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.
Which is the Best Mattress of 2017? Best and Most Comfortable Bed Sheets Reviews 2017“Bedsheets are the most important thing in the world,” muses Bunny Williams, who has been decorating Upper East Side apartments and Connecticut country homes for over 30 years. Because if you’re going to spend one-third of your life between the sheets, shouldn’t they feel fabulous? Here, Williams, along with some other very particular New York tastemakers — Sheila Bridges, Kai Avent-deLeon, and Aelfie Oudghiri — tells us the best sheets to buy. “The go-to sheets I choose for the majority of my projects. Clients love them for their comfort and accessibility, while I love their simple designs. There’s something uniquely versatile about them — it’s sophisticated enough for city life, but even in a country home it works perfectly against a more rustic backdrop. I never second-guess these sheets; more often than not they work for the interior I’m working on.” - Vicente Wolf, Designer
“I have them on my bed right now and they are my softest sheets by far. They almost feel like flannel, but very lightweight, so they’re not as warm — just really soft and comfortable to the touch. Even though I have 20 other pairs of sheets folded in my laundry closet, I’ll take these off the bed, wash them, and put them back on.” - Sheila Bridges, founder of Sheila Bridges DesignFor me, the perfect bed is a heavy duvet, a cashmere blanket, lots of pillows, and these cotton-percale white sheets. I think the scalloped edges have such a lovely shape to them and are so luxurious.” - Amanda Ross, Designer “My favorite sheets are Matouk, mostly because everything’s customizable, from the color of the threading to the monogram and the ruffles, but there’s this one embroidery that I keep coming back to. It’s this very Hollywood Regency scallop-shell pattern that’s kind of Miami-influenced too. It’s very 1940s, 1950s glam with the seashells and the scalloped edge, and I love it.” - Sasha Bikoff, founder of Sasha Bikoff New York
“It’s not the world’s highest thread count, but the Egyptian cotton on these sheets has this really tight weave that makes such a difference on your skin. The sheets have this handsome pair of satin borders you can get in different colors, too. It’s a brand built on practical creativity and affordable luxury.” - Becky Shea, Designer, Homepolish “I recently used bamboo linens for a large project and I will definitely be using them more going forward. The company is BedVoyage and the quality of the product is excellent, the feel is amazing. Bamboo is one of the strongest and hardest natural materials, and yet when you feel the fibers on these sheets it’s just incredibly soft. Softer than you’d imagine. Like, baby soft on your skin. Also, it’s extremely durable — it generally lasts about two times longer than cotton sheets — and it’s easy to clean. It’s usually more expensive, but overall quality and durability makes this the hands-down winner.” - Anishka Clarke, co-owner of Ishka Designs
“I have this habit now that I like to sleep with a silk pillowcase. You don’t end up with as many pillow creases, it’s gentler on your skin, and your hair isn’t as frizzy when you wake up. Most of the silk pillowcases out there are really tacky, but I found a brand called Kumi Kookoon. They have this range of incredible colors. I use a really deep indigo-navy and it’s a dream to sleep on. They’re so soft and I really notice the difference when I wake up. My hair is not as crazy bedhead in the morning and my skin feels better.” - Zoe Mac, founder of Zoe Mac Design “My absolute favorite sheets are the hotel classic from Frette, which are kind of like the fantasy version of Upper East Side hotel bed linens. They’re Italian-made in this Egyptian cotton that’s just the softest and butteriest fabric to laze around in. I love the chic and simple double-line embroidery, too.” - Michael Shome, Director of Photography, Architectural Digest “I really liked Snowe’s dinnerware, so I started using their sheets, too, and I’ve found that they’re really good quality and decently priced.
As I got older I realized the importance of having quality sheets, and with these I finally feel like an adult. They’re cotton, which is the only material I buy now, and they’re really soft, kind of plush. They’re breathable and low-maintenance, so I don’t have to constantly clean them even though I buy an off-white color.” - Kai Avent-deLeon, owner of Sincerely, Tommy “For the breadth of their pattern options, I always go back to Pratesi — there’s a certain level of craftsmanship and luxury to the brand. You can feel how breathable the cotton percale is, and the embroidered patterns add just the chicest unexpected touch. I think Andy Warhol’s favorite sheets were Pratesi, too. I get a huge kick out of that.” - Patrick Mele, Designer “I only buy my own bedding and I like block-printed Indian sheets. India is famous for its cotton because it’s been exporting cotton for, like, millennia and creates the most cotton in the world. Sure, people talk about Egyptian cotton, but Indian cotton is better.
When you get a lot of the really soft bedding like jersey it’s because they’re going through these chemical processes where it’s washed a million times so it’s really fucking wasteful. I like my bedding to soften over time and grow with me.” - Aelfie Oudghiri, founder of home goods label Aelfie “Bedsheets are the most important thing in the whole world. You spend a third of your life in bed, so good sheets should be like buying a couture dress — they’re worth the investment. I happen to like really fine cotton percale; it launders beautifully, it’s cool. Other cottons aren’t as cool and I just don’t like satin sheets. I happen to love Julia B linens. It’s really high-end 800-count cotton percale. She does couture linens with beautiful monograms and embroidery all done by hand. It’s absolutely beautiful.” - Bunny Williams, founder of Bunny Williams Home The Strategist is a new site designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape.