Evaluate how well a Mattress meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a mattress and you've learned about the different features of mattresses. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of mattress - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the mattresses available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed mattresses to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Mattress meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available mattresses in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any mattresses that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any mattresses that clearly exceed your price limit.
The modern mattress offers a wealth of customizable options designed with your comfort in mind. You have the choice between the traditional innerspring, the newer foam and air options or a waterbed, just to name a few. The new mattress technology is quite exciting, but if you aren't careful, you will spend too much on features that aren't worth the price.
The key to finding a mattress that fits your needs is to think about what your needs are before you go shopping. How much money are you willing to spend on a mattress? Do you have any health concerns (like a bad back) that you need to take into account? Who is the mattress for? A married couple? A child? How much space do you have for the new mattress?
If you're on a budget, or buying a mattress for a child's bed, stick to innerspring mattresses. They are the standard, and are still quite popular. Innerspring mattresses have a nice give to them, and can be quite cushiony. If you are buying a mattress for a couple, consider the 'pocket spring' design. It minimizes movement, so if one person is restless, the other won't be disturbed.
Tip: There were many years when an innerspring was the only mainstream mattress option, which means many of us expect a bed to feel like an innerspring. This is an important point. If a bed doesn't feel “right,” you may have trouble sleeping on it.
If you have a bad back, a foam mattress may be a good alternative, because the foam supports the body evenly. Latex foam is good for allergy sufferers, because it resists dust mite infestation. It isn't recommended for a child's bed, as a foam mattress can be a bit harder to clean. In general, a good foam mattress will also last longer than an innerspring. This is a good thing, as they can be twice or three times as expensive as the old standard.
Air mattresses are another option to consider if you are buying a bed for two adults. Many of the newer models have two controls - this is good for couples who don't agree on how firm a bed should be. Many of these beds come with little dividers to keep the person who sleeps on a firmer setting (the bed is more inflated on this side) from rolling over and crowding the person on the softer setting.
In the end, the best mattress is the one that you can afford, and that feels the best to your body. Never buy a mattress you haven't spent a good ten to fifteen minutes laying in. The salespeople expect you to lie on the mattresses (just take off your shoes).
When you were considering your requirements in a mattress it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as spring or foam, size, comfort and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various mattresses meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Mattress Types
- Innerspring
- Foam (Polyurethane, Latex, Memory foam, etc.)
- Air Coil
- Water beds
- Adjustable (recline/incline)
Innerspring Mattress
- Springs
- Padding
- Insulation
- Ticking (outer layer)
Springs
- Hourglass - Refers to the shape of each individual spring. May become too firm over time
- Continuous coil - Compiled from one length of wire
- Pocket Springs - Unlike Hourglass or Continuous coil, pocket springs are individually packed in fabric, not attached to each other.
- Wire Gauge - A lower number equals a firmer bed. A good range of 12.75 (more firm) to 15 (less firm) works for most.
- Number of coils - more coils don't equal a better bed.
- Recommended coil minimums - Twin 300, Full 300, Queen 375, King 450.
Padding
- Middle layers use foam, though there may be polyester or other synthetics as well.
- Texture: Smooth or 'egg crate' shaped foam - 'Egg crate' foam is more comfortable than smooth foam.
Insulation
- Metal screen
- Plastic webbing
- Mixture of coco padding and matted fabric
Ticking (Outer Layer)
- Low end - foam backed vinyl
- Mid-rage - polyester
- High end - wool, silk, cashmere
- High end ticking isn't always worth the price, since you will never feel it (unless you don't sleep on sheets). A mid range product is more than adequate.
Other Considerations
- Pillow Top - an added layer of padding added to the top
- A feather bed or other type of pad can be bought separately
- The mattress may be treated for stain resistance
- The mattress may have a removable cover
- Foam (Latex, memory foam, etc.) pads are available for purchase
- Extra cushioning (i.e. a pillowtop) will wear out before the rest of the mattress. Buy a separate pad so you can change it when it wears out.
Foam Mattress
- Viscoelastic - most expensive, high end
- Latex - mid-range, durable
- Polyurethane - lower end, less durable, least expensive
- Memory Foam - the denser the better
Air Beds
- Air chambers act like springs
- Single or dual control
- Optional divider
Water Beds
- Waveless
- Water only, or water with a foam layer on top
Warranties
- 3 to 5 years, 10 to 20 years with limitations apply
- Most warranties are void if you don't buy a new box spring or base along with the mattress.
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your mattress needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a mattress.
Once you have finished evaluating the mattresses available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the mattresses one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Mattress compares with competing Mattresses
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of mattresses that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of mattresses that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which mattress on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these mattresses best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed mattresses has the best warranty?
Which mattress is the easiest to clean?
Which of the mattresses seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed mattress has the best comfort?
Which mattress do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating mattresses that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the mattress, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the mattress is put together. Check the assembly - is the mattress solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the mattress from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is the mattress prepared for cleaning and maintenance? Make sure the mattress fits your room - some mattresses look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits room
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as accidental damage.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Materials, Labor
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need bedding, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing furnishings?
- What else will you need to fully utilize this mattress?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of mattresses that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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