Online mattresses put to test

Consumer Reports checks out Caspar, Tuft and Needle mattresses

Consumer Reports latest tests of 38 queen size mattresses included a few that are sold primarily on the Internet:  the Casper for $850 made of latex and memory foam and the foam Tuft and Needle Ten for $600.

Consumer Reports' durability test assesses how well a mattress will hold up to eight years of simulated use. Another test checks how much support you will get laying on your side and on your back. And there's a test to see if the mattress resists bouncing, so it doesn't transfer vibrations from one side to the other.

It turns out those mattresses sold online are pretty impressive. The Casper memory foam mattress got high ratings for side and back support. And it resists bouncing, so you are less likely to wake up your partner. Plus you get a 100-day trial period. If you don't like it, the company will pick it up for free and refund your money.

As for the $600 Tuft and Needle, Consumer Reports calls it a bargain buy. It held up nicely in the durability test, same as the Casper, and it offers decent side and back support. Tuft and Needle's return policy isn't as generous. It's 30 days, instead of 100. But Consumer Reports says a month is plenty of time to decide if you like it or returns are free. If you buy a mattress in a store and want to return it, you often have to pay for shipping or a "restocking" fee.

Both the Tuft and Needle Ten and Casper mattresses are made of foam. If you prefer an innerspring mattress, Consumer Reports found some Best Buys, the Charles P. Rodgers St. Regis Pillowtop for $1,100 and the Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Trust Cushion for around $1,200. Consumer Reports also named the Original Mattress Factory's Orthopedic Luxury Firm innerspring mattress a Best Buy at $540.


About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.