How to Buy an Innerspring Mattress

The gauge, or thickness, of the innerspring coil will determine how firm and stable the mattress will be. The thicker the coil, the smaller the number. A 12.5-gauge innerspring coil is the thickest available in a mattress and will provide the firmest bed. A thin 14-gauge coil provides a softer-feeling mattress with more give. It is most often used in high end mattresses.

There are four basic types of coil construction in innerspring mattresses. Bonnell coils are regularly used in inexpensive mattresses and are shaped like an hourglass. Wrapped coils, also called "encased coils" and "Marshall coils," are quieter because each coil is wrapped in fabric. This type is often pre-compressed to add firmness to the mattress. Offset coils are hooked together with hinges, which makes the mattress very stable and supportive while allowing it to conform to the shape of your body. Continuous coils are offset coils that are strung together in rows from the head of the mattress to the foot. They create a very firm mattress but they tend to be noisy.

There are usually four layers of upholstery encasing the springs of an innerspring mattress. The layer closest to the springs is the insulation layer in which the spings are wrapped in a layer of mesh or woven fabric. This prevents the casing from wedging between the coils and creating "pockets" as the mattress wears.

Next is the cushioning layer, which is designed to improve the comfort of the mattress. The way it is constructed will also add to the cost of the mattress. The materials used are memory foam, cotton, wool, felt, polyester, and in very expensive innerspring mattresses, silk and cashmere. The thickness and type of materials used in this layer will determine the level of comfort, not the level of firmness.

Now comes a layer of quilted fabric attached to the outer most layer. Thick quilting materials are used in pillow tops and add to the comfort of the mattress. Be aware, however, that pillow tops will compress with time and cannot be replaced because they are attached to the bed.

The outermost layer is a fabric called "ticking." It protects the mattress and makes it more attractive. Polyester and cotton/polyester blends are used most often; silk and linen are used in high-end mattresses. The type of fabric used will influence the overall cost of the mattress.

Read reviews of innerspring mattresses online. Here you will find in-depth opinions from experts and consumers.