Best Spring Mattresses of 2021 Popular Mattress Companies

2021-09-02 14:07:48

1. Saatva Classic 2. Avocado Green Mattress 3.The Winkbed

Before the advent of foam, latex, and memory foam mattresses, almost every modern mattress was an innerspring mattress. Today’s innerspring mattresses are often built with individually wrapped coils, which provide greater pressure relief and motion isolation. The layer of coiled springs is usually covered by a foam comfort layer. The coils also allow for airflow within the mattress, so if you’re a hot sleeper, you might find that an innerspring mattress will feel cooler.

Innerspring mattresses also come in various firmness levels, depending on how many foam layers are on top of the springs. The support and bounce of innerspring may be preferred by heavier weight individuals, as this mattress type provides extra support, as well as by anyone who prefers the springiness of a traditional coil mattress.

Check out our rating of the Best Spring Mattresses of 2021 and see a collection of more top-rated mattresses in our Best Mattress of 2021 rating.

 

Before the advent of foam, latex, and memory foam mattresses, almost every modern mattress was an innerspring mattress. Today’s innerspring mattresses are often built with individually wrapped coils, which provide greater pressure relief and motion isolation. The layer of coiled springs is usually covered by a foam comfort layer. The coils also allow for airflow within the mattress, so if you’re a hot sleeper, you might find that an innerspring mattress will feel cooler.

Innerspring mattresses also come in various firmness levels, depending on how many foam layers are on top of the springs. The support and bounce of innerspring may be preferred by heavier weight individuals, as this mattress type provides extra support, as well as by anyone who prefers the springiness of a traditional coil mattress.

Check out our rating of the Best Spring Mattresses of 2021 and see a collection of more top-rated mattresses in our Best Mattress of 2021 rating.

Our Expert Guide of the Best Spring Mattresses

Saatva  Saatva Classic Mattress: The Saatva Classic Mattress is the only spring mattress to rank in our Best Spring Mattresses of 2021 ratings. It also places No 1. in Best Firm Mattresses, No. 2 in Best Cooling Mattresses and Best Mattresses for Back Pain of 2021, and No. 3 for Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers.

The Saatva Classic is composed of two innerspring layers, a zone of dense foam for lumbar support, and a breathable pillow-top cover. It also has a high-density foam edge. It’s available in medium-soft, medium, and firm comfort levels. A queen-sized Saatva Classic costs $1,499, placing it at the mid- to high price range among our Best Mattresses of 2021.

Learn more in our full Saatva review, or check out the top Saatva promo codes.

FAQ

What Is a Spring Mattress?

Pros:

·         Strong and bouncy feel

·         Support for sleepers of all kinds

·         Coils allow airflow so it sleeps cooler

Cons:

·         Not as body-conforming as memory foam

·         Motion transfer is more of an issue

·         Can be too firm for some side sleepers

Innerspring mattresses include a steel coil support system. There are different types of spring systems, along with various coil gauges, shapes, and sizes (though some of these details don't make much difference). What’s most important to know is that innerspring mattresses can include open coils, pocketed springs, or both.

  • An open coil innerspring mattress is      constructed from steel coils that are interconnected and move together.

  • Pocketed springs are wrapped in individual      sleeves and move independently.

  • Some innerspring mattresses combine an      open-coil supportive base with a second layer of pocketed springs for      support and body-hugging comfort.

While coils and springs provide the main support, innerspring mattresses might also include a supportive foam core for stability and/or gel-infused foams that offer pressure relief. They can also incorporate high-density foams to provide more back support and pillow-top covers that add more body-conforming cushioning, which is ideal for side sleepers. A typical queen mattress has 250 to 1,000 coils. We recommend buying an innerspring mattress with at least 375 coils.

What people like about coil spring mattresses is their resilient, buoyant feel and edge support that prevents the falling-off-the-side feeling you can get with foam mattresses. Also, you’ll sleep cooler on an innerspring mattress than a memory foam mattress because springs allow for more airflow through the mattress. However, this can be a negative for allergy sufferers because dust is also more likely to find its way into a spring mattress. Spring mattresses are often firm, though adding a pillow-top increases comfort.

