The Best Innerspring Mattresses, Tested by Bedding Experts
These beds provide that perfect combo of support, breathability, and a bit of bounce.
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As someone who has slept on nearly every type of mattress, the innerspring mattress remains my favorite for its consistent support and breathability. While most mattresses you'll find today are hybrids that combine coils and foam, traditional innerspring models are ideal for anyone who prefers a firmer, responsive feel instead of sinking into their bed.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our scientists have tested 40 innerspring models (and over 250 mattresses in total) with hundreds of at-home consumer testers to find the best mattresses available. I'd recommend the Saatva Classic for most sleepers because of its breathability and support, though our other picks are great if it's outside of your budget or you prefer a softer feel.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: Saatva Classic Mattress
- A well-rounded option that balances comfort and support with quality construction
✔️ Best value: Sealy Posturepedic Spring Mattress
- An under-$1,000 model with impressive support
✔️ Best plush: Beautyrest World Class Level Four
- An indulgent pillow-top mattress with plush comfort
✔️Best firm: Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress
- A luxury model with innovative coils and a 9 out of 10 firmness rating
Best Deal
Pros
- Exceptional comfort and support; testers said it improved sleep quality
- Breathable construction allows for more air flow
- Edge support makes it easier to get in and out of bed
Cons
- $99 return fee
- Plush option runs firm
Who it's best for
Most sleepers who want a traditional, supportive mattress that still feels comfortable.
After reviewing hundreds of mattresses, Saatva is outstanding compared to the rest and is a favorite with our survey panelists. The Classic Mattress provides the comfort and support of a traditional innerspring mattress through a convenient direct-to-consumer platform online.
It's available in three firmness levels with the added benefits of free white-glove delivery, mattress removal, and a 365-night trial. Note that there is a $99 return pickup fee if you don't want to keep it.
How it performed in our tests
- High scores for comfort and support: Earning exceptional scores across the board, several new and long-term users have called the Saatva Classic the “best mattress I’ve ever slept on” and claim it’s had a positive impact on their sleep quality. But I caution side sleepers or those who prefer very soft, plush beds: The Plush Soft level ran firm in our evaluations.
- Standout edge support: When I first tried the Luxury Firm version in person, I was shocked by the unparalleled edge support—no mattress I've tried has come close.
- Great feedback from hot sleepers: Unlike other innersprings, this model uses two different coil bases for extra breathability. Testers who ran hot appreciated how cool this mattress slept.
- Praised for excellent customer service: In our surveys, Saatva owners were impressed by the efficient and professional service. When we called the hotline, we were able to speak to someone within a few minutes.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Saatva Classic Mattress
| Height | 11.5 or 14.5 in. |
| Firmness levels | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Trial period | 365 nights (with a $99 return pickup fee) |
| Delivery | Free white-glove delivery |
Pros
- Innovative coil design conforms to different body types
- Medium firmness is not too hard or too soft
- Provides better pressure relief than other innersprings we’ve tried
Cons
- Only one firmness level; not for those who prefer firm or soft
AVAILABLE DISCOUNT: Shoppers can take $100 off the Sealy Posturepedic Spring Mattress with coupon code PPSPRING.
Who it's best for
Anyone who wants to spend under $1,000 but doesn’t want to sacrifice quality.
Sealy's latest upgrade to its Posturepedic line delivers excellent support for a variety of users. Each pocketed coil features a tightly-wound coiled top with a looser bottom that, according to the brand, allows it to “help maintain natural body alignment for people of all shapes and sizes.” This means the coils lightly conform to sleepers with smaller and lighter frames or provide deeper, firmer support for those with larger or heavier frames.
How it performed in our tests
- Provides the right amount of support: Our testers were impressed by how the mattress supported their entire body: "It didn’t feel like it was sinking in in any one spot," said one.
- High scores for comfort from testers: Back and side sleepers found the Medium firmness just right. One tester said, "I liked that this mattress had good support and firmness but was still soft and had cushion to it.”
