Best Innerspring Mattresses of 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The AS5 Hybrid is Amerisleep’s softest hybrid mattress, designed for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers who need more cushioning near the joints. However, this mattress is also perfect for heavier individuals because the responsive transition layer and stable base prevent over sinking and spinal misalignment.

The top of the AS5 Hybrid features 3-inches of their plush Bio-Pur® foam to cradle the body and alleviate muscle tension. This ultra-soft layer encourages relaxation and helps sleepers drift off to sleep quickly. Plus, with less heat retention, sleepers are less likely to experience night sweats and overheating on the AS5 hybrid.

Since many sleepers, particularly those who weigh more than 230 pounds, often experience excess sinking on a soft mattress, Amerisleep includes 2-inches of their latex-like transition layer, Active Flex. This material is designed to lift the hips so the spine can remain neutral through the night. Unlike the AS3 Hybrid, the AS5 Hybrid is the only bed to feature this technology.

Both layers of foam in the AS5 Hybrid are supported by Amerisleep’s sturdy spring coil. While this foundation keeps body weight evenly distributed, it still compresses near the joints to relieve tension and encourage deep relaxation. The pocketed coils paired with the Active Flex provide a great balance of softness and support, as backed by customers and their reviews.

With Amerisleep’s generous 20-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial, testing out the AS5 Hybrid for yourself is completely risk-free.

The Zoma Hybrid has two layers of responsive foam and a pocketed spring coil base. All three layers of this bed work together to create a medium-soft firmness that works well for petite people, side sleepers, active individuals, and side sleepers. Currently, the Zoma Hybrid is Zoma’s only spring mattress.

The top layer of the Zoma Hybrid features Zoma’s proprietary gel memory foam with zoned support. The gel infusion in this foam pulls heat and moisture away from the surface of the bed to help sleepers stay cool throughout the night.

To promote a healthy spinal position, Zoma includes a transition layer made with their latex-like response foam, Reactiv™. This material has an elastic quality to ensure the hips and shoulders don’t sink too far into the bed and force the spine to bow, leading to pain. If anything, as many customers have stated, sleeping on the Zoma Hybrid has helped their pain, not worsened it.

The base of the Zoma Hybrid features hundreds of pocketed coils. Each spring is triple wrapped in a lightweight material for added comfort and pressure relief. Unlike traditional innerspring beds, Zoma coils move independently of one another to reduce motion transition and provide more accurate contouring.

The Zoma Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial, giving sleepers plenty of time to test out the mattress and make sure it’s right for you. They also induce a 10-year warranty covering sagging and indentations greater than .75 inches.

Most hybrid beds with a plush foam comfort layer cost upwards of $1000. However, Vaya Sleep aims to offer affordable, yet high-quality 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.

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.

The spring coils in the base of the Vaya Hybrid 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 Zoma 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 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.

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.

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 is compatible with any mattress foundation, including slatted beds and adjustable bed bases.

Aviya® offers free shipping, and once your 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.

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 Mattress. The main difference between the two beds is that the Pure Echo is free of latex, while the Natural Escape contains Dunlop latex.

At almost 10 inches tall, the 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.

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.

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 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.

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

The Naturepedic Chorus is an eco-friendly, organic innerspring mattress, featuring two kinds of pocketed coils. The micro coils are 1.5 inches thick and aim to relieve pressure points. The larger coils are 8 inches thick and are specifically designed to provide full-body support and limit motion transfer.

Of Naturepedic’s five main mattresses, the Chorus is the most affordable and has the most balanced feel, making it a great option for the widest range of sleepers. A more luxurious variation of the Chorus is Naturepedic’s EOS Classic, which comes in a medium feel and has the same coil over coil construction.

Even with a firm sleeping surface, you’ll remain cool and comfortable. The Chorus features a plant-based polylactide (PLA) comfort layer, made from polyester material extracted from starchy plants instead of petroleum, and wool batting. The comfort layer provides the cushioning you need while the wool batting wicks away heat and moisture.

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.

Naturepedic Chorus ships quickly and easily in a box, which makes setting up a Chorus mattress easy. Each purchase includes a 90-day risk-free trial and a 10-year, prorated warranty—the warranty covers manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1.5 inches.

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.

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.

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: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 wake up with lower back pain each morning, you want to make sure your innerspring mattress promotes proper spinal alignment. 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.