Black Friday: Mattresses & Mattress Toppers
Mattresses & Mattress Toppers
Read our reports om mattresses and mattress toppers to find the model that’s right for you.
Entire Stock of Featherbeds, Fiberbeds, Mattress Pads 20% off, Linen ’n Things
Sealy Posturepedic Lakefront Plush Pillowtop Twin 2-Piece Set, $847, Macy’s
Sealy Posturepedic Thayer Medium-Firm Full 2-Piece Set, $487, Macy’s
Sealy Posturepedic Thayer Medium-Firm Queen 2-Piece Set, $497, Macy’s
Sealy Posturepedic Thayer Medium-Firm Twin 2-Piece Set, $347, Macy’s
Simmons Beautyrest Classic Adelanto Firm Full 2-Piece Set, $689, Macy’s
Simmons Beautyrest Classic Adelanto Firm King 3-Piece Set, $899, Macy’s
Simmons Beautyrest Classic Adelanto Firm Queen 2-Piece Set, $699, Macy’s
Simmons Beautyrest Classic Adelanto Firm Twin 2-Piece Set, $549, Macy’s
Simmons Beautyrest Felicia Firm or Plush Twin 2-Piece Set, $847, Macy’s
Sunbeam Heated Blankets or Mattress Pads, 50% off, Sears
Posted by: Dianne Pappafotopoulos | Jul 22, 2008 12:01:14 PM
I turned to Consumer Reports to guide me while buying a mattress and was disappointed to find that the site was really not helpful. It explains "how to buy" but not what to look out for. I am trying to find the best mattress for my money and compare latex with the standards coil system. I am reading so many complaints online about latex foam losing its shape over time, yet the stores are still selling them. Can't consumer reports do any kind of a comparison so that consumers like me don't make an expensive mistake and purchase a mattress that is not going to hold up over time? If the coil system is far better, then I want to know that. It is not a matter of personal preference when you are spending 2-4,000 dollars on a mattress. It is making sure that you are getting something worth your money that is going to hold up.
Posted by: Denise B. | Jul 24, 2008 1:01:24 PM
can relate to what the previous wrote. I also turned to CR for help and tips for purchasing a mattress. The information there was rather limited. After several months of looking around and trying to do informal research and shopping for mattresses, I have learned quite a bit. In that span of time I ordered a mattress that turned out to be poorly constructed and had to be returned. I then had to go out looking for a replacement mattress. Luckily, I found a sales rep who has been in the business for 35 years, and was willing to be upfront with me about buying a mattress.
Here are a few lessons I have learned...I hope they can be of some help to someone else.
1) When changing/upgrading consider that many new mattresses are much thicker, therefore the overall height of your new mattress and boxspring may be considerably higher than what you are replacing. If you do not want to use a footstool for getting into your bed, then ask about low profile boxsprings and/or low profile bed frames --- this can reduce the height of your bedding by a few inches.
2) Try out the mattresses in the store. This may take a few visits, so do not allow yourself to be persuaded too soon by pushy sales people.
3) Consider the source---buy from a reputable company. Ask about refunds and the return policy in the event the mattress does not work out and you need to return or exchange it.
4) If you are going from a full size mattress to a queen or king, be sure to invest in a good bedframe. Many of the standard frames have only four support legs. Consider a bedframe with six support legs or five support legs - this will minimize the bed from sagging in the middle over time.
5) Consider that if you are upgrading, many of the newer mattresses are thicker, so you may need new bedding (sheets). Be sure to check the new bedding details - look for whether or not the fitted sheet can accomodate up to 17"-22" mattresses. You do not want to end up with bedding that does not fit your mattress properly.
6) Pillow top and eurotop mattresses are not the same. Many sales people will say that they are----typically a pillowtop mattress does not offer the same level of support/padding as a eurotop mattress.
7) Low profile box springs and low profile bedframes will mean that standard bedskirts may be too long for your new bed. If you want a complete look to your bedding, look for bedskirts that are adjustable or be prepared to hem a standard bedskirt.
8) Again, think about what level of support you need in a mattress - firm, medium, soft. This will be of great help as you begin to shop around.
Posted by: Al Varner | Jul 31, 2008 3:37:31 PM
I have the same concern as the previous postings. I need a comparison of the different types and brands of mattresses. CR recognizes that the manufactures don't make that possible, so that should provide incentive for CR to make the comparisons. There are numerous comparisons for lower priced item, such as washers, ranges and refrigerators, but none for an item that may costs 2 to 4 times as much. Help!
