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.
Overheating is one of the most common reasons for a poor night’s sleep. Uncomfortable temperatures can be an issue with any material, but are often more noticeable when sleeping on foam. This is a shame, as memory foam is one of the most comfortable materials. To your search easier, we’ve hand-selected our 6 best cooling mattress toppers available in 2017. It can be difficult to find toppers that are designed to provide a cool night’s sleep. Manufacturers often label a topper as “cooling” – but in many cases these don’t make a noticeable difference to your temperature. Other products may provide greater airflow, but aren’t clearly labeled as cooling toppers. Aside from increased airflow, it’s essential to find a bed cooling system that meets your sleeping requirements. This means finding the right thickness, density and material type. The wide range of toppers and pads can make it hard to choose the best option. To make your decision easier, we’ve reviewed the top six rated cooling mattress pad systems available in 2017.
Mobile Users: For better viewing, turn your phone landscape (wide view) to see the comparison table. Mattress Topper Wallet Score Our Rating Extra Plush Bamboo Fitted (our top pick) $$$ 97 ISOLUS 2.5 Inch Ventilated $$$$ 95 Iso-Cool by SleepBetter $$$$ 94 ViscoSoft Cooling Gel-Infused $$ 91 LUCID 2 Inch Gel Infused $$ 88SPA Luxury Cool Touch$81 Whether you live in a warm climate, or have a dense memory foam mattress that doesn’t provide much airflow, a cooling mattress topper can be an effective solution to overheating (you will feel much cooler in your bed). Many people experience greatly improved sleep quality when using a cooling topper (bed) system. If your mattress doesn’t provide enough support or is too hard, adding an extra layer of comfort can make a huge difference. A topper is also a great way to extend the life of an old mattress. Cheap or worn mattresses often don’t spread your body weight evenly. This means certain parts of the body experience more pressure during the night.
If you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips may ache in the morning due to this increased pressure. A high-quality topper – especially if it is made out of memory foam or latex – can spread the weight of your body evenly. The primary consideration when choosing a cooling bed topper is the material. Gel-infused memory foam is one of the best options for reduced temperatures. The cooling gel pad helps to control the temperature and prevent overheating. Open cell foam is also an excellent option as it allows for greater airflow. Latex toppers are usually less likely to cause overheating than other types of foam. If latex sounds like a material you might like then you should read our buyer’s guide to latex pillows. Aside from foam options, down feather toppers can also be a good choice. They are often more expensive, but provide a soft and comfortable sleeping surface. Down feathers also regulate temperatures better than other materials. It’s not just the type of material that’s important though.
The design of the topper also affects its cooling properties. Ventilated memory foam, for example, includes channels to increase airflow. This helps to dissipate heat faster. The density of a topper can affect both the cooling properties and comfort. Denser materials, such as high-density memory foam, don’t sink as much. This makes the topper less soft but also means it provides more support. Denser products tend to retain more heat, although a ventilated design can offset the lack of airflow. Generally speaking though, low density pads will make your bed feel cooler as you sleep. Look for a high-quality, soft cover – preferably made from 100% cotton. A poor quality product can ruin the feel of an otherwise comfortable product. The cover can also affect the coolness of the bed cooling system. Some are made with material that helps to maintain a consistent body temperature all night long. The Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad, which is listed below, is an example of a product that comes with one.
Poor quality options can reduce airflow and increase temperatures. The ISOLUS 2.5” gel pad is made from memory foam. This encourages increased airflow and keeps you cool throughout the night. Other features include a removable bamboo cover, which is designed to be extra-soft, and a three-year warranty. The product is also Certipur certified which guarantees that it is built with safe materials. Reviewers have been impressed with the quality and cooling properties. Many have mentioned how it’s been a lifesaver during the hot summer months. The main downside to this product is that it’s relatively thin. The 2.5-inch thickness means that it doesn’t provide the comfort of more expensive options. If you want a topper that provides greater support while keeping you cool, it’s an excellent choice. The SPA Luxury Cool Touch is built with a bamboo fabric blend. This provides a cool sleeping surface for a better night’s sleep. The cooling properties of the pad are enhanced by the smooth quilted fabric, which absorbs heat and allows it to dissipate throughout the night.
Aside from providing a cool surface, the product is a comfortable bed pad that can make a big difference to the softness of your bed. Many reviewers mention that it is soft to sleep on and helps prevent overheating. Unlike many other cooling bed pads, the SPA Luxury Cool Touch is not made out of memory foam. This means it doesn’t provide the contouring support of foam products, but is still an exceptionally comfortable product. Most reviewers write that it’s a great addition due to its cooling properties and comfort. It may not be the best bed cooler if you have a hard spring mattress though – in this case a thicker and more comfortable pad might be a better option. The Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad is a premium product that provides an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep. It’s made with three inches of memory foam that can greatly increase the comfort of almost any mattress. It also has a high-quality 100% cotton cover that includes “Outlast Adaptive Comfort Material.”
If you often overheat at night, this material can balance your body temperature and make sure you sleep soundly. The Iso Cool is more expensive than other bed cooling systems. If you’re looking for a budget cooling pad for your bed, the other two products on this list are cheaper and can still prevent overheating. If you’re searching for a high-quality option that’s both comfortable and cool, the Iso Cool is one of the best options. If you regularly find yourself waking up with hot flashes or night sweats, a cooling mattress pad can make a big difference to your sleep quality. The increased airflow around your body can keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. Mattress pads (also known as bed toppers) can also improve the comfort of your bed and help to reduce joint pain. When choosing a cooling mattress topper, make sure you know which material it is made from. The material doesn’t just affect the airflow – it also makes a difference to the comfort, support and feel of a topper.