Best Innerspring Mattresses of 2021

Traditional innerspring mattresses are the style of mattress that many people have spent their entire life sleeping on. These beds are built with a coil core support system that makes the bed durable, firm, and bouncy.

In this guide, we’ll share reviews of our top-rated innerspring mattresses, and all the insider tips on what to look for when shopping for an innerspring mattress in our buyer’s guide.

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Best Innerspring Mattresses

• Saatva – Editor’s Choice
• WinkBeds EcoCloud – Best Innerspring Mattress for Sex
• Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Innerspring Mattress for Pressure Relief
• DreamCloud Premier – Best Pillow Top Innerspring Mattress
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature – Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Pain
• Birch Natural Mattress – Best Innerspring Mattress for the Eco-Conscious Shopper
• Big Fig – Best Innerspring Mattress for Heavy People
• GhostBed Flex – Best Innerspring Mattress for Cooling 
• Purple Hybrid – Best Innerspring Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• Bear Hybrid – Best Innerspring Mattress for Customer Service

Next, we’ll take an in-depth look at each mattress. We’ll go over what we love about them, why they won each award, how they performed in our testing, and any purchasing details you should know.

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Saatva

While there are a lot of great innerspring mattresses out there, the Saatva is our favorite because it excels across the board. The Saatva mattress is composed of 5 premium material layers, including a coil system, memory foam, and a euro pillow-top. And all of these materials are eco-friendly.

This mattress is not for the shopper on a budget—you can spend upwards of $2,000 on a king or California king. Also, the pressure relief is not its best with this product. We scored it only a 6.5 out of 10 for that category.

Read our full Saatva mattress review.

WinkBeds EcoCloud

The WinkBeds EcoCloud is known for its bounciness and responsiveness, so you don’t feel stuck in the mattress as you try to move around. This makes this product a favorite for sex. 

This product features zoning, which means the head and foot are softer, while it’s firmer in the center. Also, the natural latex aspect of this mattress makes it a cooler product for those who sleep hot.

Unless you’re of a lighter weight (under 130 pounds), this product may not be a good choice for the stomach sleeper. Also, this is not the best choice for the shopper on a budget.

Read our WinkBeds EcoCloud review.

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Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is a top choice in part because of the mattress’s zoned lumbar support. Over 1,000 individually wrapped pocket coils provide zoned support, cradling both you while you sleep and providing extra support to the hips so that you can avoid an arch in your lower back.

If you love the feel of all-foam mattresses, this may not be the best choice for you, because this product is a combination of coils and foam. Also, look elsewhere if you are on a budget.

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DreamCloud Premier

Voted our best pillow top mattress, the DreamCloud Premier is a great option for those longing for restful, rejuvenating sleep. The pillow top layer that covers this innerspring mattress marries comfort with support and durability.

This brand isn’t known for its social impact efforts, other than taking returned mattresses to recycling or donation centers. Also, we’ve noticed some odor, called off-gassing, during unpacking, although it dissipates after several hours.

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Brooklyn Bedding Signature

The Brooklyn Signature mattress is one of our top-rated mattresses on Mattress Advisor for a reason. Of course, one of the most important things a mattress can do for you is to help relieve back pain (and not make it worse). The Brooklyn Signature mattress does this by providing superior pressure relief, that makes it one of the best mattresses for back pain sufferers.

This may not be the best option for couples or if you share your bed with kids or pets. That’s because we scored the Brooklyn Signatures only a 7.25 out of 10 on motion transfer, which means that you may feel your bed buddy getting in and out of bed.

Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress review.

Birch Natural Mattress

The Birch Natural Mattress is ideal for the eco-conscious shopper—the foams are non-toxic, New Zealand wool is used and the foams are GREENGUARD Gold Certified. These natural materials relieve pressure where it counts.

There’s good edge support with this product, which is helpful for the senior who needs a little help getting off the bed or the sleeper who likes to rest on the edge.

While latex naturally cools, there is a fair amount of insulation with the wool and cotton. For that reason, if you sleep hot, you may want to shop elsewhere. Also, this high-quality product is a luxury buy, something to consider.

Read our full Birch mattress review to learn more. 

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Big Fig

The Big Fig mattress is designed to help plus-sized or heavy people get the best night’s sleep possible, supporting up to 1,000 pounds of weight. In addition, the mattress comes with a foundation specially crafted to support more weight than a typical bed. With great motion isolation, couples of all sizes can get in and out of bed without waking one another up.

This product can get heavy (140 pounds for a king-size mattress), so you will likely need a friend to help you set this mattress up. Also, The Big Fig may not offer the pressure relief you are looking for if you are a side sleeper.

Read our full Big Fig mattress review.

GhostBed Flex

The GhostBed Flex features 7 layers of hybrid comfort at medium firmness. This means the GhostBed Flex delivers cooling and soft pressure relief throughout the entire mattress. With a cool to the touch cover, cooling fibers incorporated into the top layer, and gel memory foam- the GhostBed Flex is made for hot sleepers. The gel memory foam also provides a hug around the body, filling in the lower back and protecting the pressure points.

The GhostBed Flex is not a top option for the lightweight sleeper, particularly someone who prefers to sleep on their side. That’s because they may not experience the pressure relief a larger sleeper would.

Read our GhostBed Flex mattress review for more. 

Purple Hybrid

If you find yourself shifting positions throughout the night, the Purple Hybrid is a fine choice. The layers don’t make you feel stuck in the bed, as memory foam mattresses can do, and it’s good for stomach sleeping, provided you don’t plan to stay there all night.

Spine alignment is a key feature of this product. The Smart Comfort Grid gives when a set amount of pressure is applied, so that the heavier parts of your body sink while the lighter parts don’t.

This is a pricey product, so look elsewhere if you are on a budget. Also, if you are plus-size, the Purple Hybrid Premier might be a better choice, particularly if you sleep on your side, due to pressure on the hips and shoulders.

Read our Purple Hybrid review for more.

 

Bear Hybrid

The Bear Hybrid incorporates 5 different foam layers, an edge coil system and a Celliant fiber top designed to protect the body and provide pressure relief. The comfort layers of gel memory foam and adaptive foam cradles around the pressure points.

The foam layers fill in around the body to prevent pain and gently contour around the hips and shoulders of side sleepers. Additionally, the use of Celliant technology promotes recovery in the body and the coil system keeps the mattress from sleeping warm.

Read our full Bear Hybrid mattress review for more. 

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Innerspring Mattress Buyer’s Guide

Tons of people have been sleeping on an innerspring mattress all their lives without knowing the difference. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over all the important considerations you should make when evaluating an innerspring mattress, so you can become a more informed shopper, like the following:

• What is an Innerspring Mattress?
• What Does an Innerspring Mattress Feel Like?
• Pros and Cons
• Who is It Good (and Bad) For?
• What to Consider When Shopping

What is an Innerspring Mattress?

The simple definition of an innerspring mattress is found in its name—it is a mattress with an inner core of springs. These springs are called coils, and they make up the supportive core of the mattress.

Innerspring mattresses were invented in the late 1800s and have remained the most popular mattress type since the 1930s. The steel coils offer a springy, supportive bounciness that remains unique and sought-after to this day.

Dissect an innerspring mattress and you will find other materials that improve its longevity and comfort. Surrounding the coils is sturdy polyurethane foam. This foam keeps the springs in place and provides firm edge support for when you get in and out of bed.

Above the bed of coils are multiple comfort layers, typically one or more varieties of foam wrapped in a quilted cover. The three main types of foam that you will find are polyfoam, memory foam, and latex foam.

Types of Coils

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for an innerspring mattress is the type of coils found within. Coil type influences what a mattress feels like, how long it lasts, and how much it costs.

