Looking for the best mattress for your money? To cut through the clutter of advertising you'll see out there, Consumer Reports has a look at the best mattresses and mattress retailers. The magazine broke out their findings by category: Traditional innerspring, memory foam and adjustable air. In each category, Consumer Reports recommends a best buy, as well as other mattresses they recommend based on ratings. Innerspring: The Denver Mattress Doctor's Choice for $500. The Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Trust Cushion for $1,275 is also a best buy in this category, with a higher rating, but it's obviously a bit more expensive. Memory foam: Tuft & Needle Ten for $600. (Message from Tuft & Needle: "We don't actually use any memory foam in our mattress. We use our own time of polyfoam, T&N Adaptive™ foam. We created it with a foam scientist to have the pressure relief and comfort of memory foam and the breathability and support of latex foam.") The Novaform 14" Serafina Pearl Gel (Costco) is also a "best buy" pick for this category, but it's more expensive at $800.
Adjustable air: Sleep Number c2 Bed for $800. It's important to remember that price does not necessarily equate to satisfaction with mattresses. A more expensive mattress may not make for a better product. For more tips on finding the right mattress for you, check out Consumer Reports' buying guide here. Read more: What you need to know about sleeping pills On the question of retailers, Consumer Reports ranked the Original Mattress Factory stores as the top choice for customer satisfaction. Costco Wholesale was a close second. The high placement for Costco may reflect their return policy on mattresses: A full money back refund without penalty and no time limit. That really makes Costco stand apart! I particularly like the warehouse clubs for mattress shopping, and I've long advised people to test the mattress right there in the store for an extended period. Bring a book or tablet to Costco or Sam's Club and get those mattresses off the displays or yank them off the walls.
Then lay there for 15 minutes and see how you like the feel before you buy. There's one more option I want to mention to you. Casper is a new mattress company that's beloved by millennials. Their mattress comes via package delivery in this tiny box and you open it and watch it unfold before your eyes. The mattress, which sells for between $500 and $950, is made of memory foam and latex. Here's the reason a lot of young people really like this company: Casper gives you 100 nights to test out their mattress. If you don't like it, you send it back for 100% refund.The spring mattress is by far the most common type of mattress in use. The core of the mattress is made up of metal springs, or coils, to support your body. In many spring mattresses, the coils are encased in individual pockets, which offer more contoured support and better movement isolation than connected springs. A comfort layer is added on top of the coils and can be made from a variety of materials, including pillow padding and latex.
Spring mattresses range in firmness of the coils and plushness of the comfort layer, so nearly anyone can find a mattress that feels right. They are also extremely affordable, particularly compared to memory foam mattresses. Whether you are in the market for a new pocket-coil mattress or one with continuous springs, here are some key factors to keep in mind to help you choose the best mattress for getting a good night’s sleep. Coil gauge refers to the thickness and firmness of the coils. Many people mistakenly believe that the total number of coils defines a good mattress, but the gauge of the metal the coils are made from is more important. That’s because coil gauge determines the firmness and overall support of a spring mattress. Coil gauge is measured in quarter increments and the lower the number, the thicker the gauge. Furthermore, the thicker the gauge, the firmer a mattress will be. In addition to coil gauge, you should consider the type of materials used for the upholstered top layer of a spring mattress.
While the coils provide support, this comfort layer augments the feel of the mattress, providing further comfort and cushioning. Look for high-quality materials that conform to your body and are layered for extra comfort. The best mattresses are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin to California king. Most people change positions frequently in their sleep. Thus, opt for a spring mattress that is big enough for you to move freely for a peaceful and uninterrupted night of sleep. Warranties on spring mattresses cover manufacturing defects, such as a coil popping out of the mattress. Any mattress you are considering should come with a multi-year warranty that protects against such defects. Purchasing a mattress can be a significant investment, and considering how much time you spend sleeping on it, your mattress should be guaranteed to last for years to come. Since comfort preferences and budget tend to determine the type of mattress you sleep on, no one type of mattress is superior to others.
However, a spring mattress can be a smart choice if you’re seeking an affordable mattress that provides your desired level of firmness. Once you find the perfect mattress, you’ll enjoy endless nights of peaceful slumber.Considering an adjustable bed? See how leading brands compare and learn how to choose the right base for your needs with our detailed 2015 guide.When shopping for adjustable beds, it can be helpful to know the basics about features and specifications so you know what to compare and what to look for. In this guide, we’ll begin by introducing the “foundations” of adjustable bases and then get into brand comparisons. Many new adjustable beds come with loads of features, so there is a lot of information to keep track of.If you’re shopping for an adjustable base, you probably know that the main function of these bed frames is that they allow you to adjust the head and foot to different angles. More luxurious models come with an array of various features. Unlike regular flat bed frames, adjustable beds can achieve a wide variety of angles and positions.
Some retailers boast of an “infinite” number of combinations. This adjustability is beneficial for relieving back pain, aiding circulation, reducing swelling, improving breathing, aiding mobility and other concerns. The health aspects of adjustable beds have been known for years, which is why they’ve historically been used for the elderly and infirm. Now these beds are becoming common in the home for people of all ages.Adjustable bases simply make relaxing in bed, watching TV, or reading more ergonomic and comfortable. Some models come with features like massage, snore buttons and other features designed to improve comfort and convenience, too. Not surprisingly, adjustable beds tend to make a bedroom get a lot more attention. Adjustable bed = Adjustable base. Both of these terms refer to the same item, the foundation piece that actually adjusts the mattress. They can be found paired with different mattresses, but are often sold without a mattress as well. If you buy a mattress separately, make sure it is compatible with the frame you are getting.
