What is An Innerspring Mattress? Pros & Cons

An innerspring mattress is a very traditional type of mattress. A layer, also referred to as a pack, of springs is located at the bottom. A layer or two of thick memory foam are typically added after this. When you lie down, the bigger springs won’t feel like they’re poking you because of the foam that serves as a buffer.

If an innerspring mattress has two layers of foam, the bottom layer will likely be denser while the top layer might be a gel foam to conform to your body’s shape and provide pressure relief. Uncertain of how these foams vary? Utilize our comparison of memory foam and gel foam.

A layer of breathable batting or another less dense material is added after the foam to create a pillow top layer for immediate comfort.

But what exactly are innerspring mattresses made of? The benefits and drawbacks of innerspring mattresses are discussed here, along with the kinds of sleepers they are best suited for.

Innerspring Mattress Pros

A few advantages of innerspring mattresses will be discussed, along with reasons why one might be the best choice for you. We will be looking at the potential sleep benefits and the materials that usually make an innerspring mattress.

Traditional Style & Feel

If you’re accustomed to sleeping on an old-fashioned innerspring mattress, the newer mattress designs might not feel the same. Since they have been in use for so long, innerspring mattresses provide that familiar, cozy feeling.

Innerspring mattresses are the oldest, most commonly used mattress design out of thethree most common mattress types. The support frame for innerspring mattresses is made of a fabric-covered metal wire system and springs, with padding placed on top of the mattress for added support.

Compared to hybrid and memory foam mattresses, the innerspring mattress has a quilted, smoother-feeling top that usually comes in levels like, pillow top, plush, medium, or luxury firm. A mattress with innersprings may be the best option for you if you enjoy the comfort and smoothness and want to maintain that feeling.

No Memory Foam

Like the above topic, the lack of memory foam on an innerspring mattress depends entirely on your preferences. Some people find that the feel of memory foam isn’t as cozy as that of an innerspring mattress.

Although memory foam is a wonderful supportive material, not everyone should use it. Memory foam can feel a bit more abrasive than standard mattress support materials, and cheaper memory foam can retain body heat which can beuncomfortable for hot sleepers.

Back sleepers typically find traditional mattresses to be more comfortable, whereas side sleepers typically prefer the pressure point relief that memory foam provides.

An old-fashioned innerspring mattress might be your best option for a restful night’s sleep if you tend to sleep hot or find memory foam to be bothersome.

Spring Base for Easier Motion

Innerspring mattresses have the advantage of requiring slightly less effort to move around than other mattress types thanks to their smoother surface and steel coil spring base.

The innerspring coil system might be for you if you dislike the motion transfer that memory foam offers.

In addition to more effortless movement, the pocket coil spring base offers support across the entire wireframe and spring system while also providing support for the body.

When combined with anadjustable base bed system, you will have the maximum support for your sleep experience.

An individually wrapped pocket coil frame might provide you with firmer support if you detest the sinking sensation some mattresses give you. Try out a mattress in person at a mattress showroom for the best chance of success in evaluating it.

Available at Multiple Price Points

Because an innerspring mattress is such a classic design, you are pretty much guaranteed to find one that willfit within your budget. Whilefinancing furniture may not be as difficult as many people think, knowing you can find an innerspring mattress atthe price you are looking to spend is a great bonus.

A mattress may be inexpensive, but that does not guarantee that it will be durable. Cheaper beds will not last long as higher-priced beds will. Know the longevity of your mattress at the price point so that your bed lives up to your expectations.

Innerspring Mattress Cons

Alright, now that you know the positive aspects of an innerspring mattress, let’s take a look at a few drawbacks you should consider before making a purchase. Knowing the potential drawbacks and trying the mattress out in person are the best ways to avoid regretting your mattress purchase.

No Memory Foam Support

The lack of memory foam comfort layers can be a drawback for anyone who prefers the feel and support of a memory foam mattress such asNectar orTempur-pedic. The feel of innerspring mattresses is very conventional.

If you like thecooling features or joint-supporting feeling of memory foam, then an innerspring mattress might not be best for your needs.

Consider trying a hybrid mattress if you prefer the support of both an innerspring and memory foam in your mattress. Hybrid mattresses contain both traditional mattress elements and modern memory foam mattresses, creating a unique blend of old-school and modern comfort available in all firmness options.

Springs Can Fail

The concept of a broken spring has probably occurred to you if you watched cartoons as a child or jumped on your parents’ queen-size bed. Innerspring mattresses are prone to having springs break if too much pressure is applied or from gradual wear over time.

Your parents weren’t as miserable as you might have thought; they simply wanted their mattress to last longer, which meant no jumping time for you. Perhaps take into consideration a mattress without innersprings if you have a little jumping gremlin of your own.

Lower Quality Material

This drawback mostly depends on the good, better, best ranking of the mattress you are looking to purchase. Since innerspring mattresses have been around for so long, there are numerous varieties with varying levels of quality.

In order to reduce costs and increase profit, some innerspring mattresses use materials of lower quality. A lower quality mattresswill be cheaper, but will not have the samelongevity as a mattress that uses better materials.

Don’t forget that if the price seems too good to be true, the quality of the mattress might be suffering.

How Much Do Innerspring Mattresses Cost?

The price of an innerspring mattress varies greatly depending on the type of spring system being used when compared to hybrid and memory foam beds. You can purchase more affordable models for $300 or less, but don’t count on using one of these with an adjustable base because they most likely won’t work together.