- Only comes in one firmness level: While the Medium firmness level is versatile, it's still limiting. We wouldn't recommend this mattress for sleepers who prefer very soft surfaces or a super firm bed.
| Height | 13 in. |
| Firmnessless level | Medium |
| Trial period | 90 nights when purchased directly from Sealy |
| Delivery | Free white-glove delivery |
Pros
- Cushioning pillowtop adds softness
- Testers said it created an ideal balance of comfort and support
- Contains memory foam for pressure relief against hips and shoulders
Cons
- Tall height requires deep-pocket sheets; testers struggled to find options that fit
Who it's best for
Pillow-top lovers, side sleepers or anyone who prefers a plusher feel
Innerspring mattresses aren't always the softest mattresses you'll find, but this pick from Beautyrest has a cushioning pillow top for a luxurious sleep. It's the newest iteration of their popular Harmony Lux model and features improved support and pressure relief that impressed our testers. The foam layers are designed to contour to your body, and rest assured, it comes with complimentary white-glove delivery.
How it performed in our tests
- Immediate comfort from day one: Our consumer testers highlighted how comfortable it was from the first night, complimenting the balance of cushiony comfort and firm underlying support. "It is soft yet firm enough that you don't sink into the mattress," said one user who owns the plush pillow-top version. "My body does not ache as it used to on my old one."
- Tall height and pillow top feels luxurious: Standard mattresses range from 10 to 14 inches, and this model ranges from 14.25 to 16.25 inches for hotel-like indulgence. While many users told us their favorite part of the bed was the tall pillow top, they admitted that the height made it difficult to find deep-pocket sheets that fit.
- Popular brand and available in store: Beautyrest is one of the most popular brands among our panel, with more than 500 users swearing by it. The brand is available in stores across the country, so it's great for those who prefer to try before they buy.
| Height | Ranges from 14.25 in. to 16.25 in. |
| Firmness level | Firm Pillow Top, Medium, Plush, Plush Pillow Top |
| Trial period | 100 days |
| Delivery | Free white-glove delivery |
Pros
- 9 out of 10 firm on the firmness scale
- Luxury construction with unique dual coil system for extra support
- Creates more support for heavier body weights
Cons
- Slower delivery times because each model is made to order
Who it's best for
People who need a firmer surface, like those with heavier body weights or stomach sleepers, or anyone looking for a luxury mattress.
The Estate uses a complex coil system with high-density memory foam from its sister company Tempur-Pedic, so you can be sure it’ll adapt well to your body. The brand calls their firm a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale, so it’s less likely to sink under pressure. Each coil has a smaller inner coil that'll provide extra support in the areas that need it.
How it performed in our tests
- Testers were wowed by the firm feel: Firmness can be hit or miss, but this one impressed consumer testers who prefer firm beds. One called his first month on the mattress a "revelation" and commented, "I love how firm and structured the mattress felt. I've been sleeping much more soundly."
- Panelists and testers reported improved sleep: While this brand has a higher price point than our other picks, over 150 users on our panel stand by it. They told us that their sleep quality noticeably improved from the very first night. Plus, it won over our picky consumer testers: "This mattress provides a soft cloud-like environment to sleep on while maintaining strong support as well," said one. "It is tough to find this balance, and this mattress nailed it."
- Available in store to try: If you're unsure if it's right for you, the brand is available in stores across the country, so you can try it out in person. If you prefer to shop online, you'll get free delivery and in-home setup. Keep in mind that each bed is made-to-order, so it'll take a while to arrive.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress
| Height | 14.5 in. (or 15 in. with a pillow top) |
| Firmness levels | Soft, Firm, Pillow Top Soft, Pillow Top Firm |
| Trial period | 90 days |
| Delivery | Free white-glove delivery |
How we test innerspring mattresses
Our team of expert scientists and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate mattresses each year to determine the best ones you can buy.
Our analysts stay up to date on the market: We research hundreds of new models, from unknown new brands to popular big names, before narrowing down what to test or re-test. From there, we match each mattress to a few at-home consumer testers for long-term feedback. In the past five years, we've tested over 250 mattresses, including 40 innerspring models.
