Buy more, save more. $200 off Saatva Classic mattresses $1000-$2000, $300 off $2,000+ Classic mattresses. $200 off all other mattresses.
Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Written by
Daniel Noyed
No other mattress type boasts the same track record as the innerspring. These mattresses have long served as a cornerstone product in the industry and are fashioned around a tried-and-true coil-based support system.
Historically, innersprings have been made with limited or no extra layers above the springs, leaving the coils as the only means of support. In recent years, hybrid models – innersprings with coil support cores with layers of foam or latex above them – have become increasingly popular because they provide more cushioning and contouring than traditional innerspring models.
Our Sleep Foundation testing team evaluated multiple performance features that sleepers may want to consider when shopping for innersprings. We examined each bed for ease of movement, motion isolation, edge support, and temperature control. Our testing team includes side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers, as well as people with varying body types, in order to represent many different types of sleepers.
If you’re trying to decide if an innerspring mattress is right for you, consider the following guidance:
| Choose an innerspring if: | Skip an innerspring if… |
|---|---|
| – It’s important for you to be able to move easily on top of the mattress – You tend to sleep hot – You want to select from a range of firmness levels – You like being able to analyze and evaluate options for the mattress comfort system |
– You want deep contouring so that it feels like you are sleeping “in” a mattress – You are worried about motion transfer across the surface of the mattress – Long-term durability is among your highest priorities – You want to try a style of mattress that is newer and distinct from the norm |
Our list of top picks represents the innerspring models that performed best in our testing process. To learn more about each of our picks, read our mattress profiles below. We also offer a general guide to shopping for innerspring mattresses. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn about typical costs for innersprings, the average lifespan of an innerspring bed, and innerspring terminology such as coil gauge and coil count.
Best Overall
Buy more, save more. $200 off Saatva Classic mattresses $1000-$2000, $300 off $2,000+ Classic mattresses. $200 off all other mattresses.
The Saatva Classic doubles down on the benefits of coils, employing a coil-on-coil construction that is further enhanced by a pillow top filled with pressure-relieving foam.
The two coil layers in the Saatva Classic have distinct build styles. The bottom layer, which is either 4 or 7 inches thick depending on the model you choose, utilizes bonnell coils. With 13-gauge steel, these coils are strong and offer a reliable support core and meaningful edge support.
Above those coils is a 4-inch layer of micro-coils. These are individually wrapped, letting each coil compress in a way that is more tailored to the weight is applied to the bed. While helping with spinal alignment, these coils also generate bounce to make moving around a cinch on top of the surface.
The pillow top layer has an arrangement of polyfoam as well as a memory foam lumbar pad that provides extra appeal to stomach and back sleepers who tend to need more cushioning for the lower back. A breathable organic cotton cover rounds out the overall construction.
For both the 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch models, customers can select between a soft, medium, and firm feel, which broadens the Saatva Classic’s ability to serve all types of sleepers regardless of their weight and preferred sleeping position.
As an additional perk, the Saatva comes with free installation and removal of an old mattress as well as a 180-night sleep trial. However, if you choose to return the bed, Saatva does charge $99 to cover the cost of return shipping. The mattress has a 15-year warranty against defects.
Best Value
Luxury innersprings are often expensive, but some manage to be both affordable and high-quality. The DreamCloud hybrid innerspring is a prime example. The mattress is constructed with a quilted cover made from a cashmere blend for exceptional softness and great temperature regulation. While the DreamCloud has a medium firm (6) feel, the memory foam comfort layer provides precise body-contouring and even weight distribution, ensuring good alignment and less pressure for most sleepers regardless of their sleep position.
The support core contains individually pocketed coils that stabilize the bed nicely and reinforce the edges against sinkage without making the surface feel too stiff for sleeping. These coils also generate steady airflow throughout the mattress core for added cooling. Measuring 14 inches thick, the DreamCloud is considered a high-profile mattress and an ideal choice for people who prefer sleeping on thicker-than-average beds.
Thanks to its balanced feel and premium composition, the DreamCloud checks a lot of boxes for sleepers. The surface is responsive enough for sex and should be easy to move across for most people, but the memory foam also absorbs a fair amount of motion to minimize transfer and reduce sleep disturbances for couples. Additionally, the coils don’t produce much noise and won’t be a nuisance when your partner gets in and out of bed.
Given the DreamCloud’s top-tier design, its price-point is very reasonable. The company also provides free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial, giving you an entire year to test it out before deciding whether to keep or return it, along with a lifetime warranty that protects against defects for as long as you own the bed.
