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Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories. Learn more
Just Updated
We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our best innerspring mattress picks and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we stand by its recommendation.
For many years, an innerspring mattress was defined as a bed with an interior construction made up of mostly coils, with no fabric encasing them. Today, innersprings look a bit different, with the coils often individually encased in foam or some other sort of material. Either way, though, innerspring mattresses remain popular today due to their durability, comfort, and considerable support; there will always be sleepers out there who love that traditional innerspring feel. In this guide to the best innerspring mattresses, I’ll go over their benefits, as well as which specific coil beds might be good for different sleepers.
When deciding which mattresses I wanted to include on this list, I paid attention to each bed’s bounce while testing it out. Even softer innerspring mattresses should be fairly easy to move around on. Also, while some of these beds also include other layers such as foam and latex (thus technically making them hybrid mattresses), every product has a substantial layer of springs and offers the classic, responsive feel of an innerspring mattress.
Our Top Innerspring Pick
The Helix Midnight Luxe is at the top of this list because it offers excellent pressure relief while still providing support in a variety of sleeping positions.
What I Look For In The Best Innerspring Mattresses
Support and Durability
Innerspring mattresses are an older style of mattress, but they are popular today because of their sturdy support and long-lasting durability. When testing these mattresses, I am actively taking notes on the quality of materials, layers of construction and how it will last long term so you make sure you invest in the right mattress.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation is a crucial factor when I am testing innerspring mattresses. I know you don’t want to be awoken by your pets or partner moving in the bed, so every mattress selected is tested with a seismograph test, drop ball test and red wine test to make sure each mattress absorbs movement.
Cooling
One appeal of an innerspring mattress is that its breathable coils keep the mattress cool. I know how important cooling and temperature regulation is to most customers, so I made sure to test the cooling properties of each mattress using a temperature gun test.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Helix
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Medium-Soft Comfort
Cooling Pillow Top
Zoned Support
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) See Details
Hybrid, combining foam and zoned support coils for a supportive feel.
Firmness
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a medium-soft to medium-firm bed in the brand’s luxury line of hybrids, coming in at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale (1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest).
Price
$1,373–$2,873 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full. queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
The springs in the Helix Midnight Luxe should help back sleepers maintain a neutral posture.
Side Sleepers
The pillow top and layer of memory foam should give these folks plenty of softness and contouring.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The luxury version of the standard Helix Midnight comes with a pillow top and Tencel cover.
The Midnight Luxe should sleep fairly cool, thanks to its airflow-promoting coils and breathable Tencel cover.
The springs give the Helix Midnight Luxe a good deal of bounce and responsiveness that should make it easy for combination sleepers to change. positions
Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The softness of this mattress isn’t going to be an ideal fit for stomach sleepers. They’ll need something more supportive to keep their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders. See our best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more options.
Likewise, heavy sleepers over 250 pounds will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress. They should look at our best mattresses for heavy people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free refunds after 30 days, as long as it’s still within the 100-night trial period.
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they don’t mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Value
4.5
Cooling
4.5
Responsiveness
5
Pressure Relief
4
Edge Support
3.5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Expert Opinion
The medium-firm Helix Midnight is a hybrid innerspring-memory foam model, which is partly why it’s such an outstanding pick for many types of sleepers. The base layer is made of poly foam, giving me a responsive feel when I lie down on it. At the same time, the top two layers of foam provide me with ergonomic support and a bit of sinkage. The level of pressure relief here helps cushion sensitive joints, and our pressure map graphic showed low buildup in this position. The overall balanced feel results in a combination of comfort and support that many sleepers tend to rely on.
With the Helix Midnight Luxe — the brand’s luxury upgrade of the original Midnight — you get even more pressure relief and support. That’s because it comes outfitted with sturdier coils that offer zoned support, as well as a pillow top that should treat you to some deep pressure relief as soon as you lie down.
What our tester says: “I think a lot of sleepers should be happy on the Helix Midnight Luxe. It offers a nice balance of pressure relief and support. I especially recommend this model if you struggle with back pain, as it offers a bit more lumbar support than the standard Midnight.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
On Helix’s website, the Midnight Luxe has over 6,000 reviews, with many folks praising its medium feel; not too hard, and not too soft.
Highlights of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Sleepers should also find it extremely easy to roll around and change positions on the surface of the Helix Midnight Luxe. I certainly did. So if you’re a combination sleeper who needs to switch things up at night, you could be comfortable on this bed.
We also felt comfortable side sleeping on the Helix Midnight, with just the right amount of contouring at my shoulders and hips, where side sleepers put the most pressure.
Thanks to a copper infusion in one of its memory foam layers, the Midnight Luxe doesn’t trap heat as easily as traditional memory foam. This should help hot sleepers stay cool.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
The Midnight Luxe is bouncy, meaning it’s good for sex. But you’ll likely feel your partner’s movements during the night, so if one or both of you is a light sleeper, this may not be the mattress for you.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$2,373 (before discounts)
Firmness
Medium soft
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Height
13.5″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Helix Company Information
Customer Service Information
Phone: Available 11 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday at 831-777-5976
Helix offers several forms of payment on their website through Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express as well as Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Amazon Pay. You can also finance their mattresses through the Affirm financing program.
Helix also offers a 30 percent off site-wide + two free pillows discount to military members, first responders, students and teachers.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Seniors – DreamCloud
Best for Seniors
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Firm, Supportive Feel
Cashmere-Blend Cover
Responsive Springs
Hybrid
365 nights
Free shipping
Winter Flash Sale
Save up to 50% on mattresses & up to 66% on bundles See Details
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the DreamCloud a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 7 means that the DreamCloud is fairly firm.
Price
$839–$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
You should get enough cushioning for your lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
The coils in the support layer leave plenty of room for airflow.
