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Best Innerspring Mattresses of 2024
Expert Tested and Sleeper Approved
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
Back in the day, before memory foam beds gained popularity and prior to the mattress-in-a-box craze, innerspring mattresses were the only game in town. Traditional innerspring mattresses are still available today, though they’re less commonly sold online because they typically can’t be compressed for shipping. For this reason, some of the best online mattresses that are marketed as innersprings are actually closer in spirit to hybrid mattresses, with steel coils that are wrapped in fabric to cut down on motion transfer and thick comfort systems with foam or latex layers.
In this guide, we’ll discuss which people we think will benefit most from using an innerspring mattress. We’ll also provide our picks for the best innerspring mattresses across a variety of categories. Want more information about standout mattresses, including innerspring models? Check out our guide to the best mattresses of 2024 to learn about our top picks and how we select them. We also cover beds geared toward certain types of sleepers, such as the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Winkbed
Of all the mattresses containing innersprings we’ve tested, our product experts determined that the WinkBed offers the best balance of cradling and pressure relief on the surface while still generating superior coil support.
Our Top Picks
- Best Mattress Overall – WinkBed
- Best Value Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Most Comfortable Mattress – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Classic
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution 15
- Best Mattress for Couples – Leesa Sapira Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Back Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Birch Luxe
- Best Cooling Mattress – Joybed LX
- Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – Real Bed
Didn’t see one you liked? Try the Mattress Match.
Answer three questions to find mattresses that matches your sleep style. Our recommendation for you is based on over 450 different mattress options.
Our list of top picks represents the innerspring models that performed best in our testing process. To learn more about each of our picks, read our mattress profiles below. We also offer a general guide to shopping for innerspring mattresses. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn about typical costs for innersprings, the average lifespan of an innerspring bed, and innerspring terminology such as coil gauge and coil count.
In-Depth Reviews
“The WinkBed’s foam layers provide just enough cushioning for the body without feeling too soft, and the coils feel secure in all the right places. One of our field testers has been sleeping on the Luxury Firm model for three years and raves about the amount of support it offers without feeling overly firm.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
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Pros
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Zoned coils deliver targeted pushback to heavier areas of the body
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Reinforced perimeter increases usable surface area
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Comfort system provides even contouring and pressure relief
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Cons
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May require a fitted sheet with deep pockets to accommodate its 13.5-inch profile
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Firmer models transfer a fair amount of motion
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,149 – $2,049
Trial Period
120 nights (30 night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Randall D.
“After the 3rd day, I knew I made the right decision. This is my second WinkBed that I have purchased. The first one I put on the guest bed and every guest — and I have a lot of overnight guest — absolutely loved it, and some even went home and bought one.”
Micah T.
“Overall comfortable but too firm for us. We swapped for the softer WinkBed and are sleeping great now!”
Kimberly K.
“My back pain is gone, however we had to purchase an additional topper because the “luxury” wasn’t as soft as we’d hoped. It caused pain in my hips and shoulders due to being a side sleeper.”
As a hybrid mattress, the WinkBed combines the sturdy support of traditional innersprings with the deep cushioning of an all-foam model. The result is an exceptionally balanced design that excelled at pressure relief, edge support, and temperature control during our tests. You can choose from four firmness levels based on your body type and sleep position, and WinkBeds’ generous return policy allows you to exchange the mattress for a softer or firmer model if your first choice isn’t quite right.
How It Performed
Our team tested all four firmness levels and found that each one can accommodate different types of sleepers. Side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds should appreciate the close contouring and cradling of the Softer WinkBed, which rates as a 4 on our 10-point firmness scale. The Luxury Firm (6) and Firmer (7) designs offer more support for back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds. If you weigh more than 230 pounds and need maximum support, we recommend the WinkBed Plus (8), a model specifically designed with this weight group in mind.
We found that pressure relief and motion isolation were two major strengths of the Softer WinkBed. While many hybrids are firmer and more responsive, this design’s close conforming is more akin to an all-foam mattress. The three other designs earned higher marks in performance categories like temperature control, edge support, and ease of movement.
What It’s Made of
The Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer models begin with adaptive foam layers encased in a Euro-top cover. Contouring level varies by firmness, but all three mold to your figure to distribute your weight and align your spine. None of these models felt very responsive, which is a plus for couples due to the lack of motion transfer but may be a downside if you prefer an exceptionally bouncy mattress. The WinkBed Plus’ top layer consists of latex, rather than foam, so this model should provide the springiness you need to sleep comfortably.
