HOW TO PLAN FOR A Instant Pot‘s 4 Superpowers SECURE RETIREMENT THE HEALTH RISKS OF ‘NATURAL’ MEDICINE

REVIEWS & RATINGS

Grills Door Locks Stick Vacs Drones BMW X3 MARCH 2018 The Best Mattress For Yo u Find it inside!

116 Models Tested & Rated Top Picks for Foam, Innerspring, Adjustable Air When & How to Get a Great Price Smarter choices for a better world Best Bets for a Bed-in-a-Box CR.ORG Looking for the Safest Cars or the Best Appliances?

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CRM83ABS Table of Contents MARCH 2018, VOL. 83 NO. 3

DEPARTMENTS IN EVERY ISSUE & COLUMNS Asleep on the Job From the President: Our testers reveal what 4 8 What We’re different mattresses Your Mattress Matters Testing in Our Labs … are made of. The mattress industry Toaster ovens, tablets, frying has experienced a pans, stick vacuums, and more. needed shake-up with the RATINGS bed-in-a-box business model. And our rigorous testing will help you rest easy.

5 Building a Better World, Together

BREVILLE SMART OVEN PRO Supporting a new bill to reduce arsenic in rice, fighting for fair auto-insurance 10 Ask Our Experts pricing, and raising concerns about the AT&T and The reason you shouldn’t skip Time Warner merger. smart-TV updates, why it’s P. 22 not too late to get the flu shot, and how likely you are 6 Your Feedback to be audited. Readers’ comments about FEATURES our recent content. 11 CR Insights COVER STORY Product picks and practical 22 Find the Best Mattress for You 17 Recalls advice, including the most Does mattress shopping drive you mad? Our ratings of 62 Index pick-resistant door locks, 116 models—from foam to innerspring—are sure to help. fast-heating grills, RATINGS 63 Selling It and the Instant Pot’s four Goofs and gaffes. best functions. RATINGS 36 Could This Cell Save Your Life? Stem cell therapy works for a few choice conditions, but ROAD REPORT consumers are being offered treatments that 58 Road Test are ineffective or even dangerous. What you need to We rate four luxury SUVs: know to stay safe. the BMW X3, Buick Enclave, GMC Terrain, and Land MEDECO MAXUM Rover Range Rover Velar. 42 Planning for a Secure Retirement RATINGS Do you know when you’ll have enough money to stop PRODUCT UPDATES working? Use our savvy strategies to take control and feel 18 Taking Photos confident, no matter what your age. on the Fly Drones are now more reliable and easier to use for aerial 48 The Will See You Now photography. Our testers As we face a growing doctor shortage, we’re all likely to reveal which will make you the encounter unfamiliar medical practitioners, from P.A.s happiest palm pilot. to N.P.s. Learn what they’re qualified to do—and not—and RATINGS why seeing a naturopath may be a dicey decision. BMW X3

ABOUT CONSUMER REPORTS accept paid advertising. We TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION We are the world’s largest don’t accept free test samples from Go to CR.org/lettertoeditor. Go to CR.org/magazine independent, nonprofit consumer- manufacturers. We do not NEWS TIPS AND STORY IDEAS or call 800-333-0663. product-testing organization, allow our name or content to be Go to CR.org/tips. See page 61 for more details. based in Yonkers, N.Y. We survey used for any promotional purposes. EMAIL SUBMISSIONS RATINGS Overall scores are based hundreds of thousands of consumers HOW TO REACH US For Selling It send items to on a scale of 0 to 100. We rate about their experiences with Write to us at Consumer Reports, [email protected] products using these symbols: products and services. We pay for 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703, or call 800-333-0663. 1 POOR 2 FAIR 3 GOOD all the products we rate. We don’t Attn.: Customer Service. See page 63 for more details. 4 VERY GOOD 5 EXCELLENT

COVER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY C.J. BURTON MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 3 From the President

President and CEO Marta L. Tellado Senior Vice President, Brand & Strategy Leonora Wiener Vice President, Chief Content Officer Gwendolyn Bounds Yo u r Ma t tre s s Editor in Chief Diane Salvatore Executive Editor Kevin Doyle Features Editor Natalie van der Meer

