The Best Innerspring Mattresses
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. Beyond their reasonable price point, they’re an excellent choice for anyone who prefers a firmer, responsive bed and hates that “sinking” feeling you’ll oftentimes find with memory foam mattresses.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our scientists scoured through hundreds of popular mattresses and analyzed survey feedback from 10,000 mattress owners. In the past few years, we've tested over 200 mattresses (including 26 innerspring models) with hundreds of at-home consumer testers to find the best mattresses available.
Pros
- Good edge support
- Free setup and mattress removal
- Exceptional customer service
Cons
- $99 return fee
- Runs firm
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone in search of the excellent support you'd expect from an innerspring mattress. The 11.5-inch version is also ideal for an adjustable base.
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:
✔️ Comfort & 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.
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. But I caution side sleepers or those who prefer very soft, plush beds: This mattress ran firm in our tests.
✔️ Breathable construction: The Saatva Classic is designed with two different coil bases for maximum ventilation. These two layers make it more breathable compared to typical innerspring beds.
✔️ Customer service: Standing out for its receptive, top-notch service, Saatva users reported getting through to customer service very quickly when calling the hotline.
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) |
Sealy Posturepedic Spring Mattress
Pros
- Innovative coil design for more support
- Medium firmness ideal for a variety of sleepers
- Includes white-glove delivery
Cons
- Single firmness level
AVAILABLE DISCOUNT: Shoppers can take $100 off their Sealy mattress orders when using coupon code PPSPRING.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those looking for a solid innerspring mattress with tailored support that doesn't break the bank.
This is Sealy’s latest upgrade to its popular Posturepedic line. Its innovative design enables its coils to conform to a variety of users. We’re still in the process of testing this new iteration, but have thus far been impressed with its construction and support.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Ergonomic support: The pocketed coils allow for more tailored support, especially around the lumbar region, thanks to their unique design. The mattress 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.” The coils lightly conform to users with smaller and lighter frames or provide deeper, more firm support for those with larger or heavier frames.
✔️ Conforming comfort: It comes in a versatile medium firmness that will suit most people. We like how the coils allow for a more conforming top layer and better pressure relief than some other innerspring mattresses, all while offering that sleeping “on top of the mattress” feel.
While you can upgrade to a pillow top, it’s important to note that the single firmness level can be limiting so we don’t recommend this mattress for sleepers who prefer very soft surfaces or a super firm bed.
✔️ White-glove delivery: This model comes with free full-service delivery and mattress removal, but it has a longer lead time than some options on our list.
| Height | 13 in. |
| Firmnessless level | Medium |
| Trial period | 90 nights when purchased directly from Sealy |
Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress
Pros
- Trusted mattress brand
- Tons of customizable options available
- High scores for support from users
Cons
- Some long-term owners said it felt less comfortable over time
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Shoppers looking for a reliable, trustworthy innerspring.
This mattress is one of the most popular models online and among our panel of testers, consistently earning high ratings for support, comfort and overall value. Our pros appreciate that the brand offers free threshold shipping (at-the-door drop-off) or white-glove delivery for an added fee.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Brand satisfaction: More than 1,900 users from our latest surveys owned Serta mattresses and gave the Perfect Sleeper model particularly high scores for overall support. One loved the comfort and commented, “It supports my body and pressure points, giving a peaceful rest so that I feel recharged in the morning.”
✔️ Customizability: There are a ton of customizable options to create different comfort layers and firmness levels. The Enhanced version adds an extra layer of foam for a “cloud-like” feel and the Ultimate model features a pillow top.
✔️ Comfort: The Ultimate version earned top scores from our testers. One said, "I have back pain, and I found this one did conform well to my body for a spring mattress and provided the support I look for."
✔️ Durability: While some long-term owners noted the mattress hasn’t held up as well as they would like, most users were happy.
| Height | Ranges from 13 to 17 in. |
| Firmness levels | Plush, Plush Euro Top, Plush Pillow Top, Medium, Medium Pillow Top, Firm, Firm Pillow Top, Extra Firm |
| Trial period | 120 nights |
Pros
- Unique coil system for extra support
- Available to try in stores
- Free delivery and in-home setup
Cons
- Expensive
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Stomach sleepers, those with heavier body weights or anyone who likes a supportive, firm mattress with a luxurious innerspring design.
The Estate uses a unique, 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.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Excellent support: It impressed GH Lab experts: 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."
✔️ Sleep quality: While this brand has a higher price point than our other picks, over 150 users on our panel stand by it. Users told us that their sleep quality noticeably improved from the very first night. Plus, it won over picky 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."
✔️ Convenience: 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.
| 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 |
Beautyrest World Class
Pros
- Multiple layers of memory foam for added plushness
- Users said it was immediately comfortable
Cons
- Users found it difficult to find well-fitting sheets
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Pillow-top lovers and people looking for added pressure relief. It comes in a variety of firmness levels from plush to extra firm.
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:
✔️ Comfort and support: Our 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 like it used to on my old one."
