The feather-down face-off: A $100 Bed, Bath & Beyond pillow and a $30 one from JC Penney.
The polyester pillow showdown: An $81 Company Store pillow pitted against a $10 Kmart pillow.
The memory foam pillow match-up: A $99 Tempur-Pedic one versus a $35 Target pillow.
"It turns out for the polyester and feather-down pillows, most staffers did find the more expensive pillows more comfortable," Kaplan said.
But when it came to memory-foam pillows - panelists judged both pillows to have about the same level of comfort. Although the Target pillow is $64 dollars.
Tempur-Pedic tells Action News: "We know the benefits and real value of Tempur-Pedic pillows become even more apparent after several weeks and months. We're confident that when compared to other models on the market and given sufficient time, ours will rise to the top in comfort, support, durability and overall quality.
"It's our understanding that the total sample size for Consumer Reports' pillow test was relatively small (71) and the trial period was only five nights. While both pillows in our category were liked, we know the benefits and real value of Tempur-Pedic pillows (and there are several different varieties to choose from) become even more apparent after several weeks and months. We're confident that when compared to other models on the market and given sufficient time, ours will rise to the top in comfort, support, durability and overall quality."
Consumer Reports tested 23 sets of sheets from Egyptian to pima to combed cotton. Some sheets ripped easily and some of the seams on the fitted sheets came apart without much force, including a Tommy Hilfiger T-200 set. Consumer Reports says higher thread count does not guarantee stronger sheets or softer ones. In the end, here are two queen-size Best Buys that Consumer Reports recommends: L.L.Bean's Pima Cotton Percale for $100 dollars and, from Target, Home 600 TC for $70. The Target sheets were among the softest tested.
If your mattress is at least eight years old and you wake up aching, it might be time for a new one. So, what's the difference between a $2,000 mattress and a $1,000 mattress? Consumer Reports found... not much.
Testers cut through queen-size innerspring mattresses from Sealy, Serta, and Simmons. All were well-constructed with few differences. Consumer Reports had 54 panelists try out 14 mattresses: Innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, even an adjustable-air mattress.
"All the panelists felt that all the mattresses were at least moderately comfortable," Kaplan said. "But every mattress regardless of price, regardless of type had its supporters and detractors."
Bottom line - comfort is a personal preference. That's why Consumer Reports does not rate mattresses but instead, offers valuable shopping advice.
Number one - Try out a mattress by spending at least 15 minutes in several sleep positions.
Number two - Watch for a sale or start haggling. Mattress markups are huge. Consumer Reports says you should aim to get 50-percent off list price.
Number three - Also make sure you understand the return policy.
By the way, how firm a pillow you get should depend on your sleeping position.
