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No other type of mattress offers the same breathability and support.
If you're in search of a mattress you can bounce a quarter off of or one with ample breathability year-round, look no further than the humble, traditional innerspring mattress. While it may not be as common nowadays as more and more memory foam or hybrid options appear on the market, an innerspring mattress is a must-have for hot sleepers or those who hate the "sinking" feeling of some foam mattresses. Or, if you're simply searching for a more support, you're in luck — these mattresses are known for their durability.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates all kinds of mattresses from hybrid mattresses and latex mattresses to mattresses-in-a-box and mattresses for adjustable beds. To determine the best innerspring mattresses, our analysts researched brands, materials and features before working with consumer testers who tested out these mattresses at home and provided feedback on their user experience, from set up to sleep testing. We also routinely survey our tester panel for long-term feedback on mattresses they own. Our latest surveys alone had responses from over 10,000 mattress owners and collected more than 170,000 data points.
Read on for more shopping tips and details on how we chose the best innerspring mattresses below. Looking for more bedding? Check out our guide to the best bedding.
A consistent top performer in our tests and a favorite of our tester panel, Saatva stands out against competitors with its quality materials and excellent customer service. The brand's Classic Mattress is a traditional innerspring mattress, like ones you'll find in stores, but offered online through a direct-to-consumer platform. This mattress comes in three different firmness levels with the added benefits of free white glove delivery, mattress removal and a 365-night trial.
What it's made of: A 3-inch quilted pillow top followed by layer of high-density memory foam for pressure relief on top of individually pocketed steel coils and a base steel coil system with firm foam around the perimeter for edge support, all encased by an organic cotton cover.
Tester notes: This mattress is a top favorite among our panelists, consistently earning exceptional scores across the board with high praise from new and long-term users alike, particularly for its overall comfort, support and positive impact on sleep quality. Others also raved about the superior edge support and excellent breathability of this model, with many calling it the "best mattress [they've] ever slept on."
For a traditional innerspring you can try out in stores, consider this more affordable pick from Sealy. The brand's Posturepedic mattresses were a popular pick among our panel for how well they've held up to long-term use. This mattress is the simplest model offered in the collection but still provides ample comfort and support that our panelists deemed "worth every penny."
What's it made of: A few layers of memory foam for comfort followed by an encased layer of coils with a more compact coil system around the perimeter for additional edge support.
Tester notes: Over 500 members of our survey panel own a Sealy mattress, including both new and long-term users. Many users noted that this model provided a great balance of comfort and support, with one panelist telling us, "it’s soft enough to be comfortable but firm enough that my back feels supported." Other users shared that the mattress offers great motion isolation and couldn't feel their partners move in bed or get up for late night trips to bathroom compared to previous mattresses they've owned.
Hybrid mattresses offer the pressure-relieving comfort of memory foam with the underlying support of coils. This one from Allswell is a great starter option for those who swear by innerspring mattresses but are curious about new hybrid options on the market. It’s also a favorite among our panelists with top scores across the board and priced at a fraction of the cost of our other picks. Plus, it has individually wrapped coils, making it perfect for using on an adjustable bed.
What it’s made of: A quilted top plush foam panel on top of layers of copper-infused memory foam and high-density foam, followed by a layer of individually pocketed coils for support.
Tester notes: This mattress is a favorite of our panelists, particularly for its overall comfort, support and positive impact on sleep quality. Users also told us that while the memory foam is cradling, it’s not too soft, making it a great choice for those who’d like to try out a hybrid but aren’t ready for a huge shift from the traditional innerspring mattress. Several also compared it to a luxurious hotel-quality bed, with one calling this model “a real, plush hotel mattress, but at a fraction of the price.” Just keep in mind that some users noticed that this mattress has less edge support than other mattresses they’ve slept on.
If you prefer sleeping on a latex mattress, this one is one of the best available. The brand is known for its quality materials and construction, and this model is no exception: It’s certified by both the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), so you know the entire process meets strict standards. This model features pocketed coils and latex with wool batting and an outer cotton cover, making it a great pick for those who want to avoid memory foam and synthetic materials. It’s also a favorite among testers who prefer a firmer feel, but if you’re a side sleeper or prefer a softer mattress, you can opt to add a plush latex pillowtop for an additional fee.
