7 Best Innerspring Mattresses: A Complete Review

Summary: Our Sleeping Ninjas don’t mess around when it comes to comfort. This unbiased, in-depth review features our top picks for the best innerspring mattress you can get delivered right to your door. Disclosure: Sleeping Ninjas has an affiliate relationship with some companies where we get a small percentage of sales if you click over from our site.

Innerspring mattresses have been around longer than any other type. Below, we take a look at what makes an innerspring mattress great. Or, you can skip down to our list to find the best innerspring mattress for you!

Our Top 6 Picks for the Best Inner Spring Mattress

Here’s a peek at our picks for the best innerspring mattresses:

1. Avocado Green Mattress
2. Dream Cloud Luxury Mattress
3. Signature Sleep 13-inch Mattress
4. Classic Brands 10-inch Mattress
5. WinkBeds Mattress
6. Zinus Ultima Comfort Deluxe Mattress

Before we review each mattress, let’s break down what’s inside an innerspring mattress. (Or scroll down to our reviews below.)

What is an Innerspring Mattress?

An innerspring mattress typically consisted of a steel coil system topped with a layer of padding. This can include memory foam, latex or other types of padding.

Innerspring mattresses typically come with one of four types of coils. (Read more about innerspring mattress construction below.)

The Best Innerspring Mattresses

You know the differences in the springs. You understand the things we look for. Now, we take a look at some of the most popular innerspring beds on the market.

Avocado Green Mattress: Best Eco-Friendly Innerspring

For those who want an environmentally friendly option, the Avocado Green mattress is ideal. The Avocado Green mattress comes in standard and pillow-top.

The standard Green mattress is 11 inches thick and considered “gentle firm”. On the firmness scale, the Avocado rates a 7. It includes a 2-inch Dunlop latex comfort layer.

The pillow-top version is 13 inches thick and comes in luxury plush. It rates as a 6 on the firmness scale. The pillow-top model has 2-inches of Dunlop latex in both the pillow top and comfort layers.

Both the standard and pillow-top versions include natural New Zealand Joma wool mixed with organic cotton in their covers.

Avocado uses their patented pressure point system in all of their Green mattresses. For an Avocado Green King mattress, you can expect 1,414 individually wrapped springs. These springs are strategically placed to provide the most support where you need it. Around the borders, you will find 16 gauge wires. In the center, Avocado installs 17 gauge wires. And between the two, you have 14 gauge wires.

Pros:

• The Avocado Green comes with a 25-year limited warranty. The first 10 years, you received full coverage. From 11 to 25 years, you have limited coverage.
• This mattress is OEKO-TEX and GREENGUARD Gold certified. (OEKO-TEX certifications are awarded to those who meet certain environmental and hazardous material standards.)
• You have a 100-night trial period with the Avocado Green Mattress.
• Avocado participates in the Environmental Charity Initiative. (They give back 1% of their revenue to help protect our planet!)
• All Avocado beds are made in the USA.

Cons:

• Like many eco-friendly products, Avocado Green mattresses can be a bit pricey.

The Bottom Line:

If you want a mattress that is environmentally friendly, Avocado is the best innerspring mattress for you. It provides support for sleepers of all kinds. The pillow-top option gives it a hybrid feel while the pressure point coil system keeps you supported.

Avocado is also one of Sleeping Ninjas’ top picks for the best non-toxic mattress. See Sleeping Ninjas’ in-depth Avocado Green Mattress Review.

DreamCloud: Outstanding Value

The Dream Cloud mattress has a lot to offer. Their combination of springs and foam make this mattress truly comfortable.

Let’s talk springs first. Dream Cloud includes their “best rest” coils in this mattress. These five-zoned, individually wrapped micro coils provide tailored support.

Dream Cloud’s coil level actually makes up the seventh layer of this bed. A cashmere blend cover starts you off. Beneath this, you have a gel-infused memory foam layer that contours but cools. A quilted memory foam layer sits below this. The hypoallergenic, natural latex fourth layer gives you a durable bounce. Layer five and six are made of different density memory foams to keep your body cradled and aligned. Layer eight is also made of a high-density memory foam base.

The DreamCloud mattress is rated at a 6.5. This makes it a “luxury” firm bed.

