Mattress Buying Guide

Your Basic Choices for Mattresses

Support for your body depends on:

Coil type - Coils are made of steel. They vary from mattress to mattress by their gauge. The heavier the gauge the more support the mattress will give you.
Coil count - There can be from 300 to 700 coils in a mattress. In general, more coils equals more support.
Connections between coils - Interconnecting wires keep the coils in their proper place in the mattress. To few interconnecting wires can allow coils to become mis-aligned.

Comfort for your body depends on:

Upholstery - The upholstery is what you feel next to your body. It is the layers of foam and fabric that separate you from the coils. You may choose to feel like you are sleeping on a feather bed in which case you should look for the mattress you like in a "pillow top" or "plush" design. If you like a less plush feel simply choose the top with the least amount of upholstery.
Edge materials - Sturdy edge materials are a must. A mattress should give full support even on the edge. You should never roll off a bed because the edge is weak.

Soft or Firm?

A soft, fluffy mattress can feel so comforting when you first lie down. You sink right into it and it seems to cuddle your body in loving arms. WARNING: You may not feel quite so coddled when morning comes. Too soft a bed doesn't give your body the support it needs. Shoulders and hips are out of alignment. The result? You may awaken feeling stiff, achy and unrested. Some people advocate sleeping with a sheet of plywood under the mattress. This may be necessary for some severe back problems or injuries but it is not necessary for the average person. True, a firm mattress is best, but it should have enough give to conform to the contours of your body. It should support, not confine.

Durability/Warranty

Steel spans in foundation - Steel spans in the box spring help give the mattress its full useful life. The steel spans make the primarily wood box spring more sturdy.

Typical length and type of warranty - Most warranties for brand name mattresses are 10 or more years. The more expensive the mattress the longer the warranty tends to be. Warranties are pro-rated, meaning that if a 10 year warranty mattress fails in the 8th year you will get 20% of the purchase price applied to your next mattress.

Value

Price versus features/benefits - As with any product you purchase - you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a mattress for a guest room that is only used 3 times a year, there is no reason to buy a premium mattress. If you are looking for a mattress that you will sleep on every night for the next ten years, don't be stingy. The sweet spot in mattresses tends to be in the $500 - $700 range for a queen set*. Since this is the price range at which most mattresses are sold, manufacturers ensure that units in this range are of excellent quality. If you are looking to ensure that you will have luxurious sleep for the next 12 to 15 years, you should purchase a top of the line mattress.