Combination Sleepers
The DreamCloud is responsive enough for you to easily change positions.
Pros of the DreamCloud
Soft memory foam for cushioning at the lumbar region and sturdy coils for spinal support.
Springs that provide a lot of bounce and responsiveness, both of which help you change positions.
Strong edge support, allowing couples to use the whole surface of the bed.
Free returns after at least 30 days and within the 365-night trial period
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
DreamCloud Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Value
4
Cooling
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Edge Support
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Expert Opinion
Seniors do best with an innerspring-style mattress that’s pressure-relieving enough for joint pain, but supportive enough that they don’t sink into the material too far. The DreamCloud is marketed as a durable mattress with supportive coils, and after testing, I couldn’t help but agree. I got some gentle contouring from the upper layer of soft memory foam, while getting a nice lift from the springs. This combination helps prevent and alleviate back pain for older folks.
On the pressure map test, I found excellent results for back sleeping, so seniors shouldn’t experience back pain or hip pain on the DreamCloud. While this is a firmer mattress (7 out of 10) that doesn’t suit many side sleepers, I did find that it’s responsive enough for combination-sleeping seniors to be able to switch positions. And even if they’re not combo sleepers, it’s important for elderly people to be able to get in and out of bed with ease. A responsive mattress helps with this.
What our tester says: “The high-quality materials of the DreamCloud remind me of a mattress you’d find in a high-end hotel.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are almost 9,000 customer reviews on the DreamCloud website, all of which total an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. When filtering the reviews based on age, 10 of them come from verified senior citizens. One of them reads, “I am a senior that suffers from severe back pain at least 12 days out of a 30-day month. This bed has made a world of a difference and allows me to wake up refreshed and helps make my bad-back days more bearable.”
Highlights of the DreamCloud Mattress
Overall, the DreamCloud has a luxurious feel, thanks to cashmere blend cover that’s reminiscent of sleeping in a high-end hotel.
The cooling cover, gel-infused foam, and breathable coils should help keep hot sleepers cool.
A 365-night trial and lifetime warranty allow undecided shoppers time to choose if this is the best option for them.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Mattress
Just as the DreamCloud is too soft for side sleepers, it probably isn’t quite supportive enough for stomach sleepers, who usually need even more of a lift to keep their hips in line with their shoulders.
DreamCloud accepts payments from Visa, Discover, American Express, Master Card, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. They also offer financing through the Affirm and Splitit financing programs.
DreamCloud also offers an extra 5 percent off their best onsite offer for military members, healthcare professionals, and first responders.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Stomach Sleepers –WinkBed
Best for Stomach Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
WinkBed Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
4
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4
Value
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
4
Edge Support
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Expert Opinion
Stomach sleepers tend to need support from their mattress to keep their hips and shoulders aligned and ward off back and neck pain, and the WinkBed Original definitely provides that. The mattress comes in three firmness levels: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. The Firm and Luxury Firm are both suitable options for stomach sleepers. I also found by testing the perimeter that it has excellent edge support, meaning you can spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress.
When I tried out the Luxury Firm myself, I felt extremely supported. This tells me that I’m maintaining a proper alignment. It was also easy to switch positions on the WinkBed, so combination sleepers (especially ones who sometimes sleep on their stomach) should be very comfortable.
What our tester says: “I think stomach sleepers could really like the WinkBed. Its solid support keeps these sleepers’ hips propped up and in alignment with the rest of their spine, which is super important for preventing back pain. The pillow top is also very cushiony! I’d steer those who are lighter in weight toward the Luxury Firm model and those heavier in weight toward the Firmer or Plus model.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The WinkBed has nearly 8,500 reviews on its website, with an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Several of the ones I read point out how luxurious the mattress feels, but you can actually filter the reviews to reflect whatever category you want to read about, including quality/comfort, value, pain relief, durability, and more.
Highlights of the WinkBed Mattress
Side sleepers should pick the Softer model for optimal pressure relief at their shoulders and hips. Back sleepers could be comfortable on the Luxury Firm and Firmer models, depending on their firmness preference. There’s also the extra-sturdy WinkBed Plus, designed for sleepers over 250 pounds.
Most of the WinkBed consists of its coiled layer, which leaves tons of room for air to flow through the mattress and help you sleep cool.
Its pocketed coil layer adds extra support, making the WinkBed a perennial fave among folks with back pain. The mattress should help keep their spines neutrally aligned.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is bouncy and responsive, making it a nice pick for sex. Just know that this also results in fairly high motion transfer, so if either you or your partner are a light sleeper, you might feel each other tossing and turning at night. With that in mind, I don’t recommend it for light-sleeping couples.
WinkBed Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$1,799 (before discounts)
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Height
13.5″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
WinkBed Company Information
Customer Service Information
Hours of Operation:
9 a.m.–9 p.m. EST, Monday to Sunday
Contact Information:
Phone: 844-684-1468 Email: support@winkbeds.com Live Chat: Available on their website
Showrooms:
Visit their website for showroom locations.
Payment Options
WinkBed accepts various payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and offers financing options through Klarna. They also provide a 10 percent discount for military members.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution
Best for Side Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
ArcticTex Cover
HDMax Support Coils
Hybrid Mattress
120-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
Free shipping
Winter Sale
35% off all mattresses + 2 free pillows See Details
Hybrid, meaning this bed combines foam and coils in its construction.
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm and rated it as 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is a medium-firm mattress.
Price
$1,499–$3,198 (before any discounts)
Sizes
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
If you overheat while you sleep, this mattress may help you stay cool.