Design Director Matthew Lenning Creative Director, Brand Young Kim Matters Associate Design Director Mike Smith Manager, Art Operations Sheri Geller Art Directors Tammy Morton Fernandez, Ewelina Mrowiec, Lisa Slater, Tracy Stora IN RECENT YEARS it has Photo Editors Emilie Harjes, Karen Shinbaum seemed that no industry is Director, Content Development Glenn Derene safe from being upended Deputy Director, Content Development Christopher Kirkpatrick and reimagined by new Senior Director, Product Testing Mark Connelly challengers offering Director, Content Impact & Corporate Outreach Jen Shecter Director, Special Projects Sandy Keenan innovative solutions to Deputies, Special Projects Lisa Gill, Joel Keehn familiar problems. That’s Associate Director, Content Development Scott Billings precisely what has happened Cars Electronics in the mattress industry, Patrick Olsen, Content Lead Jerry Beilinson, Content Lead Editors: Editors: as startups have emerged to Jeff S. Bartlett, Tercius Bufete, Nicholas Nick Kurczewski, Jonathan Linkov, Deleon, Bree Fowler, Christopher challenge the status quo of Mike Monticello, Jeff Plungis Raymond, Allen St. John, James Willcox the walk-in mattress outlet Auto Test Center: Jake Fisher, Product Testers: Maria Rerecich, Jennifer Stockburger, Directors Testing Lead; Elias Arias, by marketing affordable Product Testers: Mike Bloch, John Antonette Asedillo, Claudio Ciacci, bed-in-a-box options for Ibbotson, Chris Jones, Anita Lam, Charles Davidman, Richard customers who would rather Gene Petersen, Ryan Pszczolkowski, Fisco, Richard Sulin, Maurice Wynn Mike Quincy, Gabe Shenhar, Policy Lead: Justin Brookman shop online than deal with Shawn Sinclair, Emily A. Thomas, Health & Food the hassles of an in-store sales pitch. These upstarts Joe Veselak, Seung Min “Mel” Yu Ellen Kunes, Content Lead are gaining traction, too: Direct-to-consumer Policy Lead: David Friedman Editors: Orly Avitzur, M.D.; Julia Home & Appliance Calderone; Trisha Calvo; Lauren F. mattress companies have reportedly doubled their Eric Hagerman, Content Lead Friedman; Chris Hendel; Jesse Hirsch; market share since 2014, and their annual retail Editors: Mary Farrell, Paul Hope, Jeneen Interlandi; Marvin M. sales have jumped from $852 million two years ago Kimberly Janeway, Sara Morrow, Lipman, M.D.; Catherine Roberts; Haniya Rae, Daniel Wroclawski Diane Umansky Product Testers: to $1.8 billion today. Product Testers: John Galeotafiore, Maxine Siegel, Testing Lead; At CR, we always have our eyes open for new James Nanni, Testing Leads; Peter Amy Keating, Ellen Klosz business models like beds-in-a-box that spring up Anzalone, John Banta, Susan Booth, Money Tara Casaregola, Lawrence Ciufo, Margot Gilman, Content Lead to challenge sleepy industries. That’s why we’re Enrique de Paz, Bernard Deitrick, Editors: Octavio Blanco, Jeffrey Blyskal, peering under the covers to get you the information Cindy Fisher, Emilio Gonzalez, Ginny Anthony Giorgianni, you need on both new and traditional mattresses Lui, Joan Muratore, Joseph Pacella, Nikhil Hutheesing, Donna Rosato, Christopher Regan, Frank Spinelli, Tobie Stanger, Penelope Wang so that you can make the right choice and avoid a David Trezza, Michael Visconti Policy Lead: Anna Laitin shopping nightmare. Our blanket coverage includes Chief Scientific Officer James H. Dickerson ratings of 116 foam, innerspring, and adjustable Food Safety James Rogers, Director; Sana Mujahid; air mattresses, including 41 bed-in-a-box options Henry Akinleye, Charlotte Vallaeys that may help you avoid the headaches and prices Product Safety Don Huber, Director; Doris Sullivan, Associate Director Health Ratings Doris Peter, Director of past purchases. We put products through their paces because helping you rest easy, knowing you Content Systems & Operations Strategy Peter Meirs, Director Content Operations David Fox, Director; William Breglio; Anthony Terzo have the independent knowledge you need to make Production Eric W. Norlander, Manager; Letitia Hughes, Terri Kazin smart choices, is at the core of our mission at CR— Imaging Francisco Collado, Mark Linder and if you wind up literally resting more easily as a Content Coordination Nancy Crowfoot; Diane Chesler, Aileen McCluskey Copy Editing Leslie Monthan, Copy Chief; result, we sleep better at night, too. Noreen Browne, Alison France, Wendy Greenfield Fact Checking David Schipper, Manager; Kathleen Adams, Tracy Anderman, Sarah Goralski, Christine Gordon, Lee Anna Jackson, Sharon MacBride Riley Administration Decarris Bryant

Consumer Engagement Testing Charu Ahuja, Director; Linda Greene, Adam Kaplan Statistics Michael Saccucci, Director; Andrew Cohen, Keith Newsom-Stewart, Martin Romm Marta L. Tellado, Survey Research Karen Jaffe, Simon Slater; Dave Gopoian, Kendra Johnson, President and CEO Debra Kalensky, Martin Lachter, Jane Manweiler, Olufemi Olu-Lafe, Adam Troy Follow me on Twitter Administration John McCowen @MLTellado Consumer Insight Monica Liriano, Associate Director; Frank Yang; Chris Holmes, Teneisha Thomas Newsstand Marketing Patricia McSorley, Associate Director Procurement Operations Steven Schiavone, Associate Director

Vice President, Chief Communications Officer Matt Anchin; Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis JoAnne Boyd; Vice President, Human Resources Lisa Cribari; Vice President, Data & Marketing Operations Brent Diamond; Vice President, Chief Digital Officer Jason Fox; Vice President, Research, Testing & Insights Liam McCormack; Vice President, Business Strategy & Planning Betsy Parker; Vice President, Consumer Policy & Mobilization Jessica Rich; Vice President, General Counsel Steven Schwartz; Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Kim Stehle; Vice President, Development Shar Taylor; Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Eric Wayne PHOTO: MELANIE DUNEAPHOTO: 4 CR.ORG Building a Better World, Together Join with us to make a safer, fairer, healthier marketplace

