For more, watch our interactive video. You can skip to chapters on the different types of mattresses, tips for test driving a mattress, and more. Common claims that haven’t held up in our tests: Foam Layers Make a Better Bed More innerspring mattresses now include foam on top. But the foam is often too thin to make a difference on some of the hybrid models. Hybrid innerspring models that scored well in our tests had a foam layer several inches thick, though performance still varied. More Coils, the Better The better innerspring models we tested had 600 to 1,000 coils. But even if one mattress has more coils than another, the coils could be made of thinner-gauge metal. You’ll also hear about coil variations such as Bonnell (hourglass type), continuous wire, and individually pocketed springs. None of those is inherently superior. Gel Provides a Cooler Sleep Some mattresses (noted in our Ratings) have a layer of gel-infused foam that’s supposed to provide a cooling effect.
But that layer is buried beneath other layers. While our tests have shown that innerspring mattresses containing gel did tend to sleep slightly cooler, the reverse was true with gel-infused foam beds. Extra Lumbar Support Helps Back Sleepers A special lumbar-support zone is one of many ways manufacturers try to differentiate their product lines. But there’s no guarantee that it makes any real difference, and it hasn’t shown significant benefits in our tests. Forget About Comparison Shopping If you like a mattress at one store and ask elsewhere for something similar, you're likely to be steered toward a same-brand mattress claimed to have the same construction, components, and firmness. But they’re probably not the same. Mattress makers offer some lines nationally, but when those brands are sold through major chains such as Macy's, Sears, and Sleepy’s, they're for lines exclusive to those chains. And manufacturers don't publish a directory of comparable mattresses.
When we went to three bedding chains and asked for mattresses similar to those we’d bought at three department stores, five of the six were way off the mark. So use our Ratings as a guide, and insist on the precise make and model that scored well in our tests. Also check our Ratings of mattress brands and stores, based on subscriber surveys. If possible, lie on any mattress that you’re considering. Wear loose clothes and shoes you can slip off. Make yourself comfortable, and shoo away the salesperson if you’re feeling pressured. Salespeople should expect you to take your time. Spend at least five or ten minutes on each side and on your back (your stomach, too, if that's a preferred sleeping position). Panelists who took beds home for a month-long trial rarely changed the opinion they formed after the first night. Shopping online or at a warehouse club? Tryouts aren’t usually an option, so checking return policies before you buy is extra important. Make sure the store offers a full refund or credit toward another mattress.
Return periods, often called “comfort guarantees,” range from a couple of weeks to 120 days. Some retailers, including Macy’s and Sears, charge a 15-percent restocking fee. Costco and some online sellers provide free pickup if you want a refund or exchange, but otherwise, you’ll have to pay for it—or cart the mattress to the store. And you’ll be responsible for any damage. Once you’ve settled on a model, try to bring the price down. Many businesses, such as warehouse clubs, have fixed prices and won’t budge. But for retailers that do negotiate—particularly specialty chains—huge markups allow them to lower prices by 50 percent or more during their frequent sales. Our recommendation: Any time of year, insist on a sale price you’ve seen for the mattress you know you want, and don’t be afraid to walk out if you feel you’re getting a raw deal. Don’t Be Bullied Into Buying a Box Spring You might not need it. For an innerspring mattress, the box spring (also called a “foundation”) is a wood frame enclosing stiff wire and covered with fabric to match the mattress.
For foam or adjustable-air mattresses, it’s a box several inches high. If you're switching to a foam or adjustable-air bed from an innerspring, you'll need a boxy foundation that lacks springs and wire. Otherwise, if your box spring isn't broken and is still structurally sound, consider keeping it and saving money (roughly $150 to $300 for a queen-size). One caveat: Some brands require you to buy their box spring to receive full warranty coverage. It can range from 10 to 25 years and covers only manufacturing defects such as sagging and loose or broken coil wires. Coverage is frequently prorated, meaning that it decreases over time. Never accept delivery without inspecting the mattress (and the box spring, if you buy one) for stains and other damage. Also be sure that the mattress has a label that states “all-new material” before you send the driver on his way. If it’s not there, refuse delivery. And keep it on afterward in case you do have to file a warranty claim in the future.