Side Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
Great for couples due to its good edge support and low motion transfer
Works for back sleepers who need good lumbar support
Side sleepers should appreciate the pressure relief
Full refund after 30 days and within the 120-night trial period
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Nolah Evolution Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
4.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
5
Responsiveness
5
Pressure Relief
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
4
Value
Expert Opinion
If you’re a side sleeper on the prowl for a gentle innerspring-style mattress, consider the Nolah Evolution, which incorporates layers of contouring foam and coils into its design for a balanced feel of pressure relief and support. It also comes in three different firmness levels. While I tested out the Luxury Firm model, I recommend side sleepers choose the Soft firmness option since it has the best comfort layer for contouring the hips and shoulders.
One of the best ways to determine how good a mattress is for a specific sleeping position is to use a pressure map. When I rolled it across the Nolah Evolution, I saw very low pressure buildup at the shoulders and hips — the areas where side sleepers put the most pressure. This tells me that they’ll be comfortable on this mattress.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite features is the soft pillow top. It’s a great touch for anyone [experiencing] shoulder or hip pain, as it allows you to sink into bed for a plusher feel. I found that the soft comfort foams paired well with the coil base layer, giving a nice blended feel.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
It’s not clear exactly how many reviews are on the Nolah website, but the Evolution has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Users love its luxurious feel and how cool it keeps them at night.
Highlights of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
We think the Luxury Firm model provides a balance of comfort and support for back sleepers, while the Firm model should keep stomach sleepers properly elevated.
With strong edge support and low motion transfer results, this bed is ideal for couples. I test motion transfer by dropping a steel ball onto a mattress and measuring its vibrations with a seismometer. If the vibrations are low, then the bed has low motion transfer, which indicates that partners won’t be woken up by each other’s movements.
Breathable coils and a proprietary cooling foam called AirFoam Ice (essentially a more breathable version of memory foam) should help hot sleepers keep night sweats at bay.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution Mattress
As a luxury mattress, the Nolah Evolution does come at a higher price point. If you’re on a budget, you should consider one of our best cheap mattresses instead.
Nolah accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay. They also offer financing through Affirm’s financing program.
Nolah does not offer any additional discounts for groups of people.
Get into the Nolah Evolution goodness by checking out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal. And if you’re interested in the brand’s all-foam model, check out the Nolah Original.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Budget-Friendly
Responsive Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
Winter Clearance
Use code WINTER25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers
and too soft for stomach sleepers
(though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Technically, the Brooklyn Signature is a hybrid mattress, but I’m placing it on this list, as it has a coil support system that provides some nice bounce. Best of all, you can get this hybrid bed (a type of mattress that tends to be more expensive than foam) for a great price. That’s because Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory, allowing the brand to cut down on manufacturing costs and pass the savings onto the customer. You can often find a queen size for under $1,000 after discounts. Additionally, it comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. I tested out the Medium and felt myself slinking slightly into the foams up top while still getting a lift from the coils below.
When rolling around on the Signature Hybrid, I definitely got a bit of that bouncy, innerspring feel. The Firm model should give you even more of this, while the Soft model will likely let you sink into the layers a bit more for some deep pressure relief and additional contouring.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the Signature Hybrid is how it offers an “on-top-of-the-bed,” plush feel. I think it’s a great choice for combination sleepers who need a mattress that makes it easy to change positions at night. I’d highly recommend considering the Signature Hybrid if you switch positions frequently throughout the night.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Across the thousands of reviews on Brooklyn Bedding’s website, many users comment how the Signature Hybrid feels soft, yet supportive. There’s also a helpful feature that shows each commenter’s age range, weight, sleep position, and other traits. This makes it easy for shoppers to find the opinion of someone who’s similar to them.
Highlights of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Side sleepers should get the pressure relief they need from the Soft model. Back sleepers should go for the Medium, and stomach sleepers should opt for the Firm, which should give them enough support to keep their hips elevated and aligned with their shoulders.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s bounce made it easy for me to move around and switch positions, so it should be a win for combination sleepers.
The coils in the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid encourage plenty of airflow, and if you’re an extra-hot sleeper, you can pay extra for an optional cooling panel.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
If you’re a stomach sleeper who weighs over 250 pounds, you might want to check out a bed made especially for heavy sleepers, such as the Titan Plus Luxe, also from Brooklyn Bedding. The Signature Hybrid isn’t going to be supportive enough.
Brooklyn Bedding accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. They also offer financing options through the Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
Brooklyn Bedding also offers 30 percent off and free shipping on all orders for military members, first responders, medical providers, educators, and students.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Sleepers – Saatva
Best for Back Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Saatva Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
3
Motion Isolation
5
Support
5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
5
Value
Expert Opinion
The Saatva has a coil-on-coil construction, meaning that there are two layers of springs right on top of each other. During testing, I found this gives the mattress a traditional innerspring feel and enough support to keep the spine in a neutral alignment when back sleeping. Even more unique is that the coils aren’t wrapped in any kind of mattress, so the construction is more akin to a true old-school innerspring. I should also note that the mattress comes in three different firmness levels, so it should cater to most sleeping positions and body types. For back sleepers, I recommend the Luxury Firm model, which I gave a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale.
When I laid down on this mattress, I tested it with something called the pressure map. It’s essentially a mat that I roll across the top of the bed. It then uses thermal imaging to visually show me (on a computer screen) how much pressure is being put on my body in different sleeping positions. In the back-sleeping position, there was little to no pressure. This tells me that the Saatva won’t just be comfortable for back sleepers — it can help relieve back pain. This mattress could also be a nice choice for side sleepers, but I would recommend the Plush Soft model for added pressure relief. The Firm model may be suitable for most stomach sleepers.
