How to Select a Mattress

Try out several mattresses before you make your decision.

Look at the warranty. Most premium mattresses come with at least a 10-year warranty. Note that many warranties are voided if the mattress has been stained or soiled in any way.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing when shopping for a mattress so you'll be comfortable lying down.

Think about whether you'll be sharing your mattress and how much room you need before you decide on a size.

Read labels to see what the ticking is made of. Quality ticking will be a cotton blend or damask, but ticking can also be a synthetic such as polyester or even vinyl.

Take off your shoes and rest on the mattress. This is the only way to tell if the padding is going to be comfortable.

Roll from the center of the mattress to the edges to see if the support is the same at all points, and check to see if the mattress has extra support around the edges where you would sit.

Buy a mattress with handles that are attached to the inner springs. They'll be less likely to break off.

Check the coil count. Coil construction and quality varies from company to company, but coils should start at 300 for a full, 375 for a queen and 450 for a king. Ask about the diameter of the coils. The wider, the sturdier.

Purchase a mattress and box spring (the foundation for the mattress) in one set, as they work together as a unit. (Low-profile box springs are also available for those who prefer a lower bed placement. These are roughly 3 to 4 inches lower than traditional spring sets.)