The 9 Best Innerspring Mattresses That Are Bouncy and Supportive

If you ever caught air while jumping on a bed as a kid (or adult—no judgment), there’s a good chance it was an innerspring mattress. Their support system of springs makes them highly responsive, i.e., they bounce back upon impact like a trampoline.

This design comes with some potentially sleep-boosting benefits. For starters, bouncier beds are easier to move around on, making them ideal for getting busy with a partner or for combination sleepers who change positions often. Additionally, “people who run hot at night may prefer innerspring mattresses, which offer better cooling [than denser foam materials] ” because air can move more easily between the coils, Daniella Marchetti, PhD, DBSM, a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist and clinician at Rise Science, tells SELF. “They also tend to provide more support than foam mattresses for stomach sleepers or those with heavier weight.”

But while innerspring mattresses were once the norm, in recent years, memory foam and hybrid options (which are made with both springs and memory foam or latex) have soared in popularity. (Likely because these squishier beds can be delivered to your doorstep in a box.) So in order to give the people what they want, we decided to include hybrid models with spring layers in our list of the best innerspring mattresses. Below, experienced testers and sleep experts outline the nine mattresses that bounced to the top of the pack because of their responsiveness, pressure relief, temperature regulation, and more.

• Best Overall: The WinkBed
• Best Innerspring Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Helix Midnight
• Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers: DreamCloud Hybrid
• Best Traditional Innerspring Mattress: Saatva Classic
• Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Sleepers: Nolah Evolution
• Best Value Innerspring Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Firm Innerspring Mattress: Plank Firm Luxe
• Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress: Birch Natural
• Best Organic Innerspring Mattress: Avocado Green Mattress

In this article

• Shop the best innerspring mattresses
• What is an innerspring mattress?
• How to find the best innerspring mattress for you
• Who is an innerspring mattress good for?
• How to care for an innerspring mattress?
• How we tested these mattresses
• FAQs

• Provides optimal support for back sleepers, according to our testers
• Testers say it feels high-quality and durable
• Comes in four firmness options

• Not that bouncy, especially for a bed with coils
• Testers felt like they might fall off when lying at the edge

Our fave features: The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress made with quality materials, including coils covered with gel-infused foam and a pillow top. “It feels supportive, but also very soft,” says one person who tested the mattress for SELF. We especially love this mattress-in-a-box for back sleepers because it has a zoned support system, where the individually wrapped pocket coils are stronger in the center of the bed, where your body could use more support. This feature helped testers maintain a neutral spine in the sleeping position.

Just so you know: For being an innerspring hybrid, the WinkBed’s bounciness didn’t blow away testers—it scored a respectable but not stellar four out of five on our responsiveness test. (That said, an understated bounce level can be a good thing for light sleepers who are easily disturbed by moving bedmates.)

Other winning options: We tested out the luxury-firm WinkBed mattress, but it also comes in soft and firm versions, as well as a “plus” option (the firmest of them all) designed for people who weigh more than 250 pounds. Side sleepers and lightweight sleepers may be better off with the plush version of the mattress, which would likely offer more body contouring.

Best Innerspring Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Helix Midnight

• Offers nice support for stomach and combination sleeping
• Bouncy and responsive
• Testers experienced minimal pressure build-up in the side sleeping position

• Had poor motion isolation during our tests, meaning you’ll likely feel a partner’s movements
• 10-year warranty (rather than lifetime)
• Reviewers have reported shipping delays
• Short trial period of 100 nights

Why we picked it: Our testers recommend the Helix Midnight mattress for combo sleepers because it’s a highly responsive bed. (Mattresses with springs or coils are often great for combination sleepers, since they typically have enough bounce to make movement and position-changes easy.) Plus, its memory foam and contour layers offer nice softness and cushion to support a variety of sleep positions.

Who it’s for: The mattress is marketed to side sleepers and combination sleepers, but our testers say that some side sleepers may want even more body-contouring cushion at their shoulders for extra pressure relief in the position. We also think it’s a good fit for some stomach sleepers; our tester felt supported and lifted while lying face-down on the Midnight.

Just so you know: Our testers thought the Helix Midnight was just so-so when it came to motion transfer, meaning that you might feel your partner or pet’s movements in bed. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to consider a hybrid or innerspring that scored better for isolating motion, like the Nolah Evolution.

Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers: DreamCloud Hybrid

• Made with CertiPUR-US-certified foam, which is free from formaldehyde and heavy metals
• Easy to move around on, according to a tester
• Available in split king size

• Received an average score for motion transfer
• A tester could feel the mattress warm up slightly when lying on it
• Edge support was lacking during testing

Why we chose it: In order to get proper support without putting too much pressure on their shoulders and hips, side sleepers tend to need a mattress that’s not too soft and not too firm. (Think: Goldilocks.) Our testers thought the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress, which uses a combo of individually wrapped springs and multiple foam layers, kept their spine feeling just right when they were lying on their side. “It feels like it contours and supports my body's natural alignment,” one tester says. “No pressure on the shoulder and hip, and I think it properly contours to the side of my body.” Testers also loved the soft pillow top on this mattress, which is made of a breathable cashmere blend fabric.

Just so you know: A mattress’s edge support (how strong it is around its perimeter) is worth taking into account, especially if you tend to roll towards the outer inches or have difficulty getting in and out of bed. Despite the DreamCloud’s multiple rows of thicker coils around its edge, our testers found that the mattress offers just average edge support, which might not cut it for people with mobility issues who need a firm surface to push off of when getting out of bed.

Other winning options: If you’re not definitively sold on a spring mattress, it’s worth noting that DreamCloud also makes a memory foam mattress that our testers found to be slightly firmer than the hybrid. The foam edition scored better for motion isolation and edge support. Just note that side sleepers might feel some pressure on their shoulders with this mattress.

Best Traditional Innerspring Mattress: Saatva Classic

• Impressive edge support, so you can use the full width of the mattress without worrying about falling off
• Free in-room delivery and removal of your old mattress
• Comes in multiple firmness options

• Poor motion isolation, so you’ll likely feel a partner’s movements
• Didn’t offer much pressure support when a tester was lying on their side
• More expensive than other options on this list

Our fave features: The Saatva classic is a true innerspring mattress that strikes a plum balance between soft and supportive, earning perfect scores for support, responsiveness, and edge support in our testing. We rated it as medium-firm but one of our side-sleeping testers still felt that it was soft and comfy, thanks to its three-inch quilted Euro pillow top. “I really don’t want to get off of it,” says one tester.

Just so you know: The one area where the Saatva Classic didn’t receive high marks in our testing was motion isolation. If you sleep next to a partner and/or pet, there’s a high likelihood you’ll be able to feel some of their movements from across the bed. (Granted, that tends to be the case with innerspring mattresses.)

Other winning options: We tested the luxury firm (Saatva’s version of medium firm) edition of the mattress, but it’s also available in plush soft and firm variations, which can be further customized to two different heights. The plush option may be better for side sleepers, who can benefit from the added pressure relief around their shoulders and hips that a softer mattress can offer. Stomach sleepers may prefer the firmer mattress for a sturdier lift to keep their body aligned.

Best Innerspring Mattress for Back Sleepers: Nolah Evolution

• Impressive edge support, so you can sleep on the full surface area comfortably
• Bouncy and responsive
• Multiple firmness options available
• Excellent at cooling

• Mattress removal and setup costs extra
• Relatively expensive
• Returns cost $99

Why we picked it: Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium-firm mattress, which prevents their spine from curving uncomfortably one way (sinking too deep into a soft mattress) or the other (leaving a gap of support between the lower back and the bed on a firm option). Testers say the Nolah Evolution’s luxury firm model struck the right balance for back sleepers, noting it did an “exceptional” job at supporting them. Our test that uses a pressure mapping device showed that pressure buildup was a nonissue for back sleepers too.

Our fave features: Mattresses with coils can work well for hot sleepers because they tend to have better airflow than their all-foam counterparts: There’s actual space between the springs, compared to a solid hunk of foam. The Nolah Evolution really stood out in that regard, earning top marks for temperature regulation in our series of tests. (Along with its coils, the mattress has cooling, graphite-infused foam.) We also gave the mattress perfect scores in edge support and responsiveness.

