Mattress Buying Guide

We buy queen-size mattresses (60 inches wide x 80 inches long) to test because they’re the most commonly purchased size.

To check for support, we measure the spinal alignment of small-stature sleepers (shorter than 5-foot-3 and weighing less than 130 pounds) and large-stature sleepers (taller than 6-foot-2 or weighing more than 220 pounds) on their side and back (the most common sleep positions). We also perform calculations to provide data for average-sized sleepers.

As for firmness level, we don’t take a manufacturer’s word for it. Instead, we assess it ourselves, using an objective industry test standard that entails applying a load of up to 1,000 newtons (4.4 newtons equal a pound) to each mattress. We then plot the results on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Because a mattress, no matter how wonderful it seems at first, is worth it only if it lasts, we operate a machine that pushes and pulls a 300-plus-pound wood roller across the surface of the mattress 30,000 times. This simulates someone tossing and turning on it for eight to 10 years.

Finally, even though buying a mattress that’s right for you is a completely individual endeavor, it’s helpful to get a gauge on how others fared. That’s why we provide ratings for comfort and owner satisfaction for each brand of mattress and type. These scores are calculated from data from recent surveys on CR members’ experiences with almost 67,000 mattresses purchased within the past decade.

Mattresses come in a few sizes. Generally speaking, if you sleep with a partner, the larger the mattress size, the more comfortable you’ll feel. However, note that a larger mattress will require larger-sized bedding (including sheets and pillows)—and the additional costs associated with it as you maintain your bed going forward. Standard mattress sizes include:

• King, 76x80 inches
• California King, 72x84 inches
• Queen, 60x80 inches
• Full (or double), 53x75 inches
• Twin, 38x75 inches
• Twin XL, 38x80 inches

Among the many things that make choosing a mattress so difficult is that it’s hard to separate what’s marketing from what, in fact, matters. Here’s the lowdown.

Myth: Gel provides a cooler sleep.
Truth: Overall, our testing suggests that gel-infused foam beds actually did not sleep cooler than those without gel infusions. But the innerspring mattresses containing gel did—slightly. The reality is, a slab of foam inherently retains heat (though some may retain more heat than others, depending on how the mattress itself is made, and the design and type of foam). Innersprings, by definition, have coils, which allow more air to flow through. No mattress will actively cool you while you sleep, unless it’s equipped with a mechanical cooling device, as with the options included in our roundup of cooling mattress toppers.

Myth: The best mattress for back pain is a firm one.
Truth: The best mattress could be firm for some people but medium-firm or medium-soft for others. As we mentioned, firmness levels are subjective, so the only way to know whether a mattress will work for you is to lie on the mattress yourself. Does your spine feel aligned, or does it feel over-arched? The right mattress provides a nice balance of support and pressure relief, however, you might define that for yourself.

Myth: You need to spend a lot for a good mattress.
Truth: Not necessarily. Some mattresses cost a small fortune. We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses in our labs, including one model with a price tag of more than $6,000. But when you’re paying sky-high prices, you’re generally paying for nice-to-haves (say, an organic cotton cover), as opposed to the elements that directly affect back support or durability. In fact, our lab tests prove that price and quality don’t always align, and generally speaking, you can get a good-quality mattress for around $1,000. Plus, we found some great performers in our ratings of budget-friendly mattresses.

Myth: You must buy a boxspring with your mattress.
Truth: You might not need it. If your boxspring is still structurally sound, consider keeping it and saving roughly $150 to $300 for a queen. (However, do check the warranty—some brands require you to buy their boxspring to receive full coverage.) What’s more, many manufacturers recommend simply a platform base or a strong slatted-wood foundation.

Hovering salespeople. Confusing jargon. Products that all look the same. It’s understandable why many shoppers prefer to pick the most affordable mattress and call it a day. But if you know what you want and spend some time searching for it, you’re more likely to end up with a mattress you’ll look forward to falling into, night after night. Ready to shop? Keep the following strategies in mind:

Lie on the mattress. These days, even online mattresses can be tried in a store or at a showroom, so there’s little excuse. Whatever brand you’re shopping for, wear shoes you can easily slip on and off, and pants as opposed to a skirt—you’ll need to be able to lie comfortably on each mattress you’re interested in. Let the salesperson know you’d like some time and space, then spend 5 to 10 minutes on your side, back, and stomach, but particularly the position you usually sleep in. Check that your back doesn’t over-arch and that your pressure points feel comfortably cushioned. Roll to the edge (and sit on it) to make sure it offers decent edge support.

Figure out the right firmness level. You might think you want a firm or soft mattress, but different retailers might define those terms differently. For an apples-to-apples comparison, check out our comprehensive ratings, which provide a firmness value according to a standardized scale across brands. Try the model in a store, then compare it with those on the floor that are firmer and softer before you decide what’s, in fact, most comfortable for you.

Include your partner. If you sleep with a partner, it helps to try the mattress together. This way, you can make sure there’s ample room and sufficient motion isolation. And, of course, it makes sense for both of you to be equally happy with your purchase, too.

Understand the warranty. Most warranties range from 10 to 25 years and cover only manufacturing defects such as sagging or loose or broken coil wires. Body impressions typically need to be a minimum depth (such as an inch) to be covered, and coverage is frequently prorated, meaning that it decreases over time. Sometimes, specific guidelines need to be followed in order for the mattress to qualify, such as use of a particular kind of boxspring or bed frame.

Look for generous trial periods and return policies. This is especially important if you’re shopping for mattresses online and can’t try the mattress before buying. Look for options with generous policies, both in terms of the length of the trial period and the amount of money refunded if you decided to return it. So-called comfort guarantees typically range from a couple of weeks to a year. Ideally, you’ll want a seller that will offer a full refund or credit toward another mattress. But some retailers charge a 15 percent restocking fee. A few might provide free pick up, but otherwise, you’ll have to pay for that service—or cart the mattress to the store yourself.

Consider a green certification, if you’re sensitive to chemicals. If you want to buy a mattress that has low or no VOCs (chemicals from solvents used in mattress manufacturing), the best label to look for is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), a certification that ensures a mattress is made of 95 percent organic material and that no chemical flame retardants or polyurethane were used in its manufacture. For latex mattresses, the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) ensures that the latex used is 95 percent organic and that no chemical flame retardants or polyurethane were used. You can read more about mattress certifications in our guide to organic mattress labels.

Avoid paying full price. Every mattress is bound to go on sale. Be patient, and you’re likely to save as much as a few hundred dollars. That’s because huge markups allow sellers to lower prices by 50 percent or more during their frequent sales. And whether it’s on sale or not, try to negotiate the price down. Warehouse clubs tend to have fixed prices and won’t budge, but many retailers—particularly specialty chains and even web-based sellers—might. (Check out our haggling tips, plus additional ways to save online.)

Do your due diligence on delivery day. Never accept delivery without inspecting the mattress (and the boxspring, if you buy one) for stains and other damage. Also, make sure the mattress has a label that states “all-new material” before you send the driver on his way. (If it’s not there, refuse delivery.) Keep the label on afterward in case you have to file a warranty claim in the future. If you bought a mattress-in-a-box, inspect the mattress as soon as you unroll it, and call customer service immediately if something appears to be wrong. Take photos in case the customer service representative asks for proof of the damage.