How to Evaluate King Size Mattresses & Box Springs
Everyone spends at least as much time sleeping on their bed as they do driving their car. You should spend as much time thinking about a new mattress as you would the purchase of a car. This is especially true for king size mattresses because their larger size comes with a more expensive price tag. It is important to evaluate what makes a good quality mattress and box spring before you make the investment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Buying Guide to King Size Mattresses
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Figure out what kind of king size mattress you want. They come in two sizes: king and California king. A California king is 4 inches narrower but 4 1/2 inches longer than a regular king. It is a wise choice if you are very tall, as in over 6 feet, 6 inches.
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Figure out your budget. The price range of mattresses goes from a bare-bones $150 foam-top model to the the $49,000 Vividus bed by Swedish-based Hastens. ConsumerReports.org recommends spending at least $1,000 for a king.
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Figure out the type of bed you prefer. According to ConsumerSearch.com, there are four types of mattresses: innerspring, memory foam, latex foam and air.
Innerspring mattresses are the traditional spring mattresses made with metal coils as their core. They come in a wide selection of models and are the least expensive. Memory foam mattresses are made from high-density foam that conforms to the body. They tend to offer better body support and better isolate motion. Latex foam is similar to memory foam except the material breathes better. It is springier but also more expensive. Air mattresses use inflatable air chambers to create support. The air allows it to naturally mold to the body and also lasts longer than other mattresses, with some models offering a 20-year warranty.
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Evaluate coils of the bed. There are three things to consider when evaluating coils: the type of coil, the coil count and how many "working turns" of each coil. As a rule of thumb, the minimum number of coils you should expect in a king mattress is 450, according to BestBedGuide.com. You should also ask about the gauge (the thicker the better), and if the coil design is hourglass, pocketed or continuous. Hourglass coils better conform to your body, pocketed coils provide better motion separation and continuous coils are more durable.
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Try the bed out. Actually laying on the mattress is the best way to determine what you like. If you are going to be sleeping on it with another person, make sure to bring them to test out how it handles your individual motions. The bed should conform to your body so that your hips and shoulders press into the mattress while still being firm enough to keep your back straight. People with back problems should consider a firmer mattress, according to MedicineNet.com.
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Consider return policies and trial periods. It is difficult to fully evaluate a king size bed without actually spending a night or two sleeping on it. Consider purchasing from a store with a 30-day return policy or from a mattress company with a 90-day trial period.
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