5 Things to Know Before Shopping for a Bed

30 Apr.,2024

 

5 Things to Know Before Shopping for a Bed

 If you are looking to upgrade from your old mattress or need a new bed for a guest room, now is a great time to snag premium mattresses at lower prices. Plus, a new bed can revitalize your sleep.

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Your old bed may also be contributing to body aches or household allergies, leading you to wake up feeling drowsy or stuffed up. This could be due to pain-promoting sags that naturally form after years of use, a misaligned spine because your bed has softened over time, or possibly millions of dust mites living in the bed flaring up your sniffles. Old beds can actually get pretty gross, let alone uncomfortable.

Whether you're looking to replace the bed you bought before your 9-year-old was born or you're buying a new mattress for the first time, you might be wondering how to choose a mattress. There are important considerations to take into account before you make your purchase. Below is CNET's extensive guide on how to buy a new mattress that'll suit your needs and promote z's. 

1. Consider your budget

A mattress is an investment in your sleep and you get what you pay for. With that being said, there are literally hundreds of brands to choose from and I think there is a comfy mattress for almost every budget. Here are the general tiers when it comes to bed:

  • Budget (around $600 and below): There are several great beds that fall under the $600 mark after discounts. Beds like Allswell or Casper Element should last you several years. You can find the unicorn that offers both comfort and support, but is ultra budget-friendly. 
  • Average (around $600 to $1,200): You'll find a majority of quality beds fall within this price category. These beds include Casper, Purple, Leesa and other top-dog brands who seemingly set the standard for pricing on bed-in-a-box mattresses. 
  • Affordable luxury (around $1,200 to $1,600): Beds in this tier come with extra bells and whistles such as an extra supportive, dual-layer innerspring design or an active cooling cover. These are great values -- they could be priced higher, but instead they go for fair prices. 
  • Luxury (around $1,600 and up): These are the TempurPedic beds and Purple Hybrids of the bedding world. They tend to be very thick, stacked with multiple comfort and support layers, and can include special added features you don't find with your every-day bed. 

2. Identify your primary sleeping position

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Think back to last night: Which position did you sleep in the most? That's important to consider when thinking about how to choose a mattress because your sleeping position can help you determine how soft or firm your new bed should be. 

Side 

Side sleepers usually feel most comfortable on soft to medium-firm mattresses because they conform to the curvature of your hips and side without pressing into your joints. The less you weigh, the softer you'll want your mattress to be as a side sleeper. 

Read more: Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Back and stomach 

If you sleep on your back or stomach you'll likely fare best with medium to firm mattresses that offer accommodating support. Firm beds ensure your back and spine remain properly supported all night, as opposed to soft mattresses which can let your back droop into the bed and promote back pain. 

Read more: Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Combination 

If you think back and realize you sleep in every position, you have a couple of options. Pick the one you think you spend the most time in or opt for a middle-of-the-road option. Medium firmness levels offer enough support for back and stomach sleepers, and they have suitable pressure relief for side sleepers. 

A significant number of brands construct their beds with medium firmness levels to accommodate a wider range of sleepers. 

3. Take your body type into consideration

Once you're familiar with your sleeping position, next is to factor in your weight or BMI. Weight distribution plays a part in how soft or firm you think a bed will feel. For example, a medium mattress will feel more soft to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, but Olympic gymnast Simone Biles will likely think that same mattress feels a bit firmer than advertised. 

Heavier individuals exert more pressure into a mattress, and as a result, have a more plush experience. So, if you weigh 250 pounds and sleep on your stomach, I'd suggest at least a medium-firm mattress. 

People with larger body types should also look into hybrid mattresses. These are beds that include both foam and innersprings. Hybrid mattresses are much more supportive than all-foam beds because of their steel base layer. And in turn, that means they end up lasting longer. Though, if you weigh under 200 pounds, most foam beds should work just fine for you in the long-term. 

4. Determine the materials you like

The Purple Hybrid comes in three different models, each with a different thickness of the Purple Grid gel layer.