All WinkBed models feature pocketed coil support cores divided into three zones based on gauge. Thicker coils rest beneath your midsection to push back against the extra weight in your torso and hips, while thinner coils cradle the head and legs. The perimeter coils are also reinforced to minimize sinkage when you get in and out of bed. A breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel cover encases the mattress.
The WinkBed is reasonably priced for a hybrid and ground shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 120-night trial period, allowing you to test the mattress and decide if the firmness you’ve chosen is right for you. If you opt for an exchange, the replacement model comes with a 60-night trial. WinkBeds also backs each mattress with a lifetime warranty.
Best Value Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Save 25% sitewide at Brooklyn Bedding
$999 at Brooklyn Bedding
“Our testers gave the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid high marks in a number of performance areas, including temperature control and pressure relief. They were impressed at the reasonable price-point for such a well-rounded bed.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor
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Pros
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Competitively priced for a bed with an 8-inch layer of pocketed coils
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Zoned coils are reinforced around the bed’s edges
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Nice combination of pressure relief and temperature control
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Cons
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Extra charge to add pillow-top
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$99 fee for returns during the sleep trial period
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$499 – $1,199
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Greg C.
“Very comfortable and soft. No longer have hip or back pain. The only issue we have is that the sheets tend to slide loose overnight.”
Cindi W.
“The bed is comfortable, but I think I should have ordered the firm. I feel like the bed is already sagging in the middle but I can’t tell if it’s the bed, or that I need a firmer mattress.”
Charolette Y.
“So far, we are very satisfied with our purchase. From the ordering to delivery and the mattress itself, all went well. We tried to be frugal and looked for quality. We feel we reached that goal.”
Luxury innersprings are often expensive, but some manage to be both affordable and high-quality. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a prime example. The bed is constructed with quality materials and optimized performance features, all at an approachable price-point compared to other luxury models we’ve tested in the lab.
How It Performed
The Signature Hybrid is available in three firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8). We tested all three and found that each one has unique strengths. The medium soft model was most popular with our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. This design provides the deepest body contouring to alleviate aches and pains along the spine. The medium firm design was most popular among our testers. This model earned favorable ratings from side and back sleepers across different weight groups, as well as stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds also found the firm model comfortable.
Thermoregulation is a major strength of the Signature Hybrid. Cooling infusions in the foam layers and steady air circulation throughout the coil layer help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. We recommend the Signature Hybrid to anyone who has yet to find a mattress with foam layers that sleeps sufficiently cool. Our team was also impressed by the support system. We felt generous pushback from the coils when lying near and sitting along the edges, and none of us had trouble moving across the surface – even when testing the medium soft model.
What It’s Made of
The Signature Hybrid’s comfort system slightly changes depending on the firmness level. The two softer models feature a top polyfoam layer quilted into the cover, giving the surface a plush initial feel. Underneath is a layer of adaptive, gel-infused memory foam that helps relieve pressure. Meanwhile, the firm model features a thin layer of quilted cotton over gel-infused TitanFlex foam, which is engineered for more responsiveness. All models feature transitional polyfoam that rounds out the comfort system and prevents your body from sinking too deeply into the coils.
Pocketed coils over a high-density polyfoam base layer make up the Signature Hybrid’s support core. Thicker coils line the perimeter to minimize sinkage and help you get in and out of bed with relative ease. The coils rest on a base layer of polyfoam for stability, and a breathable cotton cover encases the mattress. For more cushioning, you can upgrade the mattress with an extra foam layer known as the “Cloud” pillow-top that makes the surface feel noticeably softer.
The Signature Hybrid’s size range includes standard mattress dimensions, as well as a split California king for couples with adjustable bed bases, short sizes, and RV-friendly options. Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company backs each mattress order with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
“Of all the Helix models our team tested, the well-rounded Midnight Luxe was easily one of the most popular. Our side sleepers were particularly impressed with the combo of deep cushioning on the surface and a sturdy, supportive base.” – Jeremy Klein, Senior Product Expert
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Pros
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Combination of memory foam and pocketed coils results in a balanced feel
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Comfortable for a wide range of sleep positions and body types
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Two options for cover material, both with cooling properties
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Cons
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May not be supportive enough for sleepers over 230 pounds
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Foam is prone to off-gassing odors for a few days
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,099 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Julia R.
“I have better sleeps now because of purchasing this mattress. I’m mostly a side and back sleeper but am a lightweight person and this mattress felt great and I sleep the whole night through now.”
