• We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
  • Our testers evaluated over 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
  • We regularly update our reviews because we are always mystery shopping and testing new mattresses to provide the most relevant suggestions to mattress buyers.
  • We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
  • Each innerspring mattress was evaluated for how well it balanced the bounce of steel coils with comfort using memory foam layers, pillow tops, or support foam. We also evaluated pressure relief and motion isolation, two things innerspring mattresses may fail to deliver without thoughtful design decisions.

Learn more about how we tested the best innerspring mattresses.

Key takeaways

  • The Saatva Classic is our pick for the best innerspring mattress overall because it provides excellent support for stomach and back sleepers while relieving pressure at common pain points through strategic weight distribution and cushioning at the joints.  
  • Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and our survey of 600 mattress owners, we found that innerspring mattresses are sought out for their durability, as well as the support they provide for neutral spine alignment. These mattresses are often preferred by sleepers who run hot, since innerspring coils promote airflow and create a natural cooling mattress. 
  • Innerspring mattresses can cost around $650 to over $3,800, depending on size, construction, and materials.

If you’re looking for a mattress with classic bounce, look no further than the humble innerspring mattress. While newer options like boxed foam and hybrid beds have become trendy, innerspring mattresses remain great options on our best mattress list for many reasons. They’re particularly ideal for hot sleepers who dislike the sinking feeling that comes with many memory foam beds. 

Plus, innerspring mattresses are exceptionally durable and supportive, making them a favorite of many (especially if you grew up sleeping on one!)

Our team of testers reviewed the best innerspring mattresses that are as close as possible to traditional innerspring options. Many of these are technically “hybrids,” but they still maintain the structure and feel of a true innerspring mattress, which has become increasingly hard to find. Below, we’ll share our insights and favorite mattresses.

6 best innerspring mattresses of 2024

What to look for in an innerspring mattress

  1. Support core: Innerspring mattresses are built around a core of steel coils, either layered or encased in individual pockets. This creates a supportive foundation that maintains spine neutrality in the sleeper’s preferred sleep position. Coils also contribute to bounce, allowing the mattress to snap back quickly for easy, natural movement, while promoting airflow that aids in the cooling capabilities of the mattress.
  2. Comfort layers: On top of the supportive, innerspring core of the mattress, pay close attention to the layers built in to promote comfort. In hybrid-innerspring models, this is typically a layer of transitional foam, followed by support and memory foam. A true innerspring mattress won’t contain memory foam, but might use layers of quilted cotton, wool, or batting to provide cushion, pressure relief, and motion isolation.
  3. Motion isolation: Because innerspring mattresses have a foundation of coils, they often have excellent bounce that promotes easy movement and repositioning. On the flip side of this, unfortunately, we often find motion transfer that can be disruptive for lighter sleepers. A good innerspring mattress will contain added elements, like foam layers, to provide adequate motion isolation.

*Price at the time of publishing

Best overall innerspring mattress: Saatva Classic

Best overall innerspring mattress
9.8 Exceptional
Saatva Classic
Excellent support for back and stomach sleepers.
Cooling technology, suitable for hot sleepers.

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9.8/10.
  • Material: Innerspring-hybrid.
  • Cost: $1,395-$2,990.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free white glove delivery.
  • Firmness: 7/10.
  • Our experience: We love how the innerspring core of this mattress works together with high-density, foam lumbar support to create a mattress that promotes spine alignment in a variety of sleep positions. We also find this mattress to do a good job regulating temperature.

Pros and cons

Pros Excellent support for back and stomach sleepers. Cooling technology, suitable for hot sleepers. Durable with great edge support. Free white glove delivery service. Lifetime warranty. One-year trial period. Cons Poor motion isolation. Higher price point.
Our top pick

Why Saatva Classic is our pick for best overall

The Saatva Classic caters to a wide range of sleepers through its multiple firmness and height options and specialized features, like zoned support and organic cotton cover. Ideal for back and stomach sleepers, this one may also appeal to those who tend to sleep hot.

Who should consider the Saatva Classic: This mattress contains a high-density foam lumbar crown that provides excellent zoned support, making it a great option for a back or stomach sleeper who deals with chronic, lower-back pain.

