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.
We receive free products to review and participate in affiliate programs, where we are compensated for items purchased through links from our site (at no cost to the buyer). See our disclosure page for our list of comped products and affiliate programs. I slept on the Loom & Leaf Relaxed Firm mattress for several weeks and got a really good sense for it. The mattress is quite comfortable, and overall my experience was positive, though I have a few words of caution. This mattress isn’t for everyone, but definitely an intriguing option for certain mattress buyers. It has a distinct memory foam feel that some people will love while others won’t love. For those that are looking for a memory foam mattress, this mattress can give you a great value. It uses quality materials that you will see in mattresses that cost you a lot more money. Read on for my full Loom & Leaf review (see HERE for a direct comparison to Tempur-Pedic). Who Should Be Interested in Loom & Leaf?
You’re Considering Tempur-Pedic– If you are looking at the Tempur-Pedic models or other high-quality memory foam mattresses, I would definitely give a strong look at Loom and Leaf. The specs of the mattress are comparable to some of the mid-range Tempur-Pedic models. See direct comparison to Tempur-Pedic HERE. You Are Value-Conscious and Luxury Loving– Loom and Leaf provides great value, and is priced well for a mattress competing at the luxury level. The price tag is steep for some buyers, but a steal if you compare it to the major mattress brands. You Are Looking For A Great Comfort/Support Trade-off– The high-density memory foam conforms nicely to the body and supports proper spinal alignment, upholding the known standard for high-quality memory foam. This is great for relieving and/or preventing back pain. At the same time, the mattress is quite comfortable and I think you’ll find it’s a very cozy sleeping experience. You Sleep With A Partner– The high-density memory foam is great for motion isolation.
That means when your partner moves around, you generally won’t feel it. You’ll both get a better night of sleep because of it. You’re Willing To Take A Risk– This is a new brand and you can’t try the mattress out ahead of time. The trial period and return policy should alleviate any concerns you have, but some people would naturally think they are taking a risk in buying such a mattress online. Buy Loom & Leaf at direct from factory prices Why You Might Not Want To Look At Loom & Leaf You Don’t Plan On Owning Your Mattress Very Long– I think Loom and Leaf is fit for someone who wants a great medium or long-term solution. If you are just planning on owning your mattress for 2-3 years, then maybe you don’t want to invest in a mattress of this quality. There are definitely some lower-priced options that will do the job. You Generally Don’t Like The Memory Foam Feel– I have come across a number of people who don’t like the memory foam feel.
As good as a memory foam mattress may be, some people will just never like the feel. I’ve seen people make the mistake of thinking that since they’re upgrading to a high-quality mattress they’re going to of course like the feel – but tastes for memory foam rarely change, no matter the quality. You Like To Really Sink Into Your Mattress– This mattress is made with high-density memory foam. As such, it has a strong sense of stability and you don’t get the feeling of sinking into the mattress. You feel that you are sleeping on the mattress rather than in the mattress. I prefer this, but you may prefer that super plush feeling that a softer mattress provides. Want to see the full specs of the mattress? You can see that the mattress behaves much like a high-quality memory foam mattress, as expected. The foam is fairly slow to respond, similar to what you would expect from a Tempurpedic. This is the medium firm option shown in the video, Loom & Leaf also offers a firm option.
Unless you are a stomach sleeper or prefer a very firm mattress, I would go with the medium firm mattress. What Are The Main Things You Should Know About The Construction? High-Quality Memory Foam– The mattress uses 5lb memory foam that is plant-based. The density and quality compares favorably to some of the mid-range Tempur-Pedic models. Organic Cotton Cover– They used organic cotton and it is really soft and nice to the touch. You probably don’t think that much about the cover when you consider a mattress, but this is a really nice touch that gives the extra feeling of luxury. Gel Layer– There is a gel layer on top of the memory foam. This keep the mattress cool and comfortable (in my experience). I would encourage you to look at the specs of the mattress and compare them with the specs of other top memory foam options. There’s a few objective measures of comparison that make Loom & Leaf an interesting purchase. One Thing That Is Very Unique To Loom And Leaf Is The Cool Sleeping Surface
Most agree that sleeping on a bed that feels hot is not comfortable at all. I’ve personally had some terrible nights of sleep while at a hotel or a friend’s place because the mattresses generated too much heat. Unfortunately, some memory foam mattresses experience this effect because of the way they are constructed. There’s a lot of debate about what companies can do that will actually keep a mattress cool. Some companies will have a spiffy name for some system that is meant to have you think their mattresses will be extra cool at night. In my experience, the two ways to keep a mattress cool are to include a gel-laminated layer within the foam or to use bio-based foams. Studies back up this claim too. Loom & Leaf has both of these features, and from my experience, the sleep surface is very cool and comfortable. As expected of a high quality memory foam mattress, Loom & Leaf does very well in the motion transfer test. This mattress should be a good option if you are sleeping with a partner (especially if they move around a lot during the night).
Is Their Claim About All The Cost Savings You Get Accurate? The claim the company makes about its mattress is that you get for $999 a mattress that would cost 2 to 3 times that amount at a retail store. After examining this claim and understanding how the traditional retailer business model works, this claim actually is true. There are so many costs involved in the retail model that get eliminated with the online business model. The Loom and Leaf mattress really does present an enticing value by removing the physical retailer aspect of the sale. But Isn’t Buying A Mattress Online Risky? This issue always comes up. In this case, you can’t try the mattress out beforehand, but you do get a 75-day risk-free trial period. That’s more than enough time to figure out whether you like the mattress (typically you’ll know after 1-2 weeks). From there, if you don’t like the mattress, you can just send it back. Doesn’t sound like much of a risk to me, especially when you consider all the cost savings you are getting from buying online.