After reading this, you will be armed with the necessary information to make an informed decision and find the bed of your dreams. The one thing we can't do is tell you precisely what bed that is. In general, all but the cheapest mattresses are likely to be sturdy. One honest retailer told us that no brand is less trouble prone than another. Industrywide, less than 1 percent of mattresses are returned for warranty failures such as broken springs. Furthermore, comfort is subjective and one man's dream is another woman's nightmare.
Current mattresses are almost twice as thick as they were a decade ago - up to 20 inches. They're also heavier, but most have cushioning on the top only, so manufacturers no longer suggest you flip them. Among major brands, only Serta continues to make some two-sided mattresses.
It would seem that a bed with one sleep surface would last half as long. But manufacturers and others in the industry contend that quality has risen enough to balance the effect. Mattress makers are using more foam and less polyester fiber, which tends to pack down. Other real improvements include stain resistance. Serta's top-of-the-line Perfect Sleeper, for example, has stainproof yarns (it's the model with "Marquésa" technology). Simmons' stain-resistant Health-Smart mattress has a Teflon-coated, zippered top pad that is machine washable.
Prices are also inching higher. Rising material costs are one reason for the hike, as are plush fabrics such as fancy damask, jersey knit, microsuede, wool, cashmere, and silk.
On the next page we will counter some common myths about mattresses. Then we will move on to discuss the features you should look for when you are about to invest in a good night's sleep.