7 On Your Side: Consumer Reports looks at the best mattresses for less

Friday, April 8, 2016

7 On Your Side: Mattresses can be very expensive. Most cost well above $1,000 and many sell for much more. Consumer Reports has tested more than 60 and can tell you how much you need to spend to get a decent one.

Mattresses can be very expensive. Most cost well over $1,000 and many sell for much more. Consumer Reports has tested more than 60 and can tell you how much you need to spend to get a decent one.

Consumer Reports performs all sorts of tests to check whether a mattress is worth the money.

"We've tested mattresses that cost as little as $250 for a queen-sized mattress and others that cost nearly $8,000. Neither of them did particularly well in our tests," said Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, Consumer Reports home editor.

One test simulates eight years of use to see how well a mattress holds its shape and firmness. Testers also check how well a mattress will support your spine, whether you sleep on your side or your back. And another test measures how much vibration is transmitted across a mattress, in case you have a restless sleeping partner.

"We've found that price isn't a particularly good indicator of how supportive or durable a mattress will be. In fact, our tests have turned up plenty of fine mattresses that cost $1,000, or less," Kuperszmid Lehrman said.

After that, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. For a medium-firm innerspring mattress, Consumer Reports recommends the Sealy Posturepedic Plus Deveraux for about $1,000.

"It's very durable and a very good option for back sleepers," Kuperszmid Lehrman said.

If you want a memory-foam mattress, there are many good choices for less. Mattresses from the online companies Casper, Leesa, and Tuft and Needle have consistently made Consumer Reports' recommended lists.

The latest inexpensive mattress to make the cut is from Costco, the Novaform Comfort Grande for $600.

"It's not as supportive as some of our more highly-rated mattresses, but it's durable and offers a medium firmness," Kuperszmid Lehrman said.

If you prefer a softer mattress and have a bigger budget, Consumer Reports recommends the Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Kelburn for about $1,300. It's one of few mattresses Consumer Reports tested that scores excellent for movement across the mattress. So, it's a good choice if you've got a partner that tosses and turns.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.