Best Innerspring Mattress

Posted on by Emma

Innerspring mattresses are the most common type of beds around. There’s even a good chance that you had one of these when you were younger.

Very practical and versatile, they can be used in different types of bed frames. While common, the best innerspring mattress can be difficult to identify if you don’t know what to look for.

In this article, we go in depth into understanding spring coil mattresses. In the process, we explain what features to look for and which products offer good value.

 

Quick Overview of Our Top Innerspring Mattress Picks

 

What is an Innerspring Mattress?

An innerspring mattress is made from what it sounds like: springs. Metal coils are surrounded by some type of padding, usually fiber, foam, or sometimes memory foam to provide support. For this reason innerspring mattress are also sometimes called spring coil mattresses.

While they’ve been around longer than many newer styles, innerspring is still the most popular type of mattress. It is very affordable, readily available and comes in many different size and firmness options. This makes it very practical for parents.

Spring mattresses may look similar on the outside. But, they may vary significantly. The size, shape, design and number of coils different from one product to another. These factors affect overall comfort and how bouncy your mattress is.

Quality of the Spring Coils

With this kind of mattress, the springs are what support you when you lie on them. They’re like shock absorbers. More importantly, the quality and number of springs often determine how good the product is. And, how long it will last.

That said, there are two specifications that you’ll want to be aware of when buying innersprings. These are coil count and coil gauge.

a. Coil Count

Refers to the number of spring coils the mattress’ support layer has. The more coils the more supportive it is. A higher coil count also prevents sagging as it helps distribute your weight between the coils more evenly. More importantly, more coils often mean better durability and longevity.

Most queen sized mattresses have coil counts between 500 and 900. The average runs between 600 and 700. As you’d guess, mattresses with more coils cost most.

Overall, users are more satisfied sleeping on products with higher coil count.

b. Coil Gauge

Refers to how thick each coil is. It is measured in gauge, similar to that used in metal. Coil gauge measures how large the diameter of the coil wire is.

Most mattresses fall between 12 and 15 gauge. Here, the lower the number, the better. A lower coil gauge means you have a thicker coil wire.

Thinner coil wires give you softer, more bouncy mattress. Thicker coils meanwhile, are firmer.

The softer feel may seem more enticing. But, research shows that lower gauge coils are more durable and last longer.

In general, the more you weigh the higher the coil count and lower the gauge you’ll want.

 

What are Innerspring Mattresses Made Of?

In this section, we look at the cross-section of an innerspring mattress. Most of them come with 2 main layers and a fabric cover.

  • The lower support layer is made up of spring coils.
  • The upper comfort layer is made of foam material.

Support Layer

This serves as the foundation of your mattress. It’s what give it shape and support. Often innerspring mattresses are labeled depending on what kind of coils are installed. The coil types are pretty easy to figure out since their names are self-explanatory.

Innerspring Mattress Coil Types

In general, the springs, or coils, used in this layer come in 4 different types. Each of the coils have their positive and negative points.

  • Pocket Coils: Also called Marshall coils, people refer to mattresses that use this type of coil as pocket springs. These consist of hundred, sometimes over a thousand, individually wrapped springs. The springs are wrapped in fabric. This design allows them to evenly distribute support. They aren’t the bounciest coils. But, they provide consumers with the best satisfaction (among the 4 types). They give you good support and reduce motion transfer. Plus, they’re also low noise. For this reason, pocket coil or pocket spring mattress are the most popular innersprings today.
  • Continuous Coils: A continuous coil is one continuous wire that runs from head to toe, twisting into the coils as it goes. You’ll find rows of these coils in this type of mattress. In terms of popularity it ranks second to pocket coils. The reason for this is they’re low cost. Continuous coils are durable and have a springy feel. But, they also offer the least satisfaction among users. They aren’t great as far as support goes. Nor are they good in terms of noise suppression or motion isolation.
  • Bonnell Coils: Are also called open coils. These are one of the older coil systems. You’ll commonly find them in older mattresses though they’re still widely used today. These coils have an hour glass shape. They are bouncy and have good durability.
  • Offset Coils: These are similar to Bonnell coils. But the springs are hinged together. This gives them more support, less noise and motion transfer. They are found in mid to high priced mattresses.

Comfort Layer

The comfort layer sits above the support layer. It consists of foam layers that provide the mattress with cushioning and comfort. It is also what insulates you from the hard springs.

When it comes to innerspring mattress comfort layers, these are the materials often used.