Pocket Spring Coils

Also known as individually wrapped coils or Marshall coils, the pocket spring is the nicest type of coil. Each spring is individually wrapped in a fabric. The result is a mattress with enhanced motion isolation and body contouring properties.

Bonnell Coils

Bonnell coils are the oldest and least comfortable coil type. These springs, which resemble an hourglass, are wired together. The structure yields a durable and supportive mattress, but sleep quality suffers. Movement is felt throughout the mattress, it can be noisy, and it does not conform to the body’s curves.

Offset Coils

Offset coils are similar to Bonnell coils, but with improvements that make it a more comfortable mattress type. The hourglass shape is slightly altered to create a hinging effect, resulting in enhanced body contouring and motion isolation. In comfort and cost, the offset coil falls between the Pocket spring and Bonnell coil.

Continuous Coils

This type of mattress is the only one that contains a single, continuous wire instead of individual coils. This wire is constructed into rows that resemble a series of S-shapes. It’s incredibly durable and affordable, but not very comfortable. It is firm, doesn’t conform well to the body, and is quite noisy.

What Does an Innerspring Mattress Feel Like?

The firm, springy support of an innerspring is something that you are probably very familiar with. But outside of this bounciness and stable support, every coil mattress is different.

Take an innerspring pillow top mattress with a comfort layer of conforming memory foam for example. You will feel the soft give and pressure point relief that comes from these comfort layer materials.

On the flip side, if you lie down on a cheap, minimalistic innerspring bed, there is often only a very thin layer of polyurethane foam. This type of mattress may feel overly firm and bouncy, without much comfort.

Pros and Cons

Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of sleeping on an innerspring mattress.

Pros

• Sleeps cool: The coil center allows plenty of air circulation, resulting in a mattress that sleeps cooler than most other mattresses.
• Good for sex and movement: Thanks to the springiness and responsiveness of steel coils, this type of mattress is very bouncy and good for sex and moving around at night.
• Affordable: While there are a wide range of innerspring mattress costs, you can find inexpensive options.
• Familiar: Most people have spent many years sleeping on these mattresses and therefore know what to expect.
• Supportive: The pushback provided by the springs offers impeccable support great for those who like medium-firm to firm mattresses.
• Solid edge support: The edge of coil mattresses is normally fairly supportive. A firm edge is helpful for people who sleep near or sit on the edge of their bed.

Cons

• Noisy: Springs can become creaky over time or during sex.
• Transfers motion: Springs easily transmit movement from one side of the bed to the others, which can be disruptive for people who share their bed.
• Durability: On average, innerspring mattresses do not have as long of a lifespan as other mattresses, largely due to sagging over time. Spring quality will largely determine longevity.
• Non-conforming: In comparison to other mattress types, innerspring mattresses are not as good at contouring to a sleeper’s unique body shape. This is particularly troublesome for side sleepers.

Who is Innerspring Good (and Bad) For?

The benefits of the innerspring mattress make it a solid option for many different types of people.

Those who like a firm mattress tend to find innerspring mattresses comfortable. Back sleepers and front sleepers, in particular, require a firm mattress to maintain proper spine alignment. Some side sleepers will also find an innerspring mattress comfortable, but only if it has a thick comfort layer or a pillow-top.

Many people who sleep hot find that innerspring mattresses are the best option for their needs. Because of the abundant air circulation allowed by the space between the coils, this is the most breathable mattress material. This also makes the coil mattress good for those who live in a warm climate without air conditioning.

Another group who can benefit from a spring mattress are people who have trouble getting into or out of bed. The bouncy support and firm edges make it easy to get on and off of the mattress and to move around at night. This can benefit the elderly or others who have mobility challenges.

Who Is It Bad for?

Thanks to the many types of coils and comfort materials, most people can find a suitable innerspring mattress. However, some people would prefer to sleep on memory foam or latex mattresses thanks to their unique attributes.