Pros:

• The Dream Cloud trial is an astonishing 365-night long period.
• Dream Cloud stands by their product. They provide an “Everlong Warranty”, which means your mattress is under warranty for as long as you own it. (They will even clean it for you free of charge if needed.)
• Dream Cloud is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it meets standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Cons:

• If you are looking for the traditional innerspring feel, this mattress is not for you. The additional foam layers shield you from the springs.

The Bottom Line:

The Dream Cloud mattress has tons of features. It gives you a luxury sleep, at less than luxury prices. For those who want a deeper contour than your typical coil bed, this might be the best innerspring mattress for you. Not only that, but the contour makes it more ideal for side sleepers.

Save $200 on Dream Cloud with code NINJA200

See Sleeping Ninjas’ in-depth Dream Cloud Mattress Review.

Signature Sleep 13-Inch Mattress: Softest Innerspring Mattress

The Signature Sleep 13-inch mattress contains two different gauges of springs. To help with edge support, the perimeter is ringed with rows of 15 gauge pocketed springs. The middle, however, is filled with 13.5 gauge individually wrapped coils for firm support.

To keep you from laying directly on the coils, Signature Sleeps tops these with a 3-zone foam system. It starts with a breathable, soft cover. Beneath this, a pillow-top comfort foam gently cradles your body. A fire retardant barrier layer sits beneath this. Four layers of dense support form follow this. Finally, a cushioning insulator pad sits atop the coils.

The Signature Sleep mattress comes in multiple sizes. While the coils contain both very firm and firm gauge wire, the pillow-top makes this a soft mattress. Those who want coils, but still want to be cradled gently will enjoy this.

Pros:

• The Signature Sleep is CertiPUR-US certified.
• This mattress is budget friendly.
• The coil system and 3-zone foam work together to provide plenty of support.

Cons:

• The pillow-top layer makes it so you cannot flip this mattress. This can lead to eventual sagging in the middle.
• The Signature Sleep comes with just a 1-year limited warranty.
• There is no trial period.

The Bottom Line:

The Signature Sleep 13-inch mattress contains coils and foam. The simple, but unique, combination ensures this mattress sleeps softer than any other innerspring mattress on this list. If you are looking for something soft and budget-friendly, this is the best innerspring mattress for you.

Classic Brands 10-Inch Mattress: Best Budget Innerspring Mattress

Classic Brands combines an innerspring core with plush foams. The innerspring core is made up of 7-inch, 13 gauge pocket coils. These are topped by 1 inch of Classic Brands’ pillow top foam. The quilted, stretch fiber knit cover adds another inch to both the top and bottom of the mattress.

The Classic Brands 10-inch mattress is considered firm. For those with back pains, this may be ideal. The mattress is also built to be naturally resistant to allergens, mold and mites.

Pros:

• The Classic Brands 10-inch mattress comes with a 10-year warranty.
• This bed sleeps firm. There is very little padding. If you are a back sleeper, this may be a great find.

Cons:

• This mattress does not appear to have a trial period.
• There is some concern over the warranty. Amazon lists this product as having a 10-year warranty. (The Classic Brands website does too!) However, some reviewers have noted that only a three-year warranty is included in the box.

The Bottom Line:

The Classic Brands 10-inch mattress is ideal for those on a budget. For those with an orthopedic need for a firm bed, the Classic Brands 10-inch may be the best innerspring mattress for you.

WinkBed: Outstanding Durability

The WinkBed is seven layers of highly durable, comfortable materials. It is designed to provide you with long-lasting comfort. The WinkBed comes in multiple sizes and firmness options. This includes soft (4.5), luxury firm (6.5), and firm (7.5).

WinkBeds use varying layers of foam and coils to give their mattress durability. It starts with a TENCEL cover, which is soft and breathable. This encases the mattress and a pillow-top foam layer. This pillow-top layer is made of 2-inches of hypersoft and gel memory foam. Beneath this is your first of two coil layers. This 2.5-inch pocket coil layer helps airflow to and from the pillow-top foam layer.