Morgan P.
“My wife is a rock while I am an active sleeper and she has had no complaints about bounce or movement on her side of the bed.”
Mandy W.
“Very comfortable and nicely made mattress. I’m a warm sleeper, and this mattress is very warm at night…so be aware if that’s something that bothers you.”
Each sleep position has unique mattress needs. For most side sleepers, the ideal mattress provides extra cushioning for the shoulders and hips without sinking too much beneath these areas. The Helix Midnight Luxe is specifically geared toward side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but our tests show the mattress can accommodate people who use this position across a wide range of body types.
How It Performed
Helix’s hybrid mattress line includes nearly 20 different models. Of those we’ve tested, the medium firm (6) Midnight Luxe is one of the most balanced. The mattress earned solid ratings from side and back sleepers on our team weighing up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Anyone who weighs more should consider one of Helix’s firmer models, such as the Twilight (7) or Dawn (8).
The foam layers absorb a fair amount of movement and reduce motion transfer well, so the Midnight Luxe is a good option for couples — especially those who have found other hybrids and innersprings too disruptive. Edge support was another testing highlight. Although our testers over 230 pounds noticed some sinkage, most of us felt decent pushback when getting on and off the mattress. Hot sleepers should consider the cooling cover option, as some of our testers found the mattress warm during our temperature control tests.
What It’s Made of
Three foam layers — including two layers of memory foam — make the Midnight Luxe’s surface adaptive, with an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed and deeper cradling as your body settles. The third layer is fairly dense and acts as a buffer between you and the support core. Individually pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter and zoned support stabilize the mattress and minimize sinkage from edge to edge. For the cover, you can choose between a Tencel fabric or GlacioTex, which is a heat-dissipating phase change material.
The Midnight Luxe ships free throughout the contiguous U.S. You’ll also receive two pillows with your order at no extra charge. Helix’s sleep trial runs for 100 nights. If you decide to keep your mattress, you’ll also receive a 15-year warranty against structural defects.
“The Saatva Classic comes closer to imitating the responsiveness of a traditional innerspring than just about any other hybrid we’ve tested. We found the mattress excelled at support and overall stability, and appreciated the versatility of its firmness and thickness options.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor
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Pros
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Unique coil-on-coil design delivers robust support
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Pocketed microcoil layer offers exceptional responsiveness
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Free in-home setup and old mattress removal
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Cons
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Two layers of coils results in below-average motion isolation
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Returns are subject to a $99 processing fee
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$995 – $2,710
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Customer Reviews
Chang L.
“I’m a back and occasional side sleeper, and absolutely love this bed. My husband is a stomach sleeper and would prefer his bed to be a tiny bit firmer.”
Nancy
“If you like a firm mattress, Saatva Classic may be for you. If, like me, you are used to a plush pillow top mattress and you want a soft plush mattress, you should keep looking. This is a nice mattress, but it is NOT soft.”
Sunny B.
“I love my new Saatva classic full, luxury firm matress. I went with the 14.5″ and I’m really happy with it. I didn’t give 5 stars because it is softer than I expected from a ‘firm’ mattress, but maybe it’s just a matter of getting used to it.”
The Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid constructed with comfort in mind. The plush pillow-top and pressure-relieving foam greatly alleviate pressure-induced pain in your joints. The Classic also doubles down on the benefits of coils, employing a supportive coil-on-coil construction that you won’t find in many other mattresses.
How It Performed
The mattress is available in a 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch option. For both models, you can select between a soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8) feel, which broadens the Saatva Classic’s ability to serve all types of sleepers regardless of their weight. During performance tests, the bed appealed especially to side and back sleepers on our team. The cushioning from the pillow-top coupled with the pushback from the coils was ideally suited to these sleep positions, which require contouring as well as support for healthy sleep posture. While helping with spinal alignment, the microcoils also generated bounce to make moving around a cinch on top of the surface.
What It’s Made of
The two coil layers in the Saatva Classic have distinct build styles. The bottom layer, which is either 4 or 7 inches thick depending on the model you choose, utilizes bonnell coils. With 13-gauge steel, these coils are strong and offer a reliable support core and meaningful edge support. Above those coils is a 4-inch layer of microcoils. These are individually wrapped, letting each coil compress in a way that is more tailored to the weight applied to the bed. The pillow-top contains polyfoam as well as a memory foam lumbar pad. A breathable organic cotton cover rounds out the overall construction.
