Find the Best Mattresses in Baltimore, MD

How to choose a mattress in Baltimore

Many people are guided by their budget when mattress shopping, but choosing the cheapest mattress means you’re unlikely to end up with the right mattress for you. It’s important to be sure you’re getting the best mattress for the cost — if you’re lucky enough to average eight hours of sleep a night, you’ll spend about 2,920 hours a year in bed. That’s a lot of time to spend on an uncomfortable mattress.

Poor sleep quality can lead to irritability, daytime sluggishness or sleepiness, poor decision making, longer physical and emotional healing times, weight gain, aches and pains, high blood pressure and heart disease. For more on the importance of sleep quality, check out these fact sheets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mattress purchases should be serious decisions. To make researching mattresses easier, we’ve narrowed it down to these six categories:

• Budget: Developments in the mattress market have made quality mattresses more affordable than ever. Don’t assume you have to settle for an inferior mattress if you’re on a limited budget — shop around and see what’s available in your budget range.
• Sleeping position: The general rule of thumb when it comes to sleeping positions is medium-firm mattresses for back sleepers, soft for side sleepers and firm for stomach sleepers. Make sure your mattress is soft enough to be comfortable but still provides the necessary support.
• Weight and medical issues: It’s important to confirm a mattress supports your weight without losing shape or support. Many experts recommend medium-firm mattresses to help with lower back pain, and people with allergies should consider hypoallergenic memory foam or latex mattresses. Take the time to research the best mattress for any chronic conditions you have.
• Warranties and return policies: Quality mattresses are more affordable than ever, but they’re still not cheap. Before you make a purchase, make sure the company stands behind its product with an extended warranty. If you’re buying a mattress online, make sure the mattress company offers free returns if you’re not happy with your purchase.
• Customer reviews: Be sure to look at customer reviews to gain insight on hidden fees, customer service, how well the company responds to warranty claims and whether the mattress stands up over time.
• Mattress type and material: The type of mattress you purchase has a significant impact on how comfortable it is for you. Companies are designing multiple styles of mattresses, and it’s crucial to know the differences between them.

Mattress types in Baltimore

For more tips on buying a mattress in Baltimore, check out the Buying Furniture and Mattresses edition of Consumer’s Edge from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.

Bed in a box vs. in-store mattresses

Many mattress companies now sell directly to Baltimore customers through websites. Often referred to as a bed-in-a-box, a mattress from an online store is compressed, vacuum-sealed and shipped directly to your door. The mattress expands over several hours after unpacking. Online mattress shopping appeals to many people, but there are drawbacks compared to visiting traditional mattress stores.

Pros and cons of bed-in-a-box mattresses

What is the average mattress price in Baltimore?

Depending on the type, size and place of purchase, buying a new mattress online usually costs anywhere from $400 to $2,500 or more. At a brick-and-mortar mattress store, quality mattresses typically start at $500 and can cost $3,000 or more.

Expect to pay around $150 if you need a box spring — if already you have a box spring in good shape, you may be able to reuse it. Some companies require you to use their box spring to maintain the warranty, however. Some types of mattresses, such as memory foam mattresses, don’t need a box spring and can be used with a platform frame. An adjustable base typically costs between $750 to $3,000.

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works classifies mattresses as bulk items and provides curbside pickup, but you must contact the department three or more working days before the scheduled pickup date.

The Baltimore County Bureau of Solid Waste Management accepts mattresses and box springs at any of its three resident drop-off facilities. The department also publishes a reuse directory that lists several organizations that may accept used mattresses in good condition as donations.