Posted by: Tina Day | Aug 10, 2008 1:59:31 PM
I too found the frustration in searching for information for a baby mattress. I purchased the Consumers Report.org subscription because I need to purchase 2 baby mattress for both of my nieces and was hoping to get guidance on the purchase only to find no reference to the baby mattress except to buy a book offered by CR at an additional cost. I figured with both the magazine subscription and the online subscription I could not go wrong, but here I am still clueless on the different types and qualities of the baby mattress. Well back to online researching. I hope I have better luck when I search CR for solar and wind information.
Posted by: valerie | Aug 19, 2008 7:16:53 PM
I bought a memory foam mattress topper for my rock-hard futon couch/sleeper without a thought, but in checking out the brand for quality, have now begun to have second thoughts about the toxicity. We are surrounded by off-gassing materials in our homes, and I really don't care to add one more. I'd like to see some info on the other options: natural latex, wool, cotton. They are more expensive, but I'd be willing to pay more for something that was non-toxic and durable (within reason!). Any advice out there?
Posted by: Richard | Aug 31, 2008 12:25:33 PM
It's all been said in the above (or below) quotes. CR can you look into helping, or are you just as lost as the rest of us on mattress shopping?!
Posted by: Kimery | Sep 2, 2008 2:51:14 PM
Does Consumer Reports plan on addressing the comments above or is this just a chat between customers?
Posted by: Fiona | Sep 6, 2008 7:27:27 PM
I would also like to know more about how to purchase a mattress that is not bringing toxic substances into the home needlessly. There have been many scary write-ups lately, and it's hard to distinguish between the hype (news ratings) and what you should actually be concerned about. Help?
Posted by: Scott | Sep 6, 2008 8:01:18 PM
My wife and I use a twin-chamber air mattress with two memory foam layers totalling 4.5 inches. The result is the best of both worlds: the comfort of memory foam with the adjustability of air. It's almost as comfortable as the waterbed I used for years.
Posted by: Mary | Sep 7, 2008 10:16:47 AM
I'm finding the same frustration. I've just subscribed to CR online for help in furnishing a new home. But in only an hour I'm already disappointed in the comparisons and ratings that are NOT available - mattresses and wood stoves so far. (Although the kitchen knives rating was helpful, as was an article on tankless water heaters.) The jury is out for me as to whether this was money well spent for this new subscription.
Posted by: Lori | Sep 9, 2008 10:05:26 AM
MAJOR FRUSTRATION: We buy CR for solid advice on major purchases. Why is a major household purchase that totals $2-4000 not being discussed? We realize that there are a lot of choices out there that would make it a tough article to research but that is all the more reason to provide the article. How many more articles do we really need about remodeling the kitchen?? Please, PLEASE consider providing this information to future readers that will need this help as we do right now. THANKS.
Posted by: Megan S | Sep 10, 2008 1:36:11 PM
I agree with all above comments. My husband and I purchased the consumer report subscription and was really disappointed to see that they dont rate mattresses. That is ridiculous considering that a mattress is one of the most expensive and important purchases one can make for their home!
Posted by: Linda | Sep 14, 2008 3:21:35 PM
I also wish to register my disappointment in CR for the lack of ratings for mattresses. And I am shocked at the lack of information on the newer "green mattresses". These mattresses offer less toxicity but are quite expensive. I'm willing to pay more for my family to sleep in a cleaner, safer environment, but would feel much more confident with some thorough and impartial information.
Posted by: james | Sep 19, 2008 9:01:34 PM
I was also looking for some more information on this very expensive purchase.
This link may explain why no reviews are offered.
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2008/01/mattress-review.html
Nice scam these manufacturers are running in cahoots with the retailers.
I think I'd rather go with a more upfront and transparent company such as European Sleepworks in Berkeley, CA
All Natural, no off-gassing and hypoallergenic too.
just my 02c
Posted by: Leanne Smith | Sep 26, 2008 7:56:28 PM
this site has been greatly helpful to me.
http://mattressexpert.typepad.com/the_mattress_expert/2008/09/sf-stearns-foster-saybrook-and-sealy-springfree-weybridge-latex-mattresses.html
Posted by: Janice Brown | Sep 30, 2008 1:35:48 PM
How sad that you do not have any other information. Where is the green info? Why don't you address all of these comments?
Posted by: RW | Sep 30, 2008 3:50:10 PM
Regarding Mattress Toppers For Those In Pain....