Best for Back Pain
The WinkBed puts a range of materials to use in creating a dynamic mattress with stout edge support and the ability to suit a broad swath of sleepers regardless of their weight or sleeping position.
A coil-on-coil design drives the performance of the WinkBed. Its support core uses individually wrapped coils that are specially arranged to provide a more robust feel near the edges and give extra support to heavier parts of the body. Right above this layer are micro-coils, which are also individually wrapped, letting all of the springs in this mattress cushion the body in a tailored way.
In addition to micro-coils, the WinkBed uses gel-infused polyfoam that is part of the fill material for a stitched pillow top. This lets the mattress provide greater contouring and hug, especially for people who opt for the softer firmness options.
With medium soft, medium firm, and firm options available, the WinkBed can deliver necessary support for back, stomach, and side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers usually find that the firm option works best for them. A special model, known as the WinkBed Plus, is also available with a design intended specifically for people over 300 pounds.
After delivery, a 120-night return window allows customers to test out the WinkBed and truly get a sense of its performance. Over the long-term, it is backed by the company’s lifetime warranty policy.
Most Comfortable
SleepFoundation.org readers get 30% off mattresses & 2 free luxury pillows ($190 Value) or 40% off the adjustable bundle. No code necessary.
The GhostBed Flex is a hybrid mattress that strikes an even balance between support and cushioning. With a medium firm (6) feel, the bed is a comfortable model that may appeal to many types of sleepers.
The mattress has a 13-inch profile. The cover is quilted with an inch of cooling fiber, followed by two layers of memory foam that create a plush surface that hugs the body closely. Next is a thin polyfoam layer that moderately conforms with the body but is firm enough to prevent sagging. The support core contains a coil system that produces a firm, responsive feel. The coils are pocketed with fabric to reduce motion transfer.
Strong contouring from the memory foam layers results in excellent relief for those who experience pressure buildup during sleep. Side sleepers especially may benefit from this feature, as buildup can occur in the shoulders and hips for this particular sleep position. The coil system enables air to flow through the bed’s interior, which might make this an appealing option for those who enjoy the feel of foam but dislike the heat retention that is commonly associated with this material.
GhostBed offers a 101-night sleep trial and 25-year warranty. The bed qualifies free shipping within the contiguous U.S.
Best Pressure Relief
Amerisleep offers an array of mattresses that cater to different sleep preferences and needs. The AS3 Hybrid is one of the brand’s most popular models and comes in an all-foam and a hybrid option. The hybrid model delivers an even balance of contouring and support, making it a good fit for sleepers who seek pressure relief during sleep.
The AS3 Hybrid features a comfort layer made of Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur memory foam, which conforms with the body but is more responsive than conventional memory foam. Beneath is a pocketed coil system that produces bounce and targeted relief to different parts of the body. The bed’s hybrid design may appeal to sleepers who commonly experience painful pressure points during sleep. Since side sleepers tend to feel pressure build-up in the neck, shoulders, and hips during sleep, they may especially appreciate the bed’s pressure relief features.
The pocketed coils allow air to circulate in the bed, while the Bio-Pur foam has an open-cell design engineered to wick moisture away from the body. These features make the AS3 Hybrid a good option for hot sleepers. The coils also reduce motion transfer across the surface, which may appeal to those who have sleeping partners that shift a lot during sleep.
Amerisleep offers free shipping within the contiguous United States and a 100-night sleep trial. After an initial 30-day period, customers may return the mattress for a full refund. Mattresses are backed by a 20-year warranty.
Best for Side Sleepers
Get $210 off a Layla Hybrid Mattress + 2 free memory foam pillows with code: SLEEPFOUNDATION
The Layla Hybrid is unlike most competing innersprings due to its dual-sided design. One side of the mattress is constructed with 4.5 inches of adaptive foam that contours closely to the body, resulting in a medium soft (4) feel ideal for many people who weigh less than 130 pounds – side sleepers in particular. The opposite site features 2.5 inches of foam and provides a firm (7) feel that can accommodate heavier side sleepers, as well as back and stomach sleepers. The hybrid may also appeal to people whose preferred firmness levels vary from night to night.
The top layer on either side is composed of memory foam infused with copper, which has cooling properties and may reduce heat buildup on the surfaces. Both sides also include transitional polyfoam layers to prevent sinkage and keep your body on an even plane. The shared support core contains pocketed coils that stabilize the mattress without making it feel too stiff or generating excessive motion transfer. This layer is zoned with thicker coils lining the center to reinforce your body and dual-row coils along the perimeter to reduce sinkage when you get on and off of the mattress.
