How to sort through the dizzying array of mattress choices

If you plan on buying a new mattress, you'll have to choose between a traditional innerspring mattress and one of the newer types on the market, including memory foam (such as the Tempur-Pedic), air (such as the Sleep Number bed) or latex foam (such as the Ikea Sultan Erfjord). Experts generally agree that any of these mattress types can provide proper support, and that choosing among them comes down to personal preference, convenience and how much you're willing to pay.

There are also a few less common choices, including adjustable beds, waterbeds and futons. Experts say adjustable beds, which can bring you to a sitting position, are not ideal for most people. The best mattress will allow the spine to maintain the same alignment it does when you are standing up, and for most people, lying flat is most comfortable. However, people with certain spinal conditions may sleep better with the back flexed slightly forward. As always, check with your physician on the best sleeping arrangements for you if you have any health concerns.

Waterbeds are less common than most other types and have received fewer reviews. According to SleepLikeTheDead.com, waterbed owners are about as likely to be satisfied with their beds as people who have foam or air mattresses and more likely than those with innersprings. One benefit of a waterbed is the lack of pressure points, since the water conforms to your body. You can also adjust the water temperature to provide warmth in winter and cool comfort in summer. However, waterbeds also have a large number of drawbacks. They require a heater, which is costly to run; they can leak; and they do a worse job than most mattresses of isolating movement. In fact, some owners say that even with only one person in the bed, the motion of the water is enough to cause seasickness.

One key to sleeping comfortably on a waterbed is to make sure the mattress is full enough to provide support. Also, you should keep a layer of fabric between the mattress and the sheet to absorb perspiration. If you sleep with a partner, be sure to look for a waterbed that minimizes the amount of movement disturbance. Major manufacturers of waterbeds include American National Manufacturing, Strobel Technologies, Boyd Specialty Sleep, Sterling Sleep Systems and Innomax. However, we found no specific recommendations or criticisms for any of these brands.

Futons, which have their origins in Japan, are basically big cushions filled with layers of cotton, wool or artificial fibers. These can be a good option if you prefer a very firm sleep surface, but they're not ideal for everyone. A 2008 study published in the journal Spine found that memory foam mattresses and waterbeds are both better than hard futons for patients with lower back pain. An older study, conducted in 1997, found that four out of nine test subjects slept more comfortably on a softer air mattress than on a futon. Roughly 65 percent of futon owners find their futons comfortable for sleeping on "at least occasionally," according to SleepLikeTheDead.com. Choice magazine says that futons may be most comfortable for "people with a small, light build," as this type of mattress conforms less to the body.

Futon prices range from $200 to $1,200 -- less than most other mattress choices, especially when you consider that a futon can double as a sofa. Reviews at SleepLikeTheDead.com indicate that a slightly more expensive futon -- at least $400 -- will be more comfortable and durable than a bottom-of-the-line model. Thicker mattresses (at least 8 inches) also tend to be more comfortable than thinner ones, and futons that contain springs are more comfortable than those made solely from fabric or foam. Choice magazine emphasizes the need to turn a futon regularly to prevent mildew and to keep its fillings "well-ventilated and fluffed up." Owners interviewed at SleepLikeTheDead.com agree that turning a futon regularly can improve its comfort and lengthen its life.


A good mattress should align the spine

When it comes to choosing the best mattress, proper sleeping posture is the most important consideration, experts say. Lying on your side, your shoulders and hips should sink into the mattress, while your waist is supported. "Your spine should look the same when you're lying down as it does when you're standing up," Wisconsin-based chiropractor Scott Bautch tells The New York Times. A too-firm mattress -- whether made of foam, springs or air chambers -- may not allow enough give for that to happen. A too-soft mattress, by contrast, will sag beneath your body weight instead of providing even support. Most people need to look for something in the middle, neither the hardest nor the softest mattress. However, heavier people may need a somewhat stiffer mattress to provide the same level of spinal support.

Alan Hedge, a professor of ergonomics at Cornell University, recommends looking for a mattress designed to conform to the spine's natural curves and to keep the spine aligned when you lie down. He also prefers mattresses that distribute pressure evenly across the body, which can aid circulation and reduce body movement during sleep. Good edge support is also important, and those who sleep with a partner will need a mattress that minimizes the transfer of movement across the bed.


Tips for choosing the best mattress

Based on expert and user reviews, we were not able to form a definitive opinion on whether any mattress is a superior choice. To find out which type will be most comfortable for you, reviewers say you should always test a mattress -- at a store, hotel or even a friend's home -- before buying. Some retailers and manufacturers offer an in-home test, but keep in mind you'll most likely be responsible for paying shipping charges both ways.

Estimates vary as to how long a mattress can be expected to last. Most sources say a good mattress will last 10 years with proper care, though a few say five to seven years is a more reasonable estimate. (Don't be deceived by mattress warranties that cover the bed for 20 years or more. These warranties cover only manufacturer defects and not normal wear and tear. According to SleepLikeTheDead.com, the general rule of thumb is that a mattress can be expected to last only about half its warranty period before wearing out.) According to the editors of Choice magazine, keeping a mattress beyond its normal lifespan "can cause back and neck problems, not to mention hygiene risks." Lumps, bumps, dips or sagging, as well as a stained or torn cover, are also signs that it may be time to buy a new mattress.