Let’s start with side sleepers. When you sleep on your side, you need more give at your shoulders, hips, and ankles. Without enough give, improper spine alignment and pain at these pressure points is common. Memory foam mattresses are the best option for optimal pressure point relief.

Next, many couples find that they sleep best on either latex or memory foam mattresses. When you share a spring mattress, you are likely to be woken up when your partner moves. Plus, the springs can be noisy. Latex mattresses are a popular option for couples because they are made of a responsive foam that offers adequate support for sex without the pitfalls of the coil mattress.

Lastly, innerspring mattresses may not be the best option if you are someone who has chronic pain or wakes up with aches and pains in the morning. While the springs can offer good support for people who sleep on their back or front, the lack of contouring often leads to poor spine alignment. If you experience pain when you sleep on a spring mattress, a latex or memory foam mattress may offer some relief.

What to Consider When Shopping

When you start shopping for an innerspring mattress, there are a handful of factors that you should take into consideration to ensure that you find a quality mattress that works for you.

Sleeping Position

Back and side sleepers have similar needs: a firm mattress that offers enough support to keep their spines properly aligned. If you fall into either of these categories, avoid an innerspring mattress with an overly thick comfort layer. Pillow tops can also be too soft.

Side sleepers need a bed that sinks in at their pressure points. Without the right contouring, a side sleeper will experience poor spine alignment and pain near their joints. For this reason, opt for a coil mattress with a thick and conforming comfort layer. A pillow top may also help to cushion your body.

Budget

You can find both budget-friendly and luxury innerspring mattresses. A good-quality coil mattress will usually cost upwards of $700 for a queen. There are cheaper options, but keep in mind that an inexpensive model is unlikely to provide a mattress that is both comfortable and durable. This does not mean that every expensive mattress will be worth it. Do you research to ensure that you are getting the quality that you pay for.

Coil Count and Gauge

Coil count and coil gauge are two factors that tell you about the quality of the mattress and the springs found within.

Coil count is the number of coils in a mattress and influences the feel and longevity of a mattress. As a general rule, the more coils, the better it will feel and the longer it will last. Look for a mattress that has a minimum of 800 coils. Once you exceed 1,000 coils, you are unlikely to feel a difference.

Coil gauge is a measure of how thick the coils are. A coil gauge normally measures between 12 and 15. Counterintuitively, a higher gauge means a thinner coil. A high-gauge, thin coil is going to be more flexible, with a bit of a softer feel. A low-gauge, thick coil is going to be very firm and durable.

If you like a firm mattress, look for a coil gauge of 13 or lower. For those who like a bit more give to a mattress, 14 is a good coil gauge.

Trial Period and Warranty

Always look for a mattress that offers a generous trial period and a long-lasting warranty. Most bed-in–a-box mattresses will come with a 90-100 day trial period. During this time, you can return or exchange the mattress for little-to-no cost. Some will even extend this offer for a full year, allowing you to thoroughly test out your new mattress.

Warranties typically cover manufacturing issues only. A good warranty should last a minimum of 10 years. Be wary of short warranties. They often signal a poor-quality product.

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Summary

We understand how hard mattress shopping can be. We hope our top picks and our comprehensive buyer’s guide have helped you on your journey to finding a mattress that will give you great sleep for many years to come.

As a reminder, here are our top picks for the best innerspring mattresses:

Mattress	Accolade	Mattress Advisor Score
Saatva	Editor’s Choice	9.3/10
WinkBeds EcoCloud	Best for Sex	8.5/10
Helix Midnight Luxe	Best for Pressure Relief	8.9/10
DreamCloud Premier	Best Pillow Top Mattress	9/10
Brooklyn Bedding Signature	Best for Back Pain	8.6/10
Birch Natural Mattress	Best for the Environment	9.1/10
Big Fig	Best for Heavy People	9/10
GhostBed Flex	Best for Cooling	9.2/10
Purple Hybrid	Best for Combination Sleepers	8.8/10
Bear Hybrid	Best for Customer Service	9.4/10