Innerspring mattresses are the most popular type of mattress for people wanting to try out different types of mattresses. Here’s a quick guide of the main features of innerspring mattresses, their suitability for various sleep styles and our picks for the best.
Buying a new mattress can be a bit challenging, especially since there are so many different types of mattresses to consider. In addition, there are also various features and options to help make the most of your new mattress.
Factors to consider when choosing an innerspring mattress are the coil count, coil gauge, and the type of material used.
Read on Innerspring Mattress Buying Guide, and then check out our mattress reviews when you’re ready to start shopping.
What Is An Innerspring Mattress?
Since innerspring mattresses are the most popular type of mattress among consumers, they can be found in most mattress stores. They are also known to provide consumers with better quality and lower prices. Furthermore, since they’ve been on the market so long, manufacturers have discovered new and improved ways to accommodate various sleeping preferences.
See also: Why Should You Use Natural Sleep Aid
The History and Evolotion of Innerspring Mattresses
Often, we find that ideas for use outside of sleep have been developed for use in mattresses. The innerspring mattress is the first modern mattress type to feature these features.
Who Invented Innerspring Mattress?
The steel coil spring was first used for chair seats in 1857. In 1871, German Heinrich Westphal invented the Innerspring mattress. It was made using metal coils that were originally used for the seats of horse-drawn carriages.
Although innerspring mattresses weren’t very popular at first, they eventually became popular. Due to their longevity, they are still very popular today.
What's Inside an Innerspring Mattress?
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| There are typically five layers to a innerspring mattress: Cover layer, comfort layer, support layer, foundation layer and the edge support layer. |
Having a good idea of what type of mattress is best for you can help you determine if a specific mattress is right for your needs.
Layers of Innerspring Mattress
There are typically five layers to a innerspring mattress. These include cover layer, comfort layer, support layer, foundation layer and the edge support layer.
Quilting Cover Layer
A good mattress cover is made of various materials such as cotton, polyester, or wool. Cover layer provides support and comfort to the body. A mattress’s cover can enhance or detract from the mattress’s beneficial properties by contributing to its temperature, comfort, durability, flexibility, and airflow.
Related post: Are Natural Sleep Aids Regulated by the Government?
- Damask : Damask is a durable and flexible cover fabric that's made of a fine, woven, and embroidered pattern. It's ideal for use for various applications.
- Knitted : This type of material is commonly used for mattresses that feature a soft and flexible outer layer. It works well for minimizing the impact of heat on the body. Knitted covers are breathable.
Comfort Layer
A mattress's comfort layer provides support and comfort to the body. It's also reduce the sensation of pressure on the body.
Most innerspring mattresses do not use any springs or coils in their comfort layers. Instead, they feature a soft comfort layer that balances the springs and helps support the body.
Support Core Layer
The layers that support a mattress are called core layers, and these are under the comfort layer and the quilting layer.
The support core layers are designed to provide adequate support to the body. They should also help prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Innerspring mattresses feature a base layer made of metal coils. These components give the bed a responsive and adaptable support system. When choosing a spring mattress, it's important to consider the coil count and coil gauge to get the most out of it. Mattresses with high gauges and counts tend to have the most support, responsiveness, and flexibility.
Edge Support Layer
Edge support is very important if you are a restless sleeper. It prevents you from rolling off the mattress in the middle of the night. If you are shopping for an innerspring or hybrid mattress do you need to be concerned about finding one with adequate edge support. However, not every type of mattress requires edge support.
Foundation Layer
The bottom layer is typically made of a thin foam or wool padding. It provides support to the coils.
What Is the Support Coil System?
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| The mattress quality, comfort, support, price, and many other features depend on the coil system used in that mattress. There are 5 coil types: Bonnell/Open Coil, Continuous Coil, Offset Coil, Pocket Coil, Microcoil/Nanocoil. |
Although the basic features of an innerspring mattress remain unchanged, the coil system types can vary. This type of mattress provides a variety of features and comfort levels. The mattress quality, comfort, support, price, and many other features depend on the coil system used in that mattress.