Mid-range innerspring mattresses range in price from $800 to $1,500 and have more coils than lower-priced mattresses to provide better support and responsiveness. For a queen size, however, you’ll need to budget at least $1,700 if you want an innerspring with a micro coil system among the comfort layers.

From our experience, the most comfortable kind of innerspring has micro coil systems. You’ll see longer mattress warranties on them because they’re frequently more resilient as well.

How Long Do Innerspring Mattresses Last?

This really depends on the kind of innerspring mattress you purchase and the system of springs and coils it employs. A typical innerspring mattress will last between five and seven years before the springs sag and dip as a result of use.

Premium innersprings, on the other hand, can last ten years or longer, and if you find one with a lifetime warranty—like the Saatva Classic—you can extend this further with no-cost repairs. Always check your warranty before purchasing.

The quality of the foam and springs used in an innerspring, as well as the way it is built, determine how long it will last. A false economy will result over time as you’ll have to replace less expensive beds because they won’t last as long as more expensive models.

However, there are times when your budget can only support a cheap mattress. In those circumstances, you can find some good innerspring mattresses for between $500 and $800.

Innerspring Coils Guide

In an innerspring mattress, the coil unit is the only support system present. Because of this, you should always take the type, quantity, and gauge of the coils into account. These elements can aid in your comprehension of a bed’s functionality and its suitability for your sleeping preferences.

Coil Types

The coils in an innerspring mattress can be individually wrapped, Bonnell coils, offset, or in an open-coil system. Different types offer varying degrees of comfort, bounce, and support.

A typical innerspring mattress has coils that are open in style. The hourglass-shaped coils in these beds are connected, and there is a thin layer of foam on top.

In order to connect Bonnell coils, thin, helical wires are used. These aren’t the best for motion isolation since they move as a single unit. Excellent support is given by Bonnell coils, but over time they may sag in the middle.

Although offset coils resemble Bonnell coils, they are more plush and responsive. Due to their square sides, they ought to offer more robust pushback support. Aside from that, offset coils don’t transfer movement as much and aren’t as noisy.

The best coils for body support and motion absorption are those that are individually wrapped. These are usually present in hybrid mattresses, though.

Coil Count

An innerspring mattress’s firmness and longevity are both influenced by the number of coils in the mattress. A minimum of 800 coils is recommended, but more coils make a mattress more supportive and durable. For the majority of people of average weight, an innerspring mattress with at least 800 coils should be adequate. A higher coil number is preferable for heavier people and people who need more support.

Coil Gauge

The coil gauge describes the thickness of the coils. The spring is thicker the lower the gauge number. Because of this, springs with a low gauge number are firmer and more supportive, whereas coils with a higher gauge number are softer and more springy. Even though low-gauge coils typically last longer, most manufacturers mix low- and high-gauge springs to provide different levels of support throughout the mattress.

Innersprings Vs Other Mattress Types

Although innerspring mattresses are the most popular type sold, consumers can choose from other bed types. Due to their excellent support, comfort, and durability, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are becoming more and more popular. Here is a comparison of innerspring mattresses and other bed types.

Memory Foam

Innerspring beds don’t have much sinkage, meaning you’ll feel like you’re sleeping “on top” of the bed instead of “in” it. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, sink more because they react to pressure more slowly and mold to the shape of the sleeper. Due to their thinner design and airflow-promoting coil system, innerspring mattresses are better suited for hot sleepers. In contrast, memory foam beds tend to overheat, unless the manufacturer adds a cooling measure like gel. Additionally, memory foam mattresses offer better motion isolation than innerspring mattresses because they don’t bounce as much.

Read about

• How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last?
• How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress?

Hybrid

Although both hybrid and innerspring mattresses have coil springs, there are some notable differences between the two types. The number of comfort layers makes a difference. Hybrid mattresses have multiple foam layers, whereas innerspring mattresses only have one thin comfort layer above the coil unit. Hybrid beds usually have two or three comfort layers and a foam base under the coil unit. As a result of combining both innerspring and memory foam beds, hybrids are regarded as a fantastic option for people who are unable to make a decision. Check for Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress Review

Latex

There are two types of natural latex available: Talalay and Dunlop, which are both derived from the sap of rubber trees. For those who suffer from allergies, synthetic latex is also a choice. The most notable difference is that latex beds have a body-hugging comfort that innerspring mattresses do not. Additionally, latex is biodegradable, making it a better option for consumers who care about the environment. Contrary to materials used in innerspring mattresses, latex is resistant to mold and dust mites.

Who Should Buy An Innerspring Mattress?

An innerspring mattress is a great choice for people who need maximum support and good pressure relief during sleep, but particularly if the following resonates with you:

• You want firmer support
• You sleep hot and need a cooler mattress
• You’re a stomach or back sleeper
• You like a more responsive mattress feel
• You need good edge support to get up easier

Who Shouldn’t Buy An Innerspring Mattress?

An innerspring has disadvantages, as was already mentioned. They won’t suit every type of sleeper, particularly if:

• You want a softer mattress
• You love the contouring comfort of memory foam
• You share with a restless sleeper and need motion isolation
• You want a mattress that will last longer than the average bed

FAQs

Conclusion

Many businesses offer lengthy trial periods, so you can still decide if an innerspring mattress is right for you. You should have plenty of time to test the bed and determine if it meets your needs as a result. Although still quite common, innerspring mattresses are not suitable for everyone. While some people prefer more modern styles like memory foam, latex, and hybrids, others adore the traditional feel. For this reason, it’s crucial to take into account all the specifics, advantages and disadvantages, and your particular requirements to make sure an innerspring is a comfortable option.

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