subject: Mattress Comparisons [print this page] Mattress Comparisons Mattress Comparisons
Recently we talked about "How to Choose the Right Mattress for your Back." (Link last blog post here) I was in the market for a new mattress myself and those were important things to consider when trying to figure which one will work best.
I tested at least ten different mattresses before choosing the product for me. Let's discuss a few of those here. Before we get to the brands, first we must discuss mattress type:
Mattress Type
(sample size)
Percent of owners indicating mattress
type is comfortable
Air
(1343)
80%
Innerspring
(2264)
61%
Latex
(485)
78%
Memory Foam
(4476)
81%
Futon
(605)
66%
Water
(253)
79%
The maximum margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points.
This data, as well as some of the data to follow comes from www.sleeplikethedead.com. This site has compiled a database of over 9,000 reviews from manufacturers' sites, consumer sites as well as from actual owners.
Air beds are not those blow up mattresses you use for the kids or guests. They are the main support in this style mattress and the firmness can be adjusted to personal preference. A dual-chambered bed allows each person to choose their own level of firmness. The main brands here are Sleep Number and Comfortaire.
Latex mattresses have independent cell construction that helps your partner sleep if you toss and turn a lot. These mattresses are extremely heavy and can trap your body temperature for a warm night.
Memory foam mattresses are made from just that, but you must be aware of the foam density. The characteristics of the bed are dictated by this.
Now let's see the results by brand. Each of these brands had a sample size of at least 80:
Mattress Brand
(type)
Percent of owners indicating
brand is comfortable
Aerus
(memory foam)
79%
Bergad / Isoform
(memory foam)
80%
Bodipedic
(memory foam)
82%
Bragada
(memory foam)
72%
Comfortaire
(airbed)
85%
Kingsdown
(innerspring)
60%
Night Therapy
(memory foam)
82%
Sealy Posturepedic
(innerspring)
65%
Sealy SpringFree
(latex)
73%
Select-a-Firmness
(memory foam)
80%
Serta
(innerspring)
62%
Simmons Beautyrest
(innerspring)
61%
Sleep Innov/Novaform
(memory foam)
78%
Sleep Number /
Select Comfort(airbed)
79%
Spa Sensations
(memory foam)
82%
Spring Air
(innerspring)
42%
Stearns & Foster
(innerspring)
59%
Tempur-Pedic
(memory foam)
80%
The maximum margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points.
Some of the mattresses I tested, such as the Heavenly Bed or the Stearns and Foster Memory Foam Mattress did not have a large enough sample size to make the above list.
Ultimately, I chose the Simmons Beautyrest Newberry extra firm mattress. I realized during this process that I do not like pillow top mattresses, but the plush on top of the very firm works for me.
Remember, there are many factors that go into picking a mattress and each is based on the individual. Think about which way you sleep, where the discomfort is, if any and what you are looking for. This is not something you should settle for. Proper rest is just as important as proper nutrition and exercise.