Support Coil Types
There are 5 coil types:
- Bonnell/Open Coil
- Continuous Coil
- Offset Coils
- Pocket Coils
- Microcoils, Nanocoils and Minicoils
The main difference between innerspring mattresses is how the coils are arranged. So let’s take a closer look at the potential coil types.
Bonnell/Open Coils
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| Bonnell coils have an hourglass shape. They have a firm and resilient core, and they can support the body's edge. |
Bonnell coils have an hourglass shape. Their thin and thick sections are designed to flex in response to pressure.
Bonnell coils are interconnected, so they can move as one unit. This allows them to provide more support however, they can't adjust to different sleeping positions and weights.
Bonnell coils are the original type of mattresses that were used to make mattresses. They have a firm and resilient core, and they can support the body's edge. They're also very least expensive.
Advantages of Bonnell Spring Mattress
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Responsive
- Choice in firmness level
- It allows natural ventilation
- Improves blood circulation
- Very popular among budget mattress shoppers
Disadvantages of Bonnell Spring Mattress
- Low contouring
- Minimal flexibility
- Prone to sagging
- May produce noise and motion transfer
- Low durability of around 3-5 years of nightly use
Is a Bonnel Spring Mattress Right for You?
The bonnell spring mattresses allow natural ventilation, which can improve blood circulation and promote better sleep. For this, it can be preferred for hot sleepers. Bonnell spring mattresses are made of durable materials. It is good especially for heavier people. Bonnell spring mattress can be preferred for those with back pain. Bonnell spring mattress helps take care of your back pain by providing much-needed relief by providing support to all the vulnerable areas. Bonnell spring mattresses offer advantages for dorm life, guest innerspring beds, and for those with small children who will outgrow the bed within its estimated lifetime.
Learn more: Innerspring Mattress: Are They Good or Bad For You?
Continuous Wire Coils
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| Continuous coils are firm and stable. They can work well in mattresses with thick comfort layers. |
This type of coil is commonly found in mattresses with low to mid-priced prices. It has a mesh system that's connected to one another in rows.
Loop-forming continuous coils are made up of a single wire and are linked by helical wires. Their simple design makes them incredibly durable and inexpensive.
Although they are firm and stable, continuous coils do not offer the same level of contouring that offset coils. Noise and motion transfer are common complaints with this type. They can work well in mattresses with thick comfort layers.
Advantages of Continuous Wire Spring Mattress
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy, stable and durable
- Very firm support system
- Helicals help prevent motion transfer
- Can be a good choice with thicker comfort layers
Disadvantages of Continuous Wire Spring Mattress
- Minimal contouring
- Low flexibility
- Prone to sagging
- May produce noise and motion transfer
Is a Continuous Wire Spring Mattress Right for You?
A continuous coil mattress is one that can provide you with an affordable price. It features a built-in support system that helps keep your body aligned. A continuous coil system is ideal for those who suffer from lower back pain.
Learn more: Innerspring Mattress: Are They Good or Bad For You?
Offset Coils
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| Offset coil has a hourglass-like shape, but with squared ends. |
An offset coil is a derivative of bonnell's coils that has a similar shape and is equipped with helical wires. Offset coil has a hourglass-like shape, but with squared ends. This type of coil arrangement is commonly found in mattresses that are mid- to high-priced.
Offset coils provide better support and noise isolation than continuous coils. It features a quieter and more responsive design.
There are several variations of offset coils, such that have hinges on both sides. These components are typically more costly to make than bonnell coils.
Advantages of Offset Spring Mattress
- Highly supportive
- Increased contouring
- Less motion transfer than bonnel coils
- Shares load better than pocketed coils
- Suitable for either a progressive or a differential mattress design
Disadvantages of Offset Spring Mattress
- Can be expensive for those on a budget
- More motion transfer than pocketed coils
Is an Offset Spring Mattress Right for You?
If you’re looking for a mattress that offers a lower firmness in the support layer, offset coils can be a great option to look into further. Offset coils make mattresses very firm, so they could work for back pain sufferers that sleep on their back.
