How to Find the Best Innerspring Mattress
When you think about a classic mattress, you’re probably envisioning an innerspring. There’s a reason these mattresses have such enduring appeal. Understanding how these mattresses are constructed — as well as the benefits they offer for comfort, support and durability — can help you find the best innerspring mattress for you.
A History of Innerspring Technology
Steel coil springs were invented in 1851 but were originally patented for chairs, not beds. In 1871, a German named Heinrich Westphal thought to put metal coils inside a mattress, and the innerspring was born.
Westphal’s invention didn’t really catch on until after WWII, when returning soldiers discovered the comforts of innerspring just as queen- and king-sized beds began to replace chaste twin beds for couples.
In 1889, an engineer named James Marshall improved on Westphal’s innovation by inventing pocket coils. By individually wrapping each spring instead of linking them together, Marshall solved the problem of motion transfer (movement across the mattress) that plagued the original innerspring.
Types of Innerspring Coils
The coils found inside an innerspring mattress come in a variety of different styles. Here are the most common ones.
Bonnell coils
These are the coils Westphal used in the original innerspring mattress. They are shaped like an hourglass with a rounded top, and are connected by wires to form a single system. Bonnell coils are among the most affordable types of innerspring mattress coils.
Offset coils
These mattress coils also have an hourglass shape, but they differ from Bonnell coils in that they have flat edges, which allows for more contoured support.
Continuous coils
Continuous mattress coils are connected by just one wire. Their s-shaped single wire construction makes them highly durable.
Pocket coils
These are the coils invented by Marshall (and featured in the Plank luxe). Because they are individually wrapped, pocket coils prevent motion transfer while providing more contoured support compared to other coil types.
Which coil type makes the best innerspring mattress depends on personal factors like sleep style, comfort preferences and budget.
Factors Affecting Comfort and Support
Coil type isn’t the only consideration when choosing the best innerspring mattress. Here are some other factors that dictate how comfortable and supportive an innerspring mattress is.
Coil gauge
Coil gauge refers to the thickness of the innerspring coils. It usually ranges from 12-15, with lower numbers meaning thicker wire. Lower coil gauge (thicker wire) generally means a more firm and durable mattress. Higher coil gauge (thinner wire) lends more softness to a mattress, but thinner coils may not last as long.
Coil count
As you may have guessed, coil count is the number of coils in an innerspring mattress. The higher the coil count, the more supportive and sturdy the mattress.
Layering materials
Layering materials include things like foam, padding and pillow top. Adding layers of these materials to an innerspring mattress can add softness and comfort that offsets the firmness of the springs.
Considering these factors when shopping for the best innerspring mattress can give you a feel for how comfortable, supportive and durable the mattress may be.
Mattress Care and Maintenance
The way you treat your innerspring mattress has a direct impact on the way it treats you. Properly caring for your mattress helps ensure it stays comfortable and extends its lifespan.
To keep your innerspring mattress in good shape, rotate it every 3-6 months and clean it at least once or twice a year (while keeping in mind the care instructions recommended by the mattress manufacturer).
A mattress protector is also a good idea, since it keeps stains and allergens off the mattress. And proper foundation support such as a box spring or wooden slats will guard against unnecessary wear and tear.
Choosing the Right Innerspring Mattress
Choosing the best innerspring mattress is largely a matter of considering your sleep habits. Which position do you sleep in most often? Back sleepers may find that a very firm innerspring offers them the most comfort and support, while side sleepers may find a softer innerspring mattress is more comfortable yet still supportive enough to promote proper spinal alignment. (Stomach sleeping isn’t recommended but generally works best with a softer mattress.)
Body weight should also be a factor in your innerspring selection. Heavier bodies tend to benefit from firmer mattresses that can support their weight, while lighter-bodied people may need more softness to sleep comfortably.
Personal comfort preferences are, of course, key. Do you crave a plush, squishy sleep environment? Or are you a “the firmer, the better” type of person? Do you deal with chronic back pain that may be relieved by a supportive innerspring? Are you a sweaty sleeper who needs a temperature-neutral mattress? Whatever your preferences, chances are there’s an innerspring for you.
Iconic for a Reason
Although it has evolved from its humble beginnings, today’s innerspring mattress embodies the comfort, stability and durability of the original.
Much can be done to narrow down your innerspring mattress search from the comfort of your living room (or soon-to-be replaced bed). Researching online lets you compare and contrast, check price points and read customer reviews — all of which are crucial for making an informed decision and finding the best innerspring mattress.