I have been sleeping on memory foam for many years now, and I can tell you whole-heartedly, that it has allowed me some decent sleep compared to a traditional mattress.
I have very intense and constant, chronic neck/lumbar/sciatica pain, along with screwed up shoulders. I began with a 2", 4lb Carpenter mattress topper on a traditional mattress, and it helped. I then decided to go all memory foam with even better results.
STAY AWAY from any memory foam manufactured in China at this time. It is very poor quality. In fact, stay away from any memory foam that carries a cheap price tag. You will most probably be ripped off.
I have found the 5.5lb Senus memory foam to work best for me. Manufactured by Foamex. They are reputable. It was not cheap. Also, do your research. Are you a side, back or stomach sleeper? All very important when choosing memory foam. Look closely at ILD rating and density, and the type foam like latex for your foundation etc.
Again I stress, stay away from cheap products, because in this case, you definitely get what you pay for. This goes for memory foam pillows too. Good luck, better sleep.
Posted by: Tracy | Oct 4, 2008 2:52:23 AM
I too was surprised there wasn't more on mattresses....but is there some sort of consumer review area.....telling of a person's unique needs in a mattress and what they have or have not had success with?
Posted by: Frank W | Oct 12, 2008 11:30:01 PM
I just signed up for consumerreports.org to find a review on memory foam mattress covers. Unfortunately, I can't find a recent review that helps me make sense of the types out there, various thicknesses (1.5-4in.), pounds, etc. I hope they perform a review soon as it seems I'm not the only one who wants to ensure they get a good deal with so many types of memory foam covers out there.
Posted by: Glenda Litz | Oct 13, 2008 1:18:19 PM
I guess I just wasted my just-today-signed-up-for CR subscription to help me find a new mattress - my only purpose. My thanks to the above contributors for apparently the only help I am going to receive. CR should certainly take note of these comments regariding their inability to offer anything in this area. I know I, for one, will not be renewing!
Posted by: Pat Sadowski | Oct 15, 2008 10:41:36 AM
I agree that many important products need reviewing, but Consumer Reports is silent on them. I subscribed and have barely used it because every product I searched for came up blank. We're purchasing a high-efficiency gas furnace, AC and air cleaner. No brand ratings for this huge purchase. I've been trying to recover from a neck problem without surgery and have been searching online for a good neck pillow. From CR? Nothing. I won't pay for this service again. I strongly recommend that CR create a place on this site where subscribers or others can list items they'd like reviewed, and then CR answer whether they are planning to do reviews on these products and when. I don't suppose this is totally on topic but I ended up in this discussion while searching for pillow info.
Posted by: shirley sidebottom | Oct 16, 2008 10:08:55 AM
I to am appalled and shocked at CRs lack of info on mattress especially LATEX so I decided to do my own it has taken me 5 months and if they(cr)wants to earn their money I suggest they take this on ;(Matress mfg can call a latex matress )with only 50%of it being latex(the rem 50 can be chalk,ash ect.) but there are some really reputable mfg. but it took me 5 mo to find them,I urge other consumers to demand more honesty from the mattress industry it reminds me of wall streeet and to report to CR they need to get on the ball with their research thanks
Posted by: linda glenn | Oct 16, 2008 3:49:51 PM
Same here. Wanted to know about mattresses and came up blank.
Posted by: jay | Oct 22, 2008 4:48:11 PM
My wife and I stayed at a hotel and had a wonderfully comfortable 2 night stay. I asked about the brand of mattresss they used. They gave me a phone number and their hotel code number to call where you can buy the exact type of mattress you slept on at the hotel. Two nights sleep is better than 15minutes. Check out the web site or call for details and prices.
866-926-8233
http://www.beddingconcierge.com/
Posted by: Pamela Lomas | Nov 1, 2008 2:17:47 PM
I have been married 35 years and on average we replace our bed every 3-5 years depending on how poor our choice was. My Tempur-Pedic $ 3,500. smelled the whole 2 years we had it. And I don't care what a salesman tells you coil springs SAG .(body impressions my foot). The Sleep number was the worst it is almost impossible to get those people to take their mattress back. Natural latex is the best mattress I have ever owned when you receive it you will have a slight odor which goes away after a few hours.
We bought a bed from Euro Beds (http://www.naturabeds.com/Latex-Mattress).and it was cheaper than most of the beds we have bought. For those of you still looking try natural latex