InnerSpring Mattress - Understanding Spring Coil Systems Choices.

Traditional innerspring mattresses are not all the same. There are different coil systems. When shopping, it helps to understand the differences!

Spring mattresses are of course the most common mattress people start to shop for. It is also the most confusing category when shopping for a mattress. There are four national brand name mattress companies that most shoppers will recognize. They all start with the letter S. (Serta, Sealy, Simmons and Spring Air). Then there are a lot of regional mattress companies that can make a good product also.

To keep this simple, I am not going to recommend one mattress company over another as best. Instead, I’ll break mattresses into categories in which you’ll shop: Spring types (coils), support and plushness (comfort).

What You Need To Know Before Shopping!

There are 3 Basic Types of Spring Cores:

When you are choosing a bed, you’ll need to know that there are 3 basic types of innerspring systems.

1. A Bonnell Coil System

Bonnell Coil systems are the oldest and the most basic of coils. The coil is shaped like an hour glass. Most low end mattresses have this type of spring core.

Queen size pricing will usually start at about $399 a set (mattress & foundation). This will also have a very basic layer of comfort foam. The outside cover (ticking) is very inexpensive and may have course feel to it. They are usually not in very appealing colors. Many stores may show 2 to 4 model of this starting price lineup.

Prices usually increase at $100 increments. Each increase is built around the same spring core, but you will notice more comfort foam and nicer ticking. Each upgrade should feel more comfortable. This category of mattress are usually purchased for a guest room, children/teen or for people now sleeping on a really horrible mattress.

2. BackSupporter Grid Coil Systems

InnerSpring Mattress: Back Supporter Coils (Serta System)

BackSupporter type systems are generally a more premium spring core system than a Bonnell coils. This type of coil system is more of a “grid” system. There is more density and steel in this system for more support. Three well known brands use a variations of their own BackSupporter coil Systems. They are Serta, Sealy and Spring Air.

3. Individual Coil Systems.

InnerSpring Pocketed Individual Coil System

Individual coil systems are independent coils shaped generally like a barrel. This system generally has a more “relaxed” feel and conforms to the contours of your body. Simmons Beauty Rest is best known for this system.

Buying Tips -About Box Springs for Innerspring Mattress.

A Word about Mattress Foundations (Box springs). Be careful of trying to save money by buying just a mattress. A mattress and box spring are designed to work together. Foundations help to disperse weight and make your mattress wear evenly. Many mattress warranties can be voided if a foundation is faulty. A new mattress on an old box spring is a quick fix. In a short period of time the new mattress will conform to the weak areas in your box spring and reduce the amount of support and comfort.

Low Profile Foundations

Standard box springs are usually 8’’ tall. Modern mattress today can be very tall. You can order low profile boxes about 4’’ in height to lower the profile of your bed. Set prices should be unaffected.

Split Queen Box Springs

Split queen foundations are used when you cannot fit a regular Queen foundation around corners, up or down stairs. There is usually an extra cost of about $100 onto a mattress set.

Mattress Care

Premium InnerSpring Mattresses should have a 100% 10 year workmanship warranty. Mattress can wear beyond that warranty with proper care.

Rotate Your Mattress For Comfort and Support It is highly recommended to rotate your mattress (180 degrees head to toe) about every six months. Think Spring/Fall or Summer/Winter. If you have a double sides mattress, then rotate once, six months later flip it. (Rotate, flip, rotate, and flip). Doing this will extend the comfort level of your mattress.

Protect Your Mattress From StainsMattress warranties can be voided because of stains on your mattress. Protect your mattress with a good mattress pad or removable and washable mattress protector. Insure your investment.

Bedding Needs: Designer Bed Covers and Sheets

Shop locally, take time to try different mattresses and put comfort ahead of price. Of course you have to consider the price you can, are willing or want to spend. My belief is that you shouldn’t buy the least expensive nor do you need to buy the most expensive mattress. Buy what you can best afford, but please put comfort level above pricing as your first consideration.