The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included.
The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included. NCOA does not receive a commission for purchases. If you find these resources useful, consider donating to NCOA.
5 Best Spring Mattresses of 2024 | Expert Reviewed
Apr 17, 2024
Fact Checked
The best spring mattresses have a supportive bounce and durable edge. They help relieve pressure by supporting sleepers in all the right places. See our top picks that accommodate different sleeping positions, firmness preferences, budgets, and more.
We chose the Helix Dusk as the “Best Overall Spring Mattress.” The combination of dynamic foam and pocketed coils offers pressure-relieving support and a responsive, bouncy spring mattress surface.
The best spring mattresses range in price from $936.60–$3,920.
Our top spring mattress picks are hybrid mattresses, which combine spring coils and foam layers.
We chose hybrid mattresses with the best qualities of spring mattresses: contouring support, a responsive surface, and a strong edge to support mobility.
Our Reviews Team researched hundreds of mattress models and mystery shopped more than 20 mattress brands in person and online. Here’s how we made our selections:
Analyzed costs, benefits, features, and brand policies, such as trial periods, return policies, and warranties
Consulted sleep specialists, including doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, for insight on choosing the best spring mattresses
Identified and tested key factors for an objective measure of features such as motion transfer, pressure relief, edge support, responsiveness, and cooling
Personally tested each mattress against these factors for an unbiased assessment
Medically reviewed our selections to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for the needs of our readers
You can almost hear the loud, creaky squeaks when you think of a traditional spring mattress. While spring mattresses have been around since the 19th century, the spring coils in today’s mattresses are a significant upgrade from older models.
Many of the best mattresses feature innerspring coils that are separate from each other and individually wrapped with fabric. These independent coils are known as “pocketed coils.” More traditional spring mattresses feature interconnected coils, so they move together.
The pocketed coil design allows each spring to move independently and better contour to your body. Pocketed coils are also better at absorbing movement than traditional springs, so you’re less likely to feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Our Reviews Team’s top spring mattresses are hybrid mattresses, which combine foam and spring coils. We carefully chose hybrid mattresses with the best spring mattress qualities: contouring support, a responsive surface, and a stable edge to support mobility.
Best Spring Mattress Overall
We selected the Helix Dusk as the best spring mattress overall. The mattress features 1,000 pocketed coils and responsive foam, so sleepers get the optimal combination of pressure-relieving foam with a bouncier, responsive mattress.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Mattress height: 11.5 inches (″)
Pros and cons of the Helix mattress
ProsExcellent pressure relief for back sleepers Contouring surface with supportive bounceCooling, plush pillow top upgrade available ConsAverage motion isolationNot firm enough for stomach sleepers
Our expert take
Our testers felt excellent pressure relief when lying on their backs. The mattress contoured to their lower backs and supported them in this position. Our pressure map showed all blue when testers lie in this position, meaning their weight was evenly distributed and there was no pressure buildup.
When testers switched to their side, their shoulders and hips didn’t sink into the mattress as much as they’d like, which can cause pressure buildup and soreness over time. The Helix Dusk doesn’t offer zoned, custom support like its luxury upgrade, the Helix Dusk Luxe. The Helix Dusk Luxe may be a better mattress for side sleepers since the upper coils are softer in the shoulder area and firmer near the lumbar region.
Helix Dusk mattresses are excellent for back sleepers and have a strong edge.
We were impressed with how easy it was to switch positions and move on the mattress. Our testers said the surface contoured to their bodies, but they never felt “stuck” in the top layers of foam. The dynamic foam gave the mattress a nice bounce and helped our testers’ movements.
Edge support and motion isolation: The Helix Dusk has a strong, stable edge. Sleepers can fully spread out on the mattress without feeling like they’re falling off, and a strong edge also helps with getting in and out of the bed.
While we like the mattress;s supportive bounce, it doesn’t absorb motion well. During testing, most bounces and movement were felt throughout the mattress when two people were on the bed. Some hybrid mattresses are better at absorbing movement than others, but the Helix Dusk was average at best.