A lumbar support pad supports this coil layer, giving your spine the support it needs. Beneath this, your second coil layer sits. This layer of springs is made up of zoned-coils. This helps to provide plenty of support where needed, while still allowing for contouring. A supportive foam layer forms the base. Wrapped around all of this, however, is a thick layer of high-density poly foam. This gives the edges more support while increasing durability.

WinkBeds has an optional coolControl base. This layer sets it apart from the other mattresses. This innovative technology pushes air through your entire mattress. If you are a hot sleeper, this option may interest you.

Pros:

• The WinkBed is CertiPUR-US certified.
• It comes with a 101-night trial.
• WinkBeds are made in the USA and come with a 10-year warranty.
• The WinkBed is designed with long-term use in mind. As such, it can last more than 10 years before needing to be replaced.

Cons:

• While the coolControl option will help keep you cool, those who sleep on their side may find it aggravating. For back and stomach sleepers, the bed may be silent. However, side sleepers may hear a slight whirring as air is pushed through the mattress.

The Bottom Line:

The WinkBed mattress is truly built for durability. The unique dual-coil system, combined with the contouring support of memory foam, make this an ideal buy. While it is not the cheapest mattress on this list, you will get our money’s worth out of it. In addition, the coolControl option is an innovative wonder. If you want comfort, support, and a cool sleep, WinkBed may be the best innerspring mattress for you.

Zinus Ultima Comfort 13-Inch Deluxe Mattress: Traditional Innerspring Feel

Zinus is an offshoot of Sleep Master beds. As such, they come from a parent company that has a great reputation.

The Ultima blends foam and pocket springs in this mattress. The 7.5-inch iCoils are independently wrapped to provide ample support and airflow. A 0.5-inch high-density foam sits atop the iCoils. Above that, a 3-inch comfort foam adds contouring support. A 1.5-inch layer of comfort foam tops that. All of this is encased in a foam and fiber quilted cover made from knitted Jacquard.

The Zinus Ultima comes in multiple sizes and thicknesses. It is a firm mattress, topped with contouring foam for added comfort. However, the foam padding is not as plush as others on this list. Because of this, the Zinus Ultima sleeps more like a traditional innerspring mattress.

Pros:

• The Zinus Ultima is a very firm mattress. This may be ideal for those with an orthopedic need.
• Zinus offers a 10-year limited warranty on this mattress.
• The foam used in the Zinus Ultima is CertiPUR-US certified.
• Zinus mattresses are designed in the USA.

Cons:

• Some owners have noted that this mattress will sag over time. (Although, some admit they are not sure if a poor base contributed to this.)

The Bottom Line:

A popular, name-brand company backs Zinus mattresses. As such, their reputation is well established. If you are looking for a firm, budget-friendly choice that sleeps like a traditional innerspring mattress should—the Zinus Ultima is the best innerspring mattress for you.

4 Types of Innersprings

Pocket Spring

Pocket springs go by many different names. This includes names like “individual wrapped,” “encased” or “Marshall” coils. These types of springs are considered to be the best. (You will likely see them repeatedly mentioned in our list of the best innerspring mattresses.)

Depending on the size, a bed that is made with pocket springs will contain hundreds to thousands of these coils. Each spring is wrapped in its own fabric pocket.

There are several benefits to a pocket spring mattress. Because these springs are not linked, they can move independently. It also means that each spring conforms to your body, giving you the best innerspring mattress support. It also prevents central sagging. The individual springs also help to decrease motion transfer.

Pocket spring mattresses tend to be more expensive than the other innerspring beds.

Open Coils

Open coils are the oldest type of innerspring support. They are the most common type as well. Coil springs are found in most low-budget mattresses. However, orthopedic mattresses will likely use them as well. They provide very firm support. (Some doctors may recommend this for back sleepers.)

Open coil mattresses are made of springs connected to a wire frame. They contain a few hundred springs. This reduction in materials makes them lighter and easier to flip.

Open coil mattresses will eventually sag in the middle. They are also not good for motion isolation. If you sleep with a heavier partner, you may find yourself rolling towards them with open coils.

Offset Coils

Offset coils similar to open coil in their structure. The exception is in the helical wire that hinges each spring together.

Like pocket springs, offset coils contour to the body. They help to reduce some motion transfer as well.

