering targeted support to different areas of the body. This layer enhances durability, minimizes motion transfer, and provides optimal spinal alignment for a restful night’s sleep.

The ECO Classic mattress boasts a reinforced perimeter for enhanced edge support, ensuring that the entire sleep surface is consistent and stable. This feature extends the longevity of the mattress and maximizes the usable sleeping space.

As an organic mattress that is GOTS, MADE-SAFE®, and UL/GREENGUARD certified, the mattress doesn’t contain potentially harmful and sensitizing chemicals, making it easier to sleep at night. As a result, many customers commend the Chorus for not off-gassing upon first arriving at their homes. That way, they can use the beds sooner and their rooms won’t smell.

Like the Naturepedic Chorus innerspring mattress, the Ashley Furniture 8 Inch Innerspring Twin Mattress in a Box is also shipped in a box to your door. This 8-inch mattress is made of hypoallergenic material so you can sleep soundly without the fear of being exposed to irritants in your mattress.

How Lying Down Feels

The firm feel of the Ashley Furniture Innerspring may be a good choice if you’re looking for an innerspring mattress for back pain. As a thinner mattress, many customers love the Innerspring bed for bunk beds, day beds, children’s beds, and dorm rooms. It also makes a great mattress for vacation rentals with numerous beds.

One thing Ashley offers is a well made, low cost mattress. For the price, people mostly love it. Here is what some reviewers say:

Theresembissine S: Love it. Wanted firm, and it is. Delivery is quick and the very good mattress.

Rebecca S: I really like this mattress. I was afraid it would be too thin, but it’s perfect. I sleep comfortably and would definitely recommend the Chime 8 inch mattress.

Candice R: This definitely did not expand to 8 inches and we let it expand for the full 48 hours. Its also not as firm as expected.

Inside the Mattress

The Ashley Furniture Innerspring features Bonnell coil units made from 13-gauge steel. To reduce motion transfer and increase motion isolation, a 2-inch high-density quilted foam covers the Bonnell coil system. A thick 100% polyester pad also helps reduce motion transfer.

While Ashley Furniture doesn’t specialize in mattresses and sells a variety of different mattress brands, they still offer basic store-brand mattresses for sleepers on budget or people looking to bulk-buy beds. The 8-inch Innerspring Mattress is one of their more popular mattresses, but they offer pillow top and hybrid beds as well.

Ashley Furniture offers a 5-year warranty, covering manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1.5 inches.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress in a Box

Best Innerspring Mattresses Highlights and Comparisons

Mattress Types to Consider

Before you can determine the best innerspring mattress, it’s important to review all other types of mattresses, so you can see exactly where innerspring mattresses fit into the market and decide if an innerspring bed is right for you.

Innerspring Mattresses

As the name suggests, innerspring mattresses are composed of a series of steel springs. The earliest innerspring systems were connected as a single unit. Today, however, there are four main versions of innerspring systems:

• Single-unit innerspring systems called continuous coils
• Individually-wrapped pocketed coils
• Offset coils
• Bonnell coils

The quality of an innerspring mattress varies depending on the type of coil. A coil system is customized through the coils’ shape, the number of coils in a single layer, the coil gauge, and the type of material used to cover or pad the coils.

Why does the coil count matter? When looking for the best innerspring mattress, it’s important to note the number of steel coils. The number of coils in an innerspring mattress directly correlates to the support offered by the mattress. In other words, the more coils a mattress has, the more support you’ll receive.

When searching for an innerspring mattress, also take note of the coil gauge. The gauge of the coil refers to the thickness of the steel used to make the coil. Although it seems backward, higher gauges are thinner, while lower gauges are thicker.

For your mattress, the gauge determines the firmness level, ranging between 12 millimeters as the thickest and 18 millimeters as the thinnest. Higher gauge yields a softer feel, while lower gauge offers a firmer feel.

