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Mattresses: Ratings of Sources
Total of 32 Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
Jan. 2008
How to Buy a Mattress without Losing Sleep
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our Assessment

This detailed buyer's guide is our top source for mattress information. Topics include mattress myths, how to choose, price differences, anatomy of a mattress, mattress comparisons and sleep tips. The report is based on the results of several tests, including an analysis of 18 top-brand mattresses by industry insiders, an online poll and reports from 59 staffers who tried out different mattresses at a mock mattress store. In addition, four couples slept on specific mattresses at home for a month. Because comfort is a personal preference, ConsumerReports.org is unable to recommend a specific brand or model over another.

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New Mattress-Flammability Standard to Go Into Effect: What You Need to Know When Buying a Mattress
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our Assessment Editors discuss federal standards for mattress flammability and offer tips for determining whether a mattress meets these standards. This is important, because some retailers may still be clearing out their stock of beds that do not meet the current standard, which went into effect in 2007. Editors also discuss how mattress fires can start.
3. New York Magazine
Feb. 8, 2009
I Slept on 100 Mattresses
by Sarah Bernard
Our Assessment Sarah Bernard describes her experiences testing 100 memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses. Only about half a dozen of the tested mattresses are discussed in detail, however. Bernard's favorite is the OMI OrganicPedic David (*Est. $3,400), which includes replaceable layers of natural latex foam, but she also likes mattresses from Magniflex, Ikea and Simmons.
4. Which? magazine
Not Dated
Choosing the Best Type of Mattress
by Editors of Which? magazine
Our Assessment Though not quite as detailed as ConsumerReports.org's mattress buying guide, this article from the U.K.'s Which? magazine does provide an array of practical tips for mattress buyers. Topics include features, types of mattresses, in-store testing and mattress care. The information here is targeted towards British consumers but is equally applicable to shoppers in the U.S.
5. WebMD.com
Not Dated
The Best Mattress for a Good Night's Sleep
by Charlene Laino
Our Assessment Charlene Laino interviews several sleep experts, including orthopedic physicians and a physical therapist, about their mattress recommendations. Though all agree that the best mattress is a matter of personal preference, there are some useful tips here. One doctor notes that people with back pain seem to feel better on firmer surfaces; another suggests lower coil counts for overweight people.
6. The New York Times
Nov. 23, 2004
Rest Easy on Pricey Mattress? Not Always
by Mary Duenwald
Our Assessment

Despite high prices and manufacturer claims, very little research has actually been conducted to learn which mattresses are the most comfortable, according to this article. Mary Duenwald provides advice and commentary from experts on what to look for when selecting a mattress, as well as some basic shopping guidelines and how to tell whether your existing mattress needs to be replaced. However, no specific recommendations are made as to the best models, brands or types of mattresses.

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7. Good Housekeeping
April 2005
Mattresses: Shop Smart, Sleep Better
by Sarah Breckenridge, Sarah Felix
Our Assessment Sarah Breckenridge and Sarah Felix discuss viscoelastic mattresses, also known as memory foam, and offer helpful shopping tips. For those wanting a traditional coil innerspring without breaking the bank, they recommend the basic versions of the Simmons Beautyrest, Serta Perfect Sleeper and Sealy Posturepedic.
Buying Guide: Mattresses. How to Buy a Mattress You'll Love Sleeping On
by Editors of Choice magazine
Our Assessment

This excellent article in Choice, a publication of the Australian Consumers' Association, does not rate individual mattresses, but does provide overall buying information. It goes into great detail about coil construction and spinal alignment as well as mattress selection for individuals with special health needs. It's an excellent overall primer for the shopper who wants to fully understand mattress construction.

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Old vs. New: Comparing Hotel Beds
by Peter Jon Lindberg
Our Assessment

Editor-at-large Peter Lindberg tests beds in six hotels. To aid in the testing process, he wears a Mini-Mitter Actiwatch-L, a wristwatch that measures restlessness. Few differences are found among the six beds as measured by Lindberg's personal experiences or the Actiwatch, although the Simmons Heavenly Bed is deemed the favorite. A sidebar article covers which beds are available in which hotel chains.

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10. Buzzillions.com
As of July 2009
Mattress Reviews
by Contributors to Buzzillions.com
Our Assessment

Buzzillions.com compiles owner reviews from various online retailers, but users can also post reviews directly to Buzzillions.com. This site is a particularly helpful resource when looking for information on products -- like mattresses -- that tend to receive only a few reviews spread across several retailer websites. Leggett & Platt's 10-inch memory foam mattress receives a large number of reviews with a high overall rating here, as does another 10-inch memory foam mattress manufactured by MerchSource.