Additional information
The Helix Dusk is a hybrid mattress with a responsive yet contouring feel. It combines dynamic foam and 1,000 individually wrapped spring coils. Unlike slower-moving memory foam, dynamic foam is more responsive to your movements. We like the mattress’s combination of pressure-relieving foam with the bouncy, responsive advantages of a spring mattress.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) sleepers who primarily sleep on their backs
Partners with different sleep preferences looking for a middle ground with decent motion isolation
Who should probably avoid it
Stomach sleepers of any weight
People who are easily disturbed by movement
Customer service
You can reach Helix customer service by:
Phone: Call 831-777-5976, available Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Text: Text HELIX to 67069, available Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Chat: Live chat via the bottom-right corner of the website, available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
Email: help@helixsleep.com
Submit a contact form via website
Payment options
Credit card payment options are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options are Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay. Helix offers financing through Affirm and Katapult.
The company currently offers 30% off for military members, first responders, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.
Our top pick
Best Luxury Spring Mattress: Saatva Classic
Saatva Classic
Best Spring Mattress Overall
•
One-year trial period and free white-glove delivery
•
Strong pocketed coils in the center to target lumbar support
The Saatva Classic contains the smallest amount of foam compared to other hybrid mattresses in this review. The quilted pillow top is followed by the lumbar memory foam layer.
When lying on the mattress, our tester’s lower back didn’t align with the lumbar memory foam—they had to move further down the mattress so their lower back would meet the memory foam section. Sleepers with short, petite builds, like our tester, may find their lower backs not properly aligning with the memory foam layer.
From our tester
“My weight was evenly distributed only if I moved down to the right position when lying on my back. I had to position myself so the lumbar support layer could meet my lower back.”
The lumbar support layer sits on more than 800 pocketed coils stronger in the center for additional lower back support. The reinforced support from the foam layer and pocketed coils give the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm mattress a firm feel. Our testers recommend this mattress for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, but it’s probably too firm for side sleepers.
If you’re a lighter-weight sleeper (less than 130 pounds) or mainly sleep on your side, consider the Saatva Classic Plush Soft option.
The mattress is bouncy and responsive to movement, and our testers easily switched between different sleeping positions without having to fight the mattress surface. Sleepers with mobility issues should like the additional support of the responsive surface.
The Saatva Classic has a strong, supportive edge.
Edge support and motion isolation: The Saatva Classic has excellent edge support for sitting on and sleeping near the edge. Our testers felt the mattress getting firmer as they moved closer to the edge due to the high-density foam lining the entire mattress. When testers lay near the mattress edge, the foam lining protected them from sliding off the mattress. Unfortunately, the mattress has poor motion isolation. Our tester was easily disturbed by their testing partner when they switched sleeping positions and got on and off the mattress.
Additional information
The Saatva Classic is a luxury brand mattress with great customer-friendly policies like free delivery, setup, and removal, as well as a one-year trial period.
The mattress is available in three firmness options: plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. Our Reviews Team tested the luxury firm model. The mattress has two layers of coils and one small layer of memory foam to support the lower back, making it very similar to all-spring mattresses.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Partners with different sleep preferences looking for a middle-ground mattress
Stomach sleepers of any weight
Sleepers who need a responsive mattress with good edge support
Payment options are Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, and PayPal. Saatva offers financing options through Affirm.
Note that Saatva offers $225 off a purchase of $1,000 or more to adults age 65 and older, military members and their families, health care professionals, government employees, and more.
Best Affordable Spring Mattress: Emma Hybrid Comfort
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Best Affordable Spring Mattress
•
Queen mattresses start at $1,319 without discounts
Shipping: Free shipping, white-glove delivery available for $125 depending on location
Warranty: 10 years
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Mattress height: 13″
Pros and cons of the Emma mattress
ProsLower price range May not support back sleepersOne-year trial period Mattress removal available ($125)ConsMay be too firm for some sleepers White-glove delivery not available
Our expert take
Our tester didn’t sink far into the mattress when lying on their back. Even with three memory foam layers on top of the pocketed coils, the tester felt more “on” the mattress surface than deeply cradled. Our testers classified the Emma Hybrid Comfort as a firmer mattress.
Surprisingly, our tester reported that lying on their back was the least comfortable position. They didn’t feel the mattress properly contour to their back or evenly distribute their weight. Instead, their tailbone was pushed up, with pressure buildup in the area. Our testers felt the most comfortable lying on their stomach on the Emma mattress.
We think the zoned support coils don’t offer the best support for most back sleepers, but this design may be better for average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) side sleepers.
