How to Purchase a Bed Mattress and Box Spring

Set a budget for how much you are willing to spend on a mattress. Mattresses can sometimes be found on sale for less than $500, with the lower range of prices usually falling between $500 and $1,000. Luxury mattresses, however, can reach $2,000, and ultraluxury mattresses can surpass $2,000. The higher price often means that the mattress has more coils or a thicker padding on top.

Look for a mattress that is the right size for your needs. Twin mattresses are the smallest size and are best for a single person who does not move a lot while sleeping. Full or double mattresses are the next size up and work well for single people who need more space to move while sleeping. Couples should choose at least a queen size, as should people who are over 6 feet tall. For plenty of space, purchase a king size mattress, which is the largest standard size.

Research the different sizes of box springs that are available with each mattress you're considering. Typically, box springs can be between 6 to 9 inches high. What you choose will depend on how high up you ultimately want your mattress to be. The box springs have little to do with sleeping comfort, and according to Consumer Reports, the main reason for new box springs should be fitting the size of your new mattress or replacing old box springs that are falling apart.

Ask about split box springs if you will need to maneuver it in tight spaces, such as a stairway, to get it into your bedroom. Box springs, unlike mattresses, offer no flexibility. They are completely rigid and may be difficult to move. Split box springs comes in two pieces, making the installation process much simpler.

Pay attention to the thickness of the padding. A thin layer of padding may save you money and work just as well at first, but as it wears out, you could begin to feel coils poking through while you sleep.

Locate the coil count for each mattress. A high coil count, which can exceed a thousand coils, helps with mattress durability. However, the coils themselves can vary, so testing the "bounce" is important.

Try it all out. Before you purchase a mattress and box springs, test them out. Lie on top of the mattress you're considering while it's sitting on the box springs. Mattress and furniture stores will already have this set up. Testing is the best way to determine the firmness or softness level that you prefer in a mattress. According to Consumer Reports, you should spend about five minutes testing each position you would normally be in, whether it's on your stomach, your back, or curled to each side. A mattress that is too firm or too soft may not be apparent to you within the first minute or two, so make sure not to rush through this process.

Get a warranty when you purchase your mattress and box spring, as well as a money-back guarantee. A warranty of at least a year will ensure you are protected if anything goes wrong with the mattress or box spring. A money-back guarantee will allow you to test out the mattress and box spring in your home to make sure you're satisfied with your purchase.