What it’s made of: Layers of organic wool batting, latex and ergonomically placed pocketed coils in an organic cotton cover with needle tufting for glue-free binding that provide a mix of comfort, resiliency and temperature regulation.
Tester notes: This brand is a favorite among panelists and GH product experts alike because of its strong commitment to sustainability without sacrificing the quality or overall comfort of its products. This specific model is the most popular among our panelists and the top choice among our consumer testers, who have praised its springy and supportive feel. One user called it “unbelievably comfortable” and raved “I don't wait up in pain as I have with other mattresses.” Plus, our analysts love that the brand offers a generous year-long trial period with free shipping and easy assembly.
Most innerspring mattresses have some foam or latex, even if a thin layer, but this one has no latex or foam. Instead, this mattress uses wool and individually pocketed coils and micro-coils for temperature regulation and long-term support without the fear of potential body impressions, which can often occur in foam mattresses. It’s also thoughtfully designed and engineered with ergonomic zones, thanks to the varying firmness of the coils, and provides extra support near the back and hips and added comfort around the head, legs and shoulders. Our experts also appreciate that the mattress has handles on its sides, so you can easily move it around your home or rotate it over time.
What it’s made of: Alternating layers of wool with a layer of individually pocketed coils and a layer of micro-coils enveloped in a needle-tufted, outer cotton cover with handles on the sides.
Tester notes: This pick earned high scores for comfort, with one tester commenting that it was less firm and more contouring than other innerspring mattresses she'd tried but felt just as supportive. One of our product experts also noted, “I used to toss and turn a lot, but I’m comfortable in any position on this one” and described it as “pressure-relieving with a good amount of bounce.” Users who tend to overheat at night also told us that they haven’t had any issues maintaining a comfortable body temperature on this mattress. Just note that despite the extra firm coils around the perimeter, our testers found that this mattress didn’t have as much edge support as other innerspring mattresses they’ve tried.
If you’re a stomach sleeper or prefer a firmer bed, this mattress from Stearns & Foster has a unique, complex coil system with high-density memory foam from its sister company Tempur-Pedic, so you can be sure it’ll offer excellent support and adapt to your body. This model comes in several firmness levels, and the brand calls their firm a nine out of 10 on the firmness scale. And if you’re still on the fence, the brand is available in mattress stores across the country, so you can try it out in person first.
What it’s made of: Several layers of Tempur-pedic memory foam on top of a one-inch layer of micro coils and Stearns and Foster’s proprietary Intellicoil system, which features two coils in one for additional support, all encased in a knit Tencel top layer with moisture-wicking properties for comfort year-round.
Tester notes: While this brand has a higher price point than our other picks, over 100 users on our panel stand by it, including our consumer testers and product experts. Users told us that their sleep quality noticeably improved from the very first night and raved about the high-quality feel and overall support. Many also mentioned that the firmness and support offered by this model was a game-changing upgrade compared to other mattresses they’ve owned, with one noting that this mattress is “thicker and firmer, and seems to have more support” while another commented that it feels “solid, but also so comfortable.” Just keep in mind that some users noted that the mattress took a while to arrive because each is made-to-order but said it was more than worth the wait.
Innerspring mattresses aren't always the softest mattresses available, but this pick from Beautyrest has a cushioning pillowtop made of memory foam for a luxurious sleep. It stands at a whopping 16 inches, so you can be sure there are several plush layers for added comfort, designed for those who stand by soft mattresses. The brand is a popular choice among our panelists, with the silver collection reigning supreme for its exceptional comfort at a medium price point. And if you’d prefer to try this mattress out in person, the brand is available in stores across the country, so you can feel it before buying.
What it’s made of: A plush memory foam pillowtop for pressure relief and cushioning followed by four different layers of memory foam, including a gel-infused layer, on top of pocketed coils designed for motion isolation and support.