Beyond that, we've surveyed more than 10,000 Good Housekeeping readers on our survey panel, who have answered a total of 170,000 questions, for insight into the mattresses they own.
RELATED: How We Test Mattresses at the Good Housekeeping Institute
Here’s what we consider when we test mattresses:
✔️ 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.
✔️ 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-setup or white-glove delivery, users share their opinions on the process and how long it took the mattress to take proper shape once unwrapped.
✔️ 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.
Who are innerspring mattresses best for?
Innerspring mattresses are known for their firm support and breathable nature. I'd specifically recommend them for the following people:
✔️ Those who prefer a more responsive bed: This is especially true if you prefer to feel like you're lying "on top of" the mattress. This is the more traditional feel of a mattress.
✔️ Anyone with mobility issues: Innerspring beds also have better edge support, so they provide extra support when getting in and out of bed.
✔️ Hot sleepers: Many other popular mattress types tend to overheat (like memory foam) and rely on pricey cooling technology, while innerspring mattresses have a breathable design with minimal foam.
✔️ Back and stomach sleepers: Medical professionals typically recommend a medium level of firmness for back sleepers and a firmer bed for stomach sleepers.
✔️ Those who prefer a firmer bed: Personal preferences will impact your comfort, even if science says you're meant to sleep on a plush mattress as a side sleeper.
✔️ People with large frames and heavier body weights: Innerspring mattresses offer long-lasting support and typically have higher weight capacities than hybrids, since coils typically outlast foams.
✔️ Budget-conscious shoppers: While not all innerspring beds are cheap, the lower-priced models tend to be more affordable than latex or hybrid mattresses.
Who should avoid innerspring mattresses?
With a few exceptions, I'd tell the following users avoid innerspring mattresses:
✔️ Side sleepers: Side sleepers typically need a softer surface to avoid any additional stress on the shoulders, hips, or knees. These mattresses typically have a firmer structure without give in these key areas. If you're set on it, I'd look for a medium to plush model with micro-coils or pillowy foam.
✔️ People with smaller frames and lighter body weights: Because of their firmer nature, most innersprings won't be able to offer the necessary give to keep your body in a neutral spinal alignment. This means your body will be working against the bed when sleeping.
✔️ Couples sensitive to motion transfer or noise: If your partner moves, you'll feel some motion transfer, especially if you're a light sleeper. Pocketed coils can help minimize this, but they don't compare to an all-foam bed.
✔️ Those who want pressure relief: As cushiony as some pillow-top mattresses look, most won't offer the pressure relief you'd get from an all-foam or hybrid bed.
✔️ Shoppers with chronic back pain: Medical professionals typically recommend a medium-firm foam mattress for a balance of pressure relief with support. Some innerspring models may use micro-coils or more layers of foam, but most aren't ideal for back-pain sufferers.
✔️ People with adjustable beds: Innerspring mattresses won't flex as easily as foam or latex, so I wouldn't recommend them if you're trying to get the most out of your adjustable bed. If you're set on it, look for ones with pocketed coils and under 14 in. that the brands say are compatible.
What's the difference between innersprings and coils?
Traditionally, "innersprings" referred to the springs inside a padded object, and an "innerspring mattress" was defined as a mattress made with a system of interconnected metal coils.
These days, while the term is outdated, we still use "innerspring mattress," "coil mattress," and "spring mattress" interchangeably to refer to a mattress primarily made of coils.
Most options you'll find today use pocketed coils rather than connected ones: 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 setup, each coil can have a different firmness, allowing for targeted comfort and support.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing home products for 125 years. Each year, our scientists and engineers test dozens of mattresses to find the best of the best.
Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu currently oversees mattress testing at Good Housekeeping. Wu regularly evaluates mattresses herself, coordinates consumer testing, and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. She's slept on every type of mattress, but the classic innerspring mattress remains her all-time favorite.
Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
