Expert Tips on Buying a Mattress
Patricia Hudak
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Getting ready to move out of your dorm? Well, remember that you can't take the furniture with you...not that you'd really want to anyway. So, now you have to get your own things, including the all important matress. I know that you feel that you can continue to pull all nighters, but trust me, 9-to-5 day can feel like forever if you don't get enough sleep. Below are a few items to keep in mind when buying a matress:
Take a test-drive. Don't just sit on the mattress -- lie down for at least 10 to 15 minutes. And be sure to toss and turn, says Alan Hedge, professor of ergonomics at Cornell University and contributor to Spine-health.com.
Stick to your budget. "Consumer Reports" says all but the cheapest mattresses support you and hold up just fine. "Expect the list price to be at least $800 for a queen-size bed," Marks says.
Compare, negotiate. "Take notes on the mattress you like [coil count, surface padding, price]," and ask retailers for their best price, says Craig Welch, president of What's the Best, a company that posts online buying guides.
Verify the guarantee. Most retailers allow you to try a mattress at home for 30 to 90 days, but read the fine print, Welch says.
-- Frappa Stout, USA Weekend Magazine
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