Consumer Reports Puts Mattresses To The Test
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - We all love a good night's sleep and a good mattress can help.
A new survey by Consumer Reports found about one in five people wished they'd bought a different mattress.
Consumer Reports just-released test results that can help you cut through the barrage of mattress ads.
A mattress can be one of the hardest things to buy. So, Consumer Reports tested a dozen queen-size foam and innerspring mattresses, ranging in price from less than $500 to nearly $2,000.
"Important test. We map the natural curve of the spine for a range of people," Chris Regan with Consumer Reports said.
Then, testers record how well each mattress maintains that curve when sleeping on your back. Testers also check how well your body is supported when sleeping on your side.
In another test, an increasing amount of weight is applied to the mattress to check for firmness. Many of the mattresses tested aren't as firm as they claim.
Another test checked for durability by rolling a heavy weight over each mattress 30,000 times.
Consumer Reports also cut open the mattresses to inspect the construction. It turns out you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great mattress.
"Higher-priced frills like additional coils or fancier fabrics really don't guarantee a better mattress," Regan said.
Consumer Reports named three queen-size mattresses as Best Buys that cost under $1,000:
For innersprings the Simmons Glover Park from Sears for $780 and the Serta Perfect Sleeper from Macy's for $835.
For foam mattresses, the Novaform Serafina from Costco costs $900.
Consumer Reports said its ratings are a place to start, but it's best to try out a mattress in the store.
If you can't do that, check the return policy carefully and make sure there are no restocking fees.
While you can't try out the Costco mattress, you can return it for free if you don't like it, and there is no charge for pickup.
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