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11. Amazon.com
As of July 2009
Mattresses
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our Assessment

Amazon.com sells foam, inflatable and innerspring mattresses as well as mattress pads and other related items. Although listings appear disorganized, a diligent search will uncover some useful comments about mattresses from major manufacturers like Sealy. Given that comments vary widely from user to user, you should visit a mattress store and try out the bed you intend to buy before making a final decision.

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12. Macys.com
As of Aug. 2009
Mattresses
by Contributors to Macys.com
Our Assessment

Though Macy's lists neither the rating nor the number of reviews on the main search page, we still give it high marks for ease of use. Customers can browse by price range, brand, size and firmness. Unfortunately, there are few user comments in general, and even mattresses listed as customer favorites have only a handful of evaluations; some none at all. We also question the criteria used to select favorites since some of the mattresses listed earn only mediocre customer ratings and some highly negative comments. On the upside, most of the comments are thoughtfully written and provided useful information.

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13. Walmart.com
As of Aug. 2009
Mattresses
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Our Assessment Walmart.com has the most user comments of any source we consulted, so shoppers looking for consensus should find what they're looking for here. The Slumber 1 iCoil Mattress-in-a-Box and the Sleep Revolution Pillow Top Mattress-in-a-Box receive good overall scores, but most owner comments seem to reflect low expectations.
14. Viewpoints.com
As of Aug. 2009
Mattresses
by Contributors to Viewpoints.com
Our Assessment This site contrasts the most positive review of a product with the most critical review of a product, making it easier to spot potential issues as well as get to the good stuff about an item as well. Customers give solid reviews to the Tempur-Pedic Classic, Serta Pillow Top Mattress, Sealy Posturepedic and BedInABox.com Memory Foam Mattress.
15. What's the Best Mattress
As of Aug. 2009
Mattress - Which One's Best?
by Editors of and contributors to WhatsTheBest-Mattress.com
Our Assessment WhatsTheBest-Mattress.com is loaded with buying guides and user-written reviews, and has a forum for visitors to talk with other mattress shoppers. Many of the regular forum visitors are latex mattress fans. However, no recommendations are made on this site, and most mattresses get only a handful of user reviews.
16. SleepLikeTheDead.com
March 2008
Mattresses
by Editors of SleepLikeTheDead.com
Our Assessment Mattress brands are rated using the compiled commentary from 4,750 reviews at several hundred forums, message boards and blogs. The site makes a strong attempt at gathering unbiased reviews in bulk to support its rankings and details the research methodology used by the site's editors. Bergad/Isoform, Bragada and Comfortaire appear to come out on top.
Saluting Sustainability
by Nancy Meyer
Our Assessment Editors of New York House choose products in 14 categories for the magazine's annual Innovative Green Designs Awards. Criteria include sustainability, use of green materials and construction techniques, and innovation. The OMI OrganicPedic Terra mattress is chosen as the winner in the bedding category.
18. Good Morning America
July 2007
Sleep Easy: Discover How to Buy the Best Mattress
by Elisabeth Leamy
Our Assessment While no specific brands are mentioned or tested, this article on the ABC website stresses the importance of shopping for a mattress in person and offers some helpful hints about negotiating the price of a mattress.
How to Shop for a Mattress
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Our Assessment This brief online video gives an excellent overview of the process of shopping for a mattress. Highlights include the difficulties in doing exact comparisons since the names of mattresses often change from store to store. Editors also discuss negotiating techniques for getting the best deal.
20. MyFoamMattress.net
As of July 2009
Memory Foam and Latex Mattresses
by Daniel Burrows and Liz Hoffman
Our Assessment

Daniel Burrows and Liz Hoffman have compiled many pages of information on viscoelastic memory-foam and latex mattresses, along with a smaller amount of information on other types. Although no specific brands are particularly recommended, the site has good information on memory-foam densities, temperature sensitivity, types, construction and more. There are some good pro/con lists comparing types. It seems the editors prefer latex over other types, but there isn't a strong endorsement.

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21. CasaSugar.com
Sept. 24, 2007
Good, Better, Best: Green Mattresses
by "CasaSugar"
Our Assessment Blogger "CasaSugar" talks about her picks for the best environmentally friendly mattresses on the market. It's hard to tell what the author's criteria are for favoring these mattresses over others, but the article is still worth a look for its discussion of budget-priced green mattresses.
Buying Air and Foam Beds: Sleeping on Air
by Editors of Better Homes and Gardens
Our Assessment In this brief article, the editors of Better Homes and Gardens touch on the growing popularity of air and foam beds. Select Comfort is mentioned as an airbed, along with the more expensive memory-foam mattresses. None appear to be tested or specifically recommended.
23. Allergy Buyers Club.com
As of Aug. 2009
Mattresses and Bed Sets
by Editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com
Our Assessment

This retailer website provides ratings for the mattresses they sell. Unfortunately, the methodology for creating those ratings is not explained, and all are relatively high. That said, there is some useful information here, including recommendations as to what type of mattress is best for what type of consumer and a comparison chart that puts pluses, minuses and a typical user profile in an easy-to-see format.