Who should consider other options: This is a firm mattress with a durable set of coils, and we feel the pillow top may not provide enough softness and contour for side sleepers.

Saatva Classic tester insights

The Saatva Classic uses a unique coil-on-coil construction, which offers a familiar innerspring feel. During testing, we found that the memory foam top layer also provided zoned support, focusing on the lumbar (lower back) region.

From one of our Saatva testers:

“We see a lot of customization with this mattress. Featuring two types of coils, the individually wrapped layer of coiling offers contouring, which helps with pressure relief, while the bottom coils provide good support.”

Our testers reported that this mattress did a great job of cushioning pressure points while also supporting the lumbar area. The center of the bed has an extra support foam layer that provided our testers a little bit of extra lift around the midsection, making it especially suited to back and stomach sleepers. We appreciated this mattress’s 3-inch thick, silky organic cotton cover, which adds a bit more breathable, anti-microbial plushness.

It’s worth noting that while the Saatva Classic excels in many areas, it may not provide the best motion isolation (we gave it a two out of five on our motion isolation scale), which could be a concern for those sharing a bed. But it did receive a high (4.3 out of five) sex score due to excellent bounce, edge support, and cooling.

Saatva designed the Classic’s dual coils to allow more airflow and keep the temperature down, which our testers found effective. We gave it a cooling score of four out of five. Our testers also found this mattress’s edge support so robust that it pushed them toward the center a little but provided even weight distribution.

We appreciate that the Saatva Classic has three mattress firmness levels and two height options for customized comfort, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

From one of our Saatva testers:

“We recommend side sleepers go for the Plush Soft option, back sleepers the Luxury Firm, and stomach sleepers the Firm.”

Hand pressing down on the Saatva Classic cover
One of our testers pushes down on the Saatva Classic in our testing facility.

To learn more about this brand, read our in-depth Saatva mattress review.

Best innerspring mattress for back pain: The WinkBed mattress

Best innerspring mattress for back pain
9.3 Excellent
The WinkBed
Zoned coil lumbar support system.
Good temperature regulation, suitable for hot sleepers.

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9.3/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Cost: $1,149–$2,199.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6.5/10.
  • Our experience: We love the strong edge support we experienced during testing, which makes it easy to stretch out and sleep near the edge of the bed without worrying about the perimeter collapsing. We also find the gel-infused foam and pocketed coils create a cooling sleep experience.

Pros and cons

Pros Excellent support, especially beneficial for back pain. Good temperature regulation, suitable for hot sleepers. Strong edge support, making it a great choice for couples. Durable and made with certified environmentally friendly foams. 120-night trial period. Long warranty. Cons Heavy, might require assistance for setup.

Why The WinkBed is our pick for best for back pain

The WinkBed mattress from WinkBeds is our favorite innerspring mattress for those with back pain due to its zoned coil lumbar support system, which we really noticed during testing. Not only is this a supportive mattress, but we think it will also be comfortable for most types of sleepers due to its upper foam layer and multiple firmness options.

Who should consider The WinkBed: Sleepers who run hot will appreciate this mattress’s thoughtful design, which includes gel-infused foam and pocketed coils to promote temperature regulation.

Who should consider other options: We found this mattress to be heavy, and since WinkBed doesn’t offer set-up or delivery beyond the ground floor of your home or apartment, it isn’t a good fit for someone who won’t be able to enlist a friend or family member to help with set up.

The WinkBed tester insights

Our Handbook Team survey of 600 recent mattress customers revealed that most respondents
cited lower back pain as the most common type of pain. The WinkBed mattress stands out as an ideal choice for those suffering from back pain, thanks to its hybrid construction that marries the responsiveness of innerspring coils with the pressure-relieving comfort of foam.

From one of our WinkBed testers:

“With pressure-relieving foam and zoned support working to evenly distribute my weight, coupled with built-in lumbar support to prevent back pain, this mattress gets high marks for pain relief.”

The zoned support system in the coil layer is a key feature, providing targeted support for spinal alignment, which is crucial for alleviating and preventing back pain. Our testers reported that their weight felt evenly distributed with a little extra support in the trunk/lumbar region.