As an additional perk, the Saatva comes with free installation and removal of an old mattress as well as a 365-night sleep trial. However, if you choose to return the bed, Saatva does charge $99 to cover the cost of return shipping. The mattress has a lifetime warranty against defects.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Evolution 15
35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows at Nolah
$1,624 at Nolah Sleep
“The Nolah Evolution 15 works because it combines the plushness of a pillow-top with the robust feel of thick, zoned coils. The medium firm feel earned high marks from many on our team, but all three firmness levels earned solid ratings from our group.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
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Pros
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Tri-zoned coils relieve pressure in the hips and shoulders
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Pocketed coil layer includes perimeter reinforcement
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Plush option is excellent for side sleepers under 230 pounds
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Cons
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Thick 15-inch profile will likely necessitate deep pocket sheets
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Multiple foam layers result in moderate off-gassing odors after unboxing
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,004 – $2,143
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Phyllis B.
“I don’t wake up with shoulder or neck pain like I did with my previous mattress (I am a side sleeper). I also don’t feel it when my husband gets in and out of bed. Recommend it!”
Christopher R.
“It is one of those Goldilocks situations where the bed is not too hard, not too soft, but just right. My wife prefers more support while I prefer more comfort, but the bed works well for the both of us.”
Joseph B.
“I very much love my new Nolah mattress. It is firm but not too firm. Just the way I like it. I especially like the firm edges.”
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a luxury Euro-top hybrid with a balanced feel we found extremely effective at reducing back pain. The thick foam comfort system has an adaptive feel that closely contours to the body to alleviate pressure-prone areas, while the robust coil system helps you maintain healthy sleep posture.
How It Performed
The mattress is available in three firmness levels, each one suited to different types of sleepers. The medium (5) feel conformed closely to the body during our tests and appealed to side sleepers. The other two options, medium firm (6) and firm (8), felt more supportive and were most comfortable for back and stomach sleepers – especially those who weigh at least 130 pounds.
With pocketed coils and foam layers that are engineered to minimize heat retention, the bed should feel comfortable for hot sleepers compared to other foam hybrids we’ve tested. The coil system is also zoned to create added stability along the perimeter, so our testers felt relatively secure when they lay near the edges or got on and off the mattress.
What It’s Made of
The foam layers that make up the comfort system have an open-cell composition that helps reduce heatention, while the support core contains pocketed coils that circulate air throughout the interior. The entire mattress is also wrapped in a cover of proprietary ArcticTex fabric designed to offer instant cooling. Thanks to these features, the Evolution 15 should be suitable if you sleep hot or sweat during sleep.
Six standard sizes are available, as well as a split king size. Nolah offers free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial spans 120 nights in length and includes complimentary return shipping. However, you may opt out of the trial period to decrease upfront costs. All purchases are backed by a lifetime warranty that covers structural defects for as long as you retain ownership of the Evolution 15.
Best Mattress for Couples
Leesa Sapira Hybrid
20% off mattresses + free pillows at Leesa
$1,599 at Leesa
“The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is the quintessential hybrid mattress, offering plenty of support to please many types of sleepers without sacrificing cushioning. It’s a strong contender for co-sleepers seeking a well-balanced mattress.” — Logan Foley, Managing Editor
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Pros
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Mix of foam and coils successfully balances pressure relief and support
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Medium firm feel suits couples with different body types
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Aerated foam and ventilated coils help prevent overheating
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Cons
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Comfort system may be too soft for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Coils produce some motion transfer
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,349 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30 night requirement)
Customer Reviews
William M.
“This mattress is firm, but not too firm and soft, but not too soft. It’s comfortable.”
Annali S.
“Very supportive and comfy bed. Takes some getting used to if you are a side sleeper and on the lighter side but ultimately more supportive and better for back pain than our last mattress. Great edge support.”
Elizabeth
“We were initially worried it would be too soft but that hasn’t been a problem. The issue seems to be that it gets really warm ensconced in there overnight, such that I am tossing off coverings in the wee hours.”
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is a mixed-foam hybrid mattress that hits a sweet spot between cushioning and support. The medium firm (6) feel is an ideal middle ground for co-sleepers with different firmness preferences, and the design helps keep the surface cool for those prone to overheating.
How It Performed
One of the bed’s strongest features is pressure relief, due to generous cradling in the foam layers. That said, the coils offer plenty of support to keep you from sinking too deeply. This helps ensure your lower back and spine are properly aligned. The aerated design of the surface foam and the airflow through the coil system help keep heat retention at bay, so most of our testers awarded the bed high marks for temperature regulation.