Slumber Yard

Memory foam isn't the only mattress material available nowadays. There's also polyurethane foam which is a lighter, more breathable, quicker-responding material. You also have latex foam, in natural, organic or synthetic form. Natural and organic latex is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, while all latex foams are breathable, bouncy and spongelike. Latex foam offers more support, durability and airflow than both foams I just mentioned. Though, it can also be more expensive because of its various benefits. 

Here are the pros and consof the most commonly used comfort materials:

Types of Foam Mattresses


ProsCons Memory foam
  • Pressure relieving
  • Feels like the bed is giving you a hug
  • Can retain heat
  • Provides resistance for combo sleepers when they switch positions
  • Latex foam
  • Breathable
  • Bouncy
  • Durable
  • Hypoallergenic (natural or organic)
  • Antimicrobial (natural or organic)
  • More costly
  • All latex foam beds tend to be heavy
  • Poly foam
  • Light and airy
  • Open-cell design is more breathable than memory foam
  • Not as durable
  • Some can be cheaply made
  • 5. Do you buy in-store or online? 

    You're probably familiar with regular ol' in-store mattress shopping -- the process of laying on beds one by one until you find a good match. But how do you buy a mattress online? It's just the same as buying anything else online, shipped direct-to-consumer and rolled up inside a cardboard box. Each has their own benefits and setbacks. 

    If you shop in a store, you get the benefit of hand-testing the beds yourself before you buy. Also, master hagglers might be able to talk a mattress salesperson down on the price of a new bed. 

    On the other hand, online brands know you're taking a risk by purchasing a bed over the internet so they sweeten the deal with additional perks such as free shipping, free returns, a lengthy free trial policy and a solid warranty to back your bed. It will be shipped directly to your door, either inside a box or hand-delivered via white glove delivery, taking the hassle out of transportation and additional costs.

    Regardless of how you choose to buy your new bed, you should always read mattress reviews. Both from experts and from customers who've tried the bed before. They will give you insight on how your prospective new bed will be to your average consumer, and speak the truth on any claims that might just be mattress marketing mumbo jumbo. 

    Mattress shopping guide FAQs

    How often should you replace your mattress?

    Most mattresses will last around seven to 10 years. The exact amount depends on what type of mattress, what it's made from and how you care for it. 

    Top signs you need to replace your mattress are: 

    • You wake up with back or neck pain 
    • Your bed is sagging or showing signs of damage
    • You can feel lumps when lying on it
    • Falling asleep is harder than it used to be

    What should I look for when buying a mattress?

    There are a ton of mattress options out there, which can make choosing a mattress feel impossible. Here's the thing about shopping for beds: It's all subjective. What might work for me might not suit your needs. 

    The top five things you should remember are your budget, sleeping position, body type, desired materials and whether or not you want to buy online. 

    Your sleeping position and body type will filter out beds based on firmness and mattress construction. Next, you should decide how you want your bed to feel. Do you prefer a fluffy pillow top or the sinking feeling of memory foam? Asking yourself these questions will narrow down your list of beds significantly. 

    What mattress material is best?

    Mattress material matters when it comes to choosing your next mattress. While there is no single best material, some options will be better for you than others. For example, all-foam mattresses are affordable and mold to your body at night, but they also range in quality and often have lousy edge support. Innerspring mattresses are bouncy and offer a ton of support, but the coils can be noisy and aren't the best at isolating movement. Hybrid mattresses provide comfort and support, but they are some of the most expensive beds available. 

    How to Choose a Mattress: Finding Your Perfect Match

    Want to read more about all our experts in the field?

    Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.

    Struggling to Figure Out What Bed to Buy? Take Our Mattress Quiz for a Personalized Recommendation!

    Finding the right mattress can feel overwhelming. Start your search by using our mattress quiz below, which will help determine your best bed based on sleep position, body weight, and other key factors.

    Experts agree that getting good sleep is one of the single best ways to maintain and improve our health. A mattress is a huge factor in our ability to sleep well, yet many people overlook its importance and keep using a mattress that fails to provide enough support and comfort.

    A new mattress can be a sizable investment, but taking this step can unlock your ability to sleep better. As with any major purchase, you want to make sure that you choose wisely.

