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? Custom Made since 1928 Welcome to Best Mattress Family Owned and Operated since 1928. Made in the USA All of our Mattresses are handmade with pride in West Columbia, South Carolina Each Mattress is easily customizable for your needs. Winner of Best of Columbia for many years. Best Mattress was founded during the Great Depression by the enterprising Mabel Beecham. She believed in making a quality product that people needed at a price they could afford. We still believe that to this day. Quality Means Doing it Right When No One is Looking. The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. Shopping for mattresses was once awkward and inconvenient; laying down in a warehouse with a sales clerk next to you is hardly the best way to judge your level of comfort. But one surprising market that has flourished in the direct-to-consumer space is mattresses.
Below we're rounding up our favorite direct-to-consumer mattress startups, all of which come with pretty solid offers. In most cases, you're saving money on what you would be paying if you went to a showroom, and each has the added convenience of being delivered directly to your door. Further, every mattress listed here comes with a 100-night trial, so if you try one out and don't think it's the right fit for you and your sleeping habits, you can simply return it a try out another one. If you're the type to truly chase down a deal, you could work this to get 793 nights of sleep on free mattresses, but we're going to guess you'll find something you like enough to buy before it comes to that. Once you do settle on a mattress, be sure to treat yourself to a new set of sheets as well. Helix emphasizes the customization of its mattresses, with the goal of outfitting every customer with the perfect sleeping surface. After filling out a questionnaire with information such as your height, weight, firmness preference, and sleeping style, Helix will develop your very own sleep profile, which will be analyzed to optimize the performance of your mattress.
They can even set you up with a split mattress so that you and your partner can both be perfectly comfortable on your side of the bed.What it costs: twin ($600), twin XL ($700), full ($800), queen ($900), king ($995), California king ($995)Standout feature: Mattress customized for you based on your individual sleep profileLearn more about Helix here In just two years of existence, Leesa has quickly become a major player in the straight-to-consumer mattress marketplace. As opposed to Helix’s customization model, Leesa has focused on creating one mattress that works for everyone. There are different strategies to get to a great night’s sleep; backs these claims up, confirming Leesa is perfect for his side-sleeping, back-aching, medium build. Letzter also notes that "back sleepers with large buttocks and more heavyset stomach sleepers might also appreciate the brand's softer cushion."What it costs: twin ($525), twin XL ($625), full ($790), queen ($890), king ($990), California king ($990)Standout feature: One mattress designed to work with all body shapes and types of sleepersLearn more about Leesa here
Tuft & Needle was one of the first companies in the straight-to-your-door mattress marketplace. Launched in 2012 by two Silicon Valley software engineers, the company is unique in that it still has not raised outside capital, meaning the only people cofounders JT Marino and Daehee Park are beholden to are their customers. And their customers should be fairly happy, as Tuft & Needle still boasts the most affordable mattresses in the industry, with its California King going for just $750.What it costs: twin ($350), twin XL ($375), full ($500), queen ($600), king ($750), California king ($750)Standout feature: Most affordable mattress in the direct-to-consumer marketLearn more about Tuft & Needle here Casper is another sound option for a good night’s sleep you might’ve heard advertised on podcasts and subway cars. The mattress is a luxurious marriage of latex and foam that contours to your body for just the right amount of support — which won’t overheat or lose its bounce like other modern, foam-based beds are wont to do while you sleep.
These mattresses also engineered and made in the U.S. What it costs: twin ($500), twin XL ($650), full ($750), queen ($850), king ($950), California king ($950)Standout feature: Designed for perfect support, made in the USALearn more about Casper here While many companies focus on comfort when designing their mattress (as they should; comfort is very important to sleep), Bear has expanded that view to also provide optimal cooling to its sleepers — a huge relief for anyone struggling through a summer without AC right now. Specifically targeted toward athletes and those that live an active lifestyle, Bear mattresses are designed with recovery in mind; so if you’re tired of waking up sore after a tough workout, this might be the brand to try.What it costs: twin ($500), twin XL ($650), full ($750), queen ($850), king ($950), California king ($950)Standout feature: Made specially for athletes, with recovery in mindLearn more about Bear here After 12 years and 70,000 mattresses worth of tinkering the balance between comfort and support, eve is convinced they’ve developed the perfect mattress for all sleepers.