INNERSPRING MATTRESSES

Innerspring is the standard, and most common, mattress type and is likely what you think of when you imagine a mattress cross-section: a basis of springs (or coils) all tied together or individually wrapped. This base is then covered with foams and/or fibers to create a comfort level above the supportive springs. The foam on top comes in a variety of densities, allowing for either a firmer or softer mattress, and is an economical choice as well. The Beautyrest Ultra Macgregor Park Pillowtop Luxury Firm Innerspring Mattress, for example, is both innerspring and a firm pillowtop choice, whereas the Beautyrest Black TATIANA Ultra Plush Pillow Top is softer and a plush.

These mattresses have been around since the early 19th century and have remained a staple in the mattress industry, improving and changing with the shifting technologies. You can measure the quality of an innerspring mattress by the gauge and number of the coils: the lower gauge coils have less give, and the higher gauge coils, like a 14-guage, have more give. You don’t have to get picky, though, because you can just keep in mind that the more coils, the better the mattress can contour and support the sleeper.

Especially when compared to their less breathable brethren, innerspring mattresses tend to be easier to move around on and stay cooler for the sleeper.