We've talked about mattresses a lot on Apartment Therapy, and with good reason. Considering how much of our overall lives we spend sleeping, it's important to have a healthy, comfortable and even good-looking mattress. We've rounded up some links to past mattress posts and added a few good tips to consider when going on your own mattress buying trip. More after the jump!
Here on AT, we've covered a range of mattress topics, such as innovative mattresses, how to fix a sagging mattress, the new versus used question, green mattresses and even mattress alternatives.
While there are certainly many factors to consider when making such an important purchase, remember these four important ones:
- The Box Spring It's a funny thing to think about, but with many of today's modern platform beds, you might not need a box spring. You may be able to save money by cutting out on that unneeded part.
- Coils If you are buying a spring mattress, you will want to check the number of coils contained within, which will affect comfort and stability. Different size mattresses have different maximum coil numbers (a queen being about 400)
- Foam Latex and other types of foam mattresses have to be researched to ensure that a high-quality material is located throughout the mattress, which can affect comfort and how long the mattress lasts.
- Comfort Obviously, choose a mattress that is most comfortable for you, spending as much time as you need testing out the store models (though, you probably can't sleep in the store overnight). Make sure the firmess supports you and your partner's sleeping needs.
- Stuffing If you go with a spring mattress, make sure you research the type of stuffing used in the model you are considering. There are many different options these days, some with eco-friendly choices, so make sure you choose the one that most works for you.
What are your top mattress picks and tips? Share them!
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We once wasted our time trying to compare prices on brand-name mattresses (Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster, Serta, etc) at the major chains (Macys, Sears, etc) and then went to a discount store looking for the same mattresses. The salesperson told us that the manufacturers make price comparison next to impossible because the mattress companies give different names to their models depending on who they are selling it to....so don't waste time trying to find the best price for a particular model. Just go to the discount store first or wait for a sale.
I was recently having my nails done at the Westin Spa, and the maniucurist told me hotel employees can purchase the Westin Heavenly Bed at about 75% off, for themselves or for friends, up to (I think) 5 times per year. When I need a bed again, that's how I'm going about it. Plus, one can overnight in the Westin and test out the bed properly. Winner, winner.
That's right, absolutmarie! Also, mattress prices are negotiable more often than not. I didn't believe it, but I tried it and it worked. I think I got my last set for $150 less than the "sale" price. (Another note: there is almost always a "sale.")
My best deal ever on a mattress set came from a W Hotel Store online sale which netted me a quilt top, queen set for $925 including white glove delivery.
I got the tip here, on AT.
If you have a bed/headboard you love, think about the height of the new mattress before buying. Mattresses today can be so lofty that your favorite headboard now looks too short. Also, if the mattress is significantly higher than your old one, you may need to buy new sheets with deeper pockets, adding to the cost.
Negotiate on the bed frame. If you need one and it doesn't come with one, try to get them to throw it in for free. If it comes with it and you don't need it, get a discount on the price.
The best bed mattress I have ever had is the Royal Pedic Natural Latix, impeccable craftman all natural chemical free. They make the best beds, good enough for the royal family good enough for me. Not cheap but it will be the only bed you will ever need.
When I was buying a mattress last year I was disappointed to discover that the major chains don't sell "flippable" mattresses anymore! I ended up going to PM Bedroom Gallery--they're a local Midwest company, and their selection was great. I spent about 50% more, but I plan to have this bed for 20 years, so it's worth it to me.
My advice: test mattresses out in the showroom, and be assertive about it: you need at least 10-15 minutes on each one, so don't let the salesmonkeys rush you! Also, see if you can get a 30-day comfort guarantee, just in case. Last thing you need is to spend hundreds for an achy back.
I ended up getting my mattress at Macy's because I'm too lazy to go hunting at a discount store, and because I find department stores to have the best return policies, and Macy's has a great one. I ended up getting my Simmons Beautyrest "Angelique" extra firm mattress there on sale. If you like firm beds, then you'll love this, although some people say it's too firm. The bed is also quite high, so make sure you get a low-profile boxspring.
I truly recommend an organic mattress. I work at a eco-friendly home store, and have heard so many horror stories from customers about memory foam growing MOLD. Mattresses can be really heavy on the chemicals.
I thoroughly recommend a SavvyRest Mattress. Not only is it non-toxic, it is allergen and dust might resistant, it doesn't sag, and it comes with a 20 year warranty!!
Like Lori I am a huge fan of natural latex- it lasts a very long time, is much more environmentally friendly than the petroleum-derived polyurethane foam, is springy without the need for springs, and doesn't need to be flipped. It's also not too hot or cool.
My tips for buying a latex mattress: this will cost you, but most are guaranteed for upwards of 10 years (mine came with a 20 year guarantee). It's best to buy from a mattress-maker who will construct the mattress based on the exact measurements of your bed. Seckel Beds, right outside of Philadelphia, PA, does an excellent job and their prices are very affordable, compared to the big-name companies (baseline was about $800 7 years ago).
Whoops, that was "Sichel Beds." http://www.sichelbed.com/
I moved in to a student-oriented apartment complex that came furnished - including a brand-new blue dorm-style mattress. It is extremely uncomfortable but I bought a Serta memory foam topper and it's been awesome. If you're stuck with a bad mattress, get one. Even though it's only two inches thick I can throw it on my wood floors and sleep like a baby.
For real mattress buying though, lay on the mattress in your natural sleep position for at least 5-10 minutes. This should be enough time to feel pressure points etc that may be uncomfortable. Also, know ahead of time what you do or don't like about your current mattress.