levels of arsenic. Go to CR.org/ New York’s Department of to do its own investigation. Reducing arsenic0318 for more dietary Financial Services decided to That effort led to the new guidance. And contact your hit the brakes on this practice rule, which officially went into Arsenic in Rice representatives at congress.gov by forbidding the use of effect in January. what’s at stake to urge them to vote for the education or occupation as a what you can do We’ve known for years that RICE Act. factor in setting premiums. Check out strategies for saving consumers unwittingly ingest how cr has your back on auto insurance and find our unhealthy amounts of a known CR has fought the use of insurance-company ratings at carcinogen—arsenic—when nondriving factors in auto- CR.org/autoinsurance0318. eating certain rice and rice- Fair Pricing in insurance pricing for years. based products. Our September 2015 cover That’s why CR is supporting Auto Insurance story, “The Truth About a new bill, the Reducing food- what’s at stake Car Insurance,” further Seeking More based Inorganic Compounds A new rule in New York state highlighted the problem. Exposure (RICE) Act, that represents an important step And a 2017 investigation by Media Choices would require the Food and toward fairness in the auto- CR and ProPublica, “A World what’s at stake Drug Administration to set a insurance market. Apart,” published in our We took notice in late 2016 maximum permissible level The problem it targets is July 2017 issue, found that when AT&T, the world’s largest of inorganic arsenic for rice. this: Insurance companies people in some predominantly pay-TV company, announced a “The FDA has a responsibility increasingly consider non- minority neighborhoods were plan to buy Time Warner, the to ensure [that] our food supply driving factors—including credit consistently charged more than media powerhouse that’s home is safe, especially for infants scores, gender, and ZIP codes— those in white neighborhoods, to CNN, HBO, TNT, and the and children, but there are when setting individual policy even when risk levels were the Hollywood studio Warner Bros., currently no limits on the prices. As a result, many safe same. That report prompted for $85 billion. amount of arsenic allowed drivers pay more than relatively California regulators to review Our concern was that the in our food,” says the bill’s risky ones. And studies have state filings and require two merger would limit consumer sponsor, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, found that the use of these insurers to adjust rates. choice and drive up the D-Conn. “That is why Congress factors raises rates for low- In New York, CR and other cost of accessing news and must take up the RICE Act to income and minority drivers consumer groups asked the entertainment. It also raised the protect all Americans’ health disproportionately. Department of Financial Services possibility that a new combined and well-being.” company might give priority to how cr has your back Time Warner programming or Testing by CR brought the slow competitors’ content on problem to public attention, Cancer Caution its set-top boxes and internet first in 2011 with regard to CR continues to connections, giving it unfair apple and grape juices, then fight to limit the leverage and driving up amount of arsenic in 2012 and 2014 for rice consumer costs even further. in rice products. products. The FDA issued draft The Department of Justice, guidance to manufacturers which must approve mergers in 2013 and 2016 but has yet like this, agreed. It filed a lawsuit to finalize it, let alone impose to block the merger of AT&T and mandatory limits. Time Warner, citing antitrust In December a national and competitive concerns. alliance of scientists and child- how cr has your back health advocates called Healthy Leading up to the decision, Babies Bright Futures built on CR continually spoke out on CR’s tests, finding that infant behalf of consumers, meeting rice cereal contains an average with Department of Justice and of six times the level of arsenic congressional staff members to as other grain cereals. raise concerns about the deal’s Jean Halloran, CR’s director impact. We also submitted a of food policy initiatives, says statement to a Senate hearing, the new bill, if passed, would arguing that market competition be “an important step forward benefits consumers far more for public health.” than monopolies do. what you can do what you can do Until the bill is passed, limit While the suit winds through babies to no more than ¼ cup the court system, check of infant rice-based cereal per out our cable and internet day, and include in their diets provider ratings at CR.org/ cereals that are made of wheat, internetservice0318 oatmeal, and corn, which to find the best provider in contain significantly lower your area.

ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN RITTER MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 5 Your Feedback Readers’ comments about our content

Samsung has a square front, so it does get into corners. I would never use my upright that often, as it is such a pain to use. They are not cheap, but they’re worth the money if you have allergies. —Connie Clark Vogel, via Facebook Nothing to Sneeze At IF THEY GIVE an award to the best magazine cover of the year, you have just won it hands down with the cover of the January 2018 issue. Thanks for a great laugh plus some good information. It’s hard to write this and not laugh about being “sick as a dog.” —Constantine Tgiros, Macomb, MI

I JUST RECEIVED the January Readers had lots of opinions about our January 2018 issue and am puzzled as to why in all the cold and flu article on robotic vacuums, “Clean Sweep,” sharing medications you recommend (“How to Survive Cold & Flu advice, tips, and even pet names for their bots. To join Season”), you never mention aspirin. I’ve used aspirin all the discussion, go to CR.org/vacs0318. of my life for fever and minor aches and have always found relief. Why have you discounted its use for cold and flu? I HAVE WOOD FLOORS; a Lhasa good handheld, I’ll happily find minute every time, completely —Lawrence Kilbert, Tucson, AZ Apso that sheds long, fine a new home for the upright. cleaning our downstairs. We hairs; and a tight budget. I —Donna McMaster, via CR.org couldn’t be happier with it. EDITOR’S NOTE Aspirin can help bought an iLife V3s for $160, We even named it: Scooter. ease the pain or fever from a cold and it has done a terrific job of EDITOR’S NOTE If you’re in the —Sharon Rose, Santa Susana, CA or the flu. But you usually need cleaning up the dust and hair. market for a handheld vacuum, a large dose—two 325-mg tablets I run it two to three times a we’d suggest checking out the EDITOR’S NOTE The run time every 4 hours—to get that benefit. week, and my floors haven’t Shark Pet Perfect II SV780, that we noted in our article is not (That compares with the 81-mg been so clean in years. Its one $60. It’s currently our top-rated the time that the battery runs to dose, or “baby” aspirin, that failing is that it has ambitions handheld model, and we found depletion. Rather, it’s the average some people take to help prevent beyond its navigational that it performed excellently on time the robot vacuum “thinks” it heart attacks and strokes.) That abilities; it often gets stuck. So edges; it did a great job on pet has completed cleaning our lab’s higher dose increases the risk of I don’t run it when I’m away hair, too. For readers looking for 12x16-foot room setups, roughly internal bleeding, especially if from home. And it can’t reach something in between an upright bedroom-sized and living-room- you take other drugs that can thin into small spaces. I plan to and a handheld cleaner, turn sized areas. If you have larger the blood, such as clopidogrel supplement it with a handheld to page 8 for some of our latest areas, multiple rooms, or more (Plavix and generic) and warfarin vacuum for edges, crevices, picks in cordless stick vacuums. obstacles, your robot vacuum (Coumadin and generic). And and upholstery. My upright may take longer than our average it shouldn’t be given to children vacuum is better for carpets IN YOUR ARTICLE about robotic to complete its cycle. recovering from respiratory but is inconvenient. If I find a vacuums, your review of the infection because of the rare Neato Botvac D Series stated I LOVE MY Samsung Powerbot. possibility of Reye’s syndrome, a “short average run time It has great suction, and I use it a potentially fatal disease. So Go to of 15 minutes.” We have had almost every day. I’m allergic CR’s medical advisers generally CR.org/lettertoeditor our D Series Neato for several to dust mites and have tried suggest using other drugs to ease to share your months, running every other air filters, but this is the only the pain and fever of a cold or the WRITE comments for day on medium-pile carpet thing that has really helped flu, including acetaminophen publication. (other than kitchen and me. You still need to use an (Tylenol and generic), ibuprofen bathroom). Without fail, it runs upright occasionally around (Advil and generic), and a full 60 minutes, almost to the baseboards, etc., but the naproxen (Aleve and generic).

