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.
Mattress Pads & Toppers (212) Down & Down Alternative Comforters (124) Price - low to high Price - high to low Serta® iComfort® HYBRID Applause II Firm Mattress DHP 8-Inch Thick Premium Futon Mattress Sealy Posturepedic® Firm Memory Foam Mattress Beautyrest® Recharge® Wynfair Plush Mattress Set Serta® Pine 5-Inch Thick Foam Futon Mattress Serta® Ash 4-Inch Thick Futon Mattress Beautyrest® Recharge® Wynfair Plush Low Profile Mattress Set Serta® Hickory 6-Inch Thick Foam Futon Mattress Wolf Sleep Comfort Quilt Mattress Beautyrest® Recharge® Windchase Plush Pillow Top Mattress Set Enso by Klaussner® Dream Weaver Mattress Enso by Klaussner® Hampton Mattress Beautyrest® Recharge® Windchase Luxury Firm Mattress Set Serta® iComfort® HYBRID Observer Super Pillow Top Mattress Beautyrest® Platinum™ Ontario Plush Box Top Mattress Set Beautyrest® Recharge® Windchase Luxury Firm Pillow Top Mattress Set
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Serta® iComfort® Foresight Mattress Simmons® Beautyrest® Recharge® Ultra Carramore Luxury Firm Mattress Set Sealy Posturepedic® Soft Memory Foam Mattress Wolf Sleep Comfort Smooth Top Mattress Beautyrest® Recharge® Kildaire Park Plush Pillow Top Mattress Set Serta® iComfort® HYBRID Expertise Super Pillow Top Mattress Serta® iComfort® HYBRID Applause II Plush Mattress Serta® iComfort® HYBRID Advisor Super Pillow Top Mattress Set Beautyrest® Platinum™ Alondra Park Extra Firm Mattress Serta® Perfect Sleeper® Crandon Super Pillow Top Mattress Set TEMPUR-PEDIC® TEMPUR-Contour™ Supreme Mattress Serta® iComfort® Guidance Low Profile Mattress Set TEMPUR-PEDIC® TEMPUR-Cloud® Supreme Mattress Beautyrest® Platinum™ Alondra Park Extra Firm Mattress Collection Beautyrest® Hybrid Meadowvale Ultimate Plush Low Profile Mattress Set Beautyrest® Recharge® Hybrid Neema Luxury Firm Low Profile Mattress Set
Mattresses A good morning stems from last night’s sleep, which largely depends on how you slept on your mattress. A quality mattress can make all the difference in how you feel each morning. Ultra firm memory foam mattresses can help reduce back pain but supporting your back and neck throughout the night. A pillow top mattress can be soft and comfortable, helping with full body relief; leaving you feeling energized each morning. A memory foam or gel foam mattress gives you the support you need while adjusting to your unique shape each night so you can wake up feeling well–rested. When choosing your mattress, it is important to understand what type of comfort level you are looking for. Bed Bath & Beyond gives you plenty of options including plush, firm, pillow top, and more so you can find the mattress for your best sleep. You can find these great mattress options in a variety of sizes, from twin mattresses to California king size mattresses. With such a wide variety of mattresses to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on one.