Spring Mattress Foundations

There are several types of bed foundations that work with a spring mattress, including box springs, platforms, and adjustable bases. Mattress manufacturers typically provide guidance on what type of base your mattress requires for proper support and protection. Keep in mind that using a coil-based mattress without the recommended foundation can reduce the life of the mattress and void some manufacturers’ warranties.

Here are some mattress foundation basics:

Box spring: A box spring mattress foundation is a wood frame with a solid top or slats. It can be covered by fabric or exposed. Box springs traditionally contained thick coils to add bounce to the mattress, but today this is not always the case. Box springs are usually 9 inches thick and will provide a base for your innerspring mattress.

Platform bed: Platform beds consist of a solid bed frame with rows of flexible wooden slats that support the mattress. You don't need a box spring with a platform bed.

Adjustable base: Adjustable foundations include powered hinges that allow you to raise and lower the head and foot of a mattress. Adjustable bases can create a comfortable sleeping position for those suffering from acid reflux, sleep apnea, and other breathing problems, swollen legs, or back pain. Not all spring mattresses work with an adjustable base.

Bed frame: Bed frames are constructed from metal, wood, and other materials, but they do not serve as a foundation for your innerspring mattress. A spring mattress requires a box spring, platform, adjustable base, or solid foundation. Refer to the specific manufacturers’ recommendations for more information on the recommended base for your mattress.

How Much Does a Spring Mattress Cost?

Spring mattresses come in a wide range of prices, and cost anywhere from around $200 to more than $2,000. The Saatva Classic is priced at $1,499, making it in the mid- to high price range of all mattresses reviewed in our Best Mattresses of 2021 but about average for spring mattresses overall. Compared to other types of mattresses, including foam, latex, and hybrids, an inexpensive spring mattress costs about the same as an inexpensive foam mattress, and costs less than a hybrid or latex mattress.

Spring mattresses have been around a long time, and they’re often available in a greater range of firmness levels, meaning you may have more choices when choosing a spring mattress. They’re known to be less durable than foam mattresses, however, so if you’re shopping with longevity in mind, you might want to consider a different type of mattress. The Saatva Classic Mattress, the only spring mattress on our 2021 list, comes with a 15-year warranty. This is a longer guarantee than that of many mattresses on our list, though some come with 25-year or even lifetime warranties.

Keep in mind that the mattress you choose can affect the price of the products you must purchase to go with your mattress. Some mattresses are designed for use with foundations. Whether it’s a separate box spring or a bed frame with a built-in platform, this requirement could end up increasing the overall cost of your mattress.

Are Spring Mattresses Good for Back Pain?

Spring mattresses can be great for back pain because they provide firm support needed to keep your spine aligned. This doesn’t mean that all spring mattresses have a firm feel, though. In fact, much of the feel of a mattress comes from its top one or two layers, while the other layers provide support.

Studies have shown that medium-firm mattresses with an adaptable top layer can help with back pain. A top layer that conforms to your body ensures that you’re getting pressure relief and that the support from the rest of the mattress is targeting where you need it. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers tend to require firmer mattresses, while side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses to accommodate the shoulders and hips.

Those that have back pain that affects their mobility should also think about the height of the mattress and the height of the bed frame, box spring, or other foundation. Some innerspring mattresses, like the Sealy Response Performance, have height options available. Opting for a mattress that allows you to choose its height, or that works with adjustable bed frames might be a good decision if you have trouble getting into a tall bed or standing up from a low bed.

Spring mattresses can also be good for people with mobility issues simply because springs are bouncy. Some all-foam mattresses can make people feel like they’re sinking into the bed. Foam is designed to relieve pressure, so it doesn’t “push back” when pressure is applied. This can make it more difficult to move about the bed if you need more stable support to push up from. Spring mattresses, on the other hand, spring back. They don’t absorb motion quite the same way that foam mattresses do, which can be a problem for some people, but if you want a bit of a bounce to help you move, a spring mattress or a hybrid mattress might be a better choice.