6 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 Driven to Distraction Back to the Future I JUST RECEIVED my January “DRIVING WHILE DISTRACTED” SUBSCRIPTION THE JANUARY 2018 edition 2018 magazine, and when in the January 2018 issue was SCAM ALERT of CR Insights highlights the browsing the cell-phone excellent. I have had some intelligent high beams on the ratings, I noticed there was no close calls with distracted Lexus RX. My parents’ 1970s test on voice quality. What’s the drivers. I was amazed (or Readers should be on Cadillac had an “electric eye” deal? I mean, we are talking horrified) at a red light recently guard against offers that would detect oncoming about phones here, right? when I looked in the car next of new Consumer cars and switch the headlights When shopping for a new cell Reports subscriptions to me and saw that the driver from high beams to low. This phone, I select the one that has or renewals from had two devices attached was the car I learned to drive, the best voice quality. companies that are to the steering wheel for his not authorized to offer and I found the automatic —William Martin, Odenton, MD use while driving. subscriptions on our beam switch both reliable —William Greer, Parrish, FL behalf. The ones we’re and convenient. It’s always EDITOR’S NOTE You’ll be happy aware of are Global surprised me that it didn’t to know that we do test for voice WHEN OUR GRANDSON started Publication Processing, become a standard feature quality, and we factor it into to drive two years ago, I told National Publishers on cars in the ’80s, ’90s, and each model’s rating for calling. him to put his cell phone in the Group, Pacific Magazine beyond. When you’re driving First, we evaluate what you trunk before he got in the car Billing, Publisher on a dark road it’s always hear and what’s heard by other so he would not be distracted Payment Center, and a little annoying to have to phones when you talk. Our tests by its ring. He kids me by Atlantic Publishers switch beams every time there are conducted in noisy and quiet saying “trunk it,” but it works. Group, and there may is an oncoming car. environments. We also consider be others. —Marlyn Alkins, Warrington, PA —Al Cinelli, Fair Oaks, CA any step-saving functions for Consumer Reports making and receiving calls that is taking action to Straight Talk About I CAN’T SUPPORT a cell-phone address this problem. a phone offers, including hands- block when a car is moving Meanwhile, you can Smartphones free capabilities such as voice because then a passenger spot unauthorized IN “ARE YOU READY for Your command and Bluetooth, one- couldn’t use his phone— mailings because they Upgrade?” (January 2018), handed operation, speed dialing, which could be vital in an may include the phrase you note that a model passes ringer controls, and other emergency. I agree that a "continuation/new order your water-resistance test if features. And we look at keypad driver should not be talking offer" (language CR it survives a dunk without readability under different or texting on a cell phone, never uses) or might not being damaged. I’m a bicycle lighting conditions, and consider but a passenger shouldn’t be specify the subscription’s tourer and always have my the ease and comfort of holding a restricted from doing so. expiration date. The Galaxy S8+ mounted on my phone while on a call. —Matthew Harris, via CR.org back of the form states, handlebar. On recent trips, "However, once we have my phone got wet from rain. processed your order EDITOR’S NOTE Many It was “undamaged” but a $9.00 processing fee smartphone apps or phone when I needed to recharge it, will apply plus our costs CONNECT features that block calls and to submit your order." I was warned by a message WITH US texts when an automobile is CR never charges a to disconnect the charger in motion are voluntary, and processing fee. immediately as moisture they can be applied solely to Here’s how to be sure had been detected. So my the driver’s phone. Apple’s new “undamaged” phone became FACEBOOK a subscription or renewal fb.com/consumerreports iOS 11 operating system for the mailing came from us: inoperable, for quite a long fb.com/SomosCR iPhone, for example, senses ■ CR addresses your time! At times when you’re car motion and asks whether subscription status in dependent on your phone, as I the owner wants to activate the its mailings by always was, that can be disconcerting. YOUTUBE Do Not Disturb feature, which providing your expiration —Greg Veal, Akron, OH /consumerreports blocks texts and calls. If you date on our notices. (The date will match the one are a passenger, you can simply EDITOR’S NOTE The Samsung on your magazine label.) opt out when you receive the Galaxy S8+ did pass our water- INSTAGRAM ■ CR renewal payments @consumerreports resistance tests, but like the prompt. (The same goes for require you to make the Android-based app called your check payable to majority of smartphones, it’s In-Traffic Reply.) Consumer Reports. true that you’ll need to let it dry TWITTER ■ CR renewal orders are out before you can plug it in. @consumerreports @SomosCR ROAD SIGNS, BILLBOARDS, cool mailed to our Harlan, That said, one solution might be cars, scenery. It’s not just about Iowa, or Markham, to use a wireless charger, which cell phones or infotainment Ontario, address. will probably work when your PINTEREST systems. It’s about our ■ CR does not charge charging cable doesn’t. Either /consumerreports willingness to focus on driving, cancellation fees. way, the good news is that, instead of driving while we To learn more go to even if you need to wait for your CR.org/mailing0318. LINKEDIN focus on everything else. device to dry, you won’t need to /company/ —Laurie M. Coppola, via worry about a phone damaged consumer-reports Facebook because of rain.