Learn more: Innerspring Mattress: Are They Good or Bad For You?
Marshall/Pocket Coils
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| Marshall or pocket coils typically score well on motion isolation. Pocket coils are great for people who have a sleeping partner. |
A pocket coil product can be a great investment if you need a wide range of support and comfort. Pocket coils are the most common types of innerspring. However, they can also be enhanced using various technologies to create better comfort and durability.
Since pressure is only exerted on the coil once, it allows the body to shape itself according to the pressure. This design feature also allows pocketed coils to respond to movement without affecting the surrounding coils.
These products typically score well on motion isolation. Since they are individually wrapped, pocketed coils are great for people who have a sleeping partner. They can also help you if you get awakened when your partner body moves.
Pocketed coils have a unique shape that evenly distributes pressure throughout the springs. This helps prevent them from sinking or collapsing under pressure.
Although they require more complex construction, individually wrapped coils are more durable and supportive than the other coil types
Advantages of Pocket Spring Mattress
- Good motion isolation capability
- Minimal noise
- Good ability to contour your body
- They distribute weight evenly, relieving pressure points
- Good motion isolation capability
- Good for use with different comfort layers such as natural fibers
- Pocket spring mattresses are durable and usually last 8-10 years, depending on the quality of the mattress
Disadvantages of Pocket Spring Mattress
- Pocket spring mattress tends to be rather expensive
- Pocket spring beds are heavy and hard to move.
- Because of all the material around each coil, this mattress doesn’t have very good airflow
Is a Pocket Spring Mattress Right for You?
This type of mattress can be a great option for people who are planning on making a larger investment in their mattresses. It can provide a better quality of sleep and is also a great option for people who carry a lot of weight. Pocketed coils are great for people who have a sleeping partner. They can also help you if you get awakened when your partner body moves.
Learn more: Pocket Spring Mattress: Are They Good or Bad For You?
Microcoils, Nanocoils and Minicoils
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| Minicoils, nanocoils and microcoils are designed to transition from the comfort section into the support core. Especially hybrid mattresses can feature minicoils, microcoils, and nanocoils. |
Minicoils, microcoils, and nanocoils are often used in the comfort or transitional layers of mattresses. Mini coils, microcoils, and nanocoils are typically smaller than standard innerspring coils. Unlike innerspring coils, micro and mini coils are 1 to 3 inches in height. Nanocoils can also be smaller than 1 inch tall.
Minicoils and microcoils are designed to transition from the comfort section into the support core. Since their size makes them more responsive to pressure, they form a deep cradle for balanced support and pressure relief.
Hybrid mattresses are often equipped with multiple layers of coils. They can also feature minicoils, microcoils, and nanocoils.
Advantages of Microcoils, Nanocoils and Minicoils
- Good ability to contour your body
- They respond more immediately to pressure, distribute weight evenly, relieving pressure points
- Good for use with different comfort layers such as natural fibers
- Good motion isolation capability
Disadvantages of Microcoils, Nanocoils and Minicoils
- Microcoils, nanocoils and minicoils tends to be rather expensive
- Microcoils, nanocoils and minicoils mattresses are heavy and hard to move.
Is a Microcoil Spring Mattress Right for You?
This type of mattress can be a great option for people who are planning on making a larger investment in their mattresses. It can provide a better quality of sleep and is also a great option for people who carry a lot of weight. Pocketed coils are great for people who have a sleeping partner. They can also help you if you get awakened when your partner body moves.
Learn more: Innerspring Mattress: Are They Good or Bad For You?
What to Look for in an Innerspring Mattress?
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| Technical specifications of innerspring coils. |
Before you buy a mattress, it’s important to know the terms and distinctions to innerspring mattresses to get the most out of the experience. There are various unit that will come up when you buy an innerspring mattress.
Though the variety of mattresses can be overwhelming, there are some basic steps that will help you get started. These include choosing the proper type of mattress coil and ensuring that the support system is adequate. If you’re interested in an innerspring, pocketed coil, or hybrid mattress, you may want to look into the type and number of mattress coils in the mattress you choose. Let’s take a look at our coil guide to help walk you through the process.