Learn more about the type of bed to shop for (and what to avoid) in our review of the Best Mattresses for Back Pain.

How to Buy a Spring Mattress

To buy the best spring mattress for you, pay close attention to the mattress's construction. Look for a spring mattress that offers support, which can come from a stable base of interconnected coils or high-density foam. An innerspring mattress is more comfortable when it contains pocketed coils that move independently, which reduces motion transfer (important if you’ve got a restless bed partner) and conforms to your body’s shape. If you’re a side sleeper, a pillow top is beneficial because the extra cushioning will alleviate pressure on hips and shoulders. Quality fabrics and reinforced edging help prolong a spring mattress’s life.

1. Try before you buy. Visiting a mattress store to try out beds is always a good idea, even if you ultimately decide to purchase a mattress online. Take your time. The Better Sleep Council recommends spending at least 15 minutes lying on each mattress you're considering and doing a S.L.E.E.P. test:

  • S—Select a mattress.

  • L—Lie down in your typical sleep position.

  • E—Evaluate the level of comfort and      support.

  • E—Educate yourself about each selection.

  • P—Partners should test beds together.

2. Review the trial period. Be sure there's at least a 100-day standard free trial period so you can test the mattress at home. Some companies offer longer trial periods.

3. Ask about the return policy. Find out about the company’s return policy, including details such as if they will arrange to pick up the mattress and if they charge a return fee. Some companies require you to keep the mattress for 30 days before returning it.

4. Read the warranty. It’s common for a new mattress warranty to contain limitations on what counts as a manufacturing defect and what doesn’t. For example, many manufacturers don’t cover sagging or indentations of up to 1 inch. A prorated warranty is also common, which reduces the amount of your refund or replacement value based on how long you've owned the mattress. In addition, manufacturers might deny a warranty claim if you don't use an approved foundation such as a box spring.

How Long Does a Spring Mattress Last?

A traditional spring mattress will last seven to 10 years, after which the Better Sleep Council recommends replacing it. However, as our lives and bodies change, so do our mattress needs. A mattress that felt comfortable a few years ago might not serve you well today. When thinking about buying a new mattress, prioritize whether you're truly getting a good night’s sleep over your mattress’ age. A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine reported that replacing a used spring mattress with a new one can result in a significant reduction in back pain and an improvement in sleep quality.

You’ll know an innerspring mattress is worn out if the center is sagging, even slightly. This indicates a deteriorating spring system, which means you’re not getting the support you need for a comfortable, healthy night’s sleep. Also, spring mattress covers can wear out and edges might fray.

Ultimately, an innerspring mattress’s longevity depends on the spring systems used and the quality of construction. Pay attention to mattress padding if you plan to keep your mattress for 10 years. You’re likely to experience less wear and tear if an innerspring mattress is made with premium-quality fabrics and includes reinforced edges.

You can help extend the life of your innerspring mattress by regularly rotating it. This ensures that you’re not constantly putting weight on the same parts of the mattress, causing them to sag before the rest. A mattress topper can also help prevent wear and tear that come from day to day use.

Other Mattresses to Consider

Other Ratings from 360 Reviews

Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating Mattresses

The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing mattresses to provide guidance to prospective buyers.

1. We researched the brands and products people care most about.

U.S. News analyzed and compared publicly available internet search data to determine which brands of mattresses consumers are most interested in. We found 42 mattress companies that stand out in terms of volume of searches and research among consumers. Once we identified these brands, we reviewed manufacturer data to determine every make and model of mattresses made by the brand at the time of publication.

For mattresses, we evaluated each company’s product lines, which is a step deeper than brands but a step above individual products. The mattress market is fragmented, with several products considered a part of each product line. Often, the difference between products varies slightly, whether it’s in size or with ancillary features. We felt that products within the same product line had enough in common that aggregating the collection was the most useful way to evaluate mattresses. Further, featuring product lines allowed us to aggregate more data points with a focus on consumer reviews than if we were to investigate individual products.

Because product lines tend to launch or discontinue often, U.S. News made the best effort to review active and available product lines as of the date of publication.

