Wrap-Around Wonderskirt Bed Skirt Smoothweave™ 14-Inch Tailored Bed Skirt EasyFit™ Solid Twin/Full Ruffled Bed Skirt Smoothweave™ 18-Inch Tailored Bed Skirt Wamsutta® 400-Thread-Count Cotton 15-Inch Drop Bed Skirt Nautica® Tailored Bed Skirt 500-Thread-Count Damask Stripe Bed Skirt Smoothweave™ 21-Inch Ruffled Bed Skirt Wamsutta® 400-Thread-Count Cotton 18-Inch Drop Bed Skirt EasyFit™ Eyelet Ruffled Bed Skirt Cotton Dream Colors Bed Skirt Ruffled Solid Adjustable Bed Skirt Smoothweave™ 14-Inch Ruffled Bed Skirt Ruffled Eyelet Bed Skirt Smoothweave™ 18-Inch Ruffled Bed Skirt Laura Ashley® Ruffle Bed Skirt Laura Ashley® Solid Tailored Bed Skirt Kenneth Cole Reaction Home Mineral Bed Skirt B. Smith Linen Hemstitch Bed Skirt Diamond Matelasse Tailored Bed Skirt Wamsutta® Baratta Stitch Cotton 18-Inch Drop Bed Skirt Diamond Matelasse Textured Tailored Bed Skirt Vintage Chic™ Eyelet 14-Inch Bed Skirt
Smoothweave™ Tailored Bed Skirt Poppy & Fritz® Denim Bed Skirt in Navy 300-Thread-Count Cotton Bed Skirt Smootheweave™ Ruffled Eyelet Bed Skirt Sherry Kline Manhattan Bed Skirt in Off White Sherry Kline Riverside Bed Skirt Dena™ Home Sky Bed Skirt in White/Blue Charisma Isabella Bed Skirt in White Wamsutta® 400-Thread-Count Cotton Diamond Jacquard 18-Inch Drop Bed Skirt in White Wamsutta® 400-Thread-Count Cotton Diamond Jacquard 15-Inch Drop Bed Skirt in White Fiesta Key Bed Skirt Wamsutta® Baratta Stitch Cotton 15-Inch Drop Bed Skirt Waterford Couture® Luxury Italian-Made Fleurology Bed Skirt Anthology™ Lyla Bed Skirt Jill Rosenwald Hampton Link Bed Skirt in Garnet Kenneth Cole Reaction Home Fusion Bed Skirt in Indigo Vera Wang™ Woven Rib Bed Skirt Wamsutta Collection® Linen Cotton Blend Bed Skirt Wamsutta® Double Flange Bed Skirt Wamsutta Collection® Button Pleated Bed Skirt
Kenneth Cole Reaction Home Bliss Bed Skirt Jill Rosenwald Newport Gate Bed Skirt in Mint Green Sedona Berkshire Bed Skirt Kenneth Cole Reaction Home Night Floral Bed Skirt BedskirtsA bedskirt or dust ruffle is a decorative covering that is placed under a mattress and over a box spring. The skirt hangs to the floor to cover and hide whatever may be under the bed. These box spring covers add a fashionable, finished look to your bedroom and come in a variety of fabrics and styles including tailored, pleated, tiered or ruffled. Although a bedskirt is the final touch to any bedding set, it is usually the one piece you lay and leave year-round. So making sure you place the right one is an absolute must.Considering 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.