{"id":25135,"date":"2019-03-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-05T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/adjustable-air-beds-vs-innerspring-mattresses\/"},"modified":"2026-10-18T18:41:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T22:41:30","slug":"adjustable-air-beds-vs-innerspring-mattresses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/adjustable-air-beds-vs-innerspring-mattresses\/","title":{"rendered":"Innerspring vs. Adjustable Air Bed: 5 Key Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The options in this comparison are not universally better or worse; they are designed for different sleep preferences. The most useful way to compare them is by construction, firmness or feel, pressure relief, responsiveness, temperature regulation, motion isolation, durability, trial and warranty terms, and price. Use those criteria to match the product to your sleep position, body type, comfort preference, and budget rather than choosing on a single feature alone.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For most people, a “mattress” means an innerspring mattress. It’s the classic, the type you probably slept on (and jumped on) growing up. These days, innersprings come in a wide variety of materials and price points, but their basic construction\u2014a steel spring support core, covered by layers of cushioning\u2014remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable air beds, on the other hand, are the new kids on the block, featuring remote-controlled inflatable and deflatable air chambers and other bells and whistles that make them customizable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparison Factor<\/th>Innerspring Mattress<\/th>Adjustable Air Bed<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Overview & Definition<\/strong><\/td>The classic mattress type featuring a steel spring support core covered by cushioning layers.<\/td>Modern, customizable beds with inflatable\/deflatable air chambers controlled by a remote or app.<\/td><\/tr>
Construction & Materials<\/strong><\/td>Steel or titanium coil support core surrounded by polyfoam, memory foam, or other padding (hybrids combine coils and foam).<\/td>Internal air chambers (2 to 10+) connected to an electric pump, topped with latex or memory foam comfort layers.<\/td><\/tr>
Adjustability & Firmness<\/strong><\/td>Fixed firmness determined at manufacturing (ranges from plush to firm depending on top layers).<\/td>Highly customizable with 20 to 100 firmness settings; many models offer dual-side firmness control for couples.<\/td><\/tr>
Feel & Responsiveness<\/strong><\/td>Significantly bouncy and responsive due to metal coils; provides contouring and pressure relief depending on top layers.<\/td>Focuses on targeted support; firmness can be adjusted on demand to relieve changing back pain or body preferences.<\/td><\/tr>
Motion Isolation<\/strong><\/td>Older models allow motion transfer; modern versions with individually wrapped coils reduce partner disruption.<\/td>Absorbs and isolates motion exceptionally well, especially in dual-chamber models where sides function independently.<\/td><\/tr>
Sleep Position & Body Type<\/strong><\/td>Well-suited for all sleep positions (back, side, stomach, combination) and accommodates a wide range of body types.<\/td>Suitable for all sleep positions and body types, with the ability to fine-tune support for individual posture needs.<\/td><\/tr>
Temperature Neutrality<\/strong><\/td>Speaks cool; continuous open-coil construction allows for maximum airflow throughout the mattress core.<\/td>Generally temperature neutral, though memory foam comfort layers on top can trap heat.<\/td><\/tr>
Noise Level<\/strong><\/td>Noisier end of the spectrum due to moving mechanical springs over time.<\/td>Noisier end of the spectrum due to motor and electric pump noise during adjustments.<\/td><\/tr>
Base Compatibility<\/strong><\/td>Compatible with most standard bases; fits some adjustable bases (unless overly thick or built with metal support rods).<\/td>Pairs exceptionally well with adjustable bases (allowing head and foot elevation) for maximum customization.<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan & Durability<\/strong><\/td>Typically lasts 7 to 10 years (higher quality models may last longer); non-replaceable internal structure.<\/td>Lasts 8+ years; mechanical parts may require replacement, allowing for a longer overall lifespan through repairs.<\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Coverage<\/strong><\/td>Standard warranty covering manufacturing defects over the mattress lifespan.<\/td>Warranties range from<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable air beds vs. innerspring mattresses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re trying to decide between these two types of mattresses, here’s a closer look at the differences between adjustable air beds vs. innerspring mattresses and how to determine which type is best for your specific sleeping needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How they’re made<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Innerspring mattresses contain a support core of steel or titanium coils that are surrounded by layers of polyfoam, memory foam, or other types of padding. (The combination of springs and foam, as in theSaatva Classic Innerspring<\/span>, is often referred to as a hybrid mattress<\/a>.) The springs come in different shapes and sizes and can be distributed throughout the mattress in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air beds, by contrast, have internal air chambers that can be adjusted by adding or removing air with an electric pump, resulting in customized firmness and support. The number of chambers varies from two to 10 or more in select models, with anywhere from 20 to 100 possible settings. You use a remote control device or an app to inflate and deflate selected areas; the higher the setting, the firmer the feel. Many air beds feature dual firmness settings that allow couples to customize each side of the bed to match their individual preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How they feel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the specific materials in the layers of an innerspring give each mattress a distinctive feel, the signature of this type of mattress is its responsiveness, thanks to all those springs at the bed’s core. Depending on the materials and composition of the comfort layers on top of the springs, innerspring beds can feel firm or plush and provide some of the same contouring and pressure relief as latex and memory foam mattresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air beds are all about adjustability. If you’ve got back pain<\/a>, for example, you can inflate or deflate the mattress until you find the most comfortable firmness level. When your back pain improves, you can easily change the settings again. If the mattress has two air chambers, each partner can fine-tune the firmness according to their needs, making adjustable air beds ideal for couples with different comfort preferences. Similar to innersprings, adjustable air mattresses also come with a “comfort layer” of latex or memory foam, which will affect the overall feel of the bed as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to choose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are so many variables among mattress types that there’s no black-and-white answer as to which mattress is perfect for any given sleeper. That said, here are some important things to consider when choosing between an innerspring mattress and an air bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n