Which is the Best Mattress of 2017? The Best Morning Routine for Your Zodiac Sign 8 Surprising Habits That Make You Look Older 7 Fruits and Vegetables That Reverse the Signs of Aging Dr Oz: Are Your Hormones Out of Whack? 8 Moves That Make You Feel 10 Years Younger Dr. Oz's 6 Favorite Green Teas Gym Gear That Slims and Flatters? Dr. Oz's Worry Cures The Lazy Woman's Guide to Fabulous Hair The 7 Easiest Things You Can Do to Spice Up Your Sex Life Why We Can't Stop Talking About BB Creams 7 Things Not to Wear to the Gym 6 Rules for Healthy Living That Every Night Owl Should Know 3 Better-for-You Food Swaps to Try Transform Your Workout: The 6 Best Exercise DVDs 6 Reasons Your Skin Looks 10 Years Older 8 Workout Tops That Make You Look Instantly Slimmer 6 Easy Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally Sweet: 4 Chemical-Free Sugar Substitutes A Leading Cause of Death You Don't Even Know About
If yours is more than eight years old, or if you're waking up achy or stiff, it's time to go shopping. There's no one-size-fits-all solution: For instance, high-end memory foam mattresses may offer the best spine support for back and side sleepers, but they can hold in heat, making them a less appealing option for anyone with hot flashes. For the full hotel experience, consider Simmons, which crafts custom versions for the Ritz-Carlton and Westin chains. Thread counts aren't nearly as important as fabric. Though cotton and polyester blends don't wrinkle, 100 percent cotton is a better choice because it breathes more. And when it comes to making the bed, Westin says the secret sauce is a bonus middle sheet (between the fitted and top sheets). "We discovered that adding an extra layer better allows people to regulate their body temperature," says Brian Povinelli, senior vice president and global brand leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. Top it off with a comforter or a duvet. Consider hypoallergenic bedding if you are allergic to dust mites—a stuffed nose can disrupt your sleep.
Take a cue from Conrad Hotels & Resorts, which offers a menu of pillows with various fillings: buckwheat hulls that mold to your head to relieve tension; Japanese igusa grass, which can absorb heat; or rubber for added support. And remember: The real source of your pillow envy may lie in the fact that hotels regularly switch theirs out. Make it a habit to replace yours roughly every two years. 3 Easy DIY Ideas to Dress Up Your Thanksgiving Dinner 7 Secrets to Hosting an Unforgettable Get-Together 5 Things You Can Do with Gold Spray Paint Wake Up Your Bedroom Spring Clean Your Closet, Streamline Your Morning Hit the Refresh Button 5 Easy Ways to Escape Holiday Burnout How to Make Holiday Travelers Feel Right at Home Steal This Kitchen: Easy Upgrades That Make a Major Impact 7 Awesome Things You Can Make with Wood Pallets 10 Things (Under $100!) That Can Transform a Room 10 of the Prettiest Front Doors 10 Design and Declutter Ideas to Spiff Up Your Home
Organize This, Not That 4 Ways to Make the Most of Tiny Spaces 5 Things You Don't Have to Throw Out After All 6 Places You'd Rather Be Right Now The 2015 Color of the Year (and 7 Ways to Decorate With It) 5 Clever Ways to Organize Your Drawers 7 Kitchen Hacks to Maximize SpaceConsidering 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.