Hi Holly!

First of all, where are you located? There are a lot of really great mattress manufacturers out there that only have products available at retailers in certain areas of the United States/world. Often these smaller manufacturers offer more affordable products because they do not have the massive marketing costs built into their beds like the major manufacturing companies do.

As for how to know whether you're being taken advantage of, I recommend a bit of legwork! Go out and find something that feels comfortable to you. It doesn't matter if it's the latest and greatest, shiniest mattress out there that all your friends are raving about if it simply doesn't feel good to you. Take note of what goes in to every mattress that you like (coil count, foams, gels, Eco-fabrics, etc), and PLEASE ask the retail associates at the stores you visit about the differences! Lots of times mattresses made by different companies will be incredibly similar, with only exterior and built-in costs to differentiate them. Make sure you're only paying for features that matter to you.

***Now that I see you're located in Hickory, if you're willing to take the drive out to Boone, there is a wonderful store called Bargain Barn. They have a great assortment of mattresses, AND they happen to carry Carolina Mattress Guild's new line of pocketed coil mattresses called Cool Coil. We combined the pocketed coil and our Cool Breeze gel memory foam for a hybrid sort of mattress that's both supportive and super-comfy. They're 800 coil count, and you'll have a hard time finding a better set of features for the price. Hope this helps!

Hi Holly, Here's your best value.

http://www.themattressexpert.com/Simmons-2011-Beautyrest-Classic-Adamsville-Plush-Firm-Euro-Top-/

Thanks, Pete

Hi Holly,

Simmons and Serta have some great lines to offer with pocketed coil beds. Simmons will range from $599 queen to $$$$$, but with many options below $1500 in all firmness levels. Serta has the iSeries beds which are between $1,000-$1,500 range. Serta honors a 120 trial with an inexpensive return option.

If you like, you can see a full list of Simmons or Serta on our website www.SDMattress.com. We aren't near you but I also do free help comparison shopping. Serta beds will be the same names and same prices store to store with the iSeries. Simmons on the other hand, it's a different name and usually a different price from store to store. Though if you know which you like the best, you can price compare to online retailers who are typically much less and try to get the low internet price at your local store. Our advice is free and we compare beds all the time. Just be sure to write down as much info like name/descriptive words/thickness when you go shopping and we can help you compare.

If you like, let us know what you are looking for and your zip code. I can offer a list of good better best match ups along with the places in your local area to try.

Kind regards,

Andrew Schlesser E-Commerce Manager www.SDMattress.com