You don’t need to spend a ton of money to be able to buy a good king size mattress. The truth is that there are lots of good king size mattresses that you can buy for less than $1,000. Sure, more expensive mattresses are of higher quality, but sub-$1,000 king size mattresses can still provide a comfortable sleeping surface. These inexpensive mattresses can also support your body for a good night’s sleep. There are lots of mattresses available. Because it is the cheapest, a continuous or open-coil mattress has the most options available. This kind of mattress is made from one piece of wire looped into springs, and is much lighter than other mattress types. A drawback is that it wears out more quickly, so you will have to replace it sooner than other mattress types. You can also opt for a memory foam mattress which can relieve pressure points. This also takes pressure off the joint and you’ll feel your weight absorbed when you sleep on it. But there are also some complaints with this type of mattress, like it being temperature sensitive.
You may wake up at certain nights extremely hot if you purchase this kind of mattress. And there’s also a chance that you will smell an unpleasant odour emitted by the mattress. You can also opt for a latex foam mattress which conforms to the shape of the body. Latex is a white liquid sourced from the trunks of rubber trees, and blended with synthetic latex and manufactured into a foam. Casper King Mattress – This is a king size mattress from an upstart company called Casper. It combines premium latex that serves as the top layer, and high density memory foam as the base layer. The result is a comfortable sleep surface that willingly conforms to the shape of the body, while retaining a cool temperature and a healthy bounce. The cover features premium textiles from Belgium and the United States. It has an inch and a half of continuously poured Dunlop latex foam with a dense base form that ensures long lasting support. It is backed by a 10-year limited warranty which is among the best in the industry.
Zinus Memory Foam 12 Inch Green Tea Mattress – The maker of this mattress used green tea extract to maintain product freshness. It provides adequate support to sleepers, relieving pressure points and regulating temperature for a good night’s sleep. The uppermost layer is made of memory foam measuring 3 inches in height, while beneath it is a layer of comfort foam of around 2 inches. Then there’s a high density foam measuring 3.5 inches that lets air to flow in, and the high density base support foam measures 3.5 inches. The product comes in patented shipping technology, wherein the mattress is compressed and rolled in a box for convenient shipping. Leesa Mattress – This is a 10-inch deep luxury mattress that features three layers of premium foam. The top layer is a two inch, perforated Avena foam that keeps sleepers cool while giving the mattress right mix of hug and support. The middle layer is two inches thick, and instrumental in the mattress conforming to the shape of the body.
The core layer is six inches thick adding strength, durability and support to the mattress. It is manufactured in the United States, with each product compressed in a box for ease in handling and delivery. DynastyMattress Cool Breeze 12-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress – Dynasty Mattress is a known maker of premium mattresses. This 12-inch gel memory foam mattress has a four layer construction. The topmost layer is three inches of high density foam that can provide superior comfort. It also contours to the shape of the body. The base foam is five inches and gives the mattress enough support. Sandwiched between are two layers of two-inches each, and allowing airflow for a comfortable night’s sleep. This mattress comes with a 120 day trial and a 30 year limited warranty. Brentwood Home 13-Inch Gel HD Memory Foam Mattress – This mattress, according to its maker, provides a medium feel. The top layer is 3.5 inches deep, and responds to the individual’s body, weight, and temperature.
It can also adjust its shape to conform to the sleeper’s position, providing precise support while keeping the spine aligned. It also relieves pain at pressure points like the shoulders and hips. The solid support base absorbs the weight of the person sleeping, eliminating motion transfer in the process. This means you won’t be waking up your partner no matter how many times you toss and turn around. It’s a low to mid-range model. With companies claiming they have the best beds in town, how do you single out the right king mattress set for you? Like in buying almost anything, you have to narrow down your choice to two or three mattresses. Then go to a retail store and spend at least five minutes lying on the mattress you’re interested in getting. Feel free to spend more than five minutes lying on the mattress, mimicking your normal sleeping positions. The point is that you have to get a feel of what the mattress firmness appears like. If you have no choice but to buy online, you need to read users’ reviews and testimonials.