Our testers easily switched positions on the mattress due to its firmness and responsive springs. If you’re looking for a bouncy, firmer surface that supports your movement, the Emma Hybrid Comfort is a good option.
From our tester
“I can feel the springs bounce when I move on the mattress. The bounce helps support my movement, but I slid around a bit since the top fabric isn’t sewn to the rest of the mattress.”
Our tester quickly sank down when sitting on the edge of the mattress. They could feel the individual coils, which may be uncomfortable for some sleepers.
Edge support and motion isolation: Although the mattress edge quickly sinks when sitting on it, its responsive bounce can help give sleepers momentum to get out of bed. We were impressed with the mattress’s motion isolation for how bouncy it is. Testers felt some movement from their testing partner, but nothing disruptive.
Additional information
According to the brand, the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress has pocketed innersprings uniquely designed to support your head, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. We consider it an affordable mattress since the queen-size is $1,319 before discounts—the lowest queen mattress in our review. The Emma Hybrid Comfort also offers a generous one-year trial period.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Stomach sleepers of any weight
Average-weight sleepers (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight sleepers (more than 250 pounds) who prefer sleeping on their side
People who need a responsive bed with good edge support for easy mobility
Who should probably avoid it
Sleepers looking for a softer mattress
Lower-weight sleepers (less than 130 pounds) who prefer sleeping on their side
Customer service
You can reach Emma customer service by:
Phone: Call 855-580-3662, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
Chat: Live chat via the bottom-right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Mattress height: 13.5″
Pros and cons of The WinkBed mattress
ProsMultiple firmness options Contains cooling materials Excellent motion isolationConsWhite-glove delivery not available
Our expert take
In addition to such a cool surface, our testers were impressed by how comfortable The WinkBed mattress was in multiple sleeping positions. The WinkBed mattress is available in four fitness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. We tested the luxury firm, which we consider a true medium-firm mattress.
Our Reviews Team testing The WinkBed surface temperature
The mattress gently contoured to their backs and offered gentle sinkage to help relieve pressure while evenly distributing their weight. When we analyzed our pressure map, we didn’t find signs of pressure buildup when our tester lay on their back and only slight pressure buildup when they switched to their side.
We think The WinkBed offers optimal support for most back sleepers. Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) sleepers who primarily sleep on their side may want a plusher option to help their shoulder and hip comfortably sink into the mattress.
Use The WinkBed firmness guide to help choose the right mattress firmness option. If you don’t like the firmness you choose, you can exchange it for a different option for $49.
The mattress’s supportive bounce helps with switching sleeping positions. Testers also never felt “stuck” in the mattress, even though it has a plush pillow top.
Edge support and motion isolation: Our tester didn’t feel stable when lying near the mattress edge, but they felt more supported when sitting on it. The mattress’s strong edge support and bounce are helpful when adjusting to a seated position or getting out of bed.
The WinkBed is another hybrid mattress with impressive motion isolation. We placed a glass of water on one side while a tester moved on and off the bed. The glass barely moved during these tests.
Additional information
Spring mattresses generally run cooler than foam mattresses because air more easily flows through spring coils. Airflow helps prevent sleepers’ body heat from getting trapped in the mattress.
The WinkBed mattress has a mattress cover and pillow top with cooling materials designed to repel body heat and absorb moisture. When testing the luxury firm model, we noticed the mattress surface felt cool. It stayed cool even when multiple testers were on the mattress to mimic a couple or family.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Hot sleepers who need high-performance cooling materials
People who need a responsive bed with good edge support for easy mobility
Sleepers who switch positions throughout the night
Who should probably avoid it
Higher-weight stomach sleepers who may not get enough support with the luxury firm option
Lighter-weight sleepers who may want a softer option than the luxury firm
Customer service
You can reach WinkBeds customer service by:
Phone: Call 855-946-5233, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
Email: info@winkbeds.com
Chat: Live chat in lower-right corner of website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
The company currently offers an additional $50 off for military members and their families, first responders, law enforcement, and health care workers.
Best Spring Mattress for Back Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid
Shipping: Free box shipping or $199 white-glove delivery
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Mattress height: 14″
Pros and cons of the Bear mattress
ProsZoned coil designHigh-quality stitching and material Contains cooling materials Three firmness optionsConsHigher price Plush cover may make it difficult for mobility
Our expert take
The Bear mattress is available in soft, medium, and firm options. We tested the medium model and rated it as a true medium-firm mattress. A 2021 study suggests that medium-firm mattresses can help relieve lower back pain and improve sleep quality.