2. We created objective 360 Overall Ratings based on our analysis of third-party reviews.

Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on the personal opinions, tests, or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:

(a) We compiled two types of third-party reviews and ratings:

· Professional Ratings and Reviews. Many independent mattress industry sources have published their assessments of mattresses on the web. We consider several of these third-party reviews to be reputable and well-researched. However, professional reviewers often make recommendations that contradict one another. Rather than relying on a single source, U.S. News believes consumers benefit most when these opinions and recommendations are all considered and analyzed with an objective, consensus-based methodology.

· Consumer Ratings and Reviews. U.S. News also reviewed published consumer ratings and reviews of mattresses. Sources with a sufficient number of quality consumer reviews were included in our scoring model.

***Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.

(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.

The third-party review source data was collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations, and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared on an apples-to-apples basis with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.

The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each mattress that a source rated was scored in comparison to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:

  • Calculating the Z-Score: The Z-Score      represents a data point's relation to the mean measurement of the data      set. The Z-Score is negative when the data point is below the mean and      positive when it's above the mean; a Z-Score of 0 means it's equal to the      mean. To determine the Z-Score for each third-party rating of a mattress,      we calculated the mean of the ratings across all mattresses evaluated by      that third-party source. We then subtracted the mean from the mattress’      rating and divided it by the standard deviation to produce the Z-Score.

  • Calculating the T-Score: We used a T-Score      calculation to convert the Z-Score to a 0-100 scale by multiplying the      Z-Score by 10. To ensure that the mean was equal across all data points,      we added our desired scoring mean (between 0 and 10) to the T-Score to      create an adjusted T-Score.

  • Calculating the common-scale rating: We divided      the adjusted T-Score, which is on a 100-point scale, by 20 to convert the      third-party rating to a common 0-5 point system.

(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.

We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than 2 was excluded from the consensus scoring model.

Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each mattress product line, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.

Firmness is an important factor for many consumers, but unfortunately, there is no objective standard for what is considered “firm,” “soft,” or anything in between. Where possible, we used manufacturers' assessments for firmness ratings and standardized it to a ten-point scale. Where such information was unavailable, we omitted any mention of firmness relative to a mattress and excluded that product from certain sub-categories that depend upon firmness.

Mattress type is another important factor for many consumers. We considered four options for mattress type: innerspring, foam, latex, and hybrid. “Hybrid” mattresses are growing in popularity, but there is no objective standard for what they consist of. In some cases, manufacturers will label a mattress as a hybrid when it is actually a standard innerspring mattress with a thin layer of extra material added to the top. Our standard for what counts as a hybrid is a mattress with more than 33% of its height composed of a non-primary material. For instance, if a mattress is 12 inches deep and consists of 7 inches of innerspring and 5 inches of foam, we would consider the foam to be a non-primary material. We then would calculate that 41.7% of the mattress depth consists of a non-primary material, which would meet our standard of a hybrid mattress.

Another important factor for some consumers is whether a mattress is cooling or not. A cooling mattress has one or more layers manufactured from a material designed to lower body temperature or wick away moisture and/or heat. The best cooling mattresses will contain a cooling top layer along with secondary layers that contain a gel or are infused with an element such as copper or graphite which have high thermal conductivity.

An organic mattress is made of natural and organic raw materials. To be considered organic the material must be grown or farmed in accordance with specific guidelines and must not contain petroleum-based fertilizers, pesticides, nor synthetic products. The raw materials may not be explicitly certified to be organic certified however, the processed raw materials may have a certification.

A mattress is to be considered a memory foam mattress when it contains conforming viscoelastic foam. Memory foam softens and conforms to the body in response to temperature and weight.

A mattress-in-a-box is a mattress that is delivered compressed in a box and then expands to its full size.

A mattress for people with back pain should provide medium-firm support or firmness score between 6.5 - 7.5. Additionally, the mattress should have zoned support or other targeted features that support the back.

A mattress for side sleepers is one with a firmness rating of soft or medium, or between 0 - 6, and uses material that conforms to the body shape, such as memory foam.

All of the data used in our mattress ratings were accurate as of March 12, 2021.