The multiple firmness options cater to different sleeping preferences, with the Luxury Firm and Fimer models particularly suited to those with back pain.

Although softer mattresses may be more comfortable at first, they aren’t great for your posture. You may be complaining of back pain after a few nights. You want to get a mattress that’s at least a little firm.

Ari Spitzer, an integrative sleep coach based in Toms River, New Jersey

We tested the Luxury Firm model, which we think is a true medium-firm with a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. We gave it a 3.75 out of five sex score (which considers bounce, edge support, and cooling) and a four out of five family score (which considers support, edge support, cooling, and motion transfer).

The Tencel cover adds a layer of breathable comfort to aid in temperature regulation, which we found effective, giving it a four out of five score on our cooling scale.

While the mattress’s weight could make setup challenging, we think its overall build quality, zoned coil supportive system, and cooling properties make it an excellent choice, particularly for those seeking relief from back discomfort.

One of our testers sits on the edge of The WinkBed in our testing facility.

Best value innerspring mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Best value innerspring mattress
9.2 Excellent
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Multiple firmness options suiting various sleeping positions.
Great balance of support and comfort.

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9.2/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Cost: $665–$1,599.
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 120 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6/10.
  • Our experience: During testing, we found this mattress to be very responsive, with the bounce promoting easy movement or position changes. We love that there are three firmness options to choose from, making it a mattress that could work well for different body types in all sleep positions.

Pros and cons

Pros Great price point. Multiple firmness options catering to various body types and sleeping positions. Great balance of support and comfort, particularly for back sleepers. Good bounce and responsiveness. Comes in many sizes, including RV sizes. 120-night trial period. Cons Limited edge support and motion isolation. Shorter 10-year warranty.

Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is our pick for best value

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid offers a great blend of value and quality, with good pressure relief and responsiveness at a reasonable price. Although this is not a strictly innerspring design, it provided a traditional bouncy innerspring feel during testing, and we love a mattress that comes in multiple firmness options. This mattress also comes in a wide variety of sizes, including rare RV sizes.

Who should consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: If you are shopping on a budget, this mattress is a great choice with a queen-size option priced at $1,332 before discounts.

Who should consider other options: The motion isolation provided by the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is adequate, but light sleepers should consider different options if they share their bed with a partner, child, or pet.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid tester insights

Our Handbook Team’s survey of recent mattress consumers revealed that price was the number one consideration for new mattress shoppers, so the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid may be a good affordable mattress for budget-conscious shoppers.

While it comes in three firmness options, we tested the medium, giving it a six out of 10 on our firmness scale. We also gave it high-pressure relief and bounce/responsiveness scores, making it a great choice for back and combination sleepers.

From one of our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid testers:

“I definitely found this mattress bouncy, not springy-so the bounce quality is solid.”

While this mattress was particularly responsive, it also performed fairly well with motion isolation (we gave it a three out of five). One tester noted that most sleepers shouldn’t be bothered by movements from their sleeping partner unless they were light sleepers. For families with little ones or pets crawling into bed, we gave this a three out of five.

While the brand’s 10-year warranty is disappointing compared to other brands on the market, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid still strikes a balance between quality and cost, making it a great value for an innerspring-hybrid mattress.

One of our testers presses down on the Signature Hybrid in our testing facility.
One of our testers pushes down on the edge of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature to test edge support.

Best cooling innerspring mattress: Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid

Best cooling innerspring mattress
9.0 Very Good
Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid
Cover is made from cooling fabric and copper fibers.
Ideal for average-weight back and side sleepers.

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Cost: $1,799–$3,898.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 365 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 5/10.
  • Our experience: We love that this mattress feels cool-to-the-touch, with the copper-infused cover and innerspring coils contributing to temperature regulation. During testing, we noted that the steel coils and multiple layers of foam work well together to keep the spine aligned.

Pros and cons

Pros Notable cooling properties. Excellent for back pain relief. Ideal for average-weight back and side sleepers. Long warranty. One-year trial period. Cons May be too soft for stomach sleepers or higher-weight people. Low responsiveness. High price point.