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24. The Wall Street Journal
March 28, 2006
The ABCs of Getting Some Zs
by Melissa Schorr
Our Assessment Reporter Melissa Schorr's husband tries out five (under $300) memory foam mattress pads and a memory foam mattress, sleeping on each for two consecutive nights. He rates the SleepWarehouse's Sensus mattress topper as best overall.
25. ReviewCentre.com
As of Aug. 2009
Mattress Reviews
by Contributors to ReviewCentre.com
Our Assessment ReviewCentre.com offers a variety of products consumers can review, including mattresses. However, there are few owner-written reviews here. The Ergoflex Memory Foam Mattress receives almost 150 reviews, earning an average rating of 4.6 out of five. Though this site is based in Britain, some of the mattresses reviewed here (including the Ergoflex) are available in the U.S.
26. SpineUniverse.com
Updated Aug. 2008
Mattresses Matter: Ergonomic Guidelines
by Alan Hedge
Our Assessment

Alan Hedge, a professor of ergonomics at Cornell University, offers tips for choosing a mattress that will promote good spinal health. Hedge urges readers to look for a mattress designed to conform to the spine's natural curves, as well as to distribute pressure evenly to help circulation and minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other. In a peer-review comment, Dr. Richard D. Guyer of the Texas Back Institute adds some practical pointers on dealing with the mattress-buying experience.

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27. Spine
May 20, 2008
Better Backs by Better Beds?
by Kim Bergholdt, Rasmus N. Fabricius and Tom Bendix
Our Assessment

This study compares outcomes in 160 patients with chronic lower back pain when sleeping on a hard mattress, a memory foam mattress and a waterbed. A large number of patients dropped out of the study when sleeping on the hard mattress, citing increased pain and decreased quality of sleep. The authors conclude that foam mattresses and waterbeds are preferable to hard mattresses for back-pain patients.

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28. The Lancet
Nov. 15, 2003
Effect of Firmness of Mattress on Chronic Non-specific Low-back Pain
by F.M. Kovacs
Our Assessment This double-blind study was undertaken by Spanish researchers to assess the effect of different firmnesses of mattresses for patients with low-back pain. 313 adults with nonspecific low-back pain were randomly assigned to sleep on firm or medium-firm mattresses for 90 days. The study concluded that medium-firm mattresses lessened pain and improved mobility.
29. Memory Foam Mattress.org
As of Aug. 2009
Mattress Reviews
by Editors of MemoryFoamMattress.org
Our Assessment MemoryFoamMattress.org aims to be a source for shoppers looking for the best foam mattress to fit their needs. Tempur-Pedic, Selectabed and Osim are "personally tested," but we aren't sure by whom, though the site claims assistance from a California chiropractor. There's some good information here about the types of memory foam but little comparative information.
30. Arthritis Today
March/April 2005
Mattress Matters
by Susan Bernstein
Our Assessment This short but informative article gives basic advice to those with back or joint pain without mentioning specific brands or models. In particular, Susan Bernstein urges readers to avoid adjustable beds and too-high or too-low mattresses.
31. Epinions.com
As of Aug. 2009
Mattresses
by Contributors to Epinions.com
Our Assessment Owners at Epinions.com review a number of mattresses. Because mattress preference is personal, it's difficult to decipher which mattresses are best, but Epinions.com is particularly useful for its relatively critical mattress reviews. Bergad Isoform memory foam mattresses receive by far the highest rating here, with an average of four stars out of five in more than 100 owner reviews.
32. Medscape.com
July 11, 2001
Short-Term Outcomes of Chronic Back Pain Patients on an Airbed vs. Innerspring Mattresses
by Terry P. Corbin, Patricia D. Culliton, Douglas Merz, Edward A. Schuck
Our Assessment

This study, which was funded by airbed manufacturer Select Comfort, compares self-reported sleep and pain scores among back-pain patients after sleeping on a new Select Comfort airbed and on their own innerspring mattress. On the surface, the results seem to indicate that the Select Comfort airbed is very beneficial for those with back pain. However, no objective measurements were used to assess the patients, and it's hard to tell how much of their improvement may be a placebo effect, or simply the result of sleeping on a new mattress.

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