New tests yield 10 top choices for a good night’s sleep Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the March 2014 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.Choose from cars, safety, health, and more! Build & Buy Car Buying Service Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience. Get Ratings on the go and compare while you shopConsidering 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.Get Prepared for the Black Friday Mattress Sales It’s almost Thanksgiving once again, and that means Black Friday mattress sales are right around the corner, too. If you will be looking for a new bed this year, our Black Friday mattress sale guide is packed with insider tips for getting a great deal and previews of 2016’s… November 23, 2016 Mattress Reviews Research Tips If you are thinking about getting a new bed soon, Labor Day mattress sales present an excellent time to save.
Nearly all major brands and retailers participate in Labor Day weekend specials and events, and many offer their best deals of the year, rivaled only by Black Friday. Getting a new mattress can be exciting, but… August 30, 2016 Brand Comparisons Research Tips The 2017 July 4th mattress sales are here again and with our help you can successfully find a bargain while shopping for a new mattress. Sealy, Tempurpedic, Amerisleep and many other retailers will be discounting their mattresses on and around the holiday. The Best of the 2017 July 4th Mattress Sales With so many great… June 29, 2016 Brand Comparisons Sales on Memorial Day are the last chance to get a deal on beds before the summer heat settles in. Luckily, you can find some great offers on nearly every brand and type of bed during these end-of-May discount days. To help out, we have some tips for the savvy shopper this Memorial Day weekend… May 25, 2016 Brand Comparisons Every year new technologies and models enter the memory foam mattress market, so keeping current on the latest trends and trade names is important when comparison shopping.
Our latest mattress brand comparison takes a close look at a range of both higher-end and discount memory foam retailers to offer a broader scope for readers. August 31, 2015 Brand Comparisons Considering an adjustable bed? See how leading brands compare and learn how to choose the right base for your needs with our detailed 2015 guide. Buying Guide for Adjustable Beds When shopping for adjustable beds, it can be helpful to know the basics about features and specifications so you know what to compare and what… August 12, 2015 Brand Comparisons Casper, Tuft & Needle, Leesa, and several other new mattress startup companies are aiming to change mattress shopping, and in the process each is following a one-bed-fits-all approach to their product lines. These new mattress startups believe something is wrong with the mattress industry, and that their models are the solution. But might this diagnosis be… June 16, 2015 Brand Comparisons Adjustable beds are more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why.
From giving sleepers complete control over sleep positions to adding amenities like massage and more, electric adjustable bases bring a whole new dimension to sleep. But, choosing the right mattress isn’t always so easy and straightforward. In this guide, we’ll be looking… March 16, 2015 Mattress Reviews Research Tips Is your dread of mattress shopping holding you back from getting better sleep on a new bed? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Better Sleep Council, many Americans report mattress shopping hesitation, causing them to put off new purchases. The key frustrations BSC’s study revealed include not knowing when to replace, how much… August 8, 2014 Research Tips Simmons ComforPedic reviews are a helpful resource if you are considering purchasing a memory foam mattress. From ownership issues to comfort, reviews provide insight that can help compare the ComforPedic line to other memory foam brands and determine if this is the right mattress for you. Keep reading to see what people are saying in…