  • Regular foam: These are polyurethane foam. They’re very common and affordable. These provide softness to counter the firmer spring coils underneath it. They offer average user satisfaction.
  • Fiber: In this case, cotton or polyester is used to fill the comfort layer. This is what provides the cushioning.
  • Memory foam: These are a popular choice. They adjust to the contours of your body making them very comfortable. Do note that when combined with innerspring mattresses they’re often in small quantities. As such, you’ll only find a few inches of memory foam with it. If you want more than 2 inches of memory foam over your spring coil layer, check out hybrid mattresses.
  • Gel-infused memory foam: These have the best user satisfaction of all. They offer the conforming feel of memory foam. And, don’t sleep hot. Because of the additional cooling gel infusion, they’re also more expensive than memory foam.
  • Latex: Latex is rarely seen in innerspring mattresses. Those that do are expensive. They offer similar benefits of memory plus extra pressure relief. They also don’t retain heat.

Cover

Finally, there’s the fabric cover. This encases the entire mattress. It is what gives the product its look and feel. They come indifferent colors. And depending on the manufacturer, you’ll also see varying types of material.

 

Innerspring vs. Memory Foam Mattress: What’s the Difference?

Probably the two most popular type of mattresses are innerspring and memory foam. As such, it’s easy for consumers to compare them. The thing is, the two are completely different products.

So how does innerspring compare to memory foam mattresses? That depends on what you’re looking for in a mattress. The biggest components tend to be comfort, durability, and price.

To help you understand each in depth, we take a look at the difference between innerspring and memory foam mattresses. And, compare them.

Construction

To begin, let’s compare construction:

Innerspring mattresses consist of a coil system. Here, spring coils are lined up together to form the support of the bed.

As mentioned above, the design, types of coils, number of coils and their thickness vary. This makes quality vary significantly between cheap and expensive innersprings. Above the spring coils is one or more layers of foam which provide cushioning and comfort.

Memory foam mattresses on the other are made from high density polyurethane foam. This makes their support and feel very different from that of springs. What makes memory foam unique Is that they conform to the shape of your body.

Memory foam mattresses often have a thicker, firmer support foam layer underneath them. This serves as the support layer or foundation. The reason being that memory foam is softer. And, without a firmer support layer, will give in too much giving you that sinking feeling.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, it’s all about you and what you like and need. A memory foam mattress provides pressure relief. It is also more comfortable since it conforms to your body.

Innersprings can create pressure points which can be uncomfortable. They are also firmer in feel. As such, it’s easy to understand why users are more satisfied with memory foam compared to spring coil mattresses.

The thing is, most innerspring that consumers buy are the cheap or affordable models. Often, these aren’t the best in quality. When made well, they can give you comfort for many happy nights.

Each do have their issues.

With innerspring, it’s sagging. A good portion of customer complaints are due to this issue. Over time, the spring coils tend to lose their tension. As such, you start sagging down. In general you’re bound to expect about 15% of sag after the first and second year.

Additionally, the spring can be noise, especially during sex. While it’s easy to move around on these mattresses, they don’t provide for motion isolation. As such, when your partner moves, you will probably feel it.

Memory foam tends to last without sagging or developing a permanent body imprint when they’re made of a denser material. They’re quiet and don’t have motion transfer.

But, it does have its own issue. That’s heat retention.

The denser foam traps heat which means that after lying on it for some time, you’ll start to feel hot. This is the main complaint of consumers. Some even wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat.

As a solution to the warmth, many manufacturers offer a cooler option. Here, the memory foam is infused with gel. This cools it down and reduces heat retention.

Cost

Then, of course, there’s cost. More than likely, you don’t buy anything without looking at the price tag first. And purchasing a mattress is no different.

Memory foam tends to be more expensive than innerspring. But, you’ll pay about the same for a mid-ranged memory foam that you would for a high-ranged innerspring.

The good news is, memory foam mattresses have come down in price.

Do note that with either mattress, quality will correlate to price.

- With memory foam, you’ll want to check how much memory foam is there. Some will only give you only 1 to 2 inches of memory foam. The rest will be regular high density foam. That’s not a lot. Better quality products will have a thick portion of memory foam.

- Innersprings on the other hand also vary by price. Good ones have high coil count and low coil gauge. They also have a thick spring layer as well as comfort layer.

Support & Pressure Relief

Innerspring mattresses offer good support in the beginning. That’s because the spring coils are at their full tension.

The thing is, since you tend to lay in the same spot every night. And, you’re being held up by metal springs, sagging turns into a problem over time. This sagging also leads into the durability issues as well.

Logic says that if the mattress that you sleep on isn’t holding you up and supporting you the way it once did, it isn’t as durable as you would like.