    To help you get a handle on how to choose a mattress, we break down the key information piece-by-piece. With this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to find the best mattress with the right firmness and features to suit your needs and deliver great sleep night after night.

    Trouble sleeping?

    Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect mattress

    Trouble sleeping?

    Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect mattress

    What position do you sleep in?

    Side

    Back

    Stomach

    Do you experience any pain while sleeping?

    Back and/or side pain

    Neck and/or shoulder pain

    Little to no pain

    Do you have any material preferences?

    Innerspring

    Foam

    No preference/ Other

    Do you sleep hot?

    Yes

    No

    Do you sleep with a partner?

    Yes

    No

    Back

    What Not to Do When Buying a Mattress

    Before we dive into the ins and outs of buying a new bed, here are a few tips to keep in mind on what not to do while shopping around. In the video below, our sleep expert will outline some mistakes and assumptions you’ll want to avoid.

    Mattress Types

    If you’re just getting started looking for a new mattress, you’ve probably noticed that the number of options can be dizzying. A helpful way to get your bearings is to start by thinking about mattress types.

    Almost all mattresses can be identified as one of five types — foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, or airbed. Innersprings are the most well-known and traditionally were the mainstay in homes nationwide. In recent years, though, other mattress types have surged in popularity.

    These other mattress types have expanded their reach primarily by offering a more dynamic performance. They’ve also become more affordable and accessible with the growth of the online mattress industry.

    Knowing the basics about each of these types can serve as a foundation upon which you can continue your search for the best mattress.

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    • Foam: These mattresses are made entirely with foam and no coils. They tend to provide above-average contouring to the body, pressure relief, and motion isolation, making them a good fit for side sleepers and couples. Among foams that are used in these mattresses, memory foam is the most well-known.
    • Innerspring: An innerspring mattress has a coil-based support system and few other layers. While the coils offer some support, innersprings often lack in pressure relief. Their sleeping surface is bouncier and has limited motion isolation. With a lower price point, these are more popular among budget shoppers.
    • Hybrid: Hybrids have two central elements: an innerspring support core and a substantial foam comfort system. The comfort layers can include foam or latex, and sometimes will even include a shorter layer of coils (called micro-coils). These mattresses provide a blend of bounce and contouring with low heat retention and can be a good fit for sleepers in any position depending on exactly how they are built.
    • Latex: When all of the layers of a mattress are made with latex rubber, some call it an all-latex or true-latex mattress. For simplicity’s sake, we just use the term latex mattress. These offer top-notch bounce and durability with moderate contouring. When made with natural and organic latex, they are a top pick among eco-conscious shoppers.
    • Airbed: Airbeds are built with an air chamber as their support core. A pump — controlled by a smartphone or remote — is built into the mattress to add or remove air with the push of a button, giving sleepers the utmost in firmness flexibility. Couples love airbeds because each side can be set to a different firmness level.

    Firmness

    Comfort is subjective, which means that it’s critical to find a mattress that feels right to you.

    Firmness describes how hard or soft a bed feels. To compare options, we use a 1-10 firmness scale. It isn’t perfectly scientific, but it does help convey how a mattress feels and who it may be best suited for.

    Firmness ScaleFirmness LevelBest For2Extra SoftSide sleepers under 130 pounds3SoftSide sleepers under 130 pounds4Medium SoftSleepers under 130 pounds; side sleepers under 230 pounds5MediumBack and side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds6Medium FirmSleepers between 130 and 230 pounds; side sleepers over 230 pounds7FirmSide sleepers over 230 pounds; back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds8-9Extra FirmBack and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds

    While the chart lists who most frequently benefits from a particular firmness level, remember that comfort is subjective. Some people just prefer a softer or a firmer mattress or may have other factors — such as back or hip pain — that influences what mattress feels right.

    If you’re not sure what firmness level is right for you, there are a few ways to help identify what might be the best fit:

    • Consider your weight and sleeping position to narrow down a range.
    • Reflect on whether you’ve found yourself wishing for a harder or soft mattress when using your current mattress at home or if you’ve recently stayed at a hotel. For reference, most hotel mattresses are Medium to Medium Firm, which have the widest overall appeal.
    • Visit a local mattress store as a research mission and try out some beds. Make sure to stay on a mattress for at least 10-15 minutes to really evaluate what’s comfortable.