What our tester says: “From the organic cotton cover to the pocketed coils, I really like how the Saatva has features to promote airflow and keep sleepers cool throughout the night. This is another highlight that makes it a great option for couples too.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The nearly 3,000 reviews currently on Saatva’s website speak to the flagship mattress’s support and bounciness, but also praise the company’s customer service, particularly the fact that it offers free white glove delivery. Saatva will actually send someone to your house to bring your mattress inside and set it up.
Highlights of the Saatva Mattress
The Saatva’s tall, pocketed coils allow for plenty of air flow, so I think this mattress should help hot sleepers stay cool.
Saatva offers a lifetime warranty and a 365-day trial period, both of which are a testament to the mattress’s durability.
Saatva offers two different height options (11.5 inches and 14.5 inches). The taller version should provide more durability, while the shorter version should be more compatible with a wider range of adjustable bases and foundations.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Mattress
With our seismograph test, I observed that the Saatva has pretty high motion transfer. If you sleep with a partner, pet, or kids and any of you are light sleepers, you’ll likely feel each other tossing and turning. You’d be better off finding a bed that’s better at isolating motion.
Saatva Mattress Specs
Material
Innerspring
Price (Queen)
$2,095 (before discounts)
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Height
11.5″ or 14.5″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Saatva Company Information
Customer Service Information
Hours of Operation:
9 a.m.–9 p.m. EST, Monday to Sunday
Contact Information:
Phone: 888-728-2885 Email: support@saatva.com Live Chat: Available on their website
Showrooms:
Visit their website for showroom locations.
Payment Options
Saatva accepts a variety of payment methods, including PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, and offers financing options through Klarna.
Additionally, Saatva provides a 10 percent discount for military members.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Designed for Athletes
Soft Feel
Luxurious Foams
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
December Deals
Use code DEAL30 for 30% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Bear Elite Hybrid is priced higher. Budget shoppers may want to check out the best cheap mattresses
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
If you return within the 120-night trial period, you can get a full refund.
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
4.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
4.5
Value
Expert Opinion
Bear has made a name for itself in the sleep industry by creating mattresses for those with active lifestyles, and the Bear Elite Hybrid adds a little bit of luxury to this design. While it has a traditional innerspring feel due to its support layer of pocketed coils, it includes several upgrades. For instance, the comfort layer of memory foam has been infused with copper to help it sleep cool, and its contour layer is equipped with five zoned sections — each with a different level of firmness.
When I lie down on the Bear Elite Hybrid, these zones feel soft at the head and feet, but firmer in the middle to promote a neutral spinal alignment. This is confirmed by our pressure map results, which show little to no pressure buildup along the back. However, it’s important to note that I tested out the Medium model, and there’s also a Soft and Firm model. Side sleepers with back pain should probably opt for the Soft model, and stomach sleepers with back pain should choose the Firm.
What our tester says: “This bed feels like true luxury to me. It’s plush, cooling, and really supportive. I feel like a lot of sleepers could feel comfy on the Bear Elite and get the right amount of pressure relief for their sleeping position.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a fairly new model, so it has less than 300 reviews on the company’s website (as of this writing). Many users praise the mattress’s medium level of support.
Highlights of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Back sleepers and side sleepers — regardless of body size— should get the right mixture of comfort and support on the Bear Elite Hybrid. Our pressure map showed low buildup in both sleeping positions.
Like all Bear mattresses, the Elite Hybrid offers an optional cover made of Celliant — a material studies show promotes muscle recovery and blood flow. But it’s also been stitched with a phase change material that makes the cover cool to the touch. This is a plus for hot sleepers.
This mattress tested well in edge support, so couples should be able to sleep near the end of the bed without feeling like they’re going to fall off. I also found it responsive enough for sex, and its luxury hybrid construction should have no trouble keeping two sleepers cool.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Some stomach sleepers are probably going to need a firmer mattress than the Bear Elite Hybrid. They might be comfortable on the Firm model, but they may also want to check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
The Celliant cover that may help in muscle recovery and keeps the mattress cool must be purchased separately for around $130.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (Queen)
$2,305 (before discounts)
Firmness
Medium soft
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Height
14″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Bear Company Information
Customer Service Information
All forms of contact are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Bear offers payment through most major credit card companies like Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. They also offer payments through PayPal, Google Pay, Venmo, and Shop Pay. If you’re interested in paying in installments, they also offer financing options through Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
If you’re a military member, first responder, healthcare professional or teacher, you can get 40 percent off on all Bear products.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Heavyweight Sleepers – Titan Plus
Best for Heavy Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Brooklyn Bedding
Titan Plus
Firm, Supportive Feel
Built for Heavy People
Extra-Strong Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
Winter Clearance
Use code WINTER25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
Brooklyn Bedding offers returns and exchanges with a $99 return fee
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Titan Plus Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4.5
Responsiveness
4
Pressure Relief
4
Trial Period
3.5
Warranty
4.5
Value
Expert Opinion
The Titan Plus is designed specifically for heavier individuals, who have different needs when it comes to picking the right mattress. They’ll usually want to opt for a bed constructed with exceptionally durable materials for support. The Titan Plus has just that, with a strong base of high-density poly foam and extra-tall coils for innerspring support. This is all topped with a responsive layer of TitanFlex foam, plus one inch of memory foam quilted into the cover for pressure relief.
To see how it would suit a larger body type, I asked a pro power lifter named Paulie to test it out. He felt supported by the springs while also getting a touch of contouring from the cover and foams. Chances are that if you’re a heavier person, you’re going to experience the Titan Plus as a little softer than someone of average weight.
What our tester says: “It was very clear the Titan Plus was built with heavier sleepers in mind. From the durable, high-quality coils to the supportive, pressure-relieving foams, I think it’s really comfy and provides rest with ease on this mattress.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are nearly 2,500 reviews on the Titan Plus website, and while many of them of heavier sleepers praising the mattress’s support and pressure relief, plenty of sleepers under 250 pounds also say they felt comfortable.
