- A high-quality spring mattress offers an impressive balance of support and comfort to a broad range of sleeping styles and body types, comes with a long risk-free trial period, and provides excellent edge support and motion isolation.
- The Saatva Classic Mattress is our top pick because you can try it for 120 nights, there are three firmness options, and the company offers free in-home set-up and mattress removal.
A mattress is one of the most important purchases you'll make in your lifetime. After all, a significant amount of our time is spent sleeping. But with so many different mattress options, where do you start?
If you're leaning toward a traditional spring mattress (also called an innerspring mattress), we have five great recommendations, including our favorite, the Saatva Classic. Before we dive into our picks, here's what to consider when shopping for a spring mattress.
What to look for
So, with next-gen memory foam tech generating all the latest mattress buzz, why pick one with springs? Don't think of those uncomfortable spring mattresses from the past: Today's options are well-made, comfortable to sleep on, and designed to last for some time (at least, at the higher end). Compared to a foam mattress, a spring mattress offers better air circulation, edge support, and bounce. It can also feel plusher.
Your sleeping style and body types will determine what firmness is ideal for you. For the most part, heavier individuals and back sleepers will benefit most from a firmer mattress. Lighter folks and those who sleep on their side or stomach will prefer mattresses on the softer side. Of course, there is also variance due to preference within each of these categories.
Another factor to consider is a mattress's ability to isolate motion - a must if you are a light sleeper and share a bed with a partner or pets. And, edge support is another important feature for couples because you don't want to feel like you're going to fall off when your significant other decides to annex your side of the bed.
Spring mattresses work best on a firm, supportive foundation. When I'm testing mattresses, I keep them on the floor, which works perfectly fine. However, this makes it harder to get in and out of bed, and your mattress may soak up any spills nearby, which could cause permanent damage. So, we recommend using a bed frame or foundation. Here are some excellent options.
Lastly, price should not be your main consideration when buying a spring mattress. Keep in mind, you will be using this mattress for 10 years or longer. So, differences in prices work out to only a few cents per day. Additionally, most mattress retailers offer financing options, although we don't recommend going into debt if you can avoid it.
Sleep on it
A comfortable mattress for one person may be torture for another. So, the only way to know for sure that a bed will be right for your sleeping style and body type is to sleep on it. Most online companies offer risk-free trials - the brands featured in our guide have trials of at least 100 nights, including two with 365-night trials. However, be sure to read the fine print because some companies will charge you shipping fees or other expenses if you want to return a mattress.
While researching the best spring mattresses, we looked at countless reviews and ratings and dozens of models from buyers and experts alike (including our own). Our guide features mattresses that have a track record of durability, comfort, support, and versatility.
Here are the best spring mattresses you can buy:
- Best spring mattress overall: Saatva Classic Mattress
- Best for long-term durability: Avocado Green Mattress
- Best spring mattress for couples: DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress
- Best spring mattress for hot sleepers: Leesa Hybrid Mattress
- Best from a traditional manufacturer: Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Performance Copper II Plush Mattress
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Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.