    How to Choose a Mattress for Back Pain

    There are myriad potential causes of back pain, but an unsupportive mattress is one factor that should not be underestimated. In people without back problems, proper support may prevent pain from arising, and in people who already have back issues, the right mattress may help with cushioning and comfort.

    Choosing the best mattress for back pain means considering the nature of that pain alongside other mattress needs and preferences. Some back pain is short-term and comes on suddenly. This is known as acute back pain. Other times, the pain persists over a long period of time and is known as chronic back pain. Back problems can start out as acute, such as from an injury, and become chronic.

    A person with acute back pain may need only temporary relief from their mattress. This may mean using extra pillows or adjusting their sleeping position. For chronic back pain, more significant steps may be needed, such as choosing a mattress that is firmer or softer. Finding the right levels of comfort as well as pressure relief can help keep the spine properly oriented during sleep.

    The optimal mattress may also depend on where a person experiences back pain.

    Lower Back Pain

    Lower back pain affects the bottom five vertebrae (L1-L5) in the lumbar area. It is the most common type of back pain and one of the leading reasons why Americans visit their doctor. This back region is vulnerable to bending and twisting that can harm the muscles and the spine itself.

    Spending too many hours in a bad sleeping position can cause lower back aches. For side sleepers, this can arise if the shoulders and hips aren’t supported, throwing the whole spine off-kilter. For back and stomach sleepers, it may occur because of a mattress that is too soft or too firm, putting pressure on the natural curvature of the lumbar spine.

    In general, side sleepers should look for Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses that can cushion their impact points. Back and stomach sleepers should look for Medium Firm to Firm beds that have only light conforming.

    Middle and Upper Back Pain

    Middle and upper back pain are far less common. The anatomy in these regions is more stable, reducing the likelihood of sprains and strains from twisting movements. Pain in these areas can be tied to more serious problems and should be checked out by a doctor.

    In some cases, poor posture can create undue tension in the middle or upper back. A pressure-relieving mattress that contributes to spinal alignment can reduce the risk of this kind of pain. Having a quality pillow with the right amount of loft can also ensure that the neck and upper spine have adequate support.

    Sleeping Positions

    What position are you in when you normally tuck in to fall asleep? And in what position do you find yourself when you wake up?

    The answers to these questions can provide key insight to help choose a mattress. The parts of your body that need more support in order to maintain spinal alignment vary based on your sleeping posture. For that reason, choosing a mattress to suit your sleeping position can boost comfort and help avoid aches and pains.

    “Back and stomach sleepers may benefit from a firmer mattress, as extra support can feel more comfortable in these positions. Side sleepers may prefer a mattress that has softness. It’s also important for side sleepers to find an option that ensures the head and neck are in alignment. Whatever is the most comfortable for you to sleep with is worth the investment.”

    Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.

    Back sleepers put the greatest pressure on their lower back. If a mattress is too soft, the torso can sink in more deeply than the upper back and lower body, and this U-shape can create strain. If a mattress is too firm, there won’t be any accommodation of the slight curve in the lower back. As a result, back sleepers do best with a Medium Firm to Firm mattress with light to moderate contouring.

    Side sleepers have sharp pressure points where the body is the widest, most notably at the shoulders and hips. On a too-soft mattress, those points will dip out of line with the rest of the spine. On a too-firm mattress, they will feel the impact at those points and be prone to misalignment. Consequently, side sleepers do best with Medium Soft to Medium Firm mattresses.

    Stomach sleepers are like back sleepers and put the most pressure on the lumbar spine. They usually do best with a Firm mattress that can keep them out of a U-shape and that won’t feel suffocating when lying face-down on the mattress.

    Combination Sleepers

    Combination sleepers find themselves in more than one position through the night. They typically should choose a mattress based on the position they spend the most time in. If there’s no primary position, Medium Firm offers the best bet across the sleeping positions. These sleepers should also look for a responsive mattress that facilitates easy movement on the bed.

