After you have decided that traditional innerspring mattress is the way to go, you still have plenty of work left in choosing the right one. First important decision is to settle on comfort or softness level that works the best for you. Try all models in one product line of a particular brand you are considering, starting with the medium soft one and than moving on to soft and firm ones. Don’t rush it and spend great amount of time comparing and going back and forth. Ones you pick your comfort preference, either extra firm, firm, plush, pillow top or euro top compare the same comfort level with the product of different brands. By eliminating the products you didn’t like or those that didn’t fit your budget you end up with the one that fits your bill.
The innerspring is the engine of the mattress. Find out all the specs available. The number of coils in a particular system is important in determining the quality of the innerspring mattress, but it is not the only attribute you should consider. Coils design, quality and their arrangement are also critical. As a general rule, more coils of the same design and gauge equal better support and better durability. Number of coils and their gauge are the most common characteristics of innerspring mattress that help you compare quality of different products.
Besides innerspring, padding layers can make or break a great mattress. Read about the benefits of different materials and make a list of those that are important to you. You will always pay more for premium materials like memory foam or latex, so make sure it is there in sufficient quantity. Natural fibers like wool, silk or cashmere on the top of the mattress are desirable, because they are more breathable, but are obviously more expensive. Try to avoid polyester, which doesn’t breath as well. The finish of the mattress is a matter of personal preference, stretch covers are nice because they breathe better and don’t leave creases. Don’t get swayed by the pretty floral design on top, it will be covered by a mattress pad and won’t make any difference at all.
Be aware of different warranties, most of them covering indentations larger than 1 1/2” over certain period of time. Find out how long is the mattress fully covered, and if the warranty is pro-rated, know what portion of the replacement cost you will be responsible for. Make sure you ask your store about exchange/return options and exchange/return costs. Read the fine print of the exchange/return policy before you place an order.
Always ask for a special financing offers or the incentive for not using one. Some retailers charge extra delivery and old mattress removal fees and those can add substantially to the final amount. Always ask for free gifts with a mattress purchase, it is always nice to get free pillows, mattress protector or set of sheets.