Highlights of the Titan Plus Mattress
Of all the different types of sleepers, heavy stomach sleepers may have the hardest time finding the right mattress. But they should get all the support they need on the Titan Plus.
Heavy back sleepers should also feel supported by the Titan Plus, with the coiled layer helping keep their spines in a neutral alignment.
The Titan Plus can easily hold up two people, and because it tested for low motion transfer, partners are unlikely to wake each other up. So I highly recommend it for heavy couples.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus Mattress
The only sleeping position that may not be comfortable on the Titan Plus is side-sleeping. Heavier side sleepers will probably need something softer.
Brooklyn Bedding accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. They also offer financing options through the Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
Brooklyn Bedding also offers 30 percent off and free shipping on all orders for military members, first responders, medical providers, educators, and students.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
Ideal for Couples
Great for Back Pain
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
Winter Clearance
Use code WINTER25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
This is a flippable hybrid mattress, meaning it combines firm foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
This mattress is flippable and has a firm side and an extra-firm side. The firm side scored a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, giving it a medium-firm feel. The extra-firm side scored an 8 out of 10 on our scale, making it very firm.
Price
$924–$1,732 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, short queen, short king, Olympic queen, RV king
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Couples
This bed has good motion isolation, making it a nice choice for couples.
Back Pain
This mattress is supportive and can help alleviate back pain.
Pros of the Plank Firm Luxe
Since this mattress is flippable, you can choose which firmness is best for your sleeping position and body type.
Heavy sleepers (those weighing over 250 pounds) should feel supported on this mattress.
Combination sleepers should be able to easily switch between sleeping positions.
Cons of the Plank Firm Luxe
Lightweight sleepers (those less than 130 pounds) may find the extra-firm side too firm. See our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers roundup for better options
As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Plank Firm Luxe is priced higher. Budget shoppers may want to check out the best cheap mattresses
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
If you return within the 120-night trial period, you can get a full refund.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress with different firmness levels on either side. It’s like getting two mattresses for the price of one! This mattress is great for any sleeper seeking the firmest mattress possible. The extra-firm side is one of the firmest we have tested, while the firm side has a more classic medium-firm feel. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“The mattress is incredibly bouncy and was very easy for me to change sleeping positions and to move freely on top of this mattress. It felt like I was on a trampoline. I gave this bed a perfect score for responsiveness so this bed is an excellent pick for combination sleepers as well as a good bed for sex!” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Plank Firm Luxe Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
4
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4
Pressure Relief
4
Trial Period
3
Warranty
4.5
Value
Expert Opinion
If you love a firm mattress, the Plank Firm Luxe gives you options. With a flippable design, the bed has both a firm side and an extra-firm side. Regardless of which side you end up going with, each one has a core of individually wrapped TitanCore coils, giving me lots of responsiveness. This construction is different than the standard Plank Firm, which maintains a flippable nature but uses an all-foam construction.
As for the top of the mattress, both sides have a quilted top layer that provides slight cushioning, but this is not made to be a pressure-relieving bed. Based off the construction, I feel confident recommending the Firm side for average-weight back and stomach sleepers, and the extra-firm side for heavier back and stomach sleepers.
What our tester says: “The Plank Firm Luxe is about four inches taller than the standard Plank Firm mattress and is packed with extra supportive materials, like high-density foam and individually encased coils. The flippable design makes it a great pick for sleepers who know they want a firm feel but want to experiment with just how firm they want it.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
As of this writing, the Plank Firm Luxe has more than 1,300 user reviews on the Plank website, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Users comment frequently on — no surprise here — its firmness, but also how cooling it is.
Highlights of the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
While we’re still working on our full review of the Plank Firm Luxe, I expect that the firm side will be the better fit for back sleepers and the extra-firm side will be better for stomach sleepers.
Heavy sleepers over 250 pounds will probably get the support they need from the extra-firm side.
Because of its responsiveness, the Plank Firm Luxe could also be a good fit for combination sleepers, as long as they enjoy a firm mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
This bed likely isn’t going to be soft or contouring enough for side sleepers. They tend to be more comfortable on softer mattresses that offer a lot of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
Brooklyn Bedding accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. They also offer financing options through the Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
Brooklyn Bedding also offers 30 percent off and free shipping on all orders for military members, first responders, medical providers, educators, and students.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Birch
Birch Natural Mattress
Firm Mattress
Organic
Cooling
Latex Hybrid
100-night Trial and 10-year Warranty
Free Shipping
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended!
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) See Details
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Birch Natural Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4
Value
4
Cooling
4
Pressure Relief
5
Responsiveness
3.5
Edge Support
3.5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Expert Opinion
Organic mattresses are usually made with latex foam, which tends to have a bouncy and responsive feel similar to a true innerspring mattress. And in the case of the Birch Natural, there’s a layer of coils at the bottom, which adds to these traits. I think it’s an ideal match for anyone looking for an innerspring bed made out of eco-friendly materials. It comes outfitted with an organic cotton cover, a fire barrier made of organic wool, and a comfort layer of natural Talalay latex.
When I tested out the Birch Natural, I found it to have a lot of bounciness and responsiveness that made it easy to move around. This makes it a, well, “natural” fit for combination sleepers who change their sleeping position at night. In terms of firmness, it came in at a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, meaning it’s a truly firm bed.
What our tester says: “Its organic layers have a taut, springy feel and really offer great lift and support. If you’re a back and stomach combination sleeper I’d highly recommend the Birch.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer
What Customers Say
There are currently a little over 4,400 customer reviews of the Birch Natural on the brand’s website, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. One review actually came from a customer who owns a short-term rental unit. They gave the Birch Natural 5 stars, and mentioned how they often get raves from renters talking about how comfortable it is.
