Comments on: HOWTO Purchase a Bed (Mattress and Box Spring) http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/ A premiere personal finance blog, established 2003. Within, Flexo discusses his own experiences with money, and he and other authors comment on a wide range of personal finance topics. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:42:00 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Dennis http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-7141 Dennis Tue, 23 May 2006 18:33:14 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-7141 You've made a few mistakes, and as someone whose brother was once in the business I feel confident in commenting. Firstly, you CAN comparision shop. The "class" of the mattresses can be compared between vendors, and then you can use the coil-counts to match them up. There aren't that many models so you can usually compare between the major vendors. They do use different pillow-tops to make it more difficult. One sure rule of thumb; whatever sleepy's "Best price", you can get it for 20% less. I've found the best place to get stuff is at a discount furniture store that also sells major brand mattresses. I'm from NY (where sleepy's has sucked up all of the competition), but in FL there is "mattress warehouse" and "mattress mall", both sleepys-like in the way they are run and operate. Both quoted me in the $600-$700 range for a high-end Beautyrest mattress only. I found the same mattress with a superior pillowtop in city furniture for $499, no haggling required. They get $40. for delivery but if you buy a few other things its next to nothing. Its a 10 year purchase so the $150. you can save isn't much per year, so its not worth fretting over, but you never get a deal at sleepy's; their entire strategy is convincing you that they are giving you a deal. You’ve made a few mistakes, and as someone whose brother was once in the business I feel confident in commenting. Firstly, you CAN comparision shop. The “class” of the mattresses can be compared between vendors, and then you can use the coil-counts to match them up. There aren’t that many models so you can usually compare between the major vendors. They do use different pillow-tops to make it more difficult. One sure rule of thumb; whatever sleepy’s “Best price”, you can get it for 20% less. I’ve found the best place to get stuff is at a discount furniture store that also sells major brand mattresses. I’m from NY (where sleepy’s has sucked up all of the competition), but in FL there is “mattress warehouse” and “mattress mall”, both sleepys-like in the way they are run and operate. Both quoted me in the $600-$700 range for a high-end Beautyrest mattress only. I found the same mattress with a superior pillowtop in city furniture for $499, no haggling required. They get $40. for delivery but if you buy a few other things its next to nothing. Its a 10 year purchase so the $150. you can save isn’t much per year, so its not worth fretting over, but you never get a deal at sleepy’s; their entire strategy is convincing you that they are giving you a deal.

]]> By: Michael http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1021 Michael Mon, 06 Mar 2006 07:57:51 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1021 We have friends in Europe and what they do there is interesting. Many have two extra-long twin beds side by side. This equals the size of a King bed but because each person is essentially on their own bed, tossing and turning isn't transferred to the other sleeper. You also get the benefit of cheaper sheets and over there (Europe) they use two seperate down comforters instead of a top sheet. It's really the way to go I think. Easy to make the bed in the morning. the only downside is that two twins is more expensive than a single King. But the benefit of not being rattled and rolled because of a tossing and turning neighbor outweighs the cost difference. We have friends in Europe and what they do there is interesting. Many have two extra-long twin beds side by side. This equals the size of a King bed but because each person is essentially on their own bed, tossing and turning isn’t transferred to the other sleeper. You also get the benefit of cheaper sheets and over there (Europe) they use two seperate down comforters instead of a top sheet. It’s really the way to go I think. Easy to make the bed in the morning. the only downside is that two twins is more expensive than a single King. But the benefit of not being rattled and rolled because of a tossing and turning neighbor outweighs the cost difference.

]]> By: BoarderX http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1020 BoarderX Fri, 09 Dec 2005 07:04:48 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1020 Well, you never said how and if the mattress is better than your old one!? Do you sleep better? When my wife and I got married we decided to buy a king size - mostly because our bedroom was so big that a queen would look out of place. We both had slept on small twin size beds all of our life. Boy, once you go king you'll never go back! It's quite a luxury to be able to spread out and not worry about hitting the other person. It's totallly worth what we paid (I think it is anyway)! Hope you like the new bed... Well, you never said how and if the mattress is better than your old one!? Do you sleep better?