SEE ALSO: Best Adjustable Bed for Back Pain

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam— sometimes called viscoelastic foam— is a popular type of material for mattresses. Memory foam mattresses create impressions when your body heat softens the foam and conforms to your body. This process also helps redistribute pressure, according to a 2019 article published in the journal “ACS Omega.”

Thanks to their ability to reduce motion transfer, promote proper spinal alignment, and reduce discomfort on pressure points, memory foam mattresses are one of the most in-demand mattress types.

Memory foam mattresses are not without support. Instead of coils, they receive edge support from the high-density foam base. Memory foam can trap heat so be sure to look for cooling features if you choose to purchase a memory foam mattress, like open-cell technology and gel, copper, or graphite infusions.

Latex Mattresses

Latex foam is similar to memory foam in feel and properties, except latex sleeps cooler. Latex mattresses are composed of either synthetic latex or natural latex. Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees which is then whipped up to form a light, airy foam. Many choose an organic latex mattress for its eco-friendly comfort.

Latex mattresses evenly distribute weight and eliminate discomfort from pressure points. In clinical studies, latex mattresses provide more pressure relief— regardless of sleeping position— than polyurethane foam mattresses, according to a 2017 study.

SEE ALSO: Latex vs Innerspring Mattresses: What’s the Difference?

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress combines memory foam and innerspring coils into the perfect bed. A true hybrid must have a comfort layer at least 2 inches thick and a support layer of coils. These types of mattresses offer sleepers the pros and cons of both memory foam and innersprings. For example, a hybrid mattress provides body-contouring pressure relief and better cooling but the bed runs the risk of sleep disruptions from the heat retention of memory foam and noise potential from squeaky metal coils.

Hybrid mattresses can be heavier than other mattress types, which makes moving them a little more difficult. They also come with a higher price tag due to the number of materials they contain.

SEE ALSO: Hybrid vs. Innerspring Mattresses: What’s the Difference?

Mattress Budget

When you’re shopping for a new mattress, it’s important to consider your budget. A high-quality mattress can last between 7-10 years, depending on how well the mattress is cared for and how often the mattress is used. A mattress is a long-term investment with immediate gratification.

The price of a mattress can range from $200 to well over $2000. A good-quality mattress, whether it’s a budget mattress or something more luxurious, should offer features including:

• A sleep trial to test the mattress and decide if it’s right for you
• Free shipping and easy returns
• A standard 10-year warranty

Another element to include in your budget is a foundation or box spring. Many innerspring mattresses work well on various bed frames, including slatted beds, platform beds, and adjustable beds. However, depending on which bed frame you choose, you may need a box spring. Some warranties even require this so be sure to read the fine print. Sometimes box springs are included with the mattress but not always.

If you need a box spring and bed frame, plan to set aside at least $500 for the basics. If you are looking for a custom bed frame or an adjustable base, expect to pay more.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds

Sleeping Position

Before you can pinpoint your best mattress, take a few minutes to evaluate your own sleeping position. Your preferred sleeping position dictates which firmness level you need in an innerspring mattress.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleeping positions. In fact, it’s one of the best positions for individuals with sleep apnea. According to a 2017 study, side sleeping improves oxygen intake by 45%. Sleeping on your right side can also help reduce acid reflux and heartburn.

An innerspring mattress can work for side sleepers as long as the mattress includes enough cushioning. Typically, the best mattresses for side sleepers are soft to medium-firm. Firm innerspring mattresses are not suitable for individuals who sleep on their sides because it puts too much pressure on the hips.

Back Sleeping

Although back sleeping isn’t as popular as side sleeping, this can be a beneficial sleeping position if you struggle with back or neck pain. Back sleepers require a firm mattress to promote proper spinal alignment. A too-soft mattress can cause your spine to sink into the mattress at the wrong angle and cause pain.

A firm or medium-firm innerspring mattress may work for back sleepers.

If you’re new to sleeping on your back, try adding a pillow under your knees for even more support to your lower back.

