the outside story
Luckily, the outside of the mattress is open to view, ready for your inspection. So do take the time to inspect these mattress features:
•	The outer mattress cover or ticking.
It should be tightly woven. An eight-ounce, high-count cotton wears best. Tufted, quilted, or smooth tickings wear about the same. The surface should be firm and the edges, well tailored.
•	Securely attached, neat, flat handles for turning and moving the mattress.
•	Ventilators. There should be four or more ventilators on each side to help keep a mattress fresh and clean.
•	The label. Read it to find out what's in the mattress and who's manufacturing or retailing it.
about springs
When you buy a new mattress, you’ll probably want to buy a new set of springs, too. Many mattresses and springs are sold as pairs. Such springs are designed to be used with a particular mattress, increasing the wear of the mattress — and your comfort. There are three types of springs: Box, open coil, and flat. Box springs are the most popular. They are coil-type springs mounted on a firm wooden base, insulated, padded, and covered to match the mattress. Look for wood slats supporting each row of coils or for an equally firm metal framework. Also, run your hand over the surface of the box springs. You shouldn’t feel the springs.
Open coil springs are similar to box springs. They are padded or covered but not boxed.
in. They are less expensive than box springs, but they are great dust collectors because they are exposed to the air. And, because they aren't boxed in, open coil springs aren't as visually attractive as box springs.
Flat springs are often found on cribs, cots, and bunk beds. They should be strong and firmly attached to the bed frame.
inspecting the price tag
Of course, you’ll want to look at the price tag. But, really, price should be the last consideration. Comfort and quality are more important for your satisfaction. Remember, a mattress and springs should last 10 years. A quality set may last 15 years. That means the cost of a mattress, spread over several years, is actually small. The $89 quality mattress may cost only a penny more a night than the $39 bargain. And the bargain probably won’t last nearly as long. You get what you pay for.
Sandra Shank
Extension Specialist
Housing and Home Furnishings
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University and U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. G. Diessin, Director, West Lafayette, Ind. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex or national origin