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Written by
Daniel Noyed, Certified Sleep Coach
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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
The WinkBed is a foam hybrid available in multiple firmness options. The Luxury Firm WinkBed is one of the model’s most popular iterations thanks largely to a balanced medium firm (6) feel that offers both gentle contouring for the body and sturdy coil-based support.
What It’s Made of
A hybrid design drives the Luxury Firm WinkBed’s performance. The mattress begins with a Euro-top surface padded with gel-infused foam. A transitional layer of high-density polyfoam reinforces the top layer to maintain an even plane for your body while also giving the body a bit of extra cushioning. The 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.
How It Performed
Our testing shows the Luxury Firm WinkBed delivers sufficient support for back and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers in the range of 130 to 230 pounds also find the mattress comfortable. Lighter or heavier individuals who favor these sleep positions may prefer a softer or firmer version of the WinkBed. The company allows exchanges during its 120-night sleep trial, allowing customers to select a different firmness option if they are not satisfied with their initial choice.
The zoned coils provide great support along the perimeter, so excessive sinkage when getting in and out of bed shouldn’t be a major issue for most people. Other highlights of the mattress include excellent airflow and breathability, good responsiveness for sex, and decent motion isolation for a hybrid model.
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Luxury Firm WinkBed is one of the most well-rounded mattresses I’ve ever tested personally. The foam layers provide just enough cushioning for the body without feeling too soft, and the coils feel secure in all the right places.”
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 bed is constructed with quality materials and optimized performance features, all at an approachable price-point compared to other luxury models.
What It’s Made of
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. The DreamCloud is considered a high-profile mattress and an ideal choice for people who prefer sleeping on thicker-than-average beds.
How It Performed
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. These coils also generate steady airflow throughout the mattress core for a cooling effect.
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“It’s hard to find a hybrid that meets you halfway with cushioning and support, but the DreamCloud pulls it off. Plenty of plushness on the surface but you never feel like you’re going to sink too much or roll off the sides.”
Most Comfortable
The Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid constructed with comfort in mind. The plush pillow-top and pressure-relieving foam greatly alleviate pressure-induced pain in the joints. The Classic also doubles down on the benefits of coils, employing a supportive coil-on-coil construction.
What It’s Made of
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 microcoils. These are individually wrapped, letting each coil compress in a way that is more tailored to the weight applied to the bed. The pillow-top contains polyfoam as well as a memory foam lumbar pad. A breathable organic cotton cover rounds out the overall construction.
How It Performed
For both the 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch models, customers can select between a soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8) feel, which broadens the Saatva Classic’s ability to serve all types of sleepers regardless of their weight. The bed should appeal especially to side and back sleepers. The cushioning from the pillow-top coupled with the pushback from the coils is ideally suited to these sleep positions, which require contouring as well as support for healthy sleep posture. While helping with spinal alignment, the microcoils also generate bounce to make moving around a cinch on top of the surface.
As an additional perk, the Saatva comes with free installation and removal of an old mattress as well as a 365-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 lifetime warranty against defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Saatva Classic comes closer to imitating the responsiveness of a traditional innerspring than just about any other hybrid I’ve tested. We thought the mattress excelled at support and overall stability, and appreciated the versatility of its firmness and thickness options.”
Best Pressure Relief
Get an additional $30 off the Nolah Evolution Mattress for total savings of $730 with code: SF730OFF
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a luxury Euro-top hybrid that excels at pressure relief. The thick foam comfort system has an adaptive feel that closely contours to the body to alleviate pressure-prone areas.
What It’s Made of
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 offer instant cooling. Thanks to these features, the Evolution 15 should be suitable for anyone who sleeps hot or sweats while they sleep.
How It Performed
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.
With pocketed coils and foam layers that are engineered to minimize heat retention, the bed should feel comfortable for hot sleepers compared to other foam hybrids on the market. The coil system is also 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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Evolution 15 works because it combines the plushness of a pillow-top with the robust feel of thick, zoned coils. I personally liked the medium firm feel best, but all three firmness levels earned solid ratings from our group.”