Other winning options: We tried the luxury-firm version of the mattress, but it also comes in plush and firm options, as well as an extra-firm version called Comfort+, which is designed for people who weigh more than 300 pounds.

Best Value Innerspring Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

• Super bouncy and responsive
• Available in 14 different sizes and three firmness levels
• Relatively inexpensive

• Not great at isolating motion, according to our testers
• Returns cost $99
• 10-year warranty

Our fave features: The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s combo of coils and hyper-elastic foam makes for a responsive mattress that’s easy to move around on, meaning it’s a good option for couples having sex. Our testers also found it did a bang-up job of reducing back pain. Not too shabby for a mattress that costs under $1,000 for a queen.

Who it’s for: The mattress comes in three firmness levels, and we tried out the medium. Based on its feel and performance throughout our tests, we suggest it for combination sleepers and back sleepers who are prone to back pain. Stomach sleepers may feel better supported on the firm version of the mattress, and the softer version is likely a better choice for side sleepers who get hip or shoulder pain.

Just so you know: Motion isolation isn’t this mattress’s strong suit. During our testing, one person could feel another’s every movement from the other side of the bed. If you wake up at the slightest sound or motion, your sleep might well get disrupted often with this bed.

Best Firm Innerspring Mattress: Plank Firm Luxe

• Excellent cooling abilities
• Available in 12 sizes
• Can switch between firm and extra-firm by flipping the mattress
• Has strong edge support, according to our testers

• Lightweight sleepers may find the extra-firm side uncomfortable
• 10-year, not lifetime, warranty
• Didn’t isolate movement well when testers shared the mattress

Why we picked it: As the name suggests, the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress is made for firm mattress lovers. But just how firm is up to you: Like a reversible swimsuit or jacket, you can change up the mattress by flipping it over, with one side being firmer than the other.

Our fave features: Even hot sleepers should feel perfectly chill on the Plank Firm Luxe. One of our tests involves using a thermal gun to detect how much a mattress heats up when someone lies on it. After five minutes, the Plank Firm Luxe only went up about five degrees Fahrenheit—an excellent result by our standards. (If you’re an extra-hot sleeper, you might want to pay the extra $112 for a cooling cover add-on.)

Other winning options: At $1,149 for a queen size, this mattress has a mid-range cost compared to our other selections on this list. If that’s still outside of your budget, you can also consider the Plank Firm mattress, which is slightly cheaper but feels similar, according to our testers.

Best Luxury Innerspring Mattress: Birch Natural

• Stayed cool throughout our testing
• Very bouncy, according to our testers
• Greenguard Gold-Certified, meaning the materials don’t emit harmful compounds

• Has subpar motion isolation
• 25-year, not lifetime, warranty
• Short trial period
• Not comfortable for some side sleepers

Our fave features: Birch positions itself as a more eco-friendly mattress source. Its Natural mattress is made with materials like natural latex, organic cotton, and wool on top of 1,000 individually-wrapped coils. Birch also uses cotton that’s Fair Trade Certified, which means it’s produced in factories that meet the nonprofit’s environmental, social, and economic standards. The high-quality materials aren’t just for show: Our testers found this bed to be comfortable for a variety of sleep positions.

Who it’s for: Since its combination of coils and responsive latex foam makes this mattress über-bouncy, we love it for combo sleepers. “I thought the Birch was going to be a lot firmer, considering it's an organic bed and utilizes responsive latex in its construction,” one of our combination sleeping testers shares. “However, it was surprisingly plush and super comfortable.” Based on the mattress’s strong support level, we’d also suggest it for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.

Just so you know: The tradeoff with bouncy beds is that they often lack motion isolation, and that was the case here. When we dropped a 10-pound kettlebell on the bed, it caused significant vibrations through the mattress.

Best Organic Innerspring Mattress: Avocado Green Mattress

• Especially bouncy and responsive
• Comes in three firmness options
• Avocado is a Climate Neutral Certified company

• 25-year warranty
• Very expensive compared to other options on this list
• Returns cost $99
• Customer reviewers have reported shipping delays

Why we picked it: If organic everything is important to you, then you’ll love the Avocado Green mattress. The number of certifications backing the quality and sustainability of the brand’s materials makes it an industry standout. For example, its Green mattress incorporates wool and cotton that are certified organic by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and latex that’s certified organic by Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Avocado is also Climate Neutral Certified, meaning that it’s set out to reduce and offset its carbon emissions. Back to the bed itself: Testers found the Avocado Green comfortable, supportive, and easy to change positions upon.

Who it’s for: The Avocado Green mattress is a good option for back sleepers and stomach sleepers given that testers felt lifted, supported, and able to maintain a neutral spine in both positions. Combination sleepers should also sleep well on the mattress, since it’s highly responsive.

Other winning options: The mattress comes in plush, medium, and firm variations; the medium and plush versions cost more money than the firm version. Avocado also sells a vegan mattress that incorporates cotton in lieu of the Green mattress’s wool.

Simply put, innerspring mattresses are made with springs that are covered with padding and upholstery. “Innerspring mattresses compress under the weight of your body to give desired support, but also provide ample airflow to allow for a cooling effect,” Dr. Marchetti says. “Other mattress types, like foam, hug the body instead of bouncing back.”

Hybrid mattresses, which use springs or coils plus layers of memory foam and/or latex foam, can often provide a nice balance between support and comfort. They can be more versatile than a traditional innerspring mattress.

Mattress shopping can become a huge time suck if you get caught up comparing every tiny detail. Experts say these are the most important elements to prioritize in your purchase.

Ultimately, the right mattress for you depends a lot on your budget, sleep style, and other factors. “If you prioritize support, a lower price, and a firm sleeping surface, an innerspring mattress may be the right choice for you,” says Dr. Marchetti.

Mattress brands often provide specific info on how to care for your mattress in hopes of maximizing its longevity. For example, Saatva suggests using a mattress protector and vacuuming your mattress twice a year, but notes that the Saatva Classic doesn’t need to be flipped. But in general, here are some tips from the Better Sleep Council, a sleep-research organization, for caring for your mattress:

• Periodically rotate and flip your mattress, unless your mattress's care instructions say otherwise.
• Encase it in a mattress cover that you wash regularly (to protect it from stains, dust mites, and other allergens).
• Use a high quality bed frame with a strong center support to keep your mattress from bending or breaking.

Our testers lie on every mattress and cycle through sleeping positions before rating each on a firmness scale of 1 to 10.

In order to get a full picture of a mattress’s temperature regulation, testers use a thermal imaging camera to see how quickly (and how much) the bed heats up when someone lies on it. They also assess whether the mattress gets hot to the touch and if its construction includes cooling materials.

Our testers don’t just take product claims at face value—they slice each mattress open to see exactly what’s in it and how it’s made.

Still unsure about innerspring mattresses? Here are answers to some of the most common Qs about this type of mattress.

The best spring mattress is subjective—you should keep your budget, favored sleeping position, and firmness preferences in mind when choosing, according to Dr. Marchetti. Where sleeping positions are concerned, we found that the Helix Midnight is great for combination sleepers, the DreamCloud Hybrid would work well for side sleepers, back sleepers should appreciate the Nolah Evolution, and stomach sleepers will like the Birch Natural.

They’re essentially the same thing, but you may use one term or the other depending on whether the springs are interconnected. “[Pocket] coil mattresses have individually wrapped coils to provide targeted support and increased pressure relief, as well as better motion isolation,” says Dr. Marchetti. Since they’re individually wrapped, the springs can move independently of one another. Traditional innerspring mattresses, meanwhile, “tend to have interconnected coils to provide a firmer surface,” says Dr. Marchetti.

It depends. If you prioritize responsiveness because you like to be able to move around easily, an innerspring mattress is a great fit for you. And if you run hot at night, know that innerspring beds also don’t tend to heat up as easily as many foam options, since the springs allow for better ventilation.

While some hotels use traditional innerspring mattresses, others use hybrid or all-foam models. For example, Four Seasons properties have hybrid mattresses, Fairfield by Marriott rooms have foam mattresses, and Hampton Inn uses innerspring mattresses.

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