Tester notes: Beautyrest is one of the most popular brands among our panel, with more than 500 users swearing by it. Panelists highlighted how the brand’s mattresses were immediately comfortable to sleep on and gave high scores for overall comfort and support. One user told us that her Beautyrest Silver mattress still looks and feels new, even after five years of use, and praised the quality construction. Another called this specific model “supportive and soft without being too soft” and noted “I have shoulder problems and this mattress helps me wake up without pain.” Just keep in mind that some of our panelists noticed that they tend to overheat on this mattress more than other innerspring mattresses they’ve slept on.
A memory foam mattress with a medium firmness is often the most popular choice for relieving back and hip pain, but it might not offer the support you’d expect from an innerspring mattress. This innerspring hybrid offers the pressure-relief and cradling of memory foam with the support of individually pocketed coils. It’s received high praise from testers and panelists alike, particularly from those who experience back pain and features several unique layers for cushioning, breathability and support.
What it’s made of: Four different layers of memory foam, including a graphite-infused layer to prevent overheating, followed by a pocketed coil system designed for extra edge support on top of a final fiber-based layer for stability all encased in a cool-to-the-touch cover with handles and a non-skid bottom.
Tester notes: Panel members and consumer testers who struggle with back pain gave this mattress rave reviews for helping alleviate their pain and discomfort. One panelist with scoliosis even noted significant improvement in relieving his back pain. Many also noticed improvements in their sleep quality, including one user who remarked “I used to wake up with sciatic pain every morning, and it went away within the first week of using this mattress." Just keep in mind that this mattress has a taller profile and can be heavy if you’re setting it up on your own. Some users told us that paying extra for white glove delivery was more than worth the cost.
Not only is this mattress one of the most popular models among our panel of testers, but it’s also one of the most sought-after mattresses online. There are six different options to choose from with a ton of customizable options, from the number of layers of foam to the pillow top and firmness levels. The upgraded version even adds an extra layer of foam for a “cloud-like” feel and the top-of-the-line mode features a foam layer with bubble-shaped indents to provide even more cushioning. The brand also offers free shipping or the option of white glove delivery for an added fee.
What it’s made of: Layers of gel memory foam with geometric cutouts for added pressure relief and cushioning on top of a supportive coil system with foam around the perimeter for edge support all encased in a cool-to-the-touch outer cover.
Tester notes: More than 1,900 users from our latest surveys owned Serta mattresses and gave the Perfect Sleeper model particularly high scores for overall support. While some long-term owners noted the mattress hasn’t held up as well as they would like, most users were happy. One raved about the comfort and commented, “It supports my body and pressure points, giving a peaceful rest so that I feel recharged in the morning.”
Be aware: Serta has recalled select models from this line that were produced from July 2021 to September 2021 for failing to meet federal flammability standards. See the CPSC recall announcement for more details.
This innerspring hybrid from Bear is a great option if you’re in search of pressure-relieving comfort and a bed that’ll help promote proper spinal alignment. It features five different targeted zones with varying firmness levels, contouring to your body to provide extra comfort or support where needed, and comes in three different firmness levels for all kinds of sleepers. While this model is on the newer side, our testers and experts were blown away by its ergonomic design, thoughtful construction and overall improvement on sleep quality.
What it’s made of: A layer of copper-infused memory foam to limit overheated followed by a zoned foam layer with contoured cutouts on top of individually pocketed coils with additional coils around the perimeter for extra edge support in a Celliant fiber quilted cover. According to the brand, Celliant fibers use infrared technology to promote recovery, but take note that we weren't able to fully verify these claims.
Tester notes: Our consumer testers gave this model glowing reviews and raved about how comfortable it was, calling the targeted pressure relief from the mattress’s ergonomic zones a game-changer. One even told us, “it is the most comfortable mattress we have ever slept on. I suffer from back pain and with this mattress, I wake up pain-free." Another user noted, “it feels like my entire body is being supported, regardless of my [sleeping] position.”
