While many said they'd purchase the same one, many others would not. It turns out that two of the biggest names came out low in Consumer Reports' poll—Stearns and Foster and Spring Air. But more than 60 percent of those who had trouble sleeping said that a Tempur-Pedic or Select Comfort mattress improved their sleep, and they'd buy one again.
Key to getting a mattress is an in-store tryout. Seventy-two percent of those polled who spent at least 10 minutes trying out a mattress were very happy with their choice.
Consumer Reports' advice: Store-test a mattress by lying on your stomach for 5 minutes, then lie on your side for 5 minutes, and then 5 minutes on your back. Don't be embarrassed. The retailers expect people to do this.
Unfortunately, Consumer Reports says that a mattress is one of the most difficult consumer products to buy, because mattress names differ from store to store and mattress prices are really all over the place.
Haggling is a great thing to do when you're buying a mattress, just as it is when you're buying a car. Of those Consumer Reports surveyed, 72 percent of those who tried to get a better deal were richly rewarded.
And in case you don't like the mattress once you get it home, always check the return policy, including shipping fees, before you buy. And be aware that mattress sales are frequent and can be big money savers.
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