Highlights of the Birch Natural Mattress
Back sleepers should be comfortable on the Birch, getting enough support for a proper spinal alignment.
Stomach sleepers should also find comfort on the Birch. It’s firm and supportive enough to keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders.
Latex is a naturally cooling material, plus the coiled layer of the Birch allows a lot of air to flow through the bed’s construction. I think it’s one of the best cooling mattresses out there.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch Natural Mattress
Latex mattresses usually aren’t the best fit for side sleepers, who tend to need more contouring and softness from their bed.
Birch Natural Mattress Specs
Material
Latex
Price (Queen)
$1,873.33 (before discounts)
Firmness
Firm
Shipping
Free shipping
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Height
11″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
Helix Company Information
Customer Service Information
Phone: Available 11 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday at 831-777-5976
Helix offers several forms of payment on their website through Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express as well as Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Amazon Pay. You can also finance their mattresses through the Affirm financing program.
Helix also offers a 30 percent off site-wide + two free pillows discount to military members, first responders, students and teachers.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
However, some factors are more important than others depending on the mattress’s category. When handpicking the best innerspring mattresses for this roundup, we first and foremost considered the support scores in our Sleepopolis mattress lab. Innerspring beds emphasize the sturdy coils in their construction, and should excel in support and stability. When testing each bed, we found that 10 of these organic mattresses scored at least a 4 in support.
We also made a point to include beds with stellar cooling properties and responsiveness. It’s one of the most common traits amongst the best innerspring beds, as the coils allow room for airflow, as well as a bouncy feel. All 10 mattresses in this roundup received cooling scores and responsiveness scores at or above 4 out of 5.
What Is An Innerspring Mattress?
Unlike foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses use a dense layer of metal spring coils in varying gauges and densities to provide even support and pressure relief. Many of these beds use encasement foam on the top and sides of the mattress to protect the coils and provide an added comfort layer on the top. Find out more in our foam vs spring mattress comparison guide.
When shopping for the best innerspring mattress, be sure to look at the type of coil used, the gauge of the coil, how many are used, and how the coils connect to each other. An innerspring mattress that performs well in these four categories is likely to be a very high-quality mattress.
Saatva’s materials in the Luxury Firm model. This is possibly the most popular innerspring-style mattress on the market today.
Hear from the Experts:
Are Innerspring Mattresses Doctor Recommended?
“I recommend innerspring mattresses for sleepers who prefer a firmer surface and for anyone who needs great spinal alignment. Your ideal mattress will depend on your sleeping position, body type, and any chronic pain you might have. However innerspring mattresses are great for back sleepers, anyone who struggles with back pain, and anyone who sleeps hot. Anyone with shoulder pain, hip pain, or who prefer a hugging type of mattress should look into hybrid beds to support them fully, with the benefits of springs and foam. “
Dr. Raj Dasgupta,
MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
How I Test the Best Innerspring Mattresses
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how much movement can be felt across a mattress. If someone or something moves in the bed and you can feel their movement, that mattress may have poor motion isolation. This is an especially important factor for people who sleep with their partners or pets. Innerspring mattresses are fairly bouncy, meaning they don’t usually have very good motion isolation.
In order to test for motion isolation on our mattresses, I use a ball drop test where I take a 10-pound steel ball and drop it from three different heights. Then, I measure the level of disturbance with a seismograph, which shows smaller waves for good motion isolation, and larger ones for poor motion isolation.
An example of our seismograph readings.
Cooling
With respect to cooling, innerspring mattresses perform very well. Foams, especially memory foam, can be notorious for heat retention and “sleeping hot.” The coil construction of an innerspring means excellent airflow, resulting in better cooling. For some of our favorite options, see our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
An example of the thermal gun results.
When testing mattresses myself, I run each bed through a cooling test. First, I examine the construction interior to see what layers are dedicated to cooling. For innerspring, I pay attention to how the coils are wrapped and set up to make sure they have good breathability. Then, I lie down on it and determine how fast-acting any cooling properties on the mattress’s surface are. Sometimes, I’ll test a cover that’s quite literally cool to the touch.
We also use a thermal heat gun test. This device utilizes color-coded imaging and tells me how long it takes for a mattress to cool down, and at what temperature. Beds that heat up more than 15 degrees Fahrenheit are considered to have poor cooling capabilities. 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, and less than 5 degrees indicates excellent cooling.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to the amount of pressure that is alleviated on certain parts of your body when lying on a mattress. Pressure relief is important because it can help make you more comfortable and also aid in pain relief. To determine whether or not a mattress provides adequate pressure relief for certain sleeping positions, I put it through our pressure map test. I spread a special mat across the bed’s surface. When I lie on it, it presents a graphic that uses our body temperature to track areas of high, moderate, and low pressure.
As you can see below, high-pressure areas show up in red and orange, moderate in yellow, and low in green and blue. A lot of green and blue on a pressure map result shows me that a mattress is good for pressure relief in those areas. Innerspring mattresses can provide good pressure relief for back sleepers but are usually not supportive enough across the shoulders and hips for side sleepers. You can look at our recommendations for the best mattresses for side sleepers to find mattresses that will provide better pressure relief.
An example of the pressure map.
Hear from the Experts:
Are Innerspring Mattresses Good at Pain Relief?
“Innerspring mattresses are great at relieving back pain, as they offer the firmness needed to support your spine and avoid sagging. I often find they don’t give the best pressure relief to side sleepers, as they tend to be too firm to hug your hips and shoulders and might create extra pressure points and pain. A topper or top foam layers will help complement the firmness, however, if you are a side sleeper looking at an innerspring bed. “
Dr. Raj Dasgupta,
MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Edge Support
Edge support is an important part of all mattresses, and it refers to the strength of the edges of the mattress. When you push down on the side of the mattress, you want to feel some resistance, which indicates strong edge support. The stronger the edges, the more supportive, durable, and usable a mattress is. It’s also especially important for older people, who may need more support to get in and out of the bed. You can learn more about the best mattresses for older sleepers on our page. Edge support is also important for couples who want to use the whole surface of the bed and not feel it sag. Read more on our best mattresses for couples page.
