What's behind our mattress Ratings? and provide valuable feedback to other members and our testers. You should think about buying a new mattress if you wake up tired or achy, you tend to sleep better at hotels than at home, your mattress looks saggy or lumpy, you're over 40, or your mattress is at least five to seven years old. Use this mattress guide to help with your purchase. CO & smoke alarmsWhich is the Best Mattress of 2017?Considering that most people spend about one-third of their lives in bed, it's hardly surprising that a mattress can have a big impact on your overall health. There are several types of mattresses, each with a particular set of advantages and disadvantages. Traditional innerspring models remain the most popular type, but newer alternatives -- including memory foam, latex foam, air mattresses with adjustable firmness "zones" (as exemplified by the Sleep Number brand) and organic mattresses made of various materials -- have gained favor with owners.
One of the big issues with buying a new mattress is that it generally requires a fairly significant cash outlay -- in most cases about $500 for a twin; $1000 or more for a queen or king. Some cost two or three times as much, depending upon features. And that often does not include the box spring or other foundation. However, with as much time as you spend in bed, and the average length of time you'll own the mattress, it pays to buy the best one you can afford. Figuring out exactly how much a mattress costs can also be difficult. Most mattress companies have a specific line (or several) of a mattress (Posturepedic by Sealy and Beautyrest by Simmons are good examples of this), and then, within that line, have dozens of different models that are not detailed on the manufacturer's website. So, while several retailers may carry the same line, there is little consistency from retailer to retailer. In addition, the same model may be sold under different names at different retailers.
Because of that, for the purposes of this report, we don't rate specific mattresses; rather, we rate mattress lines that get the best reviews across the board. As for price, we have quoted the manufacturer's suggested retail price, which are usually much higher than the actual prices you'll find in stores. We discuss price in more detail -- as well as how to get the best deal -- on our buying guide page. Also, if a mattress is just one of several bedroom purchases you're planning, check out our related reports on bed sheets, pillows and mattress toppers. Innerspring mattresses have been the most popular type for decades, and countless styles, features and options are available. Models vary greatly in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Price differences may depend on the number and size of the coils, the amount and type of padding, and details such as fabric and stitching. Compared with other types, innerspring mattresses tend to retain less body heat and come in a wider range of firmness levels.
They do tend to transfer more motion, which can be a concern if you share your bed with a partner, but can be a plus during sex. They're also less durable and more prone to sagging than other types of mattresses. Most experts say innerspring mattresses should be replaced after 10 years at most. Memory foam mattresses are made from visco-elastic foam, a type of foam that molds itself to the body. While the best-known manufacturer is Tempur-Pedic, quite a few companies offer less expensive versions. Many owners love sleeping on memory foam because of how well it conforms to the curves and lines of the body. Memory foam is also a good choice if you have a restless partner as it minimizes movement transfer. Going from innerspring to memory foam can take some getting used to, but most who give it time say making the switch was well worth it. Some people find that memory foam traps heat -- a complaint that makers have addressed with the development of gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to create a cooler sleeping surface.
Latex foam mattresses, which are made from natural or synthetic rubber, are springier than memory foam mattresses and don't retain as much body heat. They are also resistant to mold and dust mites. In addition, mattresses made of natural latex are eco-friendly, since natural latex is a renewable resource. Many latex mattresses go for several thousand dollars for a queen set, although some lower-end brands that incorporate synthetic latex and a less expensive processing method can run as low as $3000 (for twin). Some mattresses may help to ease back pain. Experts say that adjustable, permanent-use air mattresses may be the best choice for back pain sufferers. Don't confuse them with inflatable, temporary air mattresses, though, which we cover in a separate report; those aren't considered suitable for long-term use. Permanent air mattresses, such as those sold under the Sleep Number Bed label, have air chambers that can be adjusted to provide customized support, and are topped with padding.
Some even allow each side of the mattress to be adjusted independently. Permanent air mattresses can be expensive, running at least $1,000 for a queen set. They tend to be quite durable though, because, while they rely on mechanical parts that can fail, those parts are replaceable. Although it would seem as if the experiences of mattress owners would be the most crucial aspect of finding the best mattress; in fact, owners reviews are fairly hard to come by for specific mattresses. This may be because, as noted earlier, there is little consistency between mattress models. -- which has compiled more data about mattress satisfaction than any other site. Factors including comfort, value and durability are included in our analysis. The result of our research is the best mattresses for your best night's sleep.Replacing your mattress can be an exhausting proposition. Not only are there hundreds of models to choose from, but a big part of what makes a good one is very personal: One person's luxury is another person's backache waiting to happen.
