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.
Orthopedic is a term that in the context of mattresses means supporting joints, bones, and the overall body. It is commonly used for mattresses that help with spinal alignment and recovery from joint or back issues.
In this way, there is no one material that is certified orthopedic, and the term can be used my manufacturers and marketers to help sell their mattresses.
For this reason, it is important to do additional research on any bed that claims to be orthopedic to make sure that it will actually help straighten the spine and alleviate pain.
Pros: For mattresses that stand true to the name, pain alleviation and better posture are some of the benefits.
Cons: It is difficult to decipher the truth from marketing on orthopedic mattresses.
Overall Score:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Orthopedic: 9/10
Comfort:
Coil Spring: 9.2/10
Orthopedic: 9.1/10
Softness:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Orthopedic: 9.1/10
Cooling:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Orthopedic: 9/10
Hypoallergenic:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Orthopedic: 9/10
Odor:
Coil Spring: 9.6/10
Orthopedic: 9/10
General Support:
Coil Spring: 9.3/10
Orthopedic: 9.3/10
Eco-Conscious:
Coil Spring: 8.7/10
Orthopedic: 8.9/10
Price Value:
Coil Spring: 8.4/10
Orthopedic: 8.8/10