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 7 What We’re Testing in Our Labs ... In our 60 labs, we continually review and rate products. Here, timely picks for this month.

WiFi-Only Tablets

WE TESTED: 32 models Best Overall Large Screen; Lots of Storage Great Value WE TEST FOR: Convenience, Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 SM Apple iPad Pro 12.9 Amazon Fire HD 8 2017 ease of use, display quality, T820 (32GB, 9.7-inch screen) (64GB, 12.9-inch screen) (16GB, 8-inch screen) versatility, performance, $600 $800 $80 camera image quality, battery life, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 84 80 72 Median: 71 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL Range: 59-84 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Frying Pans

WE TESTED: 30 models Best Overall Sizzling Hot Deal Best Cast Iron WE TEST FOR: Cooking Zwilling J.A. Henckels Daily Chef (Sam's Club) Le Creuset Signature evenness, how easily fried Energy Nonstick $15 $150 eggs slide off a nonstick $100 surface, how durable a nonstick surface is over time, ease of cleaning, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 87 81 52 Median: 60 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL Range: 31-87 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Ask Our Experts “FOR THE GENERAL cleaning of a cast-iron pan, it’s overkill to put your pan in the oven during a self-clean cycle,” says Cindy Fisher, CR’s cookware tester. Further, many manufacturers of cast-iron Is it true that I can pans don’t recommend it. “The high heat melts the seasoning [the oil baked into a cast-iron pan to help form a slick surface and clean a dirty cast- prevent rust] off the pan,” Mark Kelly, a representative for the iron pan by putting it cookware brand Lodge Cast Iron, told us. For everyday cleaning, rinse with water, or use a paper towel to wipe clean. “For tougher in the oven during messes,” says Fisher, “add a little water to your pan and simmer for a minute.” Or try gently scrubbing with coarse salt and a splash of

its self-clean cycle? water, then wipe dry. For some of our frying pan picks, see above. BLOCH SERGE ILLUSTRATION:

8 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 For even more ratings of these and other product categories, online subscribers can go to CR.org. Toaster Ovens

WE TESTED: 34 models Best Broiler Perfect for Pizza Sweet for Small Counters WE TEST FOR: How evenly Breville Smart Oven Pro DeLonghi Livenza Stainless Hamilton Beach Toaststation a model bakes a batch of BOV845BSS (11x19x16 inches) EO 241250M (12x19x18 inches) 22720 (8x16x9 inches) muffins and a pizza, how $270 $270 $40 evenly it browns toast, how well it broils, ease of use, and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 76 70 63 Median: 59 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL Range: 26-76 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Vinyl Flooring

WE TESTED: 14 products Best Overall Scratch and Dent Resistant A Price That'll Floor You WE TEST FOR: How well the Congoleum DuraCeramic Armstrong Luxe Plank Timber Shaw Matrix Regency material withstands dents, Sierra Slate SI74 Bay Barnyard Gray A6861 Gunstock Oak stains, scratches, and Golden Greige $5.50 LX90100706 (Lowe's) sunlight; how quickly surface $5.00 $2.00 wear is noticeable; and more. (Prices are per square foot.)

ABOUT THE SCORES: 94 93 79 Median: 67 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL Range: 40-94 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Stick Vacuums

WE TESTED: 35 models Best Overall Most Versatile Stick Steal WE TEST FOR: How well it Bissell Air Ram Shark IonFlex 2X Dirt Devil Reach Max removes surface debris from 1984, cordless (7.9 lb.) DuoClean Ultra-Light Plus BD22510PC, a medium-pile carpet and tile $200 Cordless IF251 (8.8 lb.) cordless (6.3 lb.) flooring, how well it performs $450 $130 in edges and corners, and more. (Models weigh over 6 lbs.)

ABOUT THE SCORES: 91 84 79 Median: 78 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL Range: 49-91 SCORE SCORE SCORE

All-in-One Inkjet Printers

WE TESTED: 91 models Best Overall For Photo Fanatics Bargain Beauty WE TEST FOR: How crisply, Epson Expression Premium Brother MFC-J5920DW Canon Pixma MG3620 clearly, and uniformly a model XP-640 $295 $80 prints text in various styles $150 and sizes; how quickly it can print five 8x11-inch pages of text; photo quality; and more.