Experts give the following advice about purchasing a mattress:

  • Start at the bottom of the price scale and work your way upward. Good mattresses can be found at a variety of price points, and all but the very cheapest are likely to be sturdy. Once you find one mattress that feels comfortable to you, start trying out others in the same price range.
  • Spend at least 15 minutes on a mattress in the store. By spending five minutes each on your back and both sides (as well as your stomach, if that's one of your normal sleeping positions), you will be more likely to determine if the mattress you are trying out is the right choice for you. If you sleep with a partner, try out mattresses together.
  • The mattress should support your body at every point. If you prefer, you can buy a mattress with extra support at the head, center or ends, or with zoned support, which offers different support levels for different parts of the body.
  • Test for firmness. If you have difficulty rolling over, the bed is probably too soft. If the bed is too firm, you'll feel pressure against your hips and shoulders. Lie on your back and try to slide your hand under the small of your back. If your hand slides in too easily, the mattress may be too firm.
  • Ask to see a cross-section of the mattress. Look at its inner construction, paying attention to details like coil size and density (for an innerspring mattress), foam density (for a foam mattress) and padding materials. Also ask about details such as what materials the mattress contains, what type of springs it has and how it's layered. If the sales staff can't answer these questions, go to another store.
  • The gauge number, or thickness, of the springs determines the mattress's suspension. If you prefer firm suspension, look for a lower-gauge number (which means thicker spring wire). If you like soft suspension, go for a higher-gauge number (thinner spring wire). A good-quality full-size mattress has a gauge of between 12.75 (more firm) and 15 (less firm).
  • The number of coils also determines a mattress's support. A good full-size mattress should have at least 300 coils (although many premium models have close to 400), while a queen-size mattress should have a minimum of 375 coils, and a king-size mattress should have no less than 450.
  • Pay attention to padding materials. Less expensive mattresses may have vinyl ticking (the outermost layer of the mattress) instead of polyester or a cotton-polyester blend, but all should hold up over time. As for top padding, soft foam is preferable to polyester batting, which tends to lose its loft over time. Convoluted foam (which looks like an egg carton) in the middle padding is softer and more comfortable than straight foam.
  • If you're buying an innerspring mattress, consider a matching box spring. It may be necessary to buy the two as a set to preserve the warranty on the mattress. Sources disagree as to whether the box spring should always be replaced along with the mattress, but they all say it's a good idea if your old box spring is in poor condition. If you decide to keep your existing box spring or bed base, make sure it's the right size for the mattress. Standard mattress dimensions in the U.S. are: twin, 38 inches by 75 inches; double, 53 inches by 75 inches; queen, 60 inches by 80 inches; standard king, 76 inches by 80 inches; and California king, 72 inches by 84 inches.
  • Stitching should be uniform and unbroken to prevent the fabric from loosening.
  • Get the right price. Mattress retailers generally charge high markups on their wares and then hold frequent sales that offer deep discounts. Don't let a salesperson fool you into thinking a discounted price is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. ConsumerReports.org editors say that you can easily get an innerspring mattress for half its list price or less. According to WhatsTheBest-Mattress.com, the sweet spot for innerspring mattress prices -- the price that's high enough to ensure quality without being overpriced -- is around $500 to $700 for a queen-size set. Don't be afraid to haggle to get the deal you deserve.
  • Look for a comfort guarantee. Many retailers will give you a trial period of two weeks to three months on a new mattress. Each store has different rules, and you usually will have to pay a fee of some kind to return or exchange the mattress. Make sure to get the details in writing. The editors of WhatsTheBest-Mattress.com recommend that you test a mattress for four full weeks before deciding to return it, as it can take that long to adjust to a new sleep surface.
  • Ask about disposal of your old mattress. Some stores offer free disposal, while some will charge a fee for this service.
  • Read the fine print. Make sure the sales contract specifies that the store can't deliver a substitute brand or style if the one you want is out of stock. When your mattress arrives, inspect it to make sure that it's the right one and that it's undamaged.
  • Treat your new mattress right. Aside from the obvious no-jumping-on-the-bed rule, there are several ways to prolong the life of your mattress. Rotate it and, if appropriate, flip it every three to four months to ensure even wear. The editors of Which? magazine recommend turning the mattress every week or so for the first three months to help distribute the filling evenly. Keep your mattress clean, and throw back the covers for 20 minutes or so each morning to let sweat evaporate. Experts recommend wrapping the mattress in a washable cover to protect it from stains; if you suffer from allergies, choosing a special hypoallergenic cover may help shield you from dust. Handle your mattress with care; avoid bending or folding it, and don't pick it up by the handles, which are only meant for adjusting its position and can't support its full weight. If you regularly sit on the edge of the bed, try to sit in a different spot each time. And lastly, leave the tag on. Although the "do not remove under penalty of law" warning is aimed at sellers rather than buyers, having the tag in place can be crucial if you ever need to file a warranty claim.

Back to top