What’s the difference between a $1,000 Sleep Number adjustable air mattress and one that costs three times that? Not much according to Consumer Reports’ latest mattress tests. The Sleep Number c2 Bed matched the Sleep Number i8 bed Pillowtop, $3,000, in our tests for back and side support. Even better, we bought the Sleep Number c2 Bed on sale for $700. Here are the details plus news on other new mattresses in our tests. For our body-support tests we graph the spine’s natural curve on a range of test subjects. Then we evaluate back support by recording how thoroughly a mattress maintains that curve. For side support, we check whether the mattress keeps the spine relatively horizontal when a test subject lies on her side. The best mattresses have a good score or better for both. In our tests, across various firmness settings, the Sleep Number c2 Bed and the more expensive Sleep Number i8 bed Pillowtop both delivered impressive side support and even better back support.
And the c2 Bed was more stable, which means less annoying to your mate when you change sleep positions. When we took a closer look at the two mattresses we discovered that both were comprised of the same pair of identical air bladders—one for each side, so each partner can customize firmness. But with the Sleep Number c2 Bed, the foam layer on top was significantly thinner than the one you get with the i8 bed. While this difference wouldn’t show up in our body-support tests, you might notice a difference in overall comfort. That’s another reason to try out mattresses in the store before buying, as we routinely advise. Among adjustable air beds, we also tested the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Choice Supreme, at $3,200 the most expensive of the trio in our tests. Although it was impressive for back support, the Tempur-Pedic was an also-ran behind the two recommended Sleep Numbers. But another Tempur-Pedic, the $1,200 Tempur-Pedic Tempur Simplicity, was among our top picks in foam mattresses.
Once a mattress starts showing its age and is lumpy or sagging, we suggest replacing it even if it’s newer than the 10 years normally recommended. Before shopping, check our buying guide for mattresses and look at our mattress Ratings of 25 innerspring, foam, and adjustable air mattresses priced as low as $515. We also have reader recommendations for mattress retailers and brands. —Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter) View and compare all Mattresses ratings. We’ll beat any advertised price by 10% or it’s free! We will beat any competitors advertised price by 10% or it's FREE! If you find the same or comparable sleep set for less than our displayed or advertised price, simply bring in the advertisement or invoice and we will beat the price by 10% or it's free; even for up to 100 days after your purchase. Bring in lower priced advertisment We’ll beat the price by 10% or it’s free! Up to 100 days after your purchase Our Low Price Guarantee Details
We guarantee the best brands at the best prices. We will beat any competitor advertised price by 10% or your purchase is free. If you find the same or comparable mattress set advertised by a competitor for less than your invoiced price within 100 days of purchase, simply bring in the advertisement and we will credit your account or mail a refund check for the price difference within three weeks. Our Low Price Guarantee does not apply to clearance, floor models, vendor rollbacks/rebates, special purchases, promotional items, door busters, furniture or discontinued merchandise. Merchandise offered for sale on auction sites (i.e. Ebay, Craig's List, etc.) are excluded. ††OUR LOW PRICE GUARANTEE: WE WILL BEAT ANY ADVERTISED PRICE BY 10% OR YOUR PURCHASE IS FREE. IF YOU FIND THE SAME OR COMPARABLE MATTRESS SET ADVERTISED FOR LESS THAN YOUR INVOICED PRICE WITHIN 100 DAYS. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. OUR LOW PRICE GUARANTEE DOES NOT APPLY TO TEMPURPEDIC®, BEAUTYREST BLACK HYBRID®, OPTIMUM™, CLEARANCE MERCHANDISE, FLOOR MODELS, VENDOR ROLL BACKS/REBATES, SPECIAL PURCHASES, PROMOTIONAL ITEMS, DOOR BUSTERS, FURNITURE OR DISCONTINUED MERCHANDISE.
MERCHANDISE OFFERED FOR SALE ON AUCTION SITES (I.E. EBAY, CRAIG'S LIST, ETC.) SOME PRODUCTS ARE AT THE MANUFACTURER’S MINIMUM SELLING PRICE AND FURTHER REDUCTIONS CANNOT BE TAKEN. If you are not satisfied with your mattress anytime within 120 nights from original delivery, we will do whatever we can to make you happy. issue you a refund. At Mattress Firm, we work with YOURIf your purchase is not delivered within the guaranteed 1 day window, your delivery is FREE.* Available for most products. Free Shipping Over $499* Get free delivery when you spend overThis includes same day / next day delivery, free in-home set up, removal of old mattress, and our trademark red carpet delivery! *Available for most products and online only10% Off or More (109) 25% Off or More (46)Absorbent Waterproof Sheet Protector - 34 in. x 52 in. Absorbent Waterproof Sheet Protector - 34 in. x 36 in. Linenspa Vinyl Mattress Protector - Twin
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