The bed earned excellent ratings from side sleepers over 130 pounds, offering ample cushioning for the shoulders and hips while keeping the torso supported. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found the bed comfortable.
What It’s Made of
The Sapira Hybrid begins with a polyfoam layer designed with perforations that promote airflow, which helps offset some of the heat retention that foam is known for. Beneath is a memory foam layer that offers deep cushioning, followed by a denser polyfoam layer that prevents uncomfortable sinkage. The support core contains pocketed coils with extra support around the perimeter to minimize sagging.
Leesa offers a 100-night sleep trial with your mattress purchase, and shipping is free to all 50 states. Your bed is further backed by a 10-year warranty.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
$1,499 at Bear
“We highly recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for couples who don’t wish to compromise on either motion isolation or responsiveness for sex. Motion-isolating foam layers and a bouncy coil support core earned the mattress high rankings in both of these performance categories.” – Colin Simpson, Research Manager
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Pros
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Choice of three firmnesses lets sleepers with back pain choose their optimal support level
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Excellent support options for side and back sleepers in all weight groups
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Includes cooling features that may appeal to hot sleepers
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Cons
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Noise from coils may disturb very light sleepers
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Luxury Plush option restricts movement
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,231 – $2,548
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Customer Reviews
Walter F.
“I weigh 220 lbs, my wife weighs 130 lbs… we both love the mattress. The hybrid gives me the support I need, while it also gives my wife the comfort she needs. It’s the best parts of a coil mattress and a memory foam mattress.”
Keith B.
“I sleep with my wife and bad edge support is a non-starter for her. On the Bear Elite Hybrid she sleeps right near the edge with no issues. Edge support is very good.”
Sheila H.
“I think for the money, the Bear Elite Hybrid felt higher-quality compared to other online mattresses, regardless of price. This is built and feels more like a quality traditional mattress compared to many others.”
Couples who value both motion isolation and responsiveness for sex can have difficulty finding a mattress that meets both of these criteria. The Bear Elite Hybrid is a quintessential foam hybrid that absorbs most movement and noise, while coils create a bouncy feel that’s easy to move across.
How It Performed
The mattress comes in three firmnesses – medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) – ensuring a comfortable model for most of our testers. Our team’s side and back sleepers under 130 pounds enjoyed the softest feel’s extra cushioning. We found the medium firm model to be the most versatile. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds awarded this model the highest ratings. Our side sleepers over 230 pounds, back sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds enjoyed the firmest model’s supportive surface.
Motion isolation, responsiveness, and ease of movement were the Elite Hybrid’s standout features, but it also earned high marks in other key categories. All three firmness levels performed well in our temperature regulation tests, thanks to the cooling cover, aerated foams, and breathable support core. However, the hot sleepers on our team noted that the two firmer models ran slightly cooler than the softer one.
What It’s Made of
The Elite Hybrid’s comfort system begins with a top layer of copper-infused memory foam that adapts to the body to relieve pressure points. The copper infusion in this layer is engineered to conduct heat away from the body and dissipate it. Next is a polyfoam transitional layer with five zones meant to reduce sagging in the shoulders and midsection, while cradling the legs. This layer is aerated with small perforations to increase airflow.
Pocketed coils make up the support core, which created pushback for the hips and shoulders to prevent excessive sinkage during our tests. The coils rest on a polyfoam base layer to prevent shifting. A Celliant and polyester cover encases the mattress, and it’s infused with phase change material for enhanced cooling.
Bear ships free to the contiguous U.S. and offers a 365-night sleep trial, which is one of the longest in the industry. You can return a mattress for a full refund anytime after the 30-night break-in period. If you decide to keep the Bear Elite Hybrid, it is backed by a generous lifetime warranty.
“The Birch Luxe has a comfort system made with premium materials that cushion your body without compromising pushback from the coil base. This model stands apart from other hybrids we’ve tested by offering outstanding support without feeling too firm.” – Jeremy Klein, Senior Product Expert
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Pros
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Coils promote strong ventilation
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Medium firm feel is versatile for all sleep positions
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Pocketed coils include zoned lumbar support
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Cons
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Suboptimal motion isolation
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Premium price tag
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,299 – $2,499
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Susan R.
“I love the quality materials and construction. I don’t detect odors. The base is easy to assemble, but I’m discouraged with the hefty weight of the mattress.”
W.T.
“Great materials but not firm enough for me.