When my wife and I got married we decided to buy a king size – mostly because our bedroom was so big that a queen would look out of place. We both had slept on small twin size beds all of our life. Boy, once you go king you’ll never go back! It’s quite a luxury to be able to spread out and not worry about hitting the other person. It’s totallly worth what we paid (I think it is anyway)!

Hope you like the new bed…

]]> By: Ankit http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1019 Ankit Mon, 17 Oct 2005 16:29:14 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1019 My wife and I bought a traditional mattress set (full size, $1000) about 3 years ago from Raymour and Flannagan. It was good for a couple of month but after that we woke up with back pains every morning and everytime I moved or turned in the bed, my wife woke up because my movements transferred over to her side too. One year later, we bought an 8" thick memory foam mattress with memory foam pillows (full size, $650) and now we can't sleep on any other bed except for ours. Memory foam is new but is excellent and worthwhile the investment. You just have to know that the density of the foam and then the thickness of the mattress are paramount over everything else, no matter what the salesmen will try to tell you. Also, you don't have to buy a Tempur-Pedic while paying a premium for it. I got mine online from a San Francisco retailer. Also, if you do decide to try it out, make sure the mattress is at least 9" thick. The comfort level in these in unbelievable. My wife and I bought a traditional mattress set (full size, $1000) about 3 years ago from Raymour and Flannagan. It was good for a couple of month but after that we woke up with back pains every morning and everytime I moved or turned in the bed, my wife woke up because my movements transferred over to her side too. One year later, we bought an 8″ thick memory foam mattress with memory foam pillows (full size, $650) and now we can’t sleep on any other bed except for ours. Memory foam is new but is excellent and worthwhile the investment. You just have to know that the density of the foam and then the thickness of the mattress are paramount over everything else, no matter what the salesmen will try to tell you. Also, you don’t have to buy a Tempur-Pedic while paying a premium for it. I got mine online from a San Francisco retailer. Also, if you do decide to try it out, make sure the mattress is at least 9″ thick. The comfort level in these in unbelievable.

]]> By: Marcus http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1018 Marcus Mon, 17 Oct 2005 16:19:19 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1018 I should've thought to post the "poor man's bar" for a queen-sized mattress: A stack of books underneath the middle of the bar that runs across the frame will do the exact same thing (and save you the $30 a retailer may charge for the frame (wholesale: $15)). Regarding length of life for a mattress, it's not uncommon for a good mattress to last 10 years, thought a lot is determined by size of the user. But I've seen expensive mattresses give out in only five, too. The absolute longest-life mattresses are latex foam (NOTE: this is NOT the new trendy visco foam). Latex has been around for a very long time and is expensive ($1000-$2000 per set), but it lasts forever and doesn't break down at all. When I was in the mattress industry, I replaced a few that the people had owned for 20 years, where they had actually worn through the cover. I should’ve thought to post the “poor man’s bar” for a queen-sized mattress: A stack of books underneath the middle of the bar that runs across the frame will do the exact same thing (and save you the $30 a retailer may charge for the frame (wholesale: $15)).

Regarding length of life for a mattress, it’s not uncommon for a good mattress to last 10 years, thought a lot is determined by size of the user. But I’ve seen expensive mattresses give out in only five, too.

The absolute longest-life mattresses are latex foam (NOTE: this is NOT the new trendy visco foam). Latex has been around for a very long time and is expensive ($1000-$2000 per set), but it lasts forever and doesn’t break down at all. When I was in the mattress industry, I replaced a few that the people had owned for 20 years, where they had actually worn through the cover.

