When you buy a new mattress, a bad decision can literally keep you awake nights.
And the industry doesn’t make it easy to sort the good models from the so-so from the downright awful. With their flowery and pseudo-scientific language, manufacturers’ marketing messages are crafted to persuade you that the bridge between you and a great night’s sleep is only a few thousand bucks. For instance, Serta’s $1,100 (queen size) Fitzpatrick Pillow Top is claimed to deliver “excellent body-hugging conformability to each sleep partner.’’
To help you shop wisely, Consumer Reports suggests that you arm yourself with these tips:
Start in the back of the store. Stores usually keep the priciest models in front. So head to the back, and if you don’t find anything you like, work your way toward the front of the store, and up in cost.
Be hip to bait and switch. When you ask for a particular mattress, such as one featured in one of those alluring ads, you’ll often be told it was replaced by another the store just happens to have that’s “exactly the same.’’ Don’t believe it; the ad was meant to get you into the store. Also, many model names you see at major retailers such as Macy’s, Sears, and Sleepy’s are exclusive to them — so you won’t be able to comparison shop.
Expect the hard sell. Sales reps can get incentives for pushing certain models. Extras such as mattress protectors might also add to commissions, so you might hear claims that using one is a condition of the warranty. It’s not.
Take your time. Comfort is an individual decision. So make sure you lie on the mattress for 10 to 15 minutes, spending time on each side, on your back, and on your stomach if that’s how you sleep. (Consumer Reports suggests bringing your own pillow.) In a survey of subscribers, about 80 percent of those who took the time to do that said they were satisfied with their purchase. But you usually can’t do that in warehouse clubs or with online retailers, so make sure the return policy lets you send it back if it doesn’t satisfy.
Consider keeping your box spring. If you’re switching from an innerspring to a foam or air bed, you might need a new foundation with no springs. Otherwise, if the box spring you have isn’t sagging or damaged, it should suffice — and save you money. (Though mattresses and box springs are usually sold in pairs, you can opt to buy them singly; box springs alone usually cost $150 to $300.)
Haggle. Some businesses, such as warehouse clubs, won’t budge on price. But when shopping at specialty chains and other stores, be sure to negotiate. Markups are huge — that’s why retailers can lower prices by 50 percent or more during their frequent sales. So even if there’s no sale, insist on a “sale’’ price. No deal? Start to walk out. Chances are, you won’t get far before the sales rep gives in.
Check the terms. Most companies will let you sleep on a mattress for anywhere from two weeks to 120 days before deciding to return or exchange it, but be sure to get the policy in writing. If you do return a mattress, you might pay a 15 to 25 percent restocking fee.