ABOUT THE SCORES: 74 67 67 Median: 59 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL Range: 38-74 SCORE SCORE SCORE

Note: We rate different products according to different testing protocols ; as a result, Overall Scores of one product category are not comparable with another. Insights Ask Our Experts

How likely am I to be audited? Are there any red flags I should know about?

“Less than 1 percent of individual tax returns are audited,” says Tobie Stanger, CR’s senior editor on the tax beat. However, you should be aware that your chances of being audited can increase if you take certain “gray area” deductions, such as home-office expenses, expenses related to a rental property you own, and charitable contributions. You could also be inviting extra scrutiny if the income you report to the Internal Revenue Service differs from the income reported on a W-2 or 1099 MISC form, says Melanie Lauridsen, flu season can actually senior manager for tax My TV prompts me to do peak as late as March, advocacy at the American and the viral illness can Institute of CPAs. updates, but I often ignore continue to circulate as If you’ve been audited in late as May. the past, don’t assume the requests. Is that bad? And note that although last lightning will strike twice. year’s shot for the 2016 to Your chances of being audited 2017 flu season was 39 percent again are not necessarily We know you’re busy—and you’ll save yourself many more effective at preventing flu greater, unless you’re there are exciting shows minutes of aggravation that overall, it was 52 percent a repeat offender—if, say, waiting in your streaming would have been spent dealing effective against influenza B, you repeat some of the queue—but if you don’t stop to with issues that were already which tends to be the strain same behaviors that triggered upgrade every once in a while, fixed by an update. more commonly reported the first audit. you might run into a few A tip for the upgrade-averse: during the end of the season. The best defense against problems. Usually there’s a Most smart TVs give you Getting this year’s vaccine an audit: Make sure you good reason your TV is asking the option to enable automatic may be most important for have adequate records you to approve an upgrade, updates in your settings. those who are at the greatest that support your return, says CR’s TV and electronics While you’re in there, check risk for complications—young Stanger says, and that you tester, Claudio Ciacci. “It could your picture adjustment, too. children, adults age 50 and or your accountant fully be to improve security, fix a Occasionally an update may older, pregnant women, understands the nuance of bug, give you new features, or reset your display to the TV’s people with asthma or other the tax laws, especially make existing ones better.” default setting, but you can lung disease—as well as for with regard to your taxable By ignoring updates, you simply change it back to your those who care for children activities for 2018, because miss out on all of those free preferred setup. and the elderly. much has changed. refinements. Sure, you’ll have Another surprise: You to do something else for a few I wasn’t able to get my flu should get the vaccine even if minutes, but we think a shot earlier this season. Is it you’ve already had the flu secure, smoothly operating pointless to do so this late? this season. Why? There are TV is worth the wait. Plus, usually several strains of Not at all, says Marvin the virus, and the vaccine M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer could protect you against a We have more than Reports’ chief medical strain that you didn’t have— 140 in-house experts adviser. In fact, in recent and could still get. LEARN who research, test, years the month of February Though the vaccine is no and compare! Submit has generally had the highest guarantee that you won’t get your questions at number of confirmed flu the flu, it will reduce your CR.org/askourexperts cases, according to the Centers risk—and may also lead to ... and watch for the answers. for Disease Control and a milder case if you do end Prevention. What’s more, up getting sick.

10 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 ILLUSTRATIONS BY SERGE BLOCH Product recommendations and practical advice Insights In the Know

Grills: Nexgrill Deluxe 720-0896B The Fast $400 069 OVERALL and the SCORE Fiery

TOO MANY BACKYARD CHEFS start cooking soon after turning on the grill. But here’s the rub: Most gas grills aren’t ready in just a few minutes—at least not if you want to sear a steak at 500° F. “A gas grill should be preheated before you use it,” says Cindy Fisher, CR’s test engineer for grills. We fi red up some popular grills to determine which get the hottest, fastest. Fisher collects data from temperature sensors that are placed evenly across a grill’s grates, then uses the readings to map each grill’s heat distribution exactly 10 minutes after turning the burner on high. As you can see from the maps shown below, some grills heat up faster, and more evenly, than others. “Some may take as long as 20 minutes to preheat, often because they have heavier grates—which isn’t a bad thing,” Fisher says.

TEMPERATURES under 400˚ f 400˚ to 500˚ f over 500˚ f AT 10 MINUTES Cooks slowly without Hot enough to cook Hot enough to defined grill marks. meat and fish. sear steak.

Monument !0 Weber Napoleon 27592 Genesis II LX LEX485RSIB $340 S-340 $1,300 $1,150

OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL 065 SCORE 077 SCORE 064 SCORE PHOTO: REBEKAH REPORTS. INFOGRAPHICS: NEMETHY/CONSUMER BERGMANN PHOTO: ANDY

Preheating is just one of the many tests we perform to calculate a grill’s Overall Score. CR.ORG 11 CRInsights

Want to reduce the number of robocalls you receive (either on your cell or home phone) and minimize your chances of being fleeced? Follow our tips:

BLOCK 'EM One of the best ways to reduce robocalls is to use blocking technology, which intercepts robocalls before they reach you. Some telephone companies offer robocall blocking services free of charge or for an added fee. Apps, such as Nomorobo, are free or cost just a dollar or two per month. If you have a copper landline, you may need to pay more than $100 for blocking equipment, such as Call Control Home. Digital landlines often have free options.

