Mattresses: What To Look For

A dizzying array of choices among mattress types

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 agree that any of these mattress types can provide proper support, and that choosing between them comes down to how much you can spend and whether you're willing to pay a premium for a foam or latex mattress that doesn't need flipping and reportedly lasts for 20 years.

Other options, including adjustable beds and waterbeds, exist as well. Experts say adjustable beds, which can bring you to a sitting position, should be used primarily by people who are immobile or who have medical problems such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, circulation problems or a difficult time sleeping on a flat bed due to health conditions like back or joint pain. However, adjustable beds prevent free movement during sleep, which is important for spinal health. Rather than purchasing an adjustable bed, experts suggest using additional pillows, which can help simulate an adjustable bed.

For those with back or joint pain, Arthritis Today author Susan Bernstein suggests using a pillow-top or a foam mattress topper under the sheets. She also recommends satin sheets to improve one's ability to turn over and get out of bed. As always, check with your physician on the best sleeping arrangements for you if you have any health concerns.

The vinyl waterbed has been around for more than 40 years, although they're not as popular as they used to be. One benefit of a waterbed is the lack of pressure points, since the water conforms to your body. The key is to ensure the mattress is full enough so there is enough support. When shopping for a mattress, be sure to look for one that minimizes the amount of disturbance you may receive if you sleep with a partner.

Some models boast luxury touches like washable pillow tops or added padding for comfort. The extra-firm, waveless Sorrento (*Est. $1,300, queen size) has an added layer of memory foam. The Land and Sky New Century NightFlight Elite (*Est. $1,000, queen size) has a variety of customizable waterbed mattresses, which can offer you as much support (with or without waves) as you need. Some styles come with a waveless inner coil that offers additional support.

Futons are another option, particularly if you prefer a very firm sleep surface. The average futon price ranges from $100 to $140 but can cost more than $300. Experts recommend a futon of at least 6 inches thick made of 100 percent cotton.

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," Scott Bautch, a Wisconsin chiropractor, 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. An excellent article at Australia's Choice magazine explains that a hard mattress may tax back and neck muscles, which will have to work harder to keep your spine straight. At the same time, a too-soft mattress will also cause spinal alignment problems, as "your muscles work to compensate for the lack of support," Choice's editors say. Keep in mind that heavier people, however, may need a firmer mattress in order to provide similar spinal support. But most people probably need something in the middle, neither the hardest nor the softest mattress.

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 in alignment when you lie down. Mattresses designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body to help circulation, decrease body movement and minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other, as well as one that includes perimeter edge support, as also recommended.

Tips for choosing the best mattress

Based on expert and user reviews, we were not able to form a definitive opinion on whether foam, latex or air mattresses really are a superior choice. Accordingly, while we list various mattress types in the ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed section, the easiest choice for consumers who don't want to personally test mattresses before buying them remains traditional spring-type mattresses. Keep in mind, however, that all reviewers say shoppers should test a mattress -- at a store, hotel, even at a friend's home -- before buying. Some retailers and manufacturers offer an in-home test. Just keep in mind you'll most likely be responsible for paying shipping charges both ways.

Lumps, bump, dips, sagging, as well as a stained or torn cover, are all signs that it may be time to buy a new mattress. Even if the exterior of your mattress is in good shape, experts recommend the average mattress to be replaced every eight to 10 years and every 10 to 12 for a premium mattress. Some experts even recommend buying a new one every seven years for the sake of hygiene, which isn't a bad idea considering that the average sleeper secretes half a liter of perspiration a night, and up to double that when ill.

Experts give the following advice about purchasing a mattress:

• Spend at least 15 minutes on a mattress in the store. By spending five minutes each on your back and both sides 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.

• You shouldn't overpay, but you shouldn't underpay either. ConsumerReports.org editors say you should expect to pay about $800 for a quality queen-size innerspring mattress set. It can't hurt to negotiate price.

• 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 your hips and shoulders will feel uncomfortable. Lie on your back and try to slide your hand under the small of your back. If your hand slides too easily, the mattress may be too firm.

• 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 in the middle padding (which looks like an egg carton) is softer and more comfortable than straight foam.

• Stitching should be uniform and unbroken to prevent the fabric from loosening.

• If you're buying an innerspring mattress, buy a box spring as well. Many manufacturers will void their warranty if you do not purchase a matching set. Box springs that have coils in addition to wood or steel bars are better. Also, you should always use a bed frame, and make sure there's center support for larger-sized mattress sets.

• If you have allergies, look for hypoallergenic or antimicrobial materials (such as Microban) in the padding.

• Reputable retailers allow for a trial period. Find out how many exchanges you are allowed, and if you are restricted to a product of equal or greater value. Read the return policy and make sure the dealer won't deliver a substitute brand or style. Ask about refunds and re-stocking fees. Most important, get it in writing. If your bed is returnable for a refund, have the salesperson write this on your invoice.

• New mattresses are thicker than they used to be, so your old sheets may no longer fit. Widths have gone from about 7 inches to more than 9 inches, so you may need sheets with a deep-pocket corner.

• Ask about disposal of your old mattress. Some stores offer free disposal, while some only carry it to the curb. Mattress recycling is available in limited areas.

• Ventilate a new mattress for a few hours. Open the windows in the room and leave the bed unmade. Both memory foam and latex foam mattress typically require a few days of ventilation to eliminate unpleasant odors.

• Experts say used mattresses should never be passed on to children since their bodies are still developing and need a firm mattress.

• Avoid beds that are too high or too low. The rule of thumb is that your feet should reach the ground comfortably when you sit on the edge of the mattress. And you should be able to stand without much effort.

• Standard mattress dimensions in the U.S. are: twin, 39 inches by 75 inches; double, 54 inches by 75 inches; queen, 60 inches by 80 inches; standard king, 76 inches by 80 inches; California king, 72 inches by 84 inches. Queen is the most popular mattress size.

• Mold or dust mites lingering in bedding, mattresses and pillows commonly trigger allergies and asthma. One option is to have your mattress wrapped in a hypoallergenic cover. You might also look for allergy-free synthetic materials and avoid moisture-retaining padding like cotton batting, which can encourage mold, mildew and bacteria growth.