The Layla Hybrid’s price-point is on par with that of the average hybrid model and shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S. Layla backs the mattress with a 120-night sleep trial that includes complimentary shipping for all returns. You’ll also receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with your purchase.
Best Cooling
Get an additional $30 off the Nolah Signature Mattress for total savings of $730 with code: SF830
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a luxury Euro-top hybrid that excels at temperature regulation. The foam layers that make up the comfort system have an open-cell composition and shouldn’t retain too much heat, while the support core contains pocketed coils that circulate air throughout the interior. The entire mattress is also wrapped in a cover of proprietary ArcticTex fabric designed to off instant cooling. Thanks to these features, the Evolution 15 should be suitable for anyone who sleeps hot or sweats while they sleep.
The mattress is available in three firmness levels, each one suited to different types of sleepers. The medium (5) feel conforms closely to the body and should appeal to side sleepers. The other two options, medium firm (6) and firm (8), feel more supportive and should be comfortable for back and stomach sleepers – especially those who weigh at least 130 pounds. The coil system is zoned to create added stability along the perimeter, so sleepers should feel relatively secure when they lie near the edges or get on and off the mattress.
Nolah offers free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial spans 120 nights in length and includes complimentary return shipping. However, customers may opt out of the trial period to decrease their up-front costs for the mattress. All purchases are backed by a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects for as long as the original buyer retains ownership of the Evolution 15.
Best for Stomach Sleepers
The Joybed LX is an eco-friendly mattress that combines natural and organic materials with the robust support of strong, individually pocketed coil springs.
As the Joybed LX’s support core is made of pocketed coils, the bed provides a bouncy feel and a stable surface. The springs are able to respond to changes in pressure independently of each other, rather than compressing as a unit.
Rather than using foams, the Joybed LX’s comfort system is made of a combination of layers of both organic cotton and organic wool. The cotton and wool are both highly breathable, moisture-wicking materials that help keep the bed sleeping cool through the night, even for those who sleep hot. The lack of foam comfort layers means the Joybed LX avoids the common pitfalls of retaining heat and off-gassing foam odors.
The mattress’s cotton cover is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic. The natural materials used in the bed, as well as their suppliers, go through multiple testing and certification programs to ensure the animals are raised responsibly and the cotton and wool are free of harmful chemicals and other substances. Lastly, the mattress employs a plant-based fire barrier rather than making use of a chemical flame retardant.
The coil system and natural padding give the Joybed LX a firm (7) feel that suits the needs of sleepers of a wide variety of sizes and sleep positions. Back and stomach sleepers especially should find the blend of strong support and comfort that they need with this mattress.
The Joybed LX ships for free to the contiguous U.S., while paid shipping may be available to Alaska and Hawaii. White Glove delivery along with old mattress removal are available for an additional fee. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial along with a 10-year warranty.
Best for Back Sleepers
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Real Bed (by Charles P. Rogers) mattresses
The Real Bed mattress combines a strong base of Powercore pocketed innerspring coils with multiple layers of latex, wool, and other natural and organic materials. The result is a hybrid innerspring model that provides a combination of support and pressure relief suitable for a wide variety of different sleepers.
The mattress is wrapped in a cover made of organic cotton with a breathable, eucalyptus-based rayon lining. Underneath the surface of the mattress is a layer of moisture-wicking wool, followed by 3 inches of bouncy natural latex.
The core of the mattress is the Powercore spring unit, which is made of sturdy, individually pocketed coils. These coils provide a healthy degree of pushback and bounce, while also isolating motion to a greater extent than a traditional coil system. This support core rests on a base of more layers of natural latex, wool, and eucalyptus-based rayon.
The Real Bed’s construction makes it a solid choice for sleepers of all sizes and preferred sleeping positions, especially back and stomach sleepers. The coil core’s strong support and the bed’s medium firm feel have broad appeal and meet the needs of a wide variety of sleepers. The multiple layers of latex and natural materials provide a responsive, moderate amount of contouring. That being said, side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely find the bed a bit too firm and may want a model with deeper cradling.
The Real Bed ships free to the contiguous U.S., with paid shipping available to Alaska, Hawaii, and some international locales. White Glove delivery is available in many of the contiguous states for an additional fee. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial period and a 10-year prorated warranty. The coil core unit is covered under a separate 25-year warranty.
