If your mattress is at least eight years old and you wake up with aches and pains, it might be time for a new one. But shopping for a mattress is no easy task. Be ready to be weary. That's because, in most cases, no two stores carry the same mattress, making comparison shopping virtually impossible.
"You're going to hear all kinds of hype. You'll hear about fancy fabrics, you'll hear about coil count and the number of springs, and you'll hear about thick luxurious padding. But it really doesn't matter," Tod Marks of Consumer Reports said.
So what's the difference between a two-thousand dollar mattress and a one-thousand dollar one? Not much, according to Consumer Reports.
Testers cut through queen-size innerspring mattresses from Sealy, Serta, and Simmons.
All were well constructed with few differences.
Next, Consumer Reports had 54 panelists try out 14 mattresses with inner springs, as well as memory foam and an adjustable-air mattress.
Panelists did a 15-minute "rest test," spending five minutes on their back, their side and their stomach.
"All the panelists felt that all the mattresses were at least moderately comfortable. But every mattress, regardless of price, regardless of type, had its supporters and detractors," said Marks.
Bottom line: Comfort is a personal preference. That's why Consumer Reports does not rate mattresses.
So you always want to be sure to try out a mattress, spending at least 15 minutes in several sleep positions. And once you find the one you like, watch for a sale or start haggling.
Markups on national advertised mattresses can be huge, so Consumer Reports recommends you aim for 50 per cent off the list price.
When you're shopping for a mattress, start at the low end of the price scale and work your way up. That way you won't overspend. Also make sure you understand the return policy, All stores are a little bit different.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen.