If it’s back and joint relief you’re looking for, an innerspring is probably not for you. Again, you’re lying on metal springs for support. These, over time with wear, can create pressure points that push against your body.

As such, they can cause pain and stiffness. So, if you have bad knees, hips or a back issue, spring coil mattresses aren’t the best option.

Memory foam on the other hand were created to conform with the contours of your body. This makes them feel more comfortable. In addition, they provide good pain relief.

In general, memory foam offers average support, typically less than innerspring (before it sags). For this reason we recommend getting mattresses that have at least 6 inches of support foam. As far as comfort goes, look for something with at least 2 inches of memory foam.

Allergens

Depending on how you feel about sharing your bed, this might not be a massive issue. But, due to the way that innersprings are made, they’re a perfect home for dust mites.

Since they’re stuffed full of wool or fiber, it’s very easy for allergens and skin cells (the dust mites’ favorite meal) to become trapped inside your mattress. As such, it provides the perfect feast for your little friends.

Plus, since it’s completely enclosed, they can grow and multiply without interruption, making an innerspring their perfect little stomping ground.

Durability

With durability, a lot depends on quality.

Innerspring mattresses that come with low gauge coils are less likely to sag. They’re also more durable. That’s because the coils are made from thicker, sturdier steel.

The coil count does help as well. While secondary to coil gauge, more coils allows for your weight to be distributed more evenly across them. This reduces the tension each spring experiences. Thus, prolonging their tension.

The same holds true for memory foam. Cheap, low quality memory foam sags and leave your body’s imprint on it. They’re not too durable and won’t last long.

When it comes to memory foam, the denser the better. Dense, high quality memory foam that is high (thick) tends to last longer than its opposite.

 

Pros and Cons of Innerspring Mattresses

Pros

  • They offer more bounce. If you like that springy feel, this type of mattress is a good choice.
  • Innerspring are among the most affordable options. Most are inexpensive. But, there are high end innerspring that are very expensive as well.
  • Long lifespan. The older models are very durable and last for very long. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case today with most affordable spring mattresses. Do note that the more expensive, high quality ones have good lifespans.
  • Widely available. They are available in almost all stores that sell beds.
  • Many firmness options.
  • We’re very familiar with them and their technology. Most of us grew up sleeping on this type of mattress.
  • They let you move easily. Since the springs are firm, you don’t sink or sag. This makes it easy to move around or change positions when sleeping.
  • They have good edge support. Innersprings offer better support at the edges compared to foam mattresses. This lets you sit on them without sliding down.
  • They don’t retain heat.

Cons

  • Not as comfortable as foam mattress. It’s worth noting that the level of comfort does vary considerably. This will depend on the coil count and gauge as well as support level of the product.
  • Most new innersprings aren’t durable. On average, they have a shorter lifespan compared to memory foam and latex. This is especially true for the cheaper ones made after 2000.
  • Because of the firmer feel, they’re have a below average overall rating from users.
  • Sagging is a problem. Many springs start sagging after 1 or 2 years.
  • Motion transfer is an issue. This is especially true if the comfort layer isn’t thick.
  • The springs can be noisy. This does depend on the type of spring coils used. And, the quality of the mattress.
  • Thin innersprings can be painful. They don’t distribute your weight evenly. And, as the foam sags, you may feel the spring coils.

Choosing an Innerspring Mattress: Buying Guide

1. Thickness

With innerspring, avoid getting very thin mattresses. The thinner the mattress, the more likely you’re getting a few inches of comfort layer. This decreases the comfort level. And, just as importantly, increases the risk of sagging over time.

Thicker spring mattresses also mean you have a taller spring coils. When matched with a good coil count and thickness, this makes for more durable, supportive and long lasting mattress.

2. Pick the Right Firmness

Innerspring mattresses also come with many different options for comfort and firmness. No matter how you like it, there’s more than likely going to be an innerspring that’s perfect for your comfort level. And, since they’re so widely available, it shouldn’t be too hard to find one that’s just right.

Here, it comes down to preference and your sleeping position.

3. Type of Coils

Most innerspring mattresses will tell you how many spring coils are used in the support layer. Some will also provide coil gauge.

In general, the higher the coil count the better. We recommend getting spring mattresses with a coil count of 600 or more. You can go up all the way to 1,000 coils if you like high end comfort. Do note that the more coils, the more expensive they get.

In addition to coil count, check the coil gauge. Getting a mattress with a high coil count doesn’t always mean it is better. This is especially true if it has a high coil gauge. Many thin coils aren’t better than few thicker coils.

