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An innerspring mattress is a traditional style of mattress. This type contains a layer of metal springs, or coils, covered by layers of material for padding, such as foam.
- Best overall: Saatva Classic
- Best for back pain: WinkBed
- Best for durability: Big Fig
- Best with natural materials: Joybed LX
- Best organic: Avocado Luxury Organic
- Best for personalizing: Beautyrest Black
- Best with a lifetime warranty: Nolah Evolution
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
- Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best overall: Saatva Classic
- Price: $935–$2,450
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king, and split Cal king
- Materials: Organic cotton, memory foam, steel coils, and thistle pup
- Trial: 1 year
- White glove delivery: No
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress with foam cushioning. According to the product website, it has the following features:
- an organic cotton cushioning top
- a foam edge, to reduce sagging and increase sleep surface
- an upper layer of 884 individually wrapped coils, designed to mold to the body, reduce motion transfer, and encourage airflow
- a second base layer of 416 steel coils, to provide long lasting durability
For back health, the product website mentions the following features that may be beneficial:
- The top layer of cushioning contours to the body and supports the back, shoulders, and hips, which could help relieve pressure and reduce joint and back pain.
- A wire support in the middle of the mattress may help with spinal alignment.
- The mattress has approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations.
The Saatva Classic has three different firmness options: soft, medium, and firm.
The mattress comes with a 180-night home trial, but customers must pay a collection fee if they wish to return the mattress.
Learn more about Saatva mattresses here.
Best for back pain: WinkBed
- Price: $1,149–$2,199
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and Cal king
- Materials: Tencel cover, foam layers, and wrapped pocketed coils
- Trial: 120 nights
- White glove delivery: No
WinkBed combines an innerspring layer with a foam layer. It may help ease aches and pains when sleeping.
Learn about the best mattresses for back pain.
Customers can choose four firmness options: softer, firmer, luxury firm, and plus for heavier people.
The WinkBed has the following features:
- a eucalyptus-based material cover, to transport heat away from the body
- top foam layers infused with gel, to carry heat away from the body
- individually wrapped coils, to relieve pressure points and provide back support
- edge support, to prevent sagging and increase sleep surface area
- U.S-sourced, eco-friendly materials
The WinkBed comes with a 120-night money-back guarantee.
Learn more about Winkbed mattresses here.
Best for durability: Big Fig
- Price: $1,399–$2,799
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, and split king
- Materials: ThermoGel fabric, latex foam, poly foam, and individually wrapped coils
- Trial: 120 nights
- White glove delivery: No
The Big Fig mattress may suit heavier people. The manufacturer claims the mattress has high durability, with materials lasting for at least 20 years of sleep.
Learn about the best mattresses for heavier people here.
The Big Fig mattress has the following features:
- gel-treated fabric, to cool the body
- a perforated foam layer, to allow for airflow
- three layers of high density foam, to prevent sagging
- 1,600 individually wrapped coils
- a foam edge, for extra strength and support
The Big Fig mattress comes with a 120-night money-back guarantee.
Learn more about Big Fig mattresses here.
Best with natural materials: Joybed LX
- Price: $495–$1,490
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and Cal king
- Materials: Cotton, plant fiber, wool, and individually wrapped coils
- Trial: 120 nights
- White glove delivery: Available
Joybed uses cotton, wool, and plant fibers to make this mattress. People can also choose a vegan option.
The Joybed LX has the following features:
- an organic fabric cover
- a chemical-free fire barrier made from plant fiber
- hypoallergenic cotton layers, to help keep cool
- a responsibly farmed wool layer, to help keep cool and dry
- a layer of individually wrapped coils, to support the body
According to the product website, the benefits of their natural materials include:
- renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable materials
- wool sourced from ethical, responsible farming in the United States
- wool that wicks away moisture
- breathable fibers
- cotton that is breathable and durable
- plant-based fabrics that meet federal fire safety certification
Customers receive a 120-night money-back guarantee.
Learn about the best eco-friendly mattresses here.
Best organic: Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress
- Price: $2,799–$6,198
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal ing, and split king
- Materials: Organic latex, wool, alpaca, silk, hemp, cotton, and individually pocketed coils
- Trial: 1 year
- White glove delivery: Available
The Avocado mattress may suit people who want to sleep on natural materials with organic certifications.
Learn about the best organic mattresses here.
The Avocado Luxury Organic mattress has the following features:
- 15 layers of organic and natural materials
- two layers totaling 3,136 individually pocketed coils among five zones for support and motion isolation
- a medium-firm feel with soft contouring layers
- no toxic solvents or water adhesives
- breathable, cooling, and moisture-wicking materials
This mattress comes with a 365-night money-back guarantee and a 25-year warranty.
Learn more about Avocado mattresses here.
Best for personalizing: Beautyrest Black
- Price: $2,249–$3,299
- Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, and Cal king
- Materials: Memory foam, alpaca, cashmere, silk, latex, and coils
- Trial: 100 nights
- White glove delivery: Available
This mattress promises to provide pressure relief and restorative sleep. Features include:
- multiple zones of pocket coils to reduce motion transfer
- proprietary cooling technology from plant fibers
- gel memory foam for pressure relief
- another layer of proprietary gel memory foam for contouring
The standard version is firm. Several pillow top and firmness upgrades are available at an extra charge, ranging from around $300–$2,500. These materials include silk, alpaca, and nano coils, to provide better support, pressure relief, and cooling.
