Need a new Mattress? A good guide for a good night's sleep | News

Hillsborough County, FL-- The Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency warns mattress consumers of scams that could make your search for successful sleeping a nightmare.

Check out their latest newsletter, "Consumer Sense" to make sure you're prepared for your purchasing!

Consumers often spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars purchasing a mattress to achieve the coveted good night’s sleep, and associated health benefits. Buying a mattress is an increasing topic of consumer complaints with consumers unsatisfied with the quality of the products, high pressure sales tactics, and defective mattresses.  Consumers should make sure they understand warranty terms, conditions and return policies in order to make an informed purchase decision. 

What You Should Know Before Purchasing A Mattress

• Mattresses all have different names and labels at different stores making it difficult to comparison shop. 
• Manufacturers or retailers change the names of models almost yearly.
• Mattress manufacturers make approximately 6 to 12 different models with substantially different quality and prices for each.
• Sales people may use high pressure sales tactics.
• Many retailers will allow you to keep the mattress for 30 days before you return it. 
• Most retailers and manufacturers will require the original “law tag” affixed to the mattress.
• Many manufacturer warranties have a pro-rata factor in determining the refund or credit on a returned mattress.
  • Consumers may end up paying for all shipping costs to and from the repair location in addition to their pro rata costs depending on the age of the mattress. 
  • The costs can be different depending on the model.
• Make sure you know if you are purchasing a new mattress or a refurbished mattress.
  • Bedbugs can live in both new and refurbished mattresses.  Bedbug infestation is now in all 50 states. 
• By federal law, reconditioned mattresses must display yellow tags with the words "used materials" printed on them.

What You Should Do

• Wait for a sale or negotiate the price and ask for “extras” to be thrown in like a bed frame or sheets.
• Lie down on the mattress in the store for at least 15 minutes to test it for comfort and support. 
• Read the fine print because the terms can differ dramatically.
• Inspect the mattress carefully upon delivery. 
• Keep your original receipt since manufacturer warranties are usually designed to cover defects and not normal wear or comfort.
  • If you need to file a claim, you must also be the original owner.
• Measure the amount of sag if the mattress is sagging or has a depression.
  • The measurement can be the determining factor whether it’s considered defective or not.
• Protect your mattress by purchasing a mattress pad/protector/cover since any staining will usually negate the warranty.

For more information on buying a mattress, go to www.consumerreports.org and click on “Home & Garden.”