Coil Gauge
This measures the diameter of the metal wire used to make the coil. It ranges from 12 to 15 and is used to determine the proper thickness of the coil. Thinner coils will give the mattress a softer overall feel. The thicker coil will give firmer or more supportive the mattress system.
Low-gauge coils are firmer and more durable than high-gauge coils, while high-gauge coils are more responsive and flexible. It’s crucial to keep in mind that, the lower the gauge number, the thicker it is, so definitely keep that in mind as you shop.
What Is the Best Coil Gauge for a Mattress?
If you prefer a more plush feeling, then try a coil gauge of 14 or higher. However, if you're looking for a more firm mattress, then try a gauge of 13 or lower.
Mattresses with lower coil gauges typically last longer because the thicker wire wears out slower over time. But most consumers replace their mattresses before the coils wear out. Therefore gauge number should not be a heavy consideration in regards to durability.
Coil Count
Coil count is the number of coils in a mattress. It helps determine the quality of the mattress. Coil counts can range from about 250 per mattress to 1,200-plus depending on the size.
Is More Coils Always Better?
The coils count will affect the price and quality. Coil count alone, however, is not an accurate measure of quality or durability. So don’t be fooled by claims of the highest numbers coil.
How Many Coils Should A Mattress Have?
How many coils does a good mattress make? This question can help you determine the ideal amount of coils for your mattress.
The average coil count for a queen innerspring mattress is around 700-800. Pocketed coil support cores have multiple smaller coils, while bonnell or offset coils have larger ones and tend to come in a lower coil count.
Although it’s commonly stated that high coil counts are ideal for innerspring mattresses, these numbers do not guarantee a more durable and sturdier mattress.
Below are some minimum limits that I would stick to as you shop. Generally, full mattresses should have at least 300 coils, queen mattresses should have at least 400 coils, and king mattresses should have at least 480 coils. If the coil count of a product is less than these, avoid buying these mattress.
Tempered Coil
When it comes to innerspring mattresses, you should look into various aspects such as the coil gauge, the number of coils, and the type of coils. One final factor you may want to consider is whether or not the mattress coils have been tempered. If they have been tempered, they are more durable and are better for customers who require firm support. Tempered coils are more durable because they have been heated and cooled repeatedly to ensure and solidify the shape of the coil.
FAQs About Innerspring Mattresses
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| When it comes to buying a new innerspring mattress, it's always a good idea to ask the manufacturer or seller some questions. |
How long is a warranty on a mattress? What is a sleep trial? What does an innerspring mattress cost? How often should I flip an innerspring mattress?
We understand that shopping for a mattress can be daunting, and we're here to help. Knowing some key details can really help you make an educated decision, so we’ve taken the questions most frequently asked by customers and put the answers here for you.
Related content: 9 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Mattress
How Long is a Warranty on a Mattress?
When it comes to buying a new innerspring mattress, it is always a good idea to ask about the manufacturer's or seller's warranty. This ensures that the product is durable and has a long-term service life.
Some warranties last for several years, while others last for a lifetime. However, if you damage a mattress due to unusual circumstances, the manufacturer won’t replace it. We recommend carefully reading a mattress’s warranty before buying one. This way, you fully understand what damage is and isn’t covered.
What is a Sleep Trial?
Most mattress companies offer a sleep trial for their customers. They offer sleep trials for their beds, ranging anywhere from 100 nights to a year. These trials give the customer a chance to make sure the mattress is a good fit for them. And remember: sleep trials and warranties are two different policies.
What Does an Innerspring Mattress Cost?
Many people choose to use innerspring mattresses due to their cheap price. They also tend to be the most popular type of mattresses due to their versatility. You can buy innerspring mattresses for between $100 and $1500.
How Often Should I Flip an Innerspring Mattress?
Generally speaking, you should flip your innerspring mattress at least twice a year. Flipping isn’t all you should do with your bed. We also recommend rotating or turning your mattress. It is more ideal to rotate or turning once every 3 months. Rotating your mattress helps it wear out more slowly and evenly.
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