Why the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid is our pick for best cooling

If you’re looking for a mattress with an innerspring feel that’s designed to keep you cool, we recommend the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid for hot sleepers. The cover is made from cooling fabric and copper fibers that help with moisture wicking and absorption, while the individually wrapped coils of the mattress are designed to help with airflow. Our testers noticed a significant cool feeling upon touching the cover, but this technology comes at a premier price.

Who should consider the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid: We found this mattress does a great job contouring the curves of the body while providing pressure relief, and we think it would work well for side sleepers.

Who should consider other options: This mattress is one of the most expensive options on our list, so it isn’t a great fit for sleepers looking for a budget option. 

Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid tester insights

The Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid stands out for its cooling features, making it an excellent choice for hot sleepers. Its hybrid design provided a balance of comfort and support during testing, which we think will help relieve back pain. Our testers found that the mattress’s multiple layers, including contouring memory foam and supportive innerspring coils, helped maintain spinal alignment.

While this mattress’s soft firmness is ideal for average-weight back and side sleepers, it may not be the best fit for higher-weight people or stomach sleepers since it’s on the softer side.

From one of our Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid testers:

“This super soft mattress helped relieve pressure in my shoulders and hips, while the cooling technology regulated temperature.”

We like this mattress for couples, as it has nice motion isolation thanks to two foam layers above the coils. But because it’s so soft, it is not as responsive (or bouncy) as some innerspring mattress lovers may prefer.

Despite it having limited responsiveness, this mattress’s cooling technology, pressure relief capabilities, and extensive warranty and trial period make it a quality choice. However, this hybrid model is pricey, so cost-conscious shoppers looking for more bounce may want to opt for the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.

The hybrid design of this mattress provides a balance of comfort and support, with a focus on relieving back pain.
For a hybrid, Nectar isolates motion well.

Learn more in our Nectar mattress review.

Best innerspring mattress for combination sleepers: Helix Dusk

Best innerspring mattress for combination sleepers
9.4 Excellent
Helix Dusk
Balance of support and comfort.
Good contouring without excessive sagging.

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9.4/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Cost: $936–$1,748.
  • Warranty: 10 years.
  • Trial period: 100 nights.
  • Shipping: Free shipping.
  • Firmness: 6/10.
  • Our experience: We love how responsive this mattress is, which we feel makes it easier to reposition. During testing, we found the mattress contours to the curves of the body but still maintains a neutral spine.

Pros and cons

Pros Responsive and bouncy, facilitating easy position changes and good for sex. Good contouring without excessive sagging. Excellent for all-size back sleepers. Affordable pricing. 100-night trial period. Cons May be too firm for some side sleepers. Not supportive enough for people weighing more than 250 pounds. Average motion isolation. Short warranty compared to other brands on the market.

Why the Helix Dusk is our pick for best for combination sleepers

We think the Helix Dusk mattress is particularly suitable for combination sleepers due to its medium-firmness and responsive foam, allowing for quick and comfortable position changes throughout the night.

Who should consider the Helix Dusk: Couples will appreciate the bounce and responsiveness of this mattress, which promotes natural movement during sex.

Who should consider other options: Side sleepers may find this mattress is too firm, preferring something that provides more pressure relief for their hips and shoulders.

Helix Dusk tester insights

The Helix Dusk is the medium-firm model in the Core (base) collection. During testing, we found it provided the right balance of support and comfort for various sleeping positions, especially back and stomach sleeping. Our testers found this mattress’s bouncy feel aided in easy position changes throughout the night. This also makes the mattress great for sex. But this bounciness does pose some concerns about motion isolation.

From one of our Helix Dusk testers:

“While this bed is firm, it’s not too firm, making it good for multiple sleeper types. Providing good spinal alignment, this is a good bed for anyone who wants a firm, responsive bed.”

This mattress has a more substantial foam component to it than the others in this review, with four foam layers. Instead of traditional foams, the Dusk features foams that are unique to the Helix Brand. Its first layer of Helix Dynamic Foam behaves similarly to latex, with a balance of cozy compression and springy responsiveness.

The next two layers are made of Helix Responsive Foam. The first is designed to help with pressure relief by contouring adaptively to a person as they move. The second is more focused on support. Next, the coil unit’s job is to provide crucial counterpressure with pocketed coils. The springs on the sides of the bed are stronger to guard against sagging. Finally, a bottom layer of foam stabilizes the bed.

