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.
Factory Mattress Proudly Carries These Brands Tempur-Pedic provides styles and comfort levels to fit any sleeper, therefore guaranteeing your best night’s sleep ever. The Tempur material provides full body support, reducing pressure points giving you the feeling of floating. Not only will you sleep through your partner moving, it keeps you properly positioned by adapting to your exact body shape. That’s why Tempur-pedic is the most highly recommended bed in America. We have one of the largest and most extensive lineups of Tempur-Pedic so be sure to stop by or give us a call today! Take a minute to think about all the mattresses you have slept on over the years. Isn’t it time you experienced the kind of sleep you’ve always wanted to enjoy? A Simmons Beautyrest BeautySleep® mattress is your entry into the Simmons world of better sleep. Put your money into a mattress that’s made to last, offering comfort, support and durability for years to come. Whether you choose a firm or soft model, a Sealy Posturepedic mattress provides comfort and all-over support so your body can fully relax—and you can get the sleep you need.
Every Sealy Posturepedic® mattress is engineered to fully support your back and align your body so you get a comfortable night’s sleep. For years, Sealy Posturepedic has worked with orthopedic specialists to create real support for your body. Serta has redesigned the iComfort® Sleep System from the inside out to intelligently respond to your body’s individual needs for comfort, support and temperature regulation. Every new iComfort mattress is made with Serta’s exclusive EverFeel® Triple Effects™ Gel Memory Foam, an advanced material infused with millions of gel beads. Share in our passion for luxury with the timeless elegance of the Stearns & Foster collection. Each night you’ll experience the indulgent comfort of handcrafted detailing; recalling a time when things were designed to perfection. Because at Stearns & Foster, we always dream of excellence, and with each step forward, we discover endless reasons to continue dreaming, and countless benefits to your night of sleep.
Sealy, the most popular mattress in America, just got better! All the fabulous features of Sealy mattresses you know and love are still here. The long-lasting comfort & value and the best-in-class support, coupled with the fact that the mattresses are proudly made in America continue to allow Sealy to be a bedtime classic. For 90 years, Spring Air has set the standard for quality mattresses and sleep systems. A great night’s sleep starts with a mattress that can both support the body and relieve pressure where it is needed most. Spring Air Back Supporter mattresses do just that, with patented designs and innovations that are unmatched by any other bedding company. From Back Supporter 500 and 700 Series mattress to Premium Sleep Sense, Spring Air has got your back! From its early beginnings, the Eclipse brand was founded on the principles of quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. With 37 factories servicing 6 continents, Eclipse still honors the traditions in which it was founded upon.