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates all sorts of mattresses through researching offerings from top brands, working with consumer testers to provide firsthand feedback on setup and sleep testing, surveying long-term users for in-depth feedback and analyzing data. During this process, our analysts scrutinize each aspect of a mattress, from the materials and specifications to specific features and claims from the brand. To find the best mattresses, we analyzed more than 170,000 data points from our recent surveys alone. Here are some of the factors we considered when narrowing down the best options:
✔️ Ordering & delivery: We ask users to rate how easy the mattress was to order and how quickly it arrived with the option of sharing any potential problems during this process and if those issues were resolved.
✔️ Setup: Whether self set-up or white glove delivery, users share their opinions on the process and how long it took the mattress to take proper shape once unwrapped.
✔️ Firmness level: Testers rate the mattress on its firmness, which our analysts then compare to claims from the brands.
✔️ Edge support: Reviewers sit on the edge of their beds and report back on how it performs under their weight or other pressure.
✔️ Comfort and support: Our testers give both quantitative and qualitative feedback on overall comfort and support of the mattresses, as well as how well they personally liked sleeping on them, both initially and over an extended period.
✔️ Temperature regulation: We ask users, including hot sleepers, to rate how comfortable their body temperature remained while sleeping on the mattress.
✔️ Sleep quality: Testers share whether the mattress impacted their sleep quality and whether or not they woke up feeling sore over time. Our respondents then give the mattress an overall satisfaction score and compare it to previous beds they've slept on.
✔️ Additional feedback: Testers also have the opportunity to share any specific likes, dislikes and additional comments concerning their user experience.
Choosing a new mattress can be an extremely mind-boggling decision, especially if you're buying it online without first trying it out in person. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for your next mattress:
✔️ Sleep position: If you're looking for a mattress to help promote proper spinal alignment, how you sleep can help determine your optimal firmness level.
✔️ Body type: Mattresses for heavier people are often firmer for long-lasting support, while softer mattresses are ideal for those with lightweight body types. When deciding on what firmness level to choose for your next mattress, remember to consider both your weight and sleep position, as well as any personal preferences.
✔️ Back pain: The best mattresses for back pain will offer pressure relief, often with an all-foam or hybrid mattress design. Medical experts have told us that those with a medium firmness are often ideal, as they offer a good balance of both cushioning and support.
✔️ Temperature: Cooling mattresses can help provide relief to hot sleepers as well as anyone who tends to overheat at night or suffers from night sweats. Memory foam typically tends to retain heat, so hot sleepers should choose a mattress with coils for increased breathability or one made with cooling technology like copper particles, gel or phase change material (PCM) infused in the foam.
✔️ Materials: While memory foam and coils are the most popular mattress materials, there are many different materials used in mattresses, giving you a ton of options to choose from.
✔️ Certifications: When shopping for mattresses, chances are you'll encounter many different emblems. Here's some of the most common certifications you'll see and what they mean:
Innerspring mattresses are typically made up of coils with little-to-no extra layers. Oftentimes, they can be more durable, breathable and with a trademark bouncy feel that's unique to this type of mattress. Hybrid mattresses combine the coils in innerspring mattresses with several layers of memory foam or latex for added comfort and pressure relief to the more supportive coils. While innerspring mattresses are considered more traditional, they're less common in today's market while hybrids are growing in popularity.
Traditionally, innerspring mattresses were made with a system of interconnected metal coils but nowadays you'll find many of these mattresses instead use individually pocketed coils. Pocketed coils are kept separate from one another as each is encased or covered by fabric, forming a "pocket" that differentiates these coils from an interconnected system. In this set up, each coil can have a different firmness, allowing for targeted comfort and support.
Both options provide durable support, but innersprings tend to provide a more even feel across the entire bed because of the interconnected coil system while pocketed coils allow for more customization through ergonomic layouts or extra edge support because you can alter the firmness of each coil. If you're looking for an innerspring mattress that's compatible with an adjustable bed, make sure to check that it has individually pocketed coils.
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and has researched and evaluated hundreds of mattresses using feedback from thousands of consumer testers and survey panelists. She's written several stories about various types available, from latex mattresses and mattresses for adjustable beds to mattresses available on Amazon. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Masters of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.