Jane R.
“I am so pleased with my mattress. I was having back pain every night with my old mattress. Back pain gone! Super comfortable and getting a good night’s sleep every night.”
The Birch Luxe is a hybrid model that pairs luxurious layers of wool and latex with a sturdy coil base. The result is a bed that gently cushions your body while maintaining ample support to ensure proper spinal alignment.
How It Performed
The mattress has a medium firm (6) feel that suited an impressive range of body types and personal preferences during testing. The moderate cushioning and responsive feel made it especially compatible for back and side sleepers over 130 pounds. Stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also gave the bed high marks.
The plush surface helps relieve areas prone to pressure buildup, such as the shoulders and hips. Meanwhile, the responsive feel ensures against too much sinkage, making the surface easy to roll around on. The mattress is made with naturally cool materials that retain little heat and coils that enable strong ventilation, so the bed performed exceptionally well during our temperature neutrality tests.
What It’s Made of
The Birch Luxe has a quilted cotton cover followed by plush layers of breathable wool. A latex layer produces a slightly bouncy feel that lightly cradles your body but also pushes back to keep you well-supported. A thick layer of pocketed coils stabilizes the entire bed. The coils are zoned to provide enhanced support to heavier areas of the body such as your lumbar area and lighter support to your head and feet. The perimeter is lined with reinforced coils to boost support along the edges.
Birch offers free shipping throughout all 50 states, and you’ll receive a 100-night sleep trial to try out the mattress at home. The bed is also backed by a 25-year warranty.
“The Joybed LX is unlike many of the other mattresses we’ve tested. You don’t get the deep cushioning that foam or latex provides, but the surface feels exceptionally bouncy and the mattress offers top-notch cooling.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
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Pros
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Comfort system combines breathable cotton, wool, and plant fibers
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Coil system provides bouncy support
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Firm feel is great for back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds
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Cons
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Too firm for side sleepers under 130 pounds
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Returns include a $139 processing fee, plus a 10% deduction in the refunded mattress cost
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Firm (7)
Price Range
$495 – $1,490
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement, $139 processing fee)
Customer Reviews
Bugg
“Love how comfortable the mattress is, firm enough for me and soft enough for my husband…. Love knowing there are no fire retardants or toxic chemicals next to my body 8 hours a day.”
Shannon
“It’s perfectly firm (I’m a stomach sleeper) but not hard. The coils provide the perfect amount of support for my achy lower back. The quality of the materials is incomparable.”
Lora
“We purchased 3 twin mattresses for our kids. After A LOT of research about healthy mattress choices, the Joybed was in our price range and looked like a good choice… Zero chemical smell when we opened them…which is unheard of.”
The Joybed LX is an eco-friendly mattress that combines naturally breathable materials with the robust support of strong, individually pocketed coil springs. This solid support makes the mattress a great choice for stomach sleepers, preventing common issues with sagging and spinal misalignment.
How It Performed
The coil system and natural padding give the Joybed LX a firm (7) feel that suits the needs of sleepers of a wide variety of sizes and sleep positions. Back and stomach sleepers especially should find the blend of strong support and comfort that they need with this mattress. The pocketed coils provide a bouncy feel and a stable surface. The cotton and wool are both highly breathable, moisture-wicking materials that help keep the bed cool through the night, even for those who sleep hot.
What It’s Made of
Rather than using foams, the Joybed LX’s comfort system is made of a combination of layers of both organic cotton and organic wool. The lack of foam comfort layers means the Joybed LX avoids the common pitfalls of retaining heat and off-gassing foam odors. The support core contains springs that are able to respond to changes in pressure independently of each other, rather than compressing as a unit.
The cotton cover is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic. All the natural materials used in the bed undergo multiple testing and certification programs to ensure the animals are raised responsibly and the cotton and wool are free of harmful chemicals and other substances. Lastly, the mattress employs a plant-based fire barrier rather than making use of a chemical flame retardant.
The Joybed LX ships for free to the contiguous U.S., while paid shipping may be available to Alaska and Hawaii. White Glove delivery along with old mattress removal are available for an additional fee. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial along with a 10-year warranty.
Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Real Bed
$1,189 from Real Bed (by Charles P. Rogers) (queen)
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“If a responsive mattress sounds up your alley, the Real Bed should do the trick nicely. The latex and coils make the surface feel very bouncy. None of our testers had a hard time moving across the surface.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor
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Pros
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Firm feel is ideal for stomach sleepers over 130 pounds
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Robust coil layer provides significant bounce
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Wool and latex comfort system adds gentle cushioning
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Cons
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Coil support core transfers a significant amount of motion
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May not provide enough pressure relief for side sleepers
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Firm (7)
Price Range
$899 – $1,589
Trial Period
100 nights
Customer Reviews
Leon L.
