Mattresses information

Updated August 2009

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Mattresses links

If you need a guest bed but don't have the space for a full-size mattress, experts recommend an inflatable air bed, and ConsumerSearch offers a full report about this type of bed. Chiropractors don't recommend sleeping on these mattresses regularly due to their lack of support, however.

If your mattress is too firm or beginning to show signs of wear, a mattress topper may let you avoid replacing it for a while. Memory foam and latex toppers are especially popular right now, but some people prefer the feel of a fluffy featherbed. Our buyer's guide on mattress toppers covers these options in more detail.

If you want to test a bed out for a night or two, you can stay in a hotel that offers luxurious bedding and feather pillows. Sheraton Hotels offer the Sweet Sleeper (*Est. $1,100 queen size), which is equivalent to the Sealy Posturepedic Plush Top mattress. The Westin hotel chain offers the Heavenly Bed (*Est. $2,900, queen size) through Simmons.

The Tempur-Pedic Swedish Mattress (*Est. $2,100, queen size) can be found in a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts and inns across America. Radisson offers a custom-designed Sleep Number bed by Select Comfort at some locations. Be sure to call to confirm bedding details with the hotel before making a reservation. Not all rooms may have these beds.

Duxiana, a high-end Swedish chain, doesn't have an in-home trial period but lets shoppers "test drive" their mattresses in private nap rooms in their stores. You can reserve a room for a 90-minute nap. These beds can cost over $9,000 and have two layers of innersprings.

Resource links

WhatsTheBest-Mattress.com explains how and when to buy a mattress and lists hundreds of models by type and price.

The Better Sleep Council, an organization funded by the mattress industry, provides a wide variety of material on sleep and mattresses.

SpineHealth.com features peer-reviewed articles and information on spinal health.

The Sleep Foundation is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that is dedicated to the study of sleep disorders.

HealthAndAge.com offers a variety of articles on sleep and aging.

Futon Life magazine features a buyer's guide for consumers, as well as a forum for owners.

Epinions.com has a mattress buying advice forum written by users.

In 2008, a class-action lawsuit was filed in California against the makers of the Select Comfort Sleep Number bed, alleging that the beds promoted mold growth. As of this writing, the case is still pending, and the company isn't commenting. ConsumerAffairs.com lists a handful of owner complaints about mold in these mattresses.

Manufacturer websites: