Check Construction

Check labels and cutaway samples to see how the mattress is constructed. The most common type of mattress is innerspring, which is made of tempered spring coils covered with layers of padding and upholstery.

Compare the number of coils and their construction, the number of padding layers and their materials, and special features.

The higher the number of coils, the better the bed will wear. A guideline is 300 coils for a double, 375 for a queen, and 450-600 for a king, each side topped with several layers of upholstery, one or more layers of foam, and a quilted pillow top.

Deeper Is Not Always Better: Mattresses used to be a standard 9 inches thick. However, today many manufacturers' beds have "extra deep" mattresses as the norm. These styles, many of which are up to 16 inches thick, may or may not mean more comfort.

Comparison shop before assuming that deeper is better -- and be aware that your choices in bedding may be limited -- contour sheets will need to be deep enough to accommodate a deep mattress or they won't stay in place.

Still not sure what to buy? Try browsing the Better Sleep Council website for more information: http://www.bettersleep.org/

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