A new mattress is not as easy as buying a car. A car is not something you buy just for its looks. It is likely that you would do extensive research on the model and take it for a test-drive. Mattresses should be treated in the same way. The mattress is kept for the same amount of time as the car, and you use it as often. Yet, you are expected to purchase a mattress in organic mattress store without ever taking it for a test drive. It can be difficult to find the right mattress for you. We have compiled the most recent information to assist you in making an informed choice. This is your mattress test drive.
Consumer Report Mattress Drive
Consumer Report Magazine took 11 firm mattresses from Simmons, Sealy, and Serta along with adjustable air mattresses made by Select Comfort and memory foam mattresses made by Tempur-Pedic. The mattresses were tested blindly by 54 employees. According to staff preferences, the results were very static. They found that mattresses could not be rated using the same rating system as televisions, appliances, or cars.
One thing that is important to remember about consumer reports mattress reviews is that the insides of any given brand of mattress were almost identical. Although the prices varied, the mattress designs were the same. They all had the same foundation and box spring. There were slight differences in the stitching and the outer fabric and padding. The number of coils in the mattress increased with increasing prices. Consumer Reports discovered that even models with the smallest number of coils are perfectly adequate.
Consumer Reports Ratings of Mattress Brands
Tempur-Pedic received a reader score 83. 60% of respondents said they would purchase it again. Customers who scored 80 or more were considered very satisfied. Original Mattress Factory was 81/52%. Select Comfort scored 80/57%. Denver Mattress came next with a score 78/43%. Customers who scored over 60 had high satisfaction scores. Simmons received a score of 76, with 39% saying that they would purchase a Simmons mattress again. With reader scores of 74, Serta and Kingsdown were next. Kingsdown had a higher percentage of 34%, while Serta had 31% who would buy again. Sealy came next with a reader score 73 and 32% consumers saying they would buy again.
The bottom line
Choose a model that falls within your budget without being too expensive. Do not be deceived by huge price differences. Keep in mind that the higher prices mean that you are paying more for coils you don't use and more fabric that isn't covered by your sheets. Memory foam can feel too warm and can smell like chemicals. Avoid mattresses that are too cheap. They can be so thin you can feel the springs in the padding. Avoid inflatable air beds. These inflatable air beds can be noisy, complicated, and more difficult to use than traditional mattresses. Latex foam mattresses are a great choice as they last for a long time (20 years or more), and are bio-degradable. Sealy, Simmons, and Serta were all well-respected in Consumer Reports’ top brands list. They all offer latex foam mattresses.
Last Thoughts on Mattresses
I believe in getting the best products at the right price. Cheap is not always a bargain, and expensive products aren't always the best quality. My mattress research included customer reviews, expert advice, and consumer opinions. This combination of information led me to believe that a Simmons Latex-Foam Mattress is the best. Simmons mattresses are rated highly in customer satisfaction. Expert and author Barbara Flanagan, Flanagan's Smart Home recommended the latex-foam mattress over all other types.