There's been a lot of speculation about suspicious person Mark Hacking's purchase of a new mattress just prior to reporting his wife missing to police. Not about why, of course. Yout can't well have a blood-soaked bed around when the cops come. It's kind of a giveaway. No. The speculation, both in the media and in the hearts and souls of American's, has been on which mattress he chose. Was it Sealey? It is the unassuming, frugal choice. Or perhaps the Crown Victoria of mattresses -- the Serta Perfect Sleeper? It could have been something silly and celebratory like a Craftmatic Adjustable Bed, but I think we all know such a luxe choice is tantamount to a confession.

I don't know the answer to the Hacking mattress riddle, America. It was difficult enough for me to solve my own. I, too, have been in the market for a new mattress, and for some time. The process has been difficult, filled with consternation and hand-wringing. Sure, there are moments of joy and thrill, but mostly there's the stress of making a choice that will define your nights for the next quarter century.

My choice is the Tempur-Pedic Classic, probably in California King. I find it to be wonderfully comfortable and, while quite expensive, I hope it'll be the last mattress I buy before I'm 50. But because the cost is significant, I found the company's four-month trial offer, made in Pempur-Pedic television commercials often seen on CNN, very attractive.

I called and was upset to discover that the free in-home trial requires full payment in advance, and that the payment, less $150 for shipping, can be refunded within four months if you're not satisfied. It's not a bad deal, except that once a mattress is returned, I suspect it's sent out on trial after trial until someone finally keeps it. It is, in a word, preslept. I don't find the idea appealing.

The alternative is a financing plan that offers four months free of charge followed by monthly payments at an absurd 21% interest rate.

Unless he's as crazy as he wants us to think or an honest to god sociopath, I suspect Hacking went with something middle of the road, like a King Koil.

Analogcabin @ 9:19 AM
Permalink |