Further, there's the matter of cost; mattresses can go for literally thousands of dollars. , an independent mattress review website."For something that you're going to sleep on every day for 10 years, you want materials that are durable and high quality," he says. "And most likely, you won't find good materials that can withstand daily uses for under $1,000." That said, you should never pay full price for a mattress — always shop the sales, and don't be afraid to negotiate with the salesperson either for a discount or for extras (a bed frame, pillows, sheets) to be thrown in.Here's the savvy way to navigate a showroom full of mattresses with confidence:START WITH SUPPORT The first decision you have to make has to do with a mattress's core, which provides the support. There are four common types: innerspring, foam, latex, and air-filled.If you like a bed with bounce... Innerspring mattresses have that familiar bouncy feel. Still, you can choose how springy you want it to be.
The metal coils are typically gauged anywhere from 12 (the thickest and firmest) to 18 (the thinnest and most compressible). Heavier folks tend to prefer a thicker gauge's support. Coils that are interconnected are extra-durable, but individual "pocketed" coils, each covered with fabric, reduce the ripple effect that happens when someone on one side of the bed moves.Innerspring mattresses typically have either a fiberfill or foam outer layer, covered in quilted ticking. But even if you want an uber-plush feel, don't be swayed by a thick-looking pillowtop."A really puffy layer might feel great in the store, but in a few months, you'll see it compressing and not coming back," says Magnuson. It's often best to choose a firmer, well-quilted mattress, and then cover it with a replaceable mattress pad or feather bed.If you prefer an extra-firm base... Memory foam mattresses (which have a polyurethane core) have much less spring. "You sit on it, and it doesn't really sink or budge beyond the topmost layer," Magnuson says.
To determine their quality, ask for the specs on a) how thick the layer of foam is, and b) the foam's density. Thickness can vary from 2 to 6 inches, which will determine how deep you'll sink. In terms of density, 5 pounds per cubic foot is considered very high quality, while down to 3 pounds per cubic foot is less so.If you like a little buoyancy... Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam models in terms of firmness, but have a bit more spring-back. Natural latex (some mattresses are synthetic) is also antimicrobial, resistant to mold and dust mites. These mattresses can be pricey, but claim to last up to 20 years or more.There are two types of latex: Dunlop latex is more dense and heavier than the lighter Talalay latex, which has a softer feel.If you like customization... Consider an an air-filled vinyl or rubber chamber mattress, which has a remote that lets you to control how much air is inside. Many have two side-by-side chambers, which allow the mattress firmness to be customized separately for you and your partner.
The top surface is similar to an innersprings: quilted fiberfill or foam. Beyond the four types of mattresses, there are other factors in their construction that you'll need to think about. From sleep style to body type, to negotiating with a bedfellow, your lifestyle can help you make the best choice:If you tend to sleep on your side... You'll want a surface with a lot of "pressure relief" or the ability to disperse while supporting your body weight, and conforming to your shape."Imagine you're lying on a hard floor and there's a heat map showing the points at which your body is producing the most pressure," Magnuson says.Cushy memory foam or a mattress with a fluffy topper will have the most pressure relief, while a very firm mattress will offer the least. Innersprings may have more pressure relief than a foam or latex mattress. Test out mattresses lying down to get a real feel.If you tend to sleep on your stomach... Following that heat-map analogy, the last thing a stomach-sleeper probably wants is an enveloping memory foam — it would feel smothering!
Instead, a firm top surface will provide the best support. Consider a dense innerspring, air-filled, or latex mattress.If you tend to sleep on your back... Here, you'll want something in the middle — a surface that supports, but has some give so your spine is kept in a healthy alignment. You'll find happiness with any of the mattress types, but you should do your best princess-and-the-pea impression to see what feels best to you.If your partner tosses and turns all night... Consider an innerspring mattress with pocketed coils, or memory foam, latex, or a dual-chamber air-filled mattress. These will all have good "motion isolation." But remember, these models could actually be less comfortable on the body of a restless sleeper, as there's little forgiveness against one's movements.If you and your partner's preferences don't match... The air-filled mattresses with dual chambers are made just for you. If you find that the top surface isn't comfy enough, you can add a separate topper.
If you tend to sleep hot... Mattresses topped with foam or latex can hold in body heat, especially if they're very soft and a lot of your body sinks in. For this reason, you may prefer a fiberfill-topped innerspring mattress. Or — even better — use a removable fiberfill or feather mattress topper that can be removed and washed.If you have allergies... Foam and latex are both inherently antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites and mold. If you opt for innerspring or air topped with fiberfill, be sure to encase it in an allergen-resistant cover to keep irritants at bay.If you can't pinpoint what matters most ... Some savvy manufacturers make a hybrid style mattress that combines the buoyancy of an innerspring core with the motion isolation of memory foam. It's a best-of-both-worlds option that can satisfy many partner disputes and sleeping styles, though it comes at a cost — these luxury models can be pricey. A NOTE ON LIFESPAN AND WARRANTIES You may think that a longer warranty shows a confidence in the product, or a promise of a certain lifespan.