Because one old mattress can occupy 40 cubic feet or more in a landfill, mattresses are an obvious candidate for recycling. And although 80 percent of the components can be recycled, not everyone makes the effort. That’s one reason Rhode Island has become the third state to require that mattresses be recycled joining California and Connecticut. And at least 20 other states have mattress recycling facilities. Rhode Island launches its approved recycling plan on May 1. It’s operated by Bye Bye Mattress, which was established by the Mattress Recycling Council. In the three states where recycling is mandatory, mattress retailers are adding a $10 recycling fee to the price of every mattress sold. At least 20 million mattresses and box springs are discarded each year. In addition to being better for the environment, recycling an old mattress makes good business sense. There are plenty of materials to glean from a dismantled mattress, a process that’s typically done by hand. Steel from the springs can be melted down and used in many products.
Foam is often processed into carpet padding. Wood from box springs can be made into wood chips for mulch. And fiber is reprocessed for a number of uses, such as filters for industrial equipment. Even if you don’t live in a state that requires mattress recycling, check the Bye Bye Mattress database to find the recycling center closest to you. That’s for when you get rid of an mattress, but you certainly don't want to unknowingly buy one. Be aware that some smaller, lesser-known stores could be selling used mattresses. To avoid ending up with someone else's old mattress, always look for the label “All New Material” on the tag. And if a mattress is delivered to you without that tag, don’t accept it. Among top picks from Consumer Reports' Ratings of dozens of mattresses are the innerspring Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Elite Kelburn, $1,350, which had impressive support for side sleepers, and the bargain-priced Denver Mattress Doctor's Choice, $500, which had fine back support as well.
For a foam bed, both side and back sleepers should appreciate the Novaform 14" Serafina Pearl Gel, $800 at Costco. And consider the $800 Sleep Number c2 Bed if you’d like an adjustable-air mattress. See our mattress buying guide if you haven’t shopped for a mattress in several years. Would you do your own mattress recycling? Tell us what you'd do in the comments below.Most people buy a mattress every 10 to 15 years, so it’s a decision you have to live with for a long time. But shopping for a mattress and trying to get the best deal can be maddening. Several major mattress manufacturers and retailers offer different models at different price points, so trying to comparison shop one store to another is just about impossible. Mattress retailers often tout their “beat our price” guarantee, but it’s an offer they can easily fulfill. When you try to compare one model at one store with one at a competitor’s, the salesperson will more than likely tell you they don’t carry that particular mattress and will try to sell you a “comparable” one.
This experience becomes so mind-numbing that most consumers get tired of wheeling and dealing, give up and just buy a mattress. My advice is to offer the retailer a couple of hundred dollars less than the one on the price tag. Buying a mattress is almost as bad as buying a car — or even worse. There’s no blue book for used mattresses or Internet listing for new ones to help you determine the fair price. So you have to threaten to walk out, shop around or buy online. Most of the time, they will want to make the sale, so they won’t let you walk out the door without making you a counteroffer. Choosing the right mattressEven before you start haggling over prices, you have to decide which mattress is right for you. The difference in an $800 dollar mattress and a $2,000 one may not be that great, but salespeople will inundate you with “facts” about foam, coil count, and the quality of the mattress ticking. (Who looks at your ticking anyway?) The best way to decide on a bed for you — and your partner — is to test mattresses.
Lie on your side, lie on your belly, and lie down next to your partner to find out what feels comfortable. And you have to make sure it’s roomy enough. The average sleeper turns 40 to 60 times during the night, so finding the right size mattress is imperative. If you constantly turn, and you have a spacious bedroom, a king-size mattress will give you more room as well as some extra length, if height is an issue. Make sure to try out plenty of mattresses. And go back and try them again. When you’re mattress shopping, make sure you wear comfortable clothes, and leave your inhibitions at home. So what makes one mattress worth hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars more than another? Sometimes it’s nothing at all. A different name and a different color ticking may affect the price. But sometimes the more expensive mattress’s coil count or configuration is more complex than cheaper models. But beware: Salespeople will push the coil and foam count. They will show you some cut outs of the mattress and try to explain its composition.
You will doze and forget everything they said by the time you get to the next mattress. Go by the feel. If the mattress feels good to you, then that is the right mattress for you. When we shopped for mattresses for “Today,” we liked almost all of them. Price didn’t seem to make a difference. Types of mattressesWhen it comes to support, most people believe the firmer the mattress the better. But firm may not be better for you. Besides, mattress makes and models vary so much that a label like “firm” or “plush” may mean nothing. Again, you have to test out the mattress and see how it feels. Some mattresses called “pillow tops” claim to be softer than most. Layers of foam or cotton are added on the top of the mattress to make it more cushy. Of course, you could save lots of money by purchasing an inexpensive egg crate pad and covering it with a down mattress cover or feather bed to get a similar effect. Final priceOnce you’ve settled on a mattress and a price, make sure to ask about the frame and box spring.
(It’d be a shame to put your brand-new mattress on the floor.) Also check to see if the maker or retailer charges for delivery and if they will remove your old mattress and box spring. If they’ll charge for a box spring and frame, you may be able to get away with using your old ones. Make sure the total price includes all of these items, so you won’t be surprised later. Finally, ask what their “comfort back guarantee” really means. If they promise to exchange a mattress for you if you are not happy with the one you purchased, make sure to get the details of that guarantee. it ain’t easy to get an “even” exchange if you are not satisfied. I tried and ended up paying hundreds of dollars in extra charges. I am not surprised. It’s a tough industry to crack and a tough one to shop. Janice Lieberman’s Bottom Line: Offer the retailer a couple of hundred dollars less than the one on the price tag. Be prepared to negotiate from there. If the mattress feels good to you, then that is the right mattress for you.