✔️ Popularity: 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.
✔️ Luxurious height: 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.
| Height | Ranges from 14.25 in. to 16.25 in. |
| Firmness level | Extra Firm, Firm Pillow Top, Medium Firm, Medium, Medium Pillow Top, Plush, Plush Pillow Top |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Pros
- Comfortable and firm support
- Year-long trial period
- Quick shipping for DIY setup
Cons
- Plush and medium firmness levels cost extra
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Eco-conscious consumers looking for organic materials or anyone who likes the responsive feel of latex.
If you prefer sleeping on a latex mattress, this is one of the best available. It’s certified by both the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), so you know the entire process meets strict standards.
Unlike other picks, this mattress comes shipped in a box, so you won't need to schedule delivery and can set it up at your leisure. The standard model has a gentle-firm feel, and you'll need to pay extra for the medium pillow-top and soft box-top configurations. Beyond that, it comes with a generous year-long sleep trial.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Comfortable & firm support: Our consumer testers loved the springy and supportive feel. One user called it “unbelievably comfortable” and shared, “I don't wake up in pain as I have with other mattresses.” Plus, it supports up to 700 pounds or 350 pounds per side.
✔️ Longevity: We like how this mattress is hand-tufted without the use of synthetic adhesives. Our panelists appreciated the craftsmanship and durability over time: One said, "it's held up even after years."
✔️ Commitment to sustainability: If sustainability is important to you when it comes to buying a new mattress, I personally think this is one of the best beds you'll find. Avocado is a favorite among our experts for its strong commitment to sustainability without sacrificing the quality or overall comfort of its products.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado Green Mattress
| Height | 11, 13 or 15.5 in. |
| Firmness level | Firm, Medium or Plush |
| Trial period | 365 days |
Pros
- Ergonomic layout
- Good balance of comfort and support
- Handles for easy carrying
Cons
- Less edge support than some innerspring mattresses
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Innerspring loyalists, including hot sleepers, who aren't fans of memory foam (especially in hybrids) or latex. Plus, those who prefer boxed mattresses over traditional delivery.
Most innerspring mattresses have some foam or latex, even if a thin layer, but this one has no latex or foam. Instead, this mattress uses wool and individually pocketed coils and micro-coils for temperature regulation, pressure relief and long-term support.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Ergonomic micro-coils: This is the mattress I personally sleep on at home, and after sleeping on a variety of different beds, it remains my favorite. The micro-coils make all the difference, adding extra support or give where I need it. Our panelists agreed, giving it high scores for comfort. One user found it less firm and more contouring than other innerspring mattresses she'd tried but just as supportive.
✔️ Temperature: Innerspring mattresses offer excellent breathability, but this pick goes further with layers of wool for natural temperature regulation. Testers reported that the mattress kept them at a comfortable body temperature year-round.
✔️ Easy setup: This model ships in a box for self-setup — rare for a classic innerspring — which our panelists and testers found quick and easy. We also appreciate that the mattress has handles on its sides, so you can easily move it around your home or rotate it over time. Still, I have to admit that the edge support isn't amazing, which is common for boxed mattresses, despite the extra-firm coils around the perimeter.
| Height | 12 in. |
| Firmness Level | Medium |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Trial period | 100 nights |
Other popular mattresses we tested
We've tested hundreds of mattresses, but the market leans more hybrid than innerspring nowadays. Still, here are a few popular options you may be curious about:
Beautyrest Silver: While we prefer the World Class, the Beautyrest Silver Line is still a great option if you’re looking for a softer bed and a less expensive mattress.
The Winkbed: This mattress has risen in popularity, but its most recent iteration falls more into the hybrid category than the innerspring, as the brand swapped the micro-coils for foam layers. It has a uniform feel similar to other innerspring mattresses we've tried, but our tester found it ran notably hot (even during the winter) and firm.
Allswell Luxe Hybrid: While it’s technically a hybrid and not an innerspring mattress, this is a great budget-friendly option that still proves comfortable and supportive. Our panelists liked how it felt like they were sleeping “on top of” the mattress and have compared it to a hotel bed. But it’s only available in medium and does have more foam than traditional.
Bear Elite Hybrid: This is one of our favorite hybrid mattresses, and it’s performed very well in our tests among users who prefer firm innerspring mattresses but are curious about hybrids. It has an ergonomic design with extra give or support in key areas like the lower back or shoulders. The con is that Bear makes claims about how the celliant fiber in the cover promotes recovery that we can’t verify.
How we test innerspring mattresses
To find the best mattresses on the market, our team of expert scientists and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have:
✔️ Researched hundreds of new models each year, diving deep into the details around materials, design, brand reputation, customer service and online reviews. Brands with red flags for quality or customer service are eliminated from our recommendations.
✔️ Reevaluated top-tested models on an ongoing basis to ensure the ones we recommend are easy to set up and comfortable to sleep on, especially if there's been any updates to the design or construction.
✔️ Surveyed more than 10,000 readers on our GH survey panel, analyzing over 170,000 answers to questions about the mattresses they own.
✔️ Sent over 200 mattresses to hundreds of consumer testers to review at home, both short and long term, in the past few years. For innerspring mattresses specifically, we've recently evaluated 26 models.
✔️ Reviewed company-provided lab data (especially related to temperature and cooling) and firsthand user experiences from our own surveying. We also consider any claims made to see whether any brands may be overpromising on performance.
✔️ Leveraged our backgrounds in fiber science, materials engineering and consumer science to assess everything from materials and structure to brand reputation.
✔️ Interviewed dozens of medical professionals and kept up with relevant sleep studies.
✔️ Visited dozens of mattress factories and showrooms, interviewing everyone from CEOs to in-house product experts.
What we consider
Here are some of the factors we considered when narrowing down the best options:
✔️ 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.
What to consider when shopping for an innerspring mattresses
Choosing a new mattress can be an extremely mind-boggling decision, especially if you're buying it online without first trying it out in person. Here are some factors to think about when buying your next mattress:
✔️ Sleep position: If you're looking for a mattress to help promote proper spinal alignment, how you sleep can help determine your optimal firmness level.
- Stomach sleepers are best suited to firmer mattresses.
- Mattresses for side sleepers are often softer to avoid any additional stress on your shoulders, hips or knees.
- Back sleepers and combination sleepers fall somewhere in between and are best off with a medium firmness mattress.
✔️ Body type: Mattresses for heavier people are often firmer for long-lasting support, while softer mattresses are ideal for those with lightweight body types. When deciding on which firmness level to choose for your next mattress, remember to consider both your weight and sleep position, as well as any personal preferences.
✔️ Back pain: The best mattresses for back pain will offer pressure relief, often with an all-foam or hybrid mattress design. Medical experts have told us that those with a medium firmness are often ideal, as they offer a good balance of both cushioning and support.
✔️ Temperature: Cooling mattresses can help provide relief to anyone who tends to overheat at night or suffers from night sweats. Memory foam typically retains heat while an innerspring mattress with coils provides more breathability.
✔️ Motion isolation & noise: Innerspring mattresses don't have the best motion isolation, especially compared to foam beds. Still, those with individually pocketed coils tend to be less disruptive (or noisy) in our tests.
✔️ Certifications: When shopping for mattresses, chances are you'll encounter many different emblems. Here's some of the most common certifications you'll see and what they mean:
- CertiPUR-US: This certifies whether the foam used in the mattress was made without certain harmful chemicals and whether it has been tested for low VOC emissions.
- OEKO-TEX: The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certifies that any fabric in the product has been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of any known harmful chemicals.
- GOTS: The Global Organic Textile Standard certifies that the entire production process of any textile-based product follows strict standards. This is the gold standard for any organic mattress or bedding. Just be aware that GOTS only certifies entire products, not single components. This certification is often misused by brands who claim that their mattresses use organic components (e.g., an organic cotton outer cover). You can always check the GOTS public database to be sure.
- GOLS: The Global Organic Latex Standard is similar to GOTS, but for latex. These two organic certifications are often used together in organic pillows, mattress toppers and mattresses.
- GREENGUARD: GREENGUARD is an indoor air quality certification and indicates that the mattress meets chemical emission standards. The GREENGUARD Gold certification is stricter, requiring products to have even lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels.
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.
✔️ Users 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.
✔️ Budget-conscious shoppers: While not all innerspring beds are cheap, the lower-priced models tend to be more affordable than latex or hybrid mattresses.
What's the difference between an innerspring mattress and a hybrid mattress?
Innerspring mattresses are typically made up of coils with little-to-no extra layers. Oftentimes, they can be more durable and breathable and have a trademark bouncy feel that's unique to this type of mattress.
Hybrid mattresses combine the coils in innerspring mattresses with several layers of memory foam or latex for added comfort and pressure relief to the more supportive coils. While innerspring mattresses are considered more traditional, they're less common in today's market while hybrids are growing in popularity.
What's the difference between innersprings and coils?
Traditionally, innerspring mattresses were made with a system of interconnected metal coils, but nowadays you'll find many of these mattresses instead use individually pocketed coils. Pocketed coils are kept separate from one another as each is encased or covered by fabric, forming a "pocket" that differentiates these coils from an interconnected system. In this setup, each coil can have a different firmness, allowing for targeted comfort and support.
Both options provide durable support, but innersprings tend to provide a more even feel across the entire bed because of the interconnected coil system, while pocketed coils allow for more customization through ergonomic layouts or extra edge support because you can alter the firmness of each coil.
If you're looking for an innerspring mattress that's compatible with an adjustable bed, make sure to check that it has individually pocketed coils.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've been testing home products for 125 years. We've closely followed the online mattress industry's rapid expansion since 2014 and test dozens of mattresses each year to find the best of the best.
Textiles Product Reviews 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. Prior to joining GH, she earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
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