Hi All We are going to purchase a new mattress, and don't know how to begin, with so many types of them out there. What determines a good mattress? What is a good price range for quality? Any ideas would be appreciated Thanks!
Posts: 10 | Location: Edmonton, AB Canada | Registered: 01-31-04
Since that is the site of the American Innerspring Manufacturers association, there are a couple of points I think should be added.
A latex foam mattress (no innersprings at all) may be the most comfortable and the most healthful for you. Tests have shown that latex reduces pressure on critical pressure points of the body. The idea is that your body settles farther into the sleep surface which spreads your weight over a larger area. I suggest you put one of those on your list to try.
Also, innersprings are all about 5.5" tall. (One company manufactures about 95% of all innersprings used in mattress manufacturing.) So if you're looking at one of those high-profile mattresses that measures 15" to 18" thick, just remember that the additional height is all fill materials. And these fill materials will eventually compress (known as "taking a set" in the industry) and leave you with a body impression on your mattress. They look and feel great when new, but that feel changes much more rapidly than with an 8" or 9" mattress. In any case, be sure to have the sales person explain to you what fill materials are used in any mattress.
And lastly, almost any mattress manufacturer can deny a warranty claim due to the way the warranties are written. The company I worked for granted less than 2% return of goods sold to warranty claims and then only to maintain "good will".
And I will add emphasis to AIM's statement about the term of the warranty. Durability testing has proven that most any innerspring mattress is "worn out" after no more than ten years.
