CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. We tested each of the mattresses on this best innerspring mattress list.  

Firmness and feel

When we start mattress testing, we first determine the firmness and feel of the mattress. Think about firmness as how hard or soft a mattress is. We rate each mattress on a ten-point scale for firmness. 

The feel of the mattress describes how the mattress reacts. Is it slow responding like traditional memory foam? Does it snap back like latex foam? This will translate to how it will feel rolling around on the bed at night. 

Durability 

The durability, or how long a mattress will last, is based on what it's made from. Mattresses with pocketed coils as the base are more durable than all-foam options. They also tend to be more expensive. 

Mattress performance 

The key performance criteria we assess for mattresses include motion isolation, edge support and temperature. 

We test how the mattresses isolate movement by placing a glass of water on the edge of the bed and rolling around to see how much it moves. Motion isolation is a big deal if you have a partner who rolls around and wakes you up. 

Edge support is how strong the perimeter of the bed is. The test for this is simple, we sit and lay on the edge to see if it gives way under the pressure. When assessing temperature, we examine the materials and construction of the mattress. Materials like latex and gel memory foam can keep a mattress from retaining body heat. 

Read more on how we test mattresses.