An example of how we test for edge support.
We test out a mattress’s edge support by sitting on and pushing on the edges of the mattress and seeing how much it sinks. The easier it is to push down on the mattress and make it sag, the worse edge support it has. I also sit on the edge of the mattress and measure how much it sinks with a tape measure or yardstick.
Sleeping Positions
The Sleepopolis team testing mattresses in every sleeping position.
How you sleep affects the firmness and composition you want in your mattress. To accommodate this and help you find exactly what you are looking for, we test all of our mattresses by lying in different sleeping positions, as you can see above. You can also read below for more information on each sleep style and how they might like innerspring mattresses.
Back Sleeping
People who sleep on their backs generally need a lot of support and pressure relief, particularly in their lower back and lumbar region. They also generally benefit from a firmer mattress, something that can lift their hips and keep their spine aligned. Innerspring mattresses are generally firm and supportive enough for back sleepers, but they may not be everyone’s cup of tea because they are bouncy and some people don’t find them particularly comfortable. Check out our recommendations for the best mattress for back sleepers if you want more information.
Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleepers generally need support through their hips, back, and shoulders to help alleviate pain and keep them comfortable. I generally recommend stomach sleepers look for a mattress that is around a 6.5 to an 8 on our firmness scale. Innerspring mattresses may provide enough firmness and support, but you can also look at other options on our best mattresses for stomach sleepers page.
Side Sleeping
Side sleepers generally need soft to medium-firm mattresses, so innerspring may be a bit too firm for them. However, there are options for softer innerspring mattresses that have thicker foam top layers. If this still doesn’t sound exactly right, you can read more on our recommendations for the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Firmness
The firmness of your mattress affects its comfort and support. Innerspring mattresses are generally available in various levels of firmness, and what level you’re looking for depends on how much support, pressure relief, and comfort you want. Regardless of what you find the most comfortable, I test all of our mattresses using our firmness scale, which places a mattress on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most firm and 6.5 being medium firmness.
Our expert testers lay on each mattress to determine their firmness scale. I generally recommend that side sleepers opt for softer mattresses, from 3 to 6, and back and stomach sleepers go for medium-firm from 4–7.
Sleepopolis mattress firmness scale.
Company Policies
Sleep Trials
One concern shoppers have when buying a mattress online is not being able to try it in person first. The purpose of a sleep trial is to be able to test the mattress in your own home for several weeks to determine if the bed fits your sleep preferences and lifestyle. Each company has different policies so make sure to take a closer look. However, most have a 30-, 60, or 90-day sleep trial. I recommend buying a mattress that has at least 30 days of trial, as that is enough time for you to break it in.
Shipping
Innerspring mattresses can sometimes be more expensive, so the last thing you want to do is pay extra for shipping. Every mattress I recommend on this list offers free shipping, so you don’t have to stress about adding that cost to your budget.
Some companies, like Saatva for example, offer white glove delivery for an extra cost, which is a service that hand-delivers the bed to your door, sets it up in your room, and removes your old mattress. So if you don’t want the hassle, or don’t think you can lift the mattress up the stairs, I highly recommend this service.
Warranties
Mattress warranties refer to how long a mattress company ensures the durability of their product, and if something happens to the bed within that time frame, they’ll replace it for free. Many companies offer a 10-year warranty, while others offer life-time warranties. Keep in mind, typically the higher the price point, the stronger the warranty.
Durability of Innerspring Beds
Durability in a mattress refers to its ability to maintain comfort and support over time without significant wear or sagging. Innerspring mattresses generally offer good durability if they have high-quality coils and robust construction, but their longevity can vary based on coil gauge and overall build. To shop for great durability in innerspring mattresses, look for high coil counts, strong edge support, and thicker gauge wires, and consider models with reinforced construction or reputable brands known for their long-lasting quality.
Innerspring mattresses typically last between 7 to 10 years, depending on their construction quality, usage, and maintenance. Higher-quality models with robust coil systems and durable materials may last closer to the upper end of this range, while lower-quality options might wear out sooner. Regular rotation and proper care can help extend the lifespan of an innerspring mattress.
Why You Should Buy An Innerspring Mattress
Despite the surge of foam-based mattresses, there’s still a large selection of innerspring mattresses on the market right now. A coil mattress provides a lot of bounce and a cooling, low-temperature feeling. The best innerspring mattresses are durable, supportive, and well-equipped to last you many years.
Traditional Feel
For sleepers looking for a more traditional feel, innerspring mattresses are a great choice. They’ve got the bounce, density, and feel of the classic mattress that many people are used to.
Wide Variety
Since innerspring was a popular mattress type for many decades, manufacturers really mastered how to deliver a variety of different feels, firmnesses, and support levels while using the same coil-based construction.
Budget Range
You can easily find an innerspring mattress for $700 or $2,700. Be wary of extremely inexpensive mattresses, however. These are typically made with lower-quality materials and thin-gauge coils that will likely collapse sooner than expected, leaving you with a sagging mattress. Higher-quality innerspring mattresses use quality steel and other metals, so you can rest assured that they will last for years.
Innerspring mattresses are well known for having great bounce (perfect for those amorous activities) and a nearly instantaneous response time. This means the mattress can respond and adjust just as quickly as you do and you can avoid that “sinking in quicksand” feeling.