Best for Back Pain
30% off all GhostBed mattresses & 2 free pillows. Free weighted blanket ($479 Value) with a minimum $1.5k order.
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.
What It’s Made of
The cover is quilted with 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. The perimeter of the mattress is reinforced to support the edges, making it easier to lie or sit closer to the edge of the bed.
How It Performed
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 for free shipping within the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Flex succeeds at feeling supportive where a lot of memory foam hybrids fall short. This is a true medium firm mattress, so I felt very stable lying on my side and back. The cooling layers are also a high point.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Traditional innersprings don’t have the best track record with side sleepers. Most of these models offer minimal contouring, which side sleepers often need to reduce pressure in sensitive areas along the spine. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid, on the other hand, is constructed with a mixed-foam comfort system that delivers deep cushioning for the shoulders and hips – two common areas of pressure buildup for people who use the side position.
What It’s Made of
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid features a top layer of aerated polyfoam over a second comfort layer of medium-density memory foam. This combination results in a light bounce when you get into bed, followed by even contouring as your body sinks into the surface. The mattress has a medium firm (6) feel but most people experience close, even conforming.
The three-layer support core consists of pocketed coils sandwiched between layers of high-density polyfoam, creating great overall stability for the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. Extra perimeter reinforcement in the coil system also produces generous push-back when you lie close to the edges or get in and out of bed. A knit polyester cover encases the entire mattress.
How It Performed
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid’s balanced design was most popular with the side sleepers on our testing team who weigh at least 130 pounds. They received ample cushioning for the shoulders and hips, as well as sufficient support. Back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable. Heavier individuals who use these positions may need a firmer mattress.
The aerated polyfoam pushes air close to the surface while the coils generate airflow throughout the interior. As a result, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid should sleep cool for most people. We also awarded favorable ratings for motion isolation and pressure relief, two areas where innersprings and hybrids generally fall short. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid’s strong performance in both categories can be attributed to its deep mixed-foam comfort system.
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid’s sticker price is in line with other hybrid models and shipping is free for customers in all 50 states. Each purchase comes with a 100-night sleep trial, and those who decide to keep the mattress also receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty against structural defects. For an extra fee, you can opt for an additional accident protection plan that includes stains, rips, and other types of physical damage not normally covered under the standard warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Leesa Sapira Hybrid offers deep cushioning and conforming that we’ve rarely seen in innersprings, even those in the foam hybrid category. Side sleepers who struggle with traditional coil mattresses should give this one a shot.”
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. This solid support makes the mattress a great choice for stomach sleepers, preventing common issues with sagging and spinal misalignment.
What It’s Made of
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 lack of foam comfort layers means the Joybed LX avoids the common pitfalls of retaining heat and off-gassing foam odors. The support core contains springs that are able to respond to changes in pressure independently of each other, rather than compressing as a unit.
The cotton cover is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic. All the natural materials used in the bed undergo 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.
How It Performed
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 pocketed coils provide a bouncy feel and a stable surface. The cotton and wool are both highly breathable, moisture-wicking materials that help keep the bed cool through the night, even for those who sleep hot.
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Joybed is unlike a lot of other mattresses we’ve tested. You don’t get that deep cushioning that foam or latex provides, but the surface feels exceptionally bouncy and the mattress offers top-notch cooling.”
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 that best suits back sleepers.
What It’s Made of
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 a thick layer 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.
How It Performed
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 firm (7) 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. A more responsive feel and coil support core also create a strong perimeter, allowing sleepers to lie closer to the edge. 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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“If a responsive mattress sounds up your alley, the Real Bed should do the trick nicely. The latex and coils make the surface feel very bouncy. None of our testers had a hard time moving across the surface.”
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. We try the mattresses by lying on them, changing positions, and scoring 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.
To find out more about our testing process, check out our product research methodology below:
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.
Watch the video below for our in-depth explanation of mattress costs. We discuss why some beds have higher prices than others.
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 5 years, but with most modern innersprings, including our top picks, we expect a lifespan of 6 to 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 details that are sometimes mentioned 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 sealing it in packaging, and then mailing it as a compressed mattress 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.
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