“My new bed is great! I’m a side sleeper and it’s softer on my shoulders than my old mattress. I’m a happy customer.”
Phyllis E.
“I really struggled with the idea of purchasing a bed online without being able to try it out ahead of time but with the pandemic this seemed like the safest option. After doing a lot of research I decided to purchase the Real Bed and am so happy I did. I gave a 4 star review due to the customer service but the bed itself gets 5 stars.”
Byron S.
“It took a couple nights for my back to adjust to the firmness (mostly because my old mattress was worn) but I adjusted well. My upper back feels awesome now, but my lower back needs a little more support (softness) due to my fused vertebrae.”
The Real Bed mattress combines a strong base of Powercore pocketed innerspring coils with multiple layers of latex, wool, and other natural and organic materials. The result is a hybrid innerspring model that provides a combination of support and pressure relief that best suits back sleepers.
How It Performed
The Real Bed’s construction makes it a solid choice for sleepers of all sizes and preferred sleeping positions, especially back and stomach sleepers. The coil core’s strong support and the bed’s firm (7) feel have broad appeal and meet the needs of a wide variety of sleepers. The multiple layers of latex and natural materials provide a responsive, moderate amount of contouring. A more responsive feel and coil support core also create a strong perimeter, allowing sleepers to lie closer to the edge. That being said, side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely find the bed a bit too firm and may want a model with deeper cradling.
What It’s Made of
The mattress is wrapped in a cover made of organic cotton with a breathable, eucalyptus-based rayon lining. Underneath the surface of the mattress is a layer of moisture-wicking wool, followed by a thick layer of bouncy natural latex. The core of the mattress is the Powercore spring unit, which is made of sturdy, individually pocketed coils. These coils provide a healthy degree of pushback and bounce, while also isolating motion to a greater extent than a traditional coil system. This support core rests on a base of more layers of natural latex, wool, and eucalyptus-based rayon.
The Real Bed ships free to the contiguous U.S., with paid shipping available to Alaska, Hawaii, and some international locales. White Glove delivery is available in many of the contiguous states for an additional fee. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial period and a 10-year prorated warranty. The coil core unit is covered under a separate 25-year warranty.
Video: We Tested the Best Innerspring Mattresses of 2024 – Here Are Our Favorites
Watch the video below to get a close-up look at some of our top picks for best innerspring mattress.
What Is an Innerspring Mattress and Who Is It Best for?
A traditional innerspring mattress consists primarily of interconnected steel coils with a thin layer of cushioning beneath the cover. This results in a supportive, breathable, and bouncy sleep surface that makes it easy to move around and change positions. At the same time, traditional innersprings lack significant pressure relief and tend to transfer a significant amount of motion since the coils are connected to one another.
Modern hybrid mattresses, by contrast, typically use pocketed coils that are individually wrapped in fabric. This design helps limit motion transfer while still maintaining a responsive feel. Hybrids also feature thicker comfort systems with foam or latex layers that add cushioning and contouring for greater pressure relief.
Confusingly, some manufacturers use the term innerspring to refer to any mattress that contains steel coils. However, we’ve found that many of the best innerspring mattresses are innerspring in name only and have designs closer to the best hybrid mattresses, with pocketed coil support cores and comfort layers made from premium materials like memory foam, polyfoam, and natural latex.
“I sleep on a bed that’s got not one but two coil layers. I really appreciate the bounce and the airflow those layers provide. I’m a hot sleeper, and anything that can help with that is welcome.”
– Lauren Fountain, Senior Product Editor
What to Look For in an Innerspring Mattress
As with any new mattress, there are a few important factors to take into account when choosing an innerspring, including the following considerations.
Quality and Durability
Traditional innersprings are less durable than other mattress types, with an average lifespan of about six years. The coils in an innerspring mattress can wear down over time and lose their ability to spring back to their full, original height. When this happens, the mattress begins to sag and falter in supporting your body. Hybrid mattresses — innersprings with thicker comfort layers and pocketed coils — tend to last longer and have an average lifespan of six to eight years.