4. Type of Comfort layer

Depending on your preference, choose the comfort layer that suits you. Regular foam is cheaper. It is comfortable when thick enough.

  • Memory foam is a better option because of its conforming nature. It does cost more, and tends to sleep hot. A better option are gel-infused memory foam. This negates a good part of the heat. So, you get the benefits of memory foam without the heat retention.
  • Latex is a good choice if you want something that adapts to the contours of your body. Yet, is supportive. It doesn’t sleep hot. And, you get better pressure relief compared to memory foam. The drawback with latex is its price.

 

Best Innerspring Mattress Reviews

Signature Sleep Signature 13 Inch Independently Encased Coil Mattress

This is a thick 13 inch mattress that comes with a pillow top. The combination of the two types of layers give you something that’s soft to sleep on. Yet, you get a lot of support underneath.

We like that this mattress has a lot of small comfort layers over the springs. This keeps the top layer comfortable.

Just as importantly, the thick lower spring layers provides a good amount of pressure relief. Signature Sleep has added 3 pressure relieving zones. These are in the head & neck, lower back & hip, and the lower leg area.

  • The spring layer is made with independently encased coils. This makes up the lower 9.8 inches of the mattress. It gives it that bounce as well as support.
  • On top of the spring layer is the 3 inch thick high density foam. This is your comfort layer. It is where you lay down.

Overall, this is a good thick spring mattress. It is made with durable spring coils combined with comfortable upper layer. The pillow top makes it softer than most innerspring mattresses.

Zinus Sleep Master Ultima Comfort 8 Inch Spring Mattress

This one is for anyone who prefers something that isn’t as high. Or, for those who like a firmer mattress.

The Sleep Master Ultima Comfort is 8 inches thick. It uses pocketed springs on the bottom layer. This is then topped with comfort foam.

As mentioned, the mattress has a firmer feel. It doesn’t have as many or as thick a comfort layer as the Signature Sleep offering above.

What you get is:

  • A 7.5 inch iCoil spring layer. This is the base layer. And it provides the structure and support of the mattress. The iCoil system is made from numerous independent coils. This keeps it from transferring movement from one area of the bed to another. In addition, the makeup of the springs give you a firm and durable mattress.
  • Above the spring layer is a 1 inch comfort foam. This gives you insulation from the firm springs. It provides you with comfort and a bit of softness.

Overall, this is an affordable mattress. It is firm and very supportive. You don’t get a lot of extras with it. But, you get the essentials for a good night’s sleep.

Classic Brands Mercer 12 Inch Hybrid Cool Gel Memory Foam and Innerspring Mattress

For quality and performance, this is our top pick.

The Classic Brands Mercer is a hybrid mattress. This means it is a combination of different types of mattresses made into one. In this case, it is a combination of innerspring and memory foam.

The combination of the two give it the support and durability of spring mattresses complemented by the more comfortable feel of memory foam. To make things even better, the product features cooling gel layer that eliminates the heat retention memory foam is known for.

This product is a 12 inch mattress. It has a medium plush feel and comes with a 10 year warranty.

We like that it combines support and comfort. Plus, you get a breathable mattress that stays cool.

Here’s the breakdown of the different layers.

  • At the bottom is 8 inches of wrapped coils. This provides as the support layer. The coils are made from 13 gauge steel. And, their arrangement gives you better balance and support distribution.
  • Then there’s a thin 0.75 inch comfort layer. This works with the spring coils. It softens their firm feel for the upper layer.
  • Above these are the comfort layers. This part is made of 3 different foam layers. Each of which is designed for comfort and support.
  • The top most layer is the gel memory foam. This layer is half an inch thick. This provides comfort as well as cooling.

Zinus 10 Inch Performance Plus / Extra Firm Spring Mattress

We like this mattress because it offers a good balance of height and comfort. This is a 10 inch thick mattress that’s firm to extra firm.

The firm nature makes it ideal for those who suffer from back pain. Or, want something that doesn’t give way when you sleep. It also works well for kids since it keeps their spine supported. This helps them have better posture during their growing stage.

The mattress is offered in 10 and 12 inches. And you get 2 foam layers over the spring base layer.

  • The bottom layer is 7.5 inches thick. It is made up of coil springs. We like that they’ve added more springs. This gives you more support. And, it prevents the bed from giving way for years.
  • Above the spring coil layer is a 1 inch thick support layer. This is made with high density foam. It offers additional support to the springs. And it adds softness as well. This way you don’t feel the springs.
  • At the top is a 1.5 inch comfort foam layer. This is what you lay on. It makes the bed comfortable yet firm to the feel.

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