Unless you have literally been sleeping under a rock, you probably have used a mattress at some point in your life. Mattresses are one of the staples of our everyday lives, and they are often taken for granted, with little to no consideration of the actual materials and methods used to make them. If you’re the owner of an older mattress or perhaps you got a hand-me-down bed from a parent or older sibling at one point, then you probably have had some experience sleeping on an innerspring mattress.
Innerspring beds are the oldest, most commonly used mattress type around. But are innerspring mattresses becoming outdated? In this quick guide, our experts will fill you in on everything you need to know about innerspring beds, including their pros and cons and the different types of mattresses you can compare them to.
At a Glance:
What is an Innerspring Mattress?
Pros & Cons of Innerspring Mattresses
What is an Innerspring Mattress?
Innerspring mattresses are the traditional bed model that we all think of when someone says the word “mattress.” The bouncy and sometimes cartoonishly fluffy bed with metal innerspring coils has graced bedrooms everywhere, becoming the gold standard for sleeping surfaces. Because innerspring mattresses have been around for decades, they provide that traditional feeling that you know and love when it’s time to call it a day.
In terms of their construction, innerspring mattresses incorporate a metal wire system combined with springs to create a supporting frame covered in soft fabric with different cushioning materials used on top of the surface for extra support. Compared to more modern memory foam and hybrid mattresses, the innerspring mattress has a quilted, smoother-feeling top that usually comes in different levels like pillow top, medium, plush, or luxury firm. Despite its outdatedness, if you enjoy this type of soothing comfort and soft feel, then an innerspring mattress might be just right for you. However, if you prefer a bed that contours more to your body, you may need to explore other types of mattresses.
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Innerspring MattressesPros & Cons of Innerspring Mattresses
While innerspring mattresses are no doubt one of the most reliable types of beds available, not everyone is a fan of the way they feel. If you’ve grown accustomed to sleeping on an older innerspring bed with outdated materials, exploring a new mattress design may be the right decision. In order to help you make the best choice on your journey toward a new mattress, here are some of the pros and cons to consider when it comes to innerspring models.
Pros
Better for Aches and Pains
One advantage that many consumers enjoy about innerspring mattresses is that they use durable coils to support the body and ensure that weight is distributed as evenly as possible without causing any pressure points. The innerspring or encased coils offer extra-firm, responsive support that helps with spinal alignment, which in turn, alleviates back pain.
Affordable Pricing
With innerspring being such a classic mattress type, you are guaranteed to find a model that fits within your budget. However, you’ll need to remember that just because a mattress is priced as a good deal, doesn’t mean it will last long. The average mattress lifespan of an innerspring model ranges from five to seven years, but investing in higher-quality bed materials could extend that timeframe.
No Sinking Memory Foam
For some sleepers, the sinking feeling of lying on memory foam isn’t quite as comfortable as a traditional innerspring mattress. Don’t get us wrong, memory foam is a fantastic supportive material ― but it’s not for everyone. Memory foam mattresses can feel a bit more abrasive than standard bed support materials. Plus, more affordably priced memory foam retains more body heat, which can be extremely uncomfortable for sleepers who already run hot.
Cons
Springs Can Fail
If you grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons or always loved jumping on your parent’s king innerspring mattress, you’ve probably experienced the feeling of a broken spring. Innerspring beds are prone to their springs breaking if too much pressure is applied at one time on one section or from gradual wear and tear over an extended period. If you have little kiddos of your own who like to jump around, you should probably consider a mattress that doesn’t have traditional coil springs.
Lower Quality Materials
With innerspring mattresses having been around for such a long time, there are many models available at varying quality levels. Some innerspring beds will use lesser quality materials in order to cut costs and maximize profit. Sure, a lower-quality mattress will be kinder to your wallet, but with that, it won’t have the same longevity as a bed that uses more durable materials. As we mentioned above, when it comes to pricing, if the cost seems almost too good to be true, you very well could be sacrificing the quality and longevity of the mattress. Moreover, because the duration and depth of sleep both depend on the quality of mattress you have, your sleep health could suffer.
No Contouring Memory Foam
To play devil’s advocate to our previous point, for some sleepers, the lack of memory foam comfort layer on a mattress can be a big drawback. For anyone who prefers the contouring, joint-supporting feeling of memory foam, an innerspring mattress might not be the best fit for your sleeping needs. However, if you prefer the combined support of both memory foam and innerspring in your mattress, a hybrid mattress could be a match made in heaven. Hybrid mattresses use both traditional mattress materials to create a unique blend of modern and old-school comfort that’s available in all firmness options.
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Innerspring Mattress FAQs
We understand that there’s a whole lot more than meets the eye when it comes to traditional innerspring mattresses. While we did answer many questions about this type of bed, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Queen innerspring mattress or a twin innerspring mattress, there is still plenty more to learn and discuss. To help you make the most educated decision on your new mattress, here are just a couple of frequently asked questions from customers just like you.
Q: What is the advantage of innerspring mattress?
A: Innerspring mattresses are very breathable. Within the mattress, there is ample room for air to circulate. This particular style of design made the beds particularly cool to sleep on-great for hot sleepers.
Q: What is wrong with innerspring mattress?
A: The greatest drawback to innerspring mattresses is that they do not age well. They have a limited lifespan because the springs used in their construction lose their tension. This breakdown of critical materials can cause your mattress to sag and can cause you pain while you’re sleeping.
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So, is an innerspring mattress bad for you? The short answer ― no. Innerspring beds are generally good for you and will provide solid amounts of support and comfort for many years. However, innerspring mattress are good for some but not so much for others. If you constantly deal with back or neck pain, we suggest looking into other mattress types such as memory foam to ensure that you always get a better night’s sleep.
Why Trust Colder’s?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder’s is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder’s is committed not only to continuously offering can’t-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that’s our best price guarantee.
Shop Innerspring Mattresses at Colder’s
Don’t put off happiness — and shop innerspring mattresses online for unbeatable prices at Colder’s. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best innerspring mattress whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our Colder’s locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: How to Shop for a New Mattress Online: Our Definitive Buying Guide