Temperature Control
For many innersprings, cooling is a major strength, with air circulating throughout the coil system to help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. Since traditional innersprings have thin comfort layers or just a thin layer of padding beneath the cover, there isn’t much heat retention on the surface. As a result, hot sleepers often find innersprings to be the most comfortable mattress type.
Coil Gauge and Count
Gauge refers to the coil’s thickness. Most innerspring coils fall between a gauge of 12.5 (thickest) to 17 (thinnest). The lower the gauge, the more robust and supportive the mattress will feel.
Most traditional innersprings contain between 400 and 1,200 individual coils in a queen size. Mattress brands often advertise the coil count of their innersprings, but we’ve found that the total number of coils does not play a significant role in how supportive a mattress feels, or how well it performs during tests.
Types of Coils
Although various coil designs are available, most traditional innersprings and hybrids sold today contain one or more of the following four mattress coil types.
| Bonnell Coils | Bonnell coils are molded into an hourglass shape and joined together with wires. This creates a strong support system that withstands compression well, but innersprings with Bonnell coils tend to feel very bouncy and may be disruptive for couples. |
| Continuous Coils | Continuous coils consist of thin wires running parallel to one another that are joined together on both sides by helical wires. Innersprings with this coil type tend to be quite durable and supportive, but contouring and pressure relief is limited. They’re also typically bouncier and creakier than offset coils. |
| Offset Coils | Like Bonnell coils, offset coils resemble an hourglass, but the top and bottom are flattened into a square shape to create a hinged effect when the mattress bears weight, making them both quieter and more responsive when pressure is applied. Offset coils are generally more expensive than Bonnell or continuous coils but cheaper than pocketed coils. |
| Pocketed Coils | Pocketed coils are encased in fabric and are designed to move independently from one another, resulting in strong support without much motion transfer. Most hybrids contain pocketed coils, but they are also found in some luxury innerspring models. |
Cushioning and Pressure Relief
Traditional innersprings contain thin cushioning layers and tend to be fairly firm, so contouring and pressure relief are not their strong suits. Hybrids with thicker comfort layers are a better option for people with pressure points who want more cushioning and a closer hug from their mattress.
Edge Support and Motion Isolation
Many innersprings excel at edge support because their thick, sturdy coils push back against your weight when you get in and out of bed. Those with low-gauge perimeter coils feel especially robust along the edges.
Innerspring coils tend to make the mattress feel quite bouncy, and their thin comfort layers don’t absorb movement well. As a result, motion isolation for most traditional innersprings is fair at best.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
Still having a hard time deciding on a mattress model? Check out some of our other mattress picks selected by our team of product testers and sleep experts.
Data-Driven Results You Can Trust
Our team tests each mattress to determine its strengths, weaknesses, and defining qualities. Our testing team represents a wide range of sleep positions and body types to ensure our findings are inclusive of all sleepers, and we use the same comprehensive testing methodology for each mattress we evaluate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average traditional innerspring costs between $500 and $1,200 in a queen size. Hybrids cost a bit more, with the average queen model priced between $1,000 and $3,000. Buying online tends to be cheaper than purchasing a mattress at a brick-and-mortar store.
Historically, innerspring mattresses were designed to be paired with a box spring, which consists of a fabric-wrapped wooden frame filled with springs. Today, many mattresses containing innersprings can be used with any supportive bed frame or foundation. Always check the mattress warranty, as some models stipulate that only certain types of bases are acceptable.
Most traditional innersprings begin to sag after five or six years of continuous use, making them the least durable mattress type on average. Hybrids tend to last longer because of the extra cushioning layers between your body and the support core. Latex hybrids are especially long-lasting and can perform for eight years or longer if properly maintained.
Since traditional innersprings don’t contain much cushioning material, they may not feel soft and adaptive enough for side sleepers. If you sleep on your side and own an innerspring, a mattress topper may provide the extra cushioning you need. Back and stomach sleepers typically don’t need as much padding and may find innersprings more comfortable as a result.
Most innersprings are supportive enough to keep your body on an even plane, so pressure along the spine due to sinking into the mattress is less likely. However, most traditional innerspring comfort layers consist of thin padding material that may not provide enough cushioning and contouring for people with aches and pains in their shoulders, lower back, or hips.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Jackson leads editorial product recommendations at Sleep Foundation, transforming the data from our sleep product test lab into real world takeaways for consumers. He has spent over half a decade developing protocol to evaluate and measure the impacts of products on sleep quality. As a cited sleep product expert, Jackson helps guide millions of shoppers to find personalized recommendations for everything from pillows to bedding to mattresses.