I am coming from Europe and friends had to explain to me the idea of a box spring ;-)
Now I have a mattress from ikea, with a comfy pad and I like it. It fits my budget, I sleep comfortably (even though I do have sensitive back). Maybe one day I will get a fancy expensive mattress... now I am happy with this one :)
Careful purchasing from Macy’s. I purchased a purchased on sale $900 instead of $2200 (I would never pay full price there because they seem to mark up for sales) and hated it. When I looked into returning it within the 30 days I discovered there was a restocking fee (15 or 20%) and there weren’t having another sale within that time frame so if I wanted to get an equal value mattress I would have to pay full price. It would actually be cheaper to just wait for another sale and trash my new mattress than purchase at full price minus the credit with the restocking fee. So if you do buy one, make sure they plan to have another sale within 30 days.
Another issue that really upset me was that I opened a Macy’s card when I purchased it for the 10% discount and no interest for 12 months. Though I specifically requested that I only apply for the Macy’s store card they went ahead and opened a Macy’s Visa as well. When I started to look into refinancing my mortgage I noticed my credit rating went down because I opened 4 credit accounts last year – all were from Macy’s. 1 being the Visa, 1 the basic revolving store charge, 1 the 12 month no interest account and finally another account sitting there in case I don’t pay off the no interest account within the 12 months. In order to save a couple hundred dollars (if that) it will likely cost me thousands because I am now 8 point shy of getting the best possible interest rate.
Sorry for the rant, but I just discovered the credit report issue today and am really upset about it.
Two things I learned when buying a mattress:
If you don't plan to buy the box spring make sure you check to see if this negates the mfg's warranty.
And..they use fewer and weaker springs in pillow-top type mattresses, "to make it cushier." The old-fashioned flat-top mattresses have better, tighter springs and more life to the mattress.
I bought my flat Simmons and then put a great, totally-worth-the-expense foam topper and it's perfect. Just the right firmness...as in the other side of the bed doesn't move if one person gets out....and it's extremely
"cushie."
I bought the W bed after reading Gregory's glowing reviews a year or 2 (could it be 3?) ago. Well, like Gregory, I have low spots where the bed sinks where I usuallly lie (in the middle.) I've tried putting unused linens in place between the box springs and the mattress (storage!) which builds things up a bit, but I wouldn't go recommending the W bed to anyone.
I've been a select comfort fan since 1998 when I bought my first queen. After my partner and I got two chihuahuas, the queen seemed a bit crowded. (Our babies like to sleep perpendicular to us, which takes up a lot of room - go figure). Bought the least expensive king select comfort for about 900 and love it.
I really do like the adjustabiliy of the SC. After tennis, when my back is totally messed up, I like a softer mattress than what I'm normally accustomed. Plus, for apt dwellers it's great, because it's easy to pack up and move.
Did you know a mattress can double its weight in 10 years from shedding skin sells, the waste of the microorganisms living in it, etc? Also, be sure to flip (if possible) and roate it with the seasons to ensure even wear. It is a good idea to replace your pillows at least once a year and mattresses every 10 or so.
skin cells...ack!
I have a Tempur Pedic knockoff which is awesome!! You cannot tell the difference, my brother has the real thing and he was quite mad when he found out how much I paid for mine (1/5th the price). I did extensive research on how foam interacts with heat and (the ice test) and mine passed all the tests. I did see a lot of bad knockoffs though. My parents bought one too, and my younger sister. If you guys want the link let me know.
LOVE my Select Comfort! King size for five years. Bought it because we live in such a rural area that we couldn't get a conventional set delivered affordably, and because it had a 30 day money back guarantee (bought from QVC), and a long-life rating. I had it delivered to my office, and it came in several boxes of different sizes which all fit in the back of my suv. It was not difficult to assemble, and we have loved it since day one. The absolute best part for me has been that within the past few years I have had a car accident and several surgeries. Being able to change the firmness of the mattress from my soft comfort level for sleep to a high firmness to assist in entering and exiting the bed has been a godsend!
I'd love a link, Domi!
We looked, and looked, and layed, and layed.....finally found a 100% natural Talalay Latex mattress encased in a wool/bamboo cover. It is absolutely incredible_ I just melt into bed at night. We paid $2K for a King, which, in the scheme of things isn't so bad. I'm not sure why 100% latex isn't more readily available or discussed more.
no funky offgasing from synthetic materials
latex core has a 30yr (yes 30 YEAR) warranty
choose your density and support, customized per side of the bed
no mites, mildew, allergens
wool cover is fire resistant so no weird chemical sprays are needed
all US made
We looked at FoamSweetFoam.com and flobed.com. Ended up buying from FSF.
A mattress is worthless if its not comfortable, but there are other important factors to consider too. Some mattresses are considered healthier than others. Many contain components and chemical fire retardants that off gas known carcinogens. As a rule, natural latex mattresses usually come closest to being the the healthiest, but there is a lot of confusion and mis information regarding latex mattresses.
To clarify, latex can be either all natural, all synthetic or a blend of the two. All natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. Synthetic latex is a petroleum polyurethane foam that is made to look and feel like natural latex, but it off gases carcinogenic fumes.
Most mattress manufacturers use chemical fire retardants because they are cheap. Wool can be used as a fire retardant, but it is more expensive. Organic wool is better because the sheep are treated humanely.
Studies have proven that the toxins from mattresses including the chemical fire retardants does absorb into your body.
I'm a retailer with experience and knowledge of the materials used in mattresses and I have my own daughter on a natural latex mattress with wool as the fire barrier.
My shops are in CT just outside of NY, but I'm happy to provide advice to anyone, even if you are not one of my customers. Feel free to pick my brains. I enjoy it.
Jeff Klein
www.organicsleep.com
Jklein@organicsleep.com