We consider the Bear Elite Hybrid one of the best mattresses for back pain. The mattress contoured comfortably to our tester’s lower back and kept their spine neutral and supported. They were impressed by the memory foam’s cradling feel and the support of the pocketed coils. Always speak with your health care provider about the right mattress for chronic back pain or other chronic diseases.
The responsive, supportive surface made it easy for testers to switch positions. The mattress top offered a nice upward push that aided their movements, but the slippery, quilted material may require more work for some sleepers to move around on the mattress.
Edge support and motion isolation: We thought the mattress edge wasn’t as stable as other spring mattresses we tested. Our testers struggled to gain momentum when moving from seated to standing.
From our tester
“It was a bit difficult to push up to a seated position—I could have used more support from the springs. Once I was seated, it was also difficult to push up to standing since my hands sunk into the plush cover.”
The firmness helped testers push to a seated position on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress. This can be helpful for sleepers with mobility issues.
The plush cover did help absorb movement, and our testers gave the Bear Elite Hybrid an above-average motion isolation rating.
Additional information
The Bear Elite Hybrid has supportive zoned coils beneath a cushion cover, memory foam, and dynamic foam layers. We think it executes the zoned coil design better than the Emma Hybrid Comfort. The pocketed innersprings are designed to target the shoulders, hips, and lower back, with stronger coils in the center for greater lumbar support, which may help relieve back pain.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
Any type of sleeper—choose plush soft, medium, or firm comfort levels to accommodate preferences
People with lower back pain who benefit from extra support in the lumbar area
People who switch positions throughout the night
Who should probably avoid it
Shoppers on a budget who might want to look for less expensive options
Customer service
You can reach Bear customer service by:
Phone: Call 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Email: support@bearmattress.com
Chat: Live chat via the bottom-right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Payment options
Bear accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Google Pay, and Venmo. Financing is available through Affirm and ShopPay.
The brand currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.
Bottom line
Shopping for a mattress is a personal decision. The best spring mattress for you depends on your sleeping position, weight, personal preferences, and budget. The Helix Dusk is our top spring mattress for its responsive yet pressure-relieving foam and coil combination. It’s followed by the Saatva Classic, which has a luxurious feel and minimal memory foam. We recommend the Emma Hybrid Comfort if you’re looking for a budget-friendly mattress.
Once you’ve narrowed down the best spring mattress, we advise using the mattress for at least a month before deciding to keep or return it. This gives your body time to adjust to the new mattress.
Frequently asked questions
Our favorite spring mattresses are hybrids that combine foam with individually wrapped coils (pocketed coils). Wrapped coils move independently and offer sleepers more targeted support than traditional unwrapped coils. Our top spring mattresses are Helix Dusk, Saatva Classic, and Emma Hybrid Comfort. The best spring mattress for you depends on your sleeping position, body weight, personal preferences, and budget.
It depends on what you’re looking for in a mattress. Spring mattresses have a more responsive bounce than memory foam mattresses. The bouncier surface makes it easier to move around and switch sleeping positions without feeling “stuck” in the surface. Spring mattresses are also more breathable than all-foam mattresses. The spring coils allow more airflow than foam, which helps to keep sleepers cool.
Spring mattresses don’t absorb motion as well as most memory foam mattresses, so light sleepers may be more easily disturbed by a partner’s movements when sharing a spring mattress. Sleepers also won’t get that sunken-in, deep-hug feeling when lying on most spring mattresses.
History Central. The Evolution of the Mattress. Found on the internet at www.historycentral.com/BookReviews/mattress.html
Caggiari, G., et al. What Type of Mattress Should be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jorthoptraumatol.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5
Emily Breaux is a writer with a background in education. She has written on multiple health care and technology topics, as well as for the higher education and hospitality industries. She specializes in medical alert systems and enjoys writing about hearing aids, health insurance, and wellness topics specifically for older adults.
Dr. Suzanne Gorovoy is a clinical psychologist, behavioral sleep medicine specialist, and member of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She received her graduate degree in School Psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University, her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Behavioral Sleep Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
