Coil spring (also called innerspring) mattresses use metal coils to provide resistance and support. Contemporary bedding use pocket coil systems that are entirely independent from each other so there are less pressure points. The rule of these new pocket coil systems is the more coils that are used, the more independent movement and response is in mattress.
Older coil spring mattresses, however, have one frame with coils interconnected to one another. Although this provides good support across the entire surface, and a longer durability life, there are comfort concerns about these mattresses.
Additionally, most coil spring mattresses have memory foam, latex, or some other type of bedding to provide a soft surface to sleep on.
Pros: Durable materials, and newer pocket coil systems provide comfortable support.
Cons: Older coil spring mattresses can cause more back pain and irritate pressure points.
Open coil mattresses are also called traditional innerspring mattresses. They have interconnected coils in a metal mesh that provide even support across the mattress surface.
Many open coil systems use hour glass shaped springs in their interconnected systems so that the evenness is distributed from the top to bottom.
Though this system is good at providing even support, there are complaints of aggravated pressure points and discomfort with open coil systems.
Pros: Durable materials and traditional even feel.
Cons: Pressure point discomfort and motion transfer issues.
Overall Score:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Open Coil: 8.7/10
Comfort:
Coil Spring: 9.2/10
Open Coil: 8.7/10
Softness:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Open Coil: 8.4/10
Cooling:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Open Coil: 9.5/10
Hypoallergenic:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Open Coil: 9.5/10
Odor:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Open Coil: 9.5/10
General Support:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Open Coil: 9.5/10
Eco-Conscious:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Open Coil: 8.7/10
Price Value:
Coil Spring: 8.4/10
Open Coil: 8.4/10