We think the contouring, responsiveness, and durability of the Helix Dusk makes it an appealing choice for those who frequently change positions during sleep.

Hand pressing down on a Helix mattress cover
One of our testers presses down on a Helix mattress in our testing facility

To learn more, read our Helix review.

Best innerspring mattress for side sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress

Best innerspring mattress for side sleepers
9.5 Excellent
Nolah Evolution 15″
Ideal cushioning at the shoulders and hips.
Excellent motion isolation and bounce balance.

Key product features

  • Brand rating: 9.5/10.
  • Material: Hybrid.
  • Cost: $1,499–$3,198.
  • Warranty: Lifetime.
  • Trial period: 120 nights or save $100 by forgoing the trial period.
  • Shipping: Free; white glove delivery available starting at $150.
  • Firmness: 7/10.
  • Our experience: We love the motion isolation of this mattress, which prevents transfer of movement throughout the bed during testing. We also noticed excellent pressure relief at the joints, making it an awesome choice for side sleepers.

Pros and cons

Pros Great pressure relief for side sleepers. Excellent motion isolation and bounce balance. Effective cooling technology. 120-night trial period. Durable with a lifetime warranty. Cons Higher price point compared to some other options. Might be too soft for some stomach sleepers. Higher-weight sleepers may require a more supportive option.

Why the Nolah Evolution is our pick for best for combination sleepers

We recommend the Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress for side sleepers because our testers found that its plush model gave just the right amount of cushioning at the shoulders and hips while still maintaining an innerspring mattress feel.

Who should consider the Nolah Evolution: If you are a light sleeper sharing a bed, this mattress has great motion isolation to prevent sleep disruption if your partner moves around in their sleep. 

Who should consider other options: Many stomach sleepers will find this mattress is too soft to keep their hips from sinking, and should look for a firmer option.

Nolah Evolution tester insights

According to our Handbook Team’s survey of mattress consumers, 47 percent reported they’re side sleepers. We think the Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress is for them. It comes in as our best mattress for side sleepers because its AirFoamICE technology (designed to be breathable so it dissipates heat faster) provides comfort and pressure relief at the hips and shoulders during testing. This bed also includes mattress cooling properties to maintain a comfortable temperature. Additionally, we found that the brand’s support coil system provided targeted spinal support, which is crucial for side sleepers to alleviate pressure point pain.

Our testers pointed out the mattress’s responsive and plush nature, highlighted by a Euro top and high-density foam base, which promises durability and ease of movement.

From one of our Nolah Evolution testers:

“Although this mattress has some plushness and sink, it was still pretty responsive. It was easy to move around without feeling that quicksand feel.”

The Nolah Evolution also caters to different preferences in three firmness levels, with the Plush model ideal for side sleepers and the Luxury Firm or Firmer options suiting back, combination, and higher-weight sleepers.

We also like this mattress for couples due to its balance of motion isolation and bounce. Despite its higher price, the combination of advanced technology, eco-friendly materials, and a lifetime warranty makes the Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress a worthwhile investment for those seeking comfort and support for side sleeping.

Our tester pushes down on a Nolah mattress in our testing facility.
The Nolah Original is a great option if you like a slow-moving mattress.

How we test and choose the best innerspring mattresses

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting good sleep benefits our overall well-being, including our mental health. Poor sleep has been connected to an increased risk of mental distress. Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as creating a comfortable sleep environment with a supportive mattress, is one way we can support healthy sleep habits. 

But we know that buying a new mattress can be overwhelming, with so many options available to choose from online. So our Reviews Team spent over 1,000 hours researching more than 100 of the best mattresses. We also surveyed over 600 mattress owners, interviewed 7, and consulted with 21 experts about what is most important in an innerspring mattress.

of research
1000+   hours
of research
evaluated
100+   models
evaluated
consulted
21   experts
consulted

First-hand testing experience

Before we recommend an innerspring mattress, we mystery shop each model, setting it up in our lab for first-hand testing experience. Using a 42-question, standardized testing document, we evaluate each mattress across the categories we have found most important to mattress owners. When looking at innerspring mattresses, we specifically tested firmness and support to measure how adequately each model maintains a neutral spine in a variety of sleep positions for different body types. Knowing this type of mattress tends to be firmer than others, we also used a pressure mat to measure build-up, taking note of which options did the best job relieving pressure at the hips, back, shoulders, and neck.