With so many innerspring mattresses on the market today, it can be tough to decide which one is the best fit for you. The team at Sleep Foundation has personally reviewed hundreds of innerspring mattresses to provide you with a comprehensive list of the best models out there. In our sleep lab, we examine each mattress using a series of tests that measure temperature control, edge support, pressure relief, and durability.
Our testing team includes sleepers who have a range of sleep preferences and body types, which allows us to better predict who will most enjoy each mattress. The sleep product experts try each mattress by lying on it, changing positions, and scoring it for comfort and support. We also measure pressure points by using body-mapping technology and determine heat retention with thermal imaging. This list is updated regularly to include new mattress models that the Sleep Foundation team considers noteworthy.
For a quality innerspring, the price tends to be similar to or slightly more than all-foam mattresses and less than all-latex mattresses and airbeds. The exact nature of the innerspring design, such as the type, thickness, and quality of its materials, will influence the price and how much any model’s cost compares to other mattress types.
The coils in an innerspring mattress can wear down over time, losing their ability to maintain or spring back to their full, original height. When this happens, the mattress begins to sag and falter in supporting your body.
With traditional innersprings, an average lifespan was around five years, but with most modern innersprings, including our top picks, we expect a lifespan of 6-8 years and perhaps more.
Several factors can influence the longevity of an innerspring:
As these criteria demonstrate, a higher-end innerspring is likely to have a significantly longer lifespan than a cheaper model. Looking closely at the specifications can help you determine how long you can hope to use any given model.
With almost any type of innerspring, you can occasionally rotate the mattress, putting what had been the head of the bed underneath your feet but without flipping the mattress. This can keep any one part of the mattress from wearing out more quickly from excess use.
If you’re diving deep into the available innerspring options, it may be helpful to know about a few other items that are sometimes listed with this type of bed.
Coil gauge is a way of describing how thick the coils are. While it can be confusing to remember, the lower the gauge, the thicker the coils. Coil gauge often ranges from around 13 to 18, and a lower gauge will normally be firmer and more durable.
Some mattresses will use multiple coil gauges in the support core. For example, they may have certain zones with thicker coils, such as around the perimeter or under the shoulders and hips.
The coil count is the total number of coils present in the system. Unfortunately, coil counts can be confusing and even misleading. If the coils are very small or use thin steel, a higher coil count may give a false sense of the durability or quality of the support core.
While you can look at the coil count, remember to consider it within the context of other factors such as the type of coils, their quality, and their gauge.
For most online mattresses, shipping is free and is done by compressing the mattress, sealing it in packaging, and then mailing it in a box. Once you take the box to your bedroom and remove the packaging, the mattress quickly takes its full shape. Some innersprings can be heavy, so this process often requires two people, especially for a larger bed.
With some innerspring options, installation may be included or available with your purchase. This involves a team coming to your home and setting up the mattress in your bedroom. Often they will be able to remove an old mattress at the same time if requested. You can check with the mattress seller or with third-party service providers in your area about setup and haul-away services.
The average innerspring costs between $700 and $1,100 in a queen size, but you may pay anywhere from less than $300 to more than $2,000. How much you pay for a new innerspring largely depends on where you buy the mattress. Online brands have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar mattress stores, so those who buy online will probably pay less than in-person shoppers.
It’s important to distinguish between traditional innersprings and hybrid mattresses. Traditional innersprings are usually constructed with thin foam comfort layers and thick coil systems. This creates the firmer, springier feel associated with these models. Hybrids are designed with thicker comfort layers made of materials like memory foam or latex. These materials are more expensive than conventional foams. As a result, you’ll probably pay much more for a hybrid than an innerspring.
Since comfort is completely subjective, it stands to reason that an innerspring mattress will feel more comfortable for some people and less so for others. Innersprings tend to be firmer and bouncier than other mattress types. This can be attributed to their construction, which typically consists of thin foam layers over thick coil systems.
If you weigh more than 230 pounds or primarily sleep on your back or stomach, you’ll probably need more support from your mattress and an innerspring may be the most comfortable option. People who weigh up to 230 pounds often need more cushioning and contouring to alleviate pressure points along the spine. This is particularly true for side sleepers. If you fall within this weight range and sleep on your side, you’re more likely to feel comfortable on an all-foam, latex, or hybrid mattress instead of an innerspring.
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
Looking for the best medium firm mattress? We cover our top picks for all sleeping styles and body types.
The best mattress for allergies can help allergy sufferers get a better night's sleep without symptoms. Our guide shares our…
A luxury mattress can transform your bedroom into an oasis. Our guide highlights the best models we've found through extensive…
