Consumer advocates do not really rate or review mattresses because they can rarely get a consensus on what really makes the difference between an excellent mattress and a good or fair mattress. It certainly is not price. What really matters is how comfortable it feels to you.
So it may be best to forget coil counts, thread counts, latex foam, memory foam as well as everything else you hear about certain mattresses. However, you may want a
tight weave on the mattress so it does not unravel easy with years of wear and tear
but this may not be worth paying a higher cost for the mattress. Regardless, too often what you hear about mattresses may just be marketing “hype” or exaggeration as there are no objective standards of excellence for comfort and quality.
Excluding the cheapest mattresses, all mattresses should last around eight to ten years so when purchasing a mattress allow yourself about 15 minutes for testing out each one you like by taking the comfort test. Take your shoes off and test it out in all positions that you sleep in. Remember, innerspring mattresses may possibly keep you cooler while you sleep compared to foam mattresses.
Do not hesitate to haggle for a price. Many mattresses may have a 50% mark up in price so there may be lots of room to get a lower price but you have to ask for it and do not be afraid to walk away if you do not get the price you can afford to pay. There are lots of mattress sellers in the marketplace and some may be more willing than others to lower a price to meet your budget.
Furthermore, do not be afraid to ask for “freebies” like free sheets, free box springs, free foundation even free delivery, as well as free pick up and discarding your old mattress. There may even be times of day or days of the week that you can get less costly delivery prices, so do not hesitate to ask.
Also, always ask for a comfort guarantee. This means if you get it home and you do not like it, how long do you have to bring it back for a trade-in or refund?
SUPPLEMENTAL SOURCE: AOL NEWS / SAVINGS EXPERIMENT AUGUST 2, 2011