Mattress surveys & interviews

By surveying 600 mattress owners concerning what is most important to them in a new mattress, we found that innerspring mattresses are sometimes preferred by sleepers weighing over 250 pounds or stomach sleepers looking for more hip support. We also interviewed mattress owners and consulted with experts, learning that this model of mattress typically has a good bounce that promotes easy movement.

Objective and honest ratings

Combining what we learned from research with the results of testing, surveys, and interviews, we created a mattress scorecard to objectively rate each mattress we review. We begin by rating them in individual categories and then use those scores to calculate one weighted, overall score for each model. Before being added to this round-up, each innerspring mattress had to score a minimum of 8 out of 10 overall.

FactorWeightDescription
Customer Service15%Customer care center hours, support options
Brand Reputation10%Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company
Features20%Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories)
User Experience35%White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials
Affordability20%Price, warranty, promotions

Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology

Our innerspring mattress testing process

Our Mattress Testing Process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers. Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab. Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness. Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position. Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage. Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading. Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences. Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score. Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation. Test motion isolation.
Test edge support. Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores. Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores.

What is an innerspring mattress?

An innerspring mattress is the oldest mattress design in the world. This mattress type uses metal coils to provide support. These coils are usually made of steel and can be configured in many different ways. One common type of coil system is the Bonnel coil, which is a connected unit where all the coils are linked together. Another type is the offset coil system, where each coil is connected to a few other coils in a row, but not all the coils on the mattress. 

Modern innerspring mattresses are typically topped with a layer of padding, like foam, for comfort. The thickness and firmness of the comfort layer, along with the type of coil system used, affects the overall feel and support of the mattress.

What is the difference between an innerspring and a hybrid mattress?

An innerspring mattress primarily consists of a spring support system, offering firm support and some degree of comfort. It is traditionally associated with a bouncy feel and is often topped with a thin layer of foam or fiberfill for added comfort.

In contrast, a hybrid mattress merges the spring system of an innerspring mattress with substantial layers of other materials, such as memory foam or latex. This combination offers the supportive bounce of springs and the pressure-relieving and contouring benefits of foam, providing a balanced sleep experience. True innerspring mattresses are rare. Modern innerspring mattresses are typically hybrid designs.

How to choose an innerspring mattress for a good night’s sleep

Choosing the perfect innerspring mattress is an important decision that can seriously impact your sleep. There are several key factors you should consider when finding a mattress that provides the right balance of support and comfort.

Sleeping position

Your preferred sleeping position should impact your mattress selection:

  • Side sleepers: If you prefer to sleep on your side, you may benefit from a plusher mattress that cradles your curves and alleviates pressure points. The best mattress for side sleepers provides extra support for the shoulders and hips. 
  • Stomach sleepers: The best mattress for stomach sleepers should be firm to help keep your spine aligned. 
  • Back sleepers: Those who prefer to sleep on their back benefit from a wider range of firmness options, depending on their preferences. See our full back sleeper mattress guide.
  • Back sleepers: Those who prefer to sleep on their back benefit from a wider range of firmness options, depending on their preferences. 

Sleeper’s body

Body type, including weight and health conditions, can influence what makes a mattress feel most comfortable to you.

  • Weight: People with different body types will have different sleeping needs. For instance, the best mattress for heavy people is often firmer and with a higher coil count. Lighter individuals may need a softer-than-average mattress. 
  • Health conditions: An innerspring mattress provides good pressure relief, potentially alleviating aches and pains throughout the body. Those looking for a mattress for back pain should choose a firmer mattress. A mattress for hip pain should have similar parameters. Generally, a mattress that’s good for one type of pain is good for others, too. 

Mattress firmness

Personal preference plays a big role in choosing between a firm mattress, which provides more back support, or a soft mattress, which offers a more cradling feel. Some people just like a softer sleeping surface, while others prefer something more supportive. 

Who will be sleeping on the mattress

Comfort is subjective, especially when it comes to mattresses. If you’re sharing the innerspring mattress with a partner, consider finding a good mattress for couples by combining your needs and preferences. Mattresses for children should usually be softer, as children weigh less. However, not all kids sleep the same, so you should consider sleeping preferences when purchasing a mattress for kids, too. 

In the end, you need to pick a comfortable mattress, which depends largely on your preferences. 

Price

An innerspring mattress can cost $650 to over $3,800, with the best affordable mattress offering valuable support and pressure relief without a steep price tag. Shoppers looking for premium features, including luxury materials, can learn more about the best luxury mattresses here.

Additional features

Innerspring mattresses can also have several other features. These can be important for some individuals, depending on their preferences:

  • Cooling features: Hot sleepers may benefit from a cooling mattress
  • Adjustable beds: If snoring or pressure points are a serious concern, you may want to purchase an adjustable bed. If you go this route, be sure to purchase a mattress for adjustable beds, as not all mattress are compatible. 

Mattress size: When determining what size mattress to purchase, consider your room size and who’s sleeping in the bed. Finding the best king-size mattress may be great if you like to sprawl in your sleep while choosing a top queen-size mattress is ideal for smaller spaces.

Our final verdict

Our overall pick for the best innerspring mattress is the Saatva Classic. Its strong steel coils provide a supportive sleep surface for back and stomach sleepers, while the Euro pillow-top is plush enough to cushion the body without sinkage. Each coil in this mattress is individually pocketed, allowing the mattress to bend and contour to the body. Plus, because of the innerspring core combined with the use of natural, breathable materials, it scores high in the category of temperature regulation.

Saatva is an industry leader when it comes to policies. Each mattress includes free white glove delivery and a 365-night sleep trial, and new mattresses are protected by a lifetime warranty. Their mattresses tend to be more expensive, with a queen-size Saatva Classic costing $2,095 before promotions, but this brand regularly runs promotions for up to $650 off orders over $1,000.  

Compare the best innerspring mattresses of 2024

Price for queen size $1,795* $1,499* $999* $1,399* $999* $1,624*
Firmness 7/10 6.5/10 6/10 5/10 6/10 7/10
Material Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Innerspring-hybrid
Warranty Lifetime Lifetime 10 years Lifetime 10 years Lifetime
Trial period 365 nights 120 nights 120 nights 365 nights 100 nights 120 nights
Best for All sleepers Back pain Value Cooling Combination sleepers and responsiveness Side sleepers

Frequently asked questions 

These terms refer to the same component within a mattress. Innersprings, or coils, are the metal, springy support structures found within the mattress. They can come in various types, such as Bonnell, pocketed, continuous, or offset coils, each offering different support, durability, and motion isolation characteristics.

The best innerspring mattress for you largely depends on your individual needs and preferences, including sleeping position, firmness preference, and budget. Some well-regarded options include the Saatva Classic, known for its customizable firmness and durable coil-on-coil construction; the WinkBed, which offers targeted support and a plush pillow top; and the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, which we liked for its balance of support and comfort.

An innerspring mattress typically lasts about seven to 10 years. The quality of materials, weight and sleeping habits of the user, and proper maintenance can influence how long your mattress lasts. Rotating the mattress regularly (if the mattress is dual-sided) and using a supportive base can extend its lifespan.

The cost of an innerspring mattress varies widely. Budget-friendly options can start from a few hundred dollars, while high-end models can cost several thousand. On average, a quality innerspring mattress may cost between $600–$1,500. Factors affecting price include the size, the type of coils used, the quality and types of materials in the comfort layers, and additional features like cooling technologies or organic materials.

Innerspring mattresses are often well-suited for back and stomach sleepers. The firm support from the coils provides the necessary support for spinal alignment, which is crucial for these sleeping positions.

Side sleepers might find traditional innerspring mattresses too firm, as they may not offer adequate pressure relief at the hips and shoulders. However, hybrid-innerspring mattresses with a plush top layer can be a good option for side sleepers, as they combine the supportive bounce of springs with the softness and contouring of foam.

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