This mattress requires a box spring. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Learn more about Beautyrest mattresses here.
Best with a lifetime warranty: Nolah Evolution
- Price: $1,599–$3,598
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, and split king
- Materials: Organic cotton, proprietary foams, graphite, plant fibers, and individually-wrapped steel coils
- Trial: 120 nights
- White glove delivery: Available
This Nolah mattress promises to support the body’s natural cures and spine alignment. People can choose between plush, luxury firm, and firm options.
Its features include:
- cooling with proprietary foam, graphite, and a breathable gusset that dissipates heat
- a pocket coil system split into three zones for pressure relief
- a plant fiber foundation
- comfort foam cushion layers on top of the coils for weight distribution
- carrying handles
It comes with a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty.
Here is an overview of the above mattresses:
| Sizes | Materials | Sleep trial? | White glove delivery? | Price ranges | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king, and split Cal king | organic cotton, memory foam, steel coils, and thistle pup | 1 year | no | $935 -$2,450 |
| WinkBed | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and Cal king | Tencel cover, foam layers, and wrapped pocketed coils | 120 nights | no | $1,149 -$2,199 |
| Big Fig | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, and split king | ThermoGel fabric, latex foam, poly foam, and individually wrapped coils | 120 nights | no | $1,399-$2,799 |
| Joybed LX | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and Cal king | cotton, plant fiber, wool, and individually wrapped coils | 120 nights | yes | $495 –$1,490 |
| Avocado Luxury Organic | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal ing, and split king | organic latex, wool, alpaca, silk, hemp, cotton, and individually pocketed coils | 1 year | yes | $2,799–$6,198 |
| Beautyrest Black | twin XL, full, queen, king, and Cal king | memory foam, alpaca, cashmere, silk, latex, and coils | 100 nights | yes | $2,249–$3,299 |
| Nolah Evolution | twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, and split king | organic cotton, proprietary foams, graphite, plant fibers, and individually-wrapped steel coils | 120 | yes | $1,599–$3,598 |
According to mattress websites, the potential benefits of an innerspring mattress include the following:
- An innerspring mattress may have a firmer, bouncier feel than other mattress types, which some people may prefer, as it can help prevent sinking into the mattress.
- The coils allow airflow, making it a cooler option to sleep on than a traditional foam mattress.
- An innerspring mattress may be cheaper than other types of mattresses.
An innerspring mattress should contour to the body’s heaviest parts while providing support to these areas. According to the International Chiropractors Association, “the higher the coil count in relation to the surface area, the greater the strength and durability of the mattress.”
Currently, there is limited research into the benefits of different types of mattresses for health. As a result, many of the claimed benefits come from either the manufacturers themselves or anecdotal evidence.
A small study in the Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine looked at the effects of different mattresses on the sleep quality of 30 participants.
The researchers compared an innerspring mattress, a sponge mattress, and a wooden board mattress. The participants reported better sleep quality after using the innerspring mattress, and the researchers observed less movement and better back support.
However, a 2016 review of research in the journal Physiotherapy concluded that there was currently no high quality evidence to support the use of a particular type of mattress to relieve chronic lower back pain.
Some people may find that an innerspring mattress only meets some of their requirements.
According to mattress websites, an innerspring mattress may not control motion transfer as much as a foam mattress. Some people may also prefer a mattress that contours more to the body.
Alternative options include memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses. Hybrid mattresses are a combination of a foam and innerspring mattress.
Foam mattress
A foam mattress contains no innerspring coils. Foam mattresses may contain different types of foam, which can offer different qualities.
For example:
- Memory foam molds around the shape of the body.
- Polyurethane foam is lightweight and may feel quite bouncy.
- Latex foam can be synthetic or natural and may provide firm support.
Learn about the differences and similarities between foam and spring mattresses here.
Hybrid mattress
Many innerspring mattresses, including some in this article, are also hybrid mattresses. A hybrid mattress combines layers of foam, or natural fibers, to provide extra cushioning and support alongside layers of coils.
A hybrid mattress may suit people who want less motion transfer or specific back support.
Here are some of the top questions about innerspring mattresses.
Who would benefit most from an innerspring mattress?
Innerspring mattresses have a bouncier feel and may help provide contouring for heavier body areas. As such, they may be a fit for children who love to jump or play on the bed, and heavier people.
Who should avoid innerspring mattresses?
Couples and people sensitive to the feel of springs should avoid these mattresses. Instead, they can opt for foam or hybrid mattresses.
How long do innerspring mattresses last?
It depends according to the mattress’ materials and structure. As such, it is best to choose a mattress that comes with a long sleep trial and warranty.
An innerspring mattress contains one or more layers of metal coils. People may find an innerspring mattress a cooler option than a foam mattress, as it allows for airflow.
People can choose from a wide range of innerspring mattresses to find one that best suits their sleep position, budget, and specific needs.
Many innerspring mattresses also contain foam or natural fiber layers, which may help increase comfort, boost support, and reduce motion transfer.