What Is a Good Coil Count for a Crib Mattress?

Purchasing a crib mattress requires careful thought. What may look like a high-quality crib mattress may be deceiving. The inside of the mattress determines the quality, not the outer covering. Advertisements often mislead consumers by focusing on the number of coils in the mattress and neglecting to disclose other important factors.

Identification

Coil count refers to the number of springs or coils inside the mattress. Advertisers imply that the highest coil count equates to the best quality. A higher coil count may be an indication of firmness and quality, however, the gauge of the steel used to manufacture the coils must also be considered before purchasing an innerspring mattress. A medium number of coils made from heavy gauge steel creates a firmer mattress than a high number of coils made from light gauge steel.

Size

The least expensive crib mattress may contain 80 or fewer coils and the highest priced mattress may hold close to 300. The gauge of the steel used to manufacture the coils ranges from 12.5 to 19 with 12.5 being the heaviest gauge and 19 being the lightest. Look for a mattress with a medium coil count, 135 to 150 coils, and a coil gauge below 14.5.

Features

The insulator pad covers the coils and prevents them from poking through the mattress and injuring your baby. Look for either a coir fiber wrap made from shredded and compressed coconut shell or a rag pad, sometimes referred to as shoddy. Rag pads made from pressed scraps of cloth cost less than coir pads and perform about as well as coir pads. Avoid woven polyester insulator pads. Polyester tends to shift and form indentations where the baby sleeps most often.

Effects

Border rods made from heavy gauge steel create a solid perimeter around the mattress top encasing the coils. They provide extra support and firmness and prevent the mattress from sagging or buckling if the baby stands or plays near the edge. Purchase a crib mattress with a solid border rod made from top-quality steel.

Benefits

The mattress cover envelops the entire mattress and comes in either fabric or vinyl. Fabric breathes better, but quality vinyl covers contain ventilation holes to increase air circulation. The higher the number of ventilation holes, the better the mattress breathes. Look for a three-ply vinyl covering for a durable shell. Vinyl protects the mattress and provides a barrier to dust mites, as well.