    Body Types

    Like sleeping position, body shape and weight influence the choice of the best mattress to provide spinal support, comfort, and other important features.

    With a lighter profile, people who weigh under 130 pounds don’t sink as far into a mattress. To get sufficient contouring, they often benefit from a softer mattress, especially if they sleep on their side and/or have pronounced pressure points. Innerspring mattresses tend to be a poor fit, and foam or hybrid beds are compelling options.

    People between 130 and 230 pounds can generally follow our suggestions for mattress firmness based on sleeping position in the previous section. Foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses are all solid options and can be selected based on their specific features and designs.

    People over 230 pounds will sink further into a mattress, especially near heavier parts of the body, which can risk throwing off spinal alignment. These sleepers usually have better results with mattresses that are a bit firmer to help avoid that risk.

    A responsive mattress is easier to move on top of, and this can be valuable to people over 230 pounds because it reduces the chances of feeling stuck in the bed. Latex and hybrid options tend to be the most responsive.

    Durability is important to sleepers of any weight, but people over 230 pounds can cause more wear in the top layers of a mattress. For this reason, sleepers with a higher body weight often opt for a mattress with a thicker comfort system that uses high-density materials.

    It’s not just weight that affects how to choose the right mattress. People with broader shoulders or hips may need a softer mattress with more contouring, especially if they are side sleepers. People over six feet tall should look closely at mattress dimensions to ensure that they can stretch out comfortably.

    Pricing

    As the piece of furniture that’s virtually guaranteed to get the most use, a mattress is a serious investment in your comfort. At the same time, it can be a serious investment financially, and pricing is a central factor to consider when buying a mattress.

    A useful exercise for most shoppers is to think about their overall bedroom budget. This includes a new mattress and any other accessories that may be needed, such as new pillows or bedding.

    The price range for mattresses stretches from extremely low-cost, low-quality models all the way up to six-figure designer beds. Looking past these outliers, most mattresses cost between $600 and $2,000.

    Mattress TypeAverage Price Range (Queen)Pricing of Popular ModelsFoam$900-1,300Casper Original ($995)
    Tuft & Needle Original ($595)
    Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt ($2,999)Innerspring$600-1,100Saatva ($1,199)
    Zinus Quilted Spring Top ($260)Hybrid$1,500-2,000WinkBed ($1,599)
    Dreamcloud ($1,299)
    Brooklyn Bedding Aurora ($1,699)Latex$1,600-2,000Avocado ($1,399)
    PlushBeds Botanical Bliss ($2,999)
    Zenhaven ($1,899)Airbed$2,000-2,400Sleep Number c2 ($999)
    Sleep Number p6 ($2,899)
    Saatva Solaire ($2,695)

    Mattresses with more features and robust design frequently carry a higher price tag, but this doesn’t mean that a costlier mattress is always better, which is welcome news to people shopping on a budget. A handful of factors can play into mattress pricing:

    • Materials: Some types of materials, such as latex, frequently just cost more. In addition, the use of high-end, hand-crafted, organic, or otherwise specialty materials can push up the price of a mattress.
    • Type of Construction: The way a mattress is built can affect its price. In general, taller mattresses that have more layers come with a higher cost.
    • Brand: Like most consumer products, some brands, especially those that aspire to be luxury brands, charge more.
    • Where it’s Made: If the mattress and its components are made in the USA, it likely will be more expensive than a mattress made overseas.
    • Where it’s Sold: Buying online normally means a lower price, but there are opportunities to get a good deal in mattress stores, too, especially for savvy negotiators.

    For people who are worried about the cost of a new mattress, there are a few points to keep in mind. First, there are great values to be found throughout the mattress price range.

    Second, the prices we’ve listed above are MSRP, or in other words, the sticker price. It’s rare for customers to pay that price because regular sales, promotions, and discounts are abundant. For example, many brands run sales on holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, Cyber Monday, and Black Friday. If you shop online, deals are typically offered right off-the-bat.

    Third, though it can be a big expenditure, getting a great mattress is worth it. An optimal mattress will not only pay off in terms of your health, but with better durability, you won’t have to spend on a mattress again for years.

    How to Choose a Mattress for a Child

    Good sleep is vital for children. Kids need more hours of sleep than adults, and sleeping well is important during all stages of childhood development. Outfitting their bed with a quality mattress is a central part of making sure that children get the sleep that they need.

    Knowing how to choose a mattress for a child has quite a bit of overlap with choosing a mattress for an adult, but there are meaningful differences to take into account.

    One key difference is that safety is a greater concern when shopping for beds for children, especially infants who sleep in cribs. Assuring that the mattress meets safety guidelines is of the utmost importance.

    Another difference is the size of the bed. Unlike adults, children can outgrow a bed, so it is necessary to think about the most appropriate size mattress based on a child’s age and their expected growth.

    Depending on how old a child is, they may be able to use a smaller size (Twin or Twin XL) of a bed designed for adults. In other cases, parents may prefer a mattress built specifically for children. Choosing from the pool of beds available to adults means a wider selection of mattress types, models, and brands.

    The cost of a mattress for kids can be another point of divergence. Many beds for kids are smaller and thinner, and the reduced amount of materials can make them less expensive. However, there are some beds for children that are designed with lots of extra features and can carry a price tag similar to that of an adult mattress.

    How to Choose a Crib Mattress

    There are several essential elements of choosing a crib mattress. Any crib mattress purchase should start first and foremost with safety. Key aspects of crib mattress safety include:

    • Assuring that the crib mattress meets standards from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that relate to limiting exposure to lead and other compounds.
    • Checking that the crib mattress meets CPSC size guidelines for use in a full-size crib. That means a minimum of 27.25 inches by 51.25 inches. The thickness should not be greater than six inches.
    • Choosing a firm crib mattress as this can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
    • Keeping the mattress clear of soft objects, including toys, blankets, and pillows. Loose and soft items can pose a risk of suffocation and SIDS and should not be kept in an infant’s crib.

    Beyond safety, there are other factors to review that relate to the convenience and usability of a crib mattress:

    • Ease of Cleaning: Messes are almost inevitable on a crib mattress, so a design that makes it easy to keep clean is a big plus. For example, some crib mattresses are made with either a waterproof cover (generally made of vinyl) or a waterproof backing. Many parents find these features make cleanup much simpler.
    • Weight: You likely will need to lift the crib mattress for cleaning, which for some parents provides a strong point in favor of lighter mattresses, such as those made of foam.
    • Mattress Type: Foam and innerspring options are available and can both be used to create a firm sleeping surface. Some companies also make crib mattresses out of specialty materials or components, including some that are produced with an eco-conscious focus.
    • Reversible Firmness: This design gives each side of the crib mattress a different feel. As your child gets older and doesn’t need quite as much firmness, the mattress can just be flipped over, helping you get more longevity out of your purchase.

    How to Choose a Mattress Topper

    If your budget can’t accommodate a new mattress, you can consider a mattress topper as an alternative. This approach won’t be as effective or long-lasting, but it can be a useful step if replacing your current mattress isn’t an option.

    A topper sits on top of your current bed and goes underneath the fitted sheet. It can change the feel of your mattress and is most useful if your main focus is on adjusting the firmness level. Some toppers may be able to add contouring, motion isolation, or bounce in relation to your old bed as well.

    Most toppers are one to four inches thick and made with only one material. Examples of materials used in toppers include memory foam, polyfoam, latex, down, cotton, polyester, and wool. Each of these materials brings certain benefits and downsides.

    To choose a mattress topper, it’s useful to reflect on many of the same elements that play a part in choosing a new mattress:

    • Your sleeping position
    • Your body shape
    • Your preferred firmness
    • The type of material that best suits your needs
    • Your budget

    When reviewing those factors in the context of mattress toppers, make sure to think about your existing mattress because it will work along with the topper to affect the overall feel of your bed. For example, if you have a bouncy innerspring, be aware that it will still transfer motion even with a memory foam topper.

    Ultimately, if you choose to buy a topper, it’s important to be realistic. A topper won’t last as long as a whole new mattress, and it can’t revive a bed that’s already worn out. Putting a topper on a bed that is worn out and sagging will just mean that the topper quickly starts sagging as well.

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