DON'T KNOW THEM? DON'T ANSWER A simple and effective way to avoid robocall scams is to not answer a call from any person or number you don't recognize on your caller ID. If the unknown caller leaves a message saying he or she is with a business or agency and you want to return the call, don’t use the number that showed up on caller ID or that was 2.8 billion left in the message. It could lead you That's how many robocalls—computer-generated calls— back to a scammer misrepresenting himself. Instead, use the web or were sent to Americans in December 2017. Some are legitimate, such as a telephone directory to find the surveys and political messages. But many are scammers using "spoofing" number on your own. software to masquerade as a company or even a government agency. Dishonest robocallers can pose as the Internal Revenue Service to trick DON'T ENGAGE unwitting consumers into paying taxes they don't really owe, or pretend to be If you pick up a robocall, hang up the power company, threatening to turn off the lights unless a bogus overdue immediately. Staying on the line (even to complain) or entering any bill is paid. A growing number of robocallers are now showing up on caller ID numbers (even when instructed to do with the same area code and prefix as the people they’re targeting, as a so to stop future calls) could lead to

way to increase the chances that a potential victim will pick up the phone. more calls in the future. GETTY IMAGES TOP: PAGE, FACING PHOTO, PHILPOT. CHRIS ILLUSTRATIONS:

1954 As WWII production CR Time Traveler MATTRESSES skills bring costs down on foam rubber beds, we test how firm they are with a compression machine. All demonstrated "exceptional durability."

1938 CR begins reviewing mattresses 1962 This wooden roller is back when many cost $20 to $40. used to test polyfoam While innerspring technology is still new, mattresses. CU staffers also many models are filled with cotton sleep on them: One had "the or horse hair. Few states have mattress nervous impression that I was regulations, so we warn that many suspended by some sort of are filled with “downright filthy” materials. magic in mid-air."

12 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 10 20 30 40 50 $0 POOR EXCELLENT CR BEST BUY

Food Sleuth What’s in Your Coff ee Cup?

FOR MANY OF US, a cup of joe is a happy—even necessary—morning ritual, and coff ee itself has health benefi ts: Studies show it can lead to a longer life and lessen the risk of type 2 diabetes. But you can mess up a good thing with those little extras you stir in. If you drink two cups a day, for example, each with 2 ounces of cream and 2 teaspoons of sugar (32 calories), you’ll take in about 300 calories and 24 grams of fat—slightly more than the number of calories and twice the fat of a jelly doughnut from Dunkin’ Donuts. The milk you choose can also make a big diff erence. (According 2 300 24 to the Department of Agriculture, CUPS OF CALORIES & GRAMS CREAM SUGAR COFFEE A DAY OF FAT Americans bought more than twice 2 ounces 2 teaspoons as much 2 percent and whole milk as either 1 percent or nonfat in 2016.) A switch from, say, whole milk to 1 percent and less sugar can make a real impact on the calories you’re consuming with your coff ee. Simply look at our nutritional breakdown for guidance.

2 OUNCES OF Soy Milk* Nonfat Milk 1% Milk 2% Milk Whole Milk Half and Half Cream

CALORIES 20 22 26 30 38 74 120

GRAMS OF FAT 1 0 0.5 1 2 6.5 12

*Unsweetened.

1997 With mattress shopping 2005 California passes a fire 2018 Today, we still put mattresses through as opaque as ever, CR cuts models safety law requiring a strict rigorous machine and human testing, open to find out what’s inside; flammability test for mattresses. including durability and firmness, and how our testing reveals that the number We report Tempur-Pedic well a mattress supports side and back of coils doesn't matter as much and Serta are the only two national sleepers. One of our CR Best Buys is below. as padding quality does. brands to immediately comply.

1986 To test innerspring 2014 Casper launches. $0 mattresses, we apply It quickly becomes one of the best- Denver Mattress a "buttocks-shaped" ram known direct-to-consumer Doctor's Choice 100,000 times, then bed-in-a-box mattress brands, $500 see how they held up: Only along with Tuft & Needle OVERALL six out of 32 sets had no and Leesa, disrupting the mattress 76 SCORE structural damage. market at walk-in stores.

For our article on mattresses and more ratings, turn to page 22. CR.ORG 13 CRInsights

Product Spotlight How to Pick a Lock

CONTRARY TO POPULAR belief, burglars able to drill through most of the 17 locks that screws into the door frame and holds very often break in during the day, we tested in just minutes. the bolt in place when the door is locked. To entering through an open or unlocked Most locks use brass in the cylinder, stand up to kick-ins, the bolt must slide into door, according to Bureau of Justice which can be drilled through. The toughest a sturdy, flat strike plate or a box strike (see Statistics. So to thwart thieves, always lock “high security” locks, such as the Medeco illustration below); either should be secured your door and install a high-quality lock— below, are made of brass with hardened- with 3-inch screws that hold fast to the a good deadbolt that can withstand steel inserts, and some reinforce the cylinder framing of the house. Yet about 70 percent kick-ins and drill attacks. with hardened-steel plates—which take so of the locks we tested came with a flimsy We’ve discovered in our testing long to drill through that thieves may give up strike plate and ¾-inch screws that catch that many locks offer less security than and move on. But the biggest flaw our testers only the doorjamb, making it too easy to you might expect. Our testers were see is in the strike plate, the metal piece kick in the door as the short screws tear out.