]]> By: Flexo http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1017 Flexo Sun, 16 Oct 2005 08:50:18 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1017 Most of the references I have found quote about eight to ten years for the life of a mattress, plus extra life if the mattress is well cared for and not overused. 5 to 6 years is definitely low, according to the research. Here are two examples of differing opinions: * <a href="http://www.bettersleep.org/OnBetterSleep/when_to_replace.asp" rel="nofollow">The Better Sleep Council</a> (many sources seem to quote them) * <a href="http://www.us-mattress.com/sertamattress1.html" rel="nofollow">Serta's "Comfort Life" table</a> (I would guess that this is probably a low estimate considering the source) <i>Some</i> newer mattresses -- ones you couldn't buy 7 years ago -- also have better construction, leading to a longer life. But I would say it all depends on the comfort level of the individual(s) using the mattress. Something "still perfectly fine" to one person could be unbearable to another... Most of the references I have found quote about eight to ten years for the life of a mattress, plus extra life if the mattress is well cared for and not overused. 5 to 6 years is definitely low, according to the research. Here are two examples of differing opinions:

* The Better Sleep Council (many sources seem to quote them)
* Serta’s “Comfort Life” table (I would guess that this is probably a low estimate considering the source)

Some newer mattresses — ones you couldn’t buy 7 years ago — also have better construction, leading to a longer life. But I would say it all depends on the comfort level of the individual(s) using the mattress. Something “still perfectly fine” to one person could be unbearable to another…

]]> By: PP http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1016 PP Sat, 15 Oct 2005 21:42:00 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1016 Where do you get the idea that a mattress lasts 10-15 years? In my experience, they tend to give out after about 5-6 years. If you try to get 10-15 years out of them, the last 7-8 years will be some mighty poor sleeping. My wife and I shelled out around $1000 for a premium queen-size mattress/box springs 7 years ago, and we now desperately need a new one. We're also pretty good about rotating it as well. Where do you get the idea that a mattress lasts 10-15 years? In my experience, they tend to give out after about 5-6 years. If you try to get 10-15 years out of them, the last 7-8 years will be some mighty poor sleeping. My wife and I shelled out around $1000 for a premium queen-size mattress/box springs 7 years ago, and we now desperately need a new one. We’re also pretty good about rotating it as well.

]]> By: Flexo http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1015 Flexo Fri, 14 Oct 2005 23:59:43 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1015 An engineer can probably explain this better than I can, but the middle bar provides more support directly for the box spring. It will help distribute stress evenly. Without one, over time, the box spring (and mattress) will sag. The sag is caused by the most stress being in the middle of the bed while the support is only around the edges. In fact, my old full size set was doing just that, which probably added to my discomfort. You can probably get by for a while without the bar, but I wouldn't count on the mattress lasting as long. Of course, the salesman told me that a new frame with a steel bar was absolutely necessary. He threw a new frame in "for free" (that is, included in the price of the set). An engineer can probably explain this better than I can, but the middle bar provides more support directly for the box spring. It will help distribute stress evenly. Without one, over time, the box spring (and mattress) will sag. The sag is caused by the most stress being in the middle of the bed while the support is only around the edges.

In fact, my old full size set was doing just that, which probably added to my discomfort. You can probably get by for a while without the bar, but I wouldn’t count on the mattress lasting as long.

Of course, the salesman told me that a new frame with a steel bar was absolutely necessary. He threw a new frame in “for free” (that is, included in the price of the set).

]]> By: My Boaz's Ruth http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1014 My Boaz's Ruth Fri, 14 Oct 2005 23:26:47 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1014 ... You need a bar for a queen mattress? I had a full before I got married, and got the queen because my husband is taller than I expected, being glad that the steel frame opened up to queen size. and I haven't had any problems. What happens without that bar? …
You need a bar for a queen mattress? I had a full before I got married, and got the queen because my husband is taller than I expected, being glad that the steel frame opened up to queen size. and I haven’t had any problems. What happens without that bar?