Offset coils are firmer than pocket springs, but not quite as firm as open coils. If you want a mattress that conforms to your body but provides firm support, offset coils are ideal.

Mattresses with offset coils are typically mid- to high-priced.

Continuous Coils

Continuous coils are made up of single rows of long coils. Each row, running from head to toe, uses a single wire. These wires are attached to each other with helical wires. This creates the interconnected network of coils within your mattress.

Mattresses with continuous coils are considered durable. They are very firm. However, they do not conform to your body well. They isolate motion better than open coils, but you will still feel your partner move. They can also be noisy.

Continuous coil mattresses are typically low to moderately priced.

Advantages of an Innerspring Mattress

An innerspring mattress may not sound as flashy as “gel memory foam”. However, there are several reasons innerspring mattresses are still popular beds.

We hear a lot about how memory foam “contours” to your body. For some, this may be ideal. However, it is not for everyone. While some innerspring beds do contour, they are still firmer than memory foam.

Innerspring mattresses also have great airflow. Why is this important? It affects your natural sleep cycle. When you sleep cool, you are able to get better quality sleep. For those who tend to sleep hot, this increased airflow is ideal.

Innerspring mattresses are sold by a wide variety of manufacturers. They come in all shapes, sizes, and comfort levels. Some can be topped with memory foam, natural latex or other materials. With all the options, you may find the best innerspring mattress comes as a latex hybrid.

Because innerspring mattresses tend to be lower in cost, they can fit almost any budget. This means that you can still get a great night’s sleep, even if you are low on cash.

What to Look For in an Innerspring Mattress

There are tops of features included with mattresses today. That means there are all kinds of things you need to consider. However, below are the most important features when it comes to evaluating the best innerspring mattress.

Coils

We talked about the different types of coils. However, the coil count, as well as their gauge, are important too.

The coil count is the number of springs used inside the bed. Coil counts may range from 200 to more than 2,000. In general, the higher the coil count, the better the quality. (Do not buy anything under 30 coils. These are considered inferior beds.)

The coil gauge refers to the thickness of the wire used to make the spring. Gauges range between 12 and 18. A lower gauge indicates a thicker wire. The thicker the wire, the firmer the mattress will be.

Always compare the coil count to gauge. A mattress with a lower coil count, but thicker gauge wire can be very good. A mattress with a high coil count but thinner gauge can actually be worse. The best innerspring mattress will take both into account.

Cover and Comfort Layer

Sleeping directly on springs can be uncomfortable. To prevent this, bed makers add comfort layers. These are made of different foams, like memory or latex. The cover also helps with this. Mattress covers can help to wick heat away from the body. They can also provide additional padding, like pillowtop.

Firmness

Firmness is always a personal choice. Manufacturers typically use a scale of 1 (very soft) to 10 (extra firm) to rate the firmness of their mattresses. Most back and stomach sleepers will prefer a firmer mattress. This can help to ensure your spine stays in neutral position. Side sleepers may prefer an innerspring mattress with a contouring topper. Most side sleepers prefer a soft to medium mattress.

Thickness

Thickness is a personal preference. Thinner mattresses tend to be firmer. However, a heavyset person may prefer a thicker mattress.

Trial

Most mattresses will come with a trial period. This is especially true if you buy them online. On average, trial periods can last 100 to 120 nights. During this time, you can return your bed for your money back. This gives you ample time to determine if your purchase was the best innerspring mattress for you.

Warranty

Most mattresses will also come with a warranty. On average, a 10-year warranty should be expected. Make sure you read your warranty however. Stains, tears, or other wear and tear-based damages may invalidate it. (We recommend buying a good mattress protector for this reason.)

The Best Innerspring Mattress for You

Choosing the right mattress is always a personal matter. For those with back problems, a firm mattress, like the Zinus Ultima, is a great fit. Those who enjoy soft, contouring support but want to stay cool may prefer the WinkBed mattress.

All of the mattresses on this list provide you with varying degrees of contouring and support. However, at the end of the day, we highly recommend the DreamCloud. The overall value, comfort, durability, and support provided by DreamCloud is unquestionable. While any mattress on this list can give you a great sleep, DreamCloud is the best innerspring mattress overall.