Stomach Sleeping

Individuals who snore may gravitate towards this position because it reduces snoring, however, this is the only benefit to stomach sleeping. Stomach sleepers are at a greater risk of developing neck strain from twisting the head to the side to breathe and lower back pain because gravity straightens the natural curve of the spine. They need the proper mattress for stomach sleeping.

If you do choose to sleep on your stomach, it’s important to select the right firmness level to ensure you’re protecting your neck and lower back. Innerspring mattresses tend to provide a firmer sleeping surface, which is good for stomach sleepers. You may even wish to look at extra firm mattresses.

Combination Sleeping

If you’re a combo sleeper, you may find that your preferred sleeping position changes from night to night, or even throughout the night. This means that when it comes to choosing a mattress for combination sleeping, you need one that can accommodate a variety of sleep positions without sacrificing comfort or support.

There are mattresses that are designed specifically to meet the needs of those who switch up their sleeping positions. Medium mattresses are an excellent option for combo sleepers, as they offer a balanced combination of support and pressure relief. These mattresses can provide the necessary support to protect your joints when sleeping on your side, while also offering enough lift for stomach sleeping.

Cooling Features

Staying cool while you sleep doesn’t just help you fall asleep faster— it could improve your sleep quality. The ideal temperature for your bedroom is 67 degrees. Hot temperatures cause sleep disruptions, resulting in daytime drowsiness.

According to a study published in The Journal of Physiological Anthropology, sleeping hot can contribute to:

• Excessive fluid loss via sweating
• Wakefulness
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Difficulty staying asleep

There are many ways to create a bedroom more conducive to quality sleep. In addition to controlling the thermostat, choose season-appropriate pajamas and bedding made from breathable materials, like wool, cotton or bamboo.

Sleeping on a mattress with poor airflow can also contribute to overheating at night. Innersprings tend to be cooling mattresses because of their open coil system structure.

Other Things to Consider

What is the best innerspring mattress for back pain?

If you’re suffering from lower back pain each morning, finding a firm mattress that promotes proper spinal alignment is essential. The best innerspring mattress for back pain is one with a firm sleeping surface with some body-contouring pressure relief. Of the above-listed mattresses, the following are described as firm:

• Aviya® Mattress
• Naturepedic Chorus Mattress

What is the difference between innerspring and pocketed coils?

Innersprings and pocketed coils are in both hybrid and innerspring mattresses. Pocketed coils are coils individually-wrapped in some type of fabric resulting in less noise potential and better motion isolation. Innersprings stand alone or interconnect with each other without a fabric covering, providing a responsive bounce with a higher risk of noise potential.

Who makes the best innerspring mattress?

Many modern manufacturers focus on supplementing the traditional innerspring design with a thick foam top layer. A foam top that’s at least 2 to 3 inches thick provides extra conforming cushion and increased amounts of pressure relief.

Plenty of satisfied customer reviews suggest this design is more comfortable than an innerspring mattress with a thin layer of foam and fabric, so we recommend shopping for one of these hybrid mattresses.

Do innerspring mattresses need a box spring?

Innersprings are the only mattresses today that can still work with a box spring. They don’t need box springs, but they do pair well with them. Box springs give innerspring mattresses extra support and more bounce. They also offer additional height for your mattress if you have a deeper bed frame.

Can I put a pocket spring mattress on a slatted bed?

You certainly can! Innerspring mattresses can work with slatted or solid foundations as well as box springs. We do suggest choosing a slatted foundation with slats no more than 3 inches apart. If slats are spaced too far apart, they won’t offer enough support for your mattress, which can lead to premature wear and tear.

Conclusion

The best innerspring mattress is one that fits your budget and works well with your preferred sleeping position. You should also consider mattresses with sleep trials so you have time to adjust to the new mattress and decide if it’s right for you. Look for a warranty, and always be sure to read the fine print. Once you’ve decided on an innerspring mattress, don’t hesitate to customize it with a mattress topper to achieve your ideal sleeping surface.