Help! I need a good mattress and box spring set. I'm not rich. Is there anything decent for under $200?

Answer 1

Some people I know swear by futon mattresses and they are cheap but weigh a ton.
Now I must warn you that I dont believe that futon mattresses are that good, but good mattresses usually cost more than 200 dollars. But some mattress stores may have sales and other marketing promotions.
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The 3 characteristics of a good mattress
1. Must made with the right materials to provide adequate support. It has to cushion the head, shoulders and hips, keeping the spinal column straight. Not only that, but it has to be made of a strong, elastic material.
2. It must have good ventilation.
Adults lose about a quarter of a litre of moisture every night. This means that the mattress should be well ventilated and turned regularly so that it can dry out. One way of prolonging the life of your mattress is to turn it regularly from top to bottom and vice versa.
3. It must be anti-allergy treated. 25 to 30% of allergies are caused by the dust mite. These mites also seem to be responsible for up to 50% of asthma cases. In addition, 5% of the population is allergic to the mould found in mattresses on which dust mites feed. The mite’s main diet are the flakes of skin we lose in our beds.
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Answer 2

In addition to what QuiteNewHere said - which was quite accurate - there's also the concern of chemicals that almost all mattresses are made with with cause many problems for people with things like headaches, breathing, allergies, etc. You're gonna think I've flipped, but I just ordered a brand new mattress from a company called Lifekind & the mattress & foundation (no springs) alone cost me $3300. Yeah. That's right. Thirty-three-hundred. And that was during a sale! (Now add a bed-frame, sheets, pillows, etc...) sigh...
Anyway, if you have the time, you may be interested in reading up on issues with mattresses regarding all I mentioned above. You may not be able to afford it but at least you'll be educated on what most companies really make their mattresses out of. Not to mention the absolute shoddy construction of them.

Start with these:
http://www.cbn.com/livingthelife/features/health/mattress_sick.aspx
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/furniture/msg0118441828923.html

The only 2 companies anywhere (in the U.S. anyway) that make beds which are 100% natural, organic, & chemical-free are Lifekind & Savvyrest. The reading on their sites is pretty good too.

I'm not affiliated with them in any way. I just educated myself to a great extent &, because of that, I dived in & am now a happy customer.

Hope that helped.

Answer 3

Remember that you spend 1/3 of you life in bed. A quality place to sleep should be a priority. Freecycle.com, Craigslist.com - maybe you will get lucky, most people shy away for used bedding if they do not know the previous owner, so bedding may go cheap or free. Costco.com has limited selection, but has about the best prices you can find for new quality bedding. However, $200 will not do the job. You could find something for this at cheap mattress and furniture stores, but the quality would be "throw away".

Answer 4

I'd honestly say the only good set you can get for $200 is a twin size. If you want a bigger sized set you'll have to spend more money.

I have purchased my last two mattress sets from Denver Mattress. They are very reasonable, and super comfortable. I have purchased the Doctor's Choice both times. They also have a 0 interest for so many months special promo going on most of the time. Google them and see if there is one in your area.

Answer 5

Go to a used furniture store or a thrift store. You can find great bargains at either one, but more so at thrift stores. Just check both sides of the mattress for stains, and when you get it home, thoroughly vacuum both sides of the mattress and the top of the box spring. Then use an upholstery shampoo on all three surfaces, and let them dry (stand them on their sides).

Answer 6

Try going to craigslist.org or you might find something on kijiji.com. There is always someone out there willing to talk a deal, you might find something. You might have to raise the price by $100 though, good luck.

http://www.mattressbedsfutons.com/tempur-pedic.html

Answer 7

Not.... really
I just dropped $1300 on my mattress and box, and its very comfortable

(just dropped = 13 month finance)

Answer 8

craigslist. Then get a spray bottle of disinfectant, a spray bottle of deodorizer and a thick zippered mattress cover and pad.

Answer 9

No. Not for that price. But you can get amazingly good items for free at [e-mail]. Read the rules and sign up. Good luck.

Answer 10

You must look for sales. They have clearence during the holidays and at the end of the year .