Innerspring mattresses have been a popular choice for decades, known for their traditional feel and affordable price point.
But are they really the best option for a good night’s sleep?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of innerspring mattresses to help you decide if they might be the right choice for you.
What Are Innerspring Mattresses?
An innerspring mattress is a type of mattress that is constructed with a core of steel coils (also known as springs) surrounded by layers of padding and upholstery.
The steel coils provide support and structure to the mattress, while the padding and upholstery help to cushion the surface and add comfort.
Innerspring mattresses are known for their traditional feel and are often the most affordable type of mattress on the market.
How Are They Different From Other Mattress Types?
Innerspring mattresses differ from other types of mattresses in a number of ways.
Memory foam mattresses, for example, are made from a type of foam that conforms to the shape of your body and provides pressure relief.
They are known for their ability to contour to the body, but may not have the same level of support as an innerspring mattress.
Hybrid mattresses, on the other hand, combine the support of innerspring coils with the pressure relief and contouring of memory foam.
They may offer a balance of support and comfort, but can be more expensive than innerspring mattresses.
Finally, airbed mattresses are made with adjustable air chambers that allow the user to customize the firmness level of the mattress.
They may provide excellent pressure relief, but may not have the same level of support as an innerspring mattress.
Pros and Cons of Innerspring Mattresses
Let’s take a look at both the pros, and cons of choosing an innerspring mattress; starting with the pros.
Pros
- Affordable price point: One of the main pros of innerspring mattresses is their affordable price point. Innerspring mattresses are generally less expensive than other types of mattresses, such as memory foam or hybrid mattresses, making them a good choice for those on a budget.
- Availability: Innerspring mattresses are also widely available and easy to find in stores or online. This makes them a convenient option for those who need a new mattress and don’t want to spend a lot of time researching or shopping around.
- Traditional feel and support: Innerspring mattresses are known for their traditional feel and support, making them a good choice for those who prefer a firmer surface. The steel coils in an innerspring mattress provide structure and support, which can be appealing to some sleepers.
- Great for hot sleepers: Innerspring mattresses can also be a good choice for people who sleep hot, as the metal coils in the mattress allow for better airflow than other types of mattresses. This can help to keep you cool and comfortable during the night.
Cons
- Shorter lifespan: One of the main cons of innerspring mattresses is their shorter lifespan compared to other types of mattresses. Innerspring mattresses tend to wear out more quickly than other types of mattresses, meaning that they may need to be replaced more frequently. Though there are some brands, such as Saatva that come with a 15 year warranty.
- Poor motion isolation: Innerspring mattresses also tend to have poor motion isolation, meaning that movement on one side of the bed can be felt on the other side. This can be disruptive for couples who share a bed, or for anyone who is sensitive to movement while sleeping.
- Limited pressure relief: Innerspring mattresses may also offer limited pressure relief and support, particularly for side sleepers or those with chronic pain. The metal coils in an innerspring mattress may not be able to contour to the body as well as other types of mattresses, leading to pressure points and discomfort.
- Noise: Innerspring mattresses can tend to make noise due to the metal coils in the core of the mattress. This may be bothersome for some people, particularly those who are sensitive to noise while sleeping.
Different Types of Steel Coils Used in Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are made with a core of steel coils, also known as springs, which provide support and structure to the mattress.
The type of steel coils used in an innerspring mattress can have a significant impact on its comfort and support.
Open Coil
One type of steel coils used in innerspring mattresses is open coil, also known as bonnell coils.
These coils are hourglass-shaped and connected at the top and bottom by a wire.
They are the most common type of steel coils used in innerspring mattresses and are known for their traditional feel and moderate level of support.
Pocketed Coils
Another type of steel coils used in innerspring mattresses is pocketed coils, also known as marshall coils.
These coils are individually wrapped in fabric pockets and are not connected to each other.
Pocketed coils are known for their excellent motion isolation and ability to contour to the body, but may not be as supportive as open coil mattresses.
Impact of Coil Count on Comfort and Support
The number of coils in an innerspring mattress can have a significant impact on its support and comfort. In general, mattresses with more coils tend to provide better support and durability.
This is because the additional coils can distribute weight more evenly across the surface of the mattress, reducing the risk of sagging or premature wear.
However, the number of coils alone is not the only factor to consider when it comes to support and comfort.
The gauge (thickness) of the steel coils and the type of padding used in the mattress can also play a role.
For example, a mattress with a high number of thin gauge coils may not be as supportive as a mattress with a lower number of thicker gauge coils.
When shopping for an innerspring mattress, it’s important to consider the number of coils as well as other factors such as the type and thickness of the coils, the type of padding used, and the overall firmness of the mattress.
Types of Padding and Upholstery Used In Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are made with a core of steel coils surrounded by layers of padding and upholstery, which help to cushion the surface and add comfort.
The type and thickness of padding and upholstery used in an innerspring mattress can have a significant impact on its comfort and support.
One common type of padding used in innerspring mattresses is foam. Foam padding can be made from a variety of materials, such as polyurethane foam, memory foam, or latex foam.
Each type of foam has its own unique properties and can affect the overall feel and comfort of the mattress.
For example, memory foam is known for its ability to contour to the body and provide pressure relief, while latex foam is known for its bouncy feel and durability.
In addition to foam, fiberfill and wool are also commonly used as padding in innerspring mattresses.
Fiberfill is a synthetic material that is used to add cushioning and softness to the mattress.
Wool, on the other hand, is a natural material that is known for its breathability and ability to regulate temperature. It can be used as a padding layer or as a natural fire retardant.
The upholstery layers of an innerspring mattress are typically made from materials such as cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
These layers help to cover and protect the padding layers and add an extra layer of comfort to the mattress.
Some innerspring mattresses also have a pillow top layer, which is an extra layer of padding sewn onto the top of the mattress for added comfort.
What is the Most Popular Innerspring Mattress?
The Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring mattress that is designed to provide a comfortable and supportive sleep experience.
It is made with high-quality materials and features a dual-layer coil system that provides support and pressure relief.
The top layer of the mattress consists of a Euro pillow top, which is made with a combination of memory foam and organic cotton for added comfort.
The bottom layer of the mattress features a support system of tempered steel coils that are designed to contour to the body and provide support to the spine.
The Saatva Classic is also designed with a layer of memory foam in the lumbar region to provide additional support to the lower back.
The mattress is available in three different firmness options – Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm – so you can choose the level of support that is right for you.
It also comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty, so you can try it out and see if it is the right mattress for you.
Unlike most mattresses, Saatva does not arrive in a box. It is delivered and setup by Saatva.
If you’d like to learn more about Saatva, check out our article: Is Saatva A Luxury Brand?