]]> By: Caitlin http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1013 Caitlin Wed, 12 Oct 2005 03:06:42 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1013 Good write-up Flexo...wish I had it a year ago when shopping for my mattress. I just didn't even know to try to haggle the price...my mattress was nearly $1500(!!!) when all totaled up so I am sure there was some room in that price. I really noticed a difference between trying out a mattress for a couple of minutes...and lying on one for at least five. The cheaper mattresses (which I had targeted for purchase) started getting uncomfy after minute five, but seemed fine up to then. As ridiculous as the price our our mattress sounds...I have not regretted it at all. Had been using a very bad old mattress for a while and had even tried topping it with an ikea mattress topper AND a plush mattress pad (that helped for maybe a month or so) and we were both waking to daily backaches (fixed by the new mattress right away). I feel a little like princess and the pea ;) but hot damn do we love our mattress. Just wish i had haggled!!!! Good write-up Flexo…wish I had it a year ago when shopping for my mattress. I just didn’t even know to try to haggle the price…my mattress was nearly $1500(!!!) when all totaled up so I am sure there was some room in that price. I really noticed a difference between trying out a mattress for a couple of minutes…and lying on one for at least five. The cheaper mattresses (which I had targeted for purchase) started getting uncomfy after minute five, but seemed fine up to then. As ridiculous as the price our our mattress sounds…I have not regretted it at all. Had been using a very bad old mattress for a while and had even tried topping it with an ikea mattress topper AND a plush mattress pad (that helped for maybe a month or so) and we were both waking to daily backaches (fixed by the new mattress right away). I feel a little like princess and the pea ;) but hot damn do we love our mattress. Just wish i had haggled!!!!

]]> By: Flexo http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1012 Flexo Wed, 12 Oct 2005 02:07:31 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1012 Thanks for that link, mara. For a while, I was considering just buying a cheap egg-crate topper for the old mattress we ended up replacing. I used those in college on occasion... but it's definitely not a long term solution. Thanks for that link, mara. For a while, I was considering just buying a cheap egg-crate topper for the old mattress we ended up replacing. I used those in college on occasion… but it’s definitely not a long term solution.

]]> By: mara http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1011 mara Wed, 12 Oct 2005 01:56:00 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1011 Great advice! I am very suspicious of mattress salespeople, just from my own experiences. 2 years ago I decided to buy an inner-spring futon mattress, and from shopping around at various stores, the *exact same product* ranged from $240-$500. I bought the $240 version, and I expect it to last for about 5 years. Now being over 2 years into it (and I don't flip the futon every week as the tag suggests) I recently bought a memory foam mattress topper at Costco, which vastly improved the cushiness! <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/stories/980923d.cfm" rel="nofollow">Dollar Stretcher</a> has an interesting "insider perspective" on mattress-buying, by the way. Great advice! I am very suspicious of mattress salespeople, just from my own experiences. 2 years ago I decided to buy an inner-spring futon mattress, and from shopping around at various stores, the *exact same product* ranged from $240-$500. I bought the $240 version, and I expect it to last for about 5 years. Now being over 2 years into it (and I don’t flip the futon every week as the tag suggests) I recently bought a memory foam mattress topper at Costco, which vastly improved the cushiness! Dollar Stretcher has an interesting “insider perspective” on mattress-buying, by the way.

]]> By: Marcus http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2005/10/11/howto-purchase-a-bed-mattress-and-box-spring/#comment-1010 Marcus Wed, 12 Oct 2005 00:35:24 +0000 http://wp.consumerismcommentary.com/?p=557#comment-1010 Well done, Flexo! A couple comments: Not all manufacturers void warranties if you don't use their boxsprings, but many do. A queen-sized bed is always a worthwhile investment over a full-sized. However, queen-sized beds DO require a frame with a center leg support. Fulls don't. They're cheap, but make sure you have it! Your comments about the private labeling of mattresses are 100% accurate. Shop features, not names. You didn't mention anything about the current trendy products - swedish foam and/or air beds. I'm not a fan of them myself, and think "traditional" is the way to go. Sounds like a great purchase! Well done, Flexo! A couple comments:

Not all manufacturers void warranties if you don’t use their boxsprings, but many do.

A queen-sized bed is always a worthwhile investment over a full-sized. However, queen-sized beds DO require a frame with a center leg support. Fulls don’t. They’re cheap, but make sure you have it!
Your comments about the private labeling of mattresses are 100% accurate. Shop features, not names.

You didn’t mention anything about the current trendy products – swedish foam and/or air beds. I’m not a fan of them myself, and think “traditional” is the way to go.

Sounds like a great purchase!

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