Limited Off-Gassing
Since innerspring mattresses do not generally contain as much foam as an all-memory-foam or latex foam mattress, they generally have very little smell and can be used right away or within a few hours of unboxing.
Testing responsiveness on the Puffy all-foam mattress.
For a closer look at how we test our mattresses, see our Review Methodology.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy An Innerspring Mattress
As helpful as innersprings can be when seeking more responsiveness or support, these beds aren’t for everyone. Read on to see why this construction may not be the best fit for your needs.
Lack of Options
Innerspring mattresses are decreasing in popularity, and many shoppers side with hybrid mattresses or all-foam mattresses. So, if you’re seeking a mattress construction with a large amount of options from every brand, you won’t find that versatility with the innerspring.
Heavy
With all of these supportive coils, innerspring mattresses are naturally heavier than models without coils. This can make the mattress setup and/or unboxing process much more difficult. I suggest investing in white glove delivery for some assistance, or selecting a brand like Saatva, which includes free white glove delivery with each purchase.
Poor Motion Isolation
The bouncy, responsive nature of innerspring mattresses, along with their much thinner comfort layers, results in poor motion isolation more often than not. This means that if you sleep with a partner or pet, you’re more likely to feel their movements at night. Anyone who finds themselves easily disrupted by movement should consider a bed with a thicker comfort layer to trap some of that movement. All-foam beds and pillow top mattresses typically excel at this.
Pressure Buildup
With thinner comfort layers, the innerspring mattress’s weakness lies in its pressure relief. This trait isn’t important for everyone; stomach sleepers tend to prefer innersprings for their firm nature. However, side sleepers and those with joint pain require extra cushioning for sensitive areas, and this is something that innersprings are typically unable to provide.
Who is an Innerspring Mattress Best For?
Innerspring mattresses are a great choice for a lot of sleepers, especially those who sleep hot, like the feel of a traditional mattress, enjoy a bouncier bed, and those shopping on a budget. Innerspring mattresses are exceptionally cooling, a very traditional make, are generally bouncier than other kinds of mattresses, and can be very affordable. There are also models of innerspring beds for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and side sleepers, making it a great option across the board.
Types of Coils and Springs
When searching for the best innerspring mattress, you’ll find that there are four main types of coils: Bonnell coils, pocket coils (also known as Marshall coils), offset coils, and continuous coils (also known as Mira coils). Within these categories, some people may even refer to the whole assembly by a different name: innerspring, coil-on-coil, coil, or simply a spring mattress. Keep in mind that looking at wire gauge, coil count, and the quality of encasement foam will help you to know if the mattress you’re examining is a quality choice.
Coil Type
Description
Image
Bonnell Coils
– First type of coil in traditional innersprings – Used in inexpensive mattresses – Its hourglass shape compresses or expands based on the amount of pressure applied – The individual coils are laid out in rows across the mattress, and woven together using a helical lacing to connect coils and cause them to react together as a complete assembly
Pocketed Coils
– Usually individually wrapped in a thin fabric that’s joins them together without wire – Coils perform independently of each other (unlike Bonnell coils), resulting in more contour and less motion transfer – Typically more expensive
Offset Coils
– Similar to Bonnell coils, but have a straight side that results in a “D” shape instead of a rounded top – The design helps the coils have better hinging action when laced together – Less of a gap between each coil
Continuous Coils
– Use a single piece of wire that turns on itself to form individual coils – Doesn’t isolate motion as well as other coils – Typically inexpensive
Coil Counts
With any innerspring mattress, coil count and density are going to play a large role in how supportive and comfortable it will be. A mattress with a smaller number of coils provides fewer areas of contact with the body, which can lead to uncomfortable pressure points. In contrast, a mattress with more coils is going to generally have better contouring, hug, and responsiveness. The higher number of coils also translates to a more even firmness, since there are additional contact points.
What About Pocketed Coils?
Typically, pocketed coils are going to use a smaller coil than Bonnell, offset, or continuous coils. For this reason, you can expect a higher coil count in pocketed coil mattresses.
Since the pocketed coils react individually, it’s necessary to have the higher count for complete support and a full contour. With Bonnell, the coils work as a group since they are laced together with the joining wire. Pressure on one of the larger coils dissipates through the joining wire and releases into adjacent coils.
FAQs
How much should an innerspring mattress cost?
Because of how much it takes to manufacture the springs and other materials, innerspring mattresses tend to cost more than all-foam mattresses. Expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a high-quality queen size. To give you some context, the mattresses in this roundup range from about $1,200 to $2,100. Keep in mind that these prices are before discounts, so you can usually get them for a lot cheaper by clicking on their purchase links.
Are innerspring mattresses good for hot sleepers?
In general, yes. The coils in innerspring mattresses leave plenty of room for air to flow through the mattress, which helps the bed stay cool. Some innerspring mattresses also have added cooling technology to help with temperature regulation.
Do you need a box spring for an innerspring mattress?
Many modern innerspring mattresses don’t require a box spring, but many older ones — which usually don’t contain much, if any, foam — do. It could vary from bed to bed, so be sure to check a mattress’s care instructions before purchasing. You can usually find this on the mattress brand’s website.
Do people still buy innerspring mattresses?
The same traditional innerspring you might be visualizing isn’t as widely available on the mattress market today. It’s more difficult to transport these beds, which is probably why they’re not seen online as much as hybrid or all-foam options. However, some brick-and-mortar stores still offer innerspring beds, and many hybrid mattresses available are constructed to provide an innerspring-style feel.
Do hotels use innerspring mattresses?
As the number of true innerspring mattresses on the market have declined in past years, many hotels utilize hybrid beds that incorporate a combination of foam and coils. Some of these hybrids do have an innerspring-style feel. Other hotels, like Marriott, use all-foam beds paired with a box spring.
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