Adjustable bases largely follow standard US mattress sizing but many brands come in “XL” sizes for Twin and Fulls, which are 80 inches long rather than 75 inches to better accommodate adults. Split bases are also available in queen and king sizes, which allow couples to adjust their sides independently.Look for the weight capacity rating (usually somewhere between 250 and 600 lbs). This refers to the total amount of weight the base can support, including both the mattress and all sleepers. These are types of electrical currents used to power the adjustable bed motors. DC current is generally quieter than AC, but AC current is generally more powerful. The majority of bases on the market use DC current. AC current from a wall outlet is converted to DC by power converter in the bed’s motor. Bases that say wall hugger or wall saver are designed to keep the head of the bed near the wall, which keeps your nightstand in reach. This is also important if you want to use a wood bed frame or footboard as these types of beds are more accomodating.
Wired controls are mostly found on entry-level models. They have the benefit of never going missing or needing batteries, but the cords can be bothersome. Wireless controls offer greater convenience and don’t disrupt decor, but usually do need batteries. Some bases come with casters (aka wheeled legs) which may be helpful for cleaning under and moving the base if you do not plan on using a wood bed frame. Regular legs can provide more stability and may be more aesthetically pleasing. Some brands offer legs and casters in multiple heights to accommodate your needs.If you aren’t buying an adjustable bed and mattress set together, you’ll need to choose a compatible mattress for your base. If you are buying a split base, know that you will need two mattresses (two 30”x80” halves for queens, 38”x80” for kings, and 36”x84” for cal kings. You will not need a boxspring or a foundation, as the adjustable base supports the mattress.Most memory foam and latex beds are inherently compatible with adjustables, and some innerspring may be as well.
Check with the manufacturer to make sure it won’t void the mattress warranty, especially if it doesn’t specify adjustable bed compatible.Higher-end adjustable beds can also come with a wide range of additional features designed to enhance comfort or convenience. These aren’t your grandparents’ bed frames! Here’s an overview of the bells and whistles you might see, so you can determine which might be useful for you.Adjustable bed warranties can get pretty complicated, as they are mechanical and electrical items. Always read the detailed warranty terms before buying so you can make sure your investment is sound.A decent bed should have at least a couple years of full coverage for the motor and moving parts, and include the cost of repair if an issue pops up. This coverage can last anywhere from zero to five years. Many brands also include a few years of “parts-only” coverage, which will provide parts at no cost, but does not cover labor charges. Pro-rated periods usually cover a portion of parts (and possibly labor) based on how long you’ve owned the bed (with the amount you pay increasing over time).
Below, we’ve compared popular adjustable beds from leading brands to give you a head start on shopping. In the chart, you’ll see the most important specification details and distinguishing features for each base.We also collected warranty details (expressed with years of full coverage in parentheses), pricing details and consumer reviews. Pricing and review data comes from retailer and brand websites, consumer review websites, and third party review sites. Note that some manufacturers do not allow reviews and do not publish pricing, and in these cases we put an “ND” to indicate we were unable to locate information or it was not disclosed. Based on our comparisons of features, reviews, and warranties, and other criteria, here are the adjustable bases that we believe currently offer the best overall value. Both of these bases offer basic adjustability features and decent warranties. The Designer Series costs a little more, but also adds a zero-gravity feature, optional legs and a longer warranty in addition to modern, furniture-style look.
Fully-featured adjustable beds are one of the top trends right now, and there are options with everything from functions like massage to add ons like USB hubs and electronic outlet connectivity.The Astrabeds ErgoStar Evolution base is great value for those seeking core features like massage, zero-gravity and programmable remotes, and it is also one of the best-rated adjustable beds online (and one of the most-rated) with over 60 verified customer ratings averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars.The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed offers extra features like app controls compatible with iPhone and Android, snore function, USB ports, integrated lights and even pillow-tilt upper head adjustability.The Serta Motion Perfect II is also an interesting high-end option with many similar features. It too has smartphone app functionality, integrated lights and speakers, USB hubs and more.If you’re trying to find the best adjustable bed, the key things to keep in mind are how you plan to use the bed, which features you feel would be most useful, the type of mattress you prefer, and, of course, your budget.
Don’t stretch too far from your budgetary limits, but remember this is an investment in your health and comfort.As with any major purchase, it is wise to compare the quality and specifications of bases to others on the market and see which offers you the best value for what you’re seeking. Make sure the guarantees, features and pricing are in line with similar options. Some adjustable bed companies are known for high pressure tactics, but don’t feel pressured to buy before you’ve had a chance to do your research.Shopping online can remove that aspect of pressure. Salespeople often come to rely on pressure driven sales in showrooms or in-person presentations. It can be tough to escape once you’re engaged in in enthusiastic negotiations. Online shopping eliminates the pressure and allows you to shop at your leisure in your own home. Getting a new addition to your bedroom can be exciting, especially a luxury item like an adjustable bed. If you take your time and use your head, you will find the one you’re looking for at a price you can be happy with.