Real Simple offers on-point, mattress-shopping advice

Article has useful tips for buying new bed

When consumer magazines advise their readers on buying a new mattress, the editors at Sleep Savvy often hold our breath as we read along: We’ve encountered too many articles that tell consumers foundations are a rip-off and that there’s little difference between mattress brands or technologies.

A “Real Simplifier” in the September issue of Real Simple does somewhat better. The magazine interviewed David Brogna, an assistant professor of home products development at the Fashion Institute of   Technology in New York. Sleep Savvy might quibble with some of the guidance Brogna offers (such as suggesting shoppers try to negotiate on price), but, for the most part, we agree with advice like this:

• On testing a mattress: “Lie down on the mattress for 10 minutes in the position you tend to favor. At some point, switch position, like from your back to your side. If this feels effortful—that is, you need to prop yourself up to change position—the mattress isn’t a good fit.”
• On price: “A good queen mattress starts at about $1,500. Expect to spend slightly more for a king and slightly less for a full.”
• On narrowing options: “Sample the three main varieties: a spring model, known for firm support; a foam mattress, known for surface-level comfort; and a hybrid that contains springs and foam.”
• On where to shop: “I would suggest doing a little research online, then going to a reputable store.”

And one of our favorite pieces of advice Brogna gave when answering the question, “What’s a mistake people make?”: “Not buying a new box spring with a new mattress that requires one. Most old box springs fail to support the construction of the latest mattresses properly. So spring for the new box spring. No pun intended.”