MAKE IT BETTER

Most locks we tested came with flimsy strike plates and ¾-inch screws. You can buy a box strike online for less than $10, but we believe consumers shouldn’t have to spend extra to make the deadbolt they purchased secure. Our challenge to lock manufacturers: Make Drill-Resistant Cylinder Beefy Bolt heavy-duty hardware A cylinder made with Hardened-steel bolts are standard and provide hardened-steel inserts is the almost impossible to cut through 3-inch screws for locks. most difficult to drill through. with a reciprocating saw. ¾"

!0 Medeco !0 Kwikset 980 !0 Baldwin Maxum 11*603 TYPE: STANDARD Prestige 380 TYPE: HIGH-SECURITY $30 TYPE: STANDARD $190 $40 3" recommended 097 083 082 OVERALL OVERALL OVERALL SCORE SCORE SCORE

Our top-rated lock couldn’t be A terrific lock for the money. This traditional-looking lock picked by our pros and has a Our testers couldn’t pick it, and comes with sufficiently long hardened cylinder we couldn’t it comes with a sturdy flat strike screws for the durable flat strike drill through. Plus it comes plate and long screws. And if plate, which helped it stand with a box strike and 3-inch- you need to change the key for up to CR’s kick-in test. You can long screws. Changing the key the lock, you can do it yourself, change the key yourself. And requires a locksmith. without a locksmith. our experts couldn’t pick it.

14 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 For a Rainy Day 10 20 30 40 50 !0 The BMW 5 Series POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED is one of several brands offering smart wipers.

OVERALL 082 SCORE

Still Confused By … Movie Downloads

GOING AWAY this spring? Depending on which airline you fly, some planes won’t have individual seatback TV screens, so it’s a good idea HOW STUFF WORKS to come prepared with entertainment of your own. Luckily, some video streaming services let you download content to your tablet or phone ahead of time, which means no worrying about throttled data speeds or Rain-Sensing weak WiFi while traveling—you can just recline and click play. Windshield Here’s how to do it on a few popular services:

"Narcos" and "The Crown," though Wipers the list updates frequently. You'll see a download button on the details page if a show can be downloaded. Ever wonder how your car Monthly Netflix prices start at $7.99. knows it’s raining—and even how hard? Most rain-sensing THE BIG SICK YouTube Red This service lets you watch videos wipers use a sensor that’s without ads, which subscribers can mounted behind the windshield. Amazon Prime Video This service, included with a $99 download to view offline using an It sends out a beam of infrared Prime subscription, offers a bounty Android or iOS mobile app. It costs light that, when water droplets of popular downloadable titles, $9.99 per month ($14.99 for the family plan), but start with a free are on the windshield, is reflected including films such as "Arrival" and "The Big Sick" and the original 30-day trial. back at different angles. series "The Man in the High Castle." This tells the system to activate Compatible with Android, iOS, and the wipers, as well as adjust wiper most Fire Tablets, all you need to speed and frequency based do is sign in and look for Prime titles that feature a “Download” on the intensity of the option. You typically have 30 days precipitation combined with the to begin watching a video after vehicle’s speed. That’s a real you download it, and about 48 hours to finish watching a title WONDER WOMAN safety asset when driving through once you start. heavy rain on a dark highway. iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and But our experts say there’s room FandangoNOW These are free to join and offer for improvement: It would be downloadable movies and TV even better if the automatic shows that you can pay a modest headlights would turn on at the price to buy or rent individually, same time as the wipers, because then stream or download to your device using their respective THE CROWN many states require the lights apps. The typical rental period to be on when the wipers are on. is 30 days, so you can rent and Still, it’s a feature worth asking Netflix download, say, "Wonder Woman" The Netflix app allows subscribers from the Google Play store a few about when car shopping. to download some movies and weeks ahead of a trip and not series to mobile devices. These worry that it will expire by the time titles include original series, such as you press play on the plane.

CR.ORG 15 CRInsights

Do More With … Your Instant Pot 3

IF YOU’RE THE proud new owner of an Instant Pot—or one of its more than 1.1 million 4 Facebook community members—you’re 1 probably aware that this $100 countertop appliance promises to tackle a wide variety of cooking tasks. But with seven diff erent functions, you may not know where to begin. To help you tap into your Instant Pot’s full 2 potential, we tested the Instant Pot Duo DUO60’s individual cooking modes—and pitted each one against a popular single- purpose competitor that performs the same task. Below are the four functions that we think Instant Pot performs just as well—or better—and you get all four in one machine.

1. Slow Cooker slow-cooking, after all. making it just as good 3. Rice Cooker making yogurt in this pot The Instant Pot’s slow- “Plus, it eats up a lot as (if not a teeny bit “This little multitasking yet, you should. Our cooker function turned less storage space better than) the 6-quart appliance is an excellent testers made 128 ounces out pulled pork that was than all of the gadgets T-Fal CY505E Electric rice cooker,” Deitrick (a gallon) of plain yogurt. tender and delicious, it replaces.” Pressure Cooker, $70, says. In our lab, it cooked First, it heats the milk to says Bernie Deitrick, a which took 56 minutes 2 cups of brown rice in 180° F, then lets it cool CR test engineer. When 2. Pressure Cooker with similar results. 45 minutes—15 minutes to below 115° F before compared with a Crock- Ready for ribs? The “To finish off the ribs faster than a $30 Aroma you add yogurt starter. Pot SCCPVL610-S Slow Instant Pot will deliver with a crispy crust, coat ARC 914SBD Rice Fermentation takes about Cooker, $55, the Instant dinner in less than them in barbecue sauce Cooker—and it tasted 8 hours. We found it to be Pot took a little longer, half the time your oven and pop them in an just as good. just as tasty and well-made but we felt the minimal takes. It turned out juicy, oven set to 450° F for as in a Euro Cuisine YM100, time difference wasn’t tender baby back pork 15 minutes,” Deitrick 4. Yogurt Maker $40, which can make only

critical—it is called ribs in just 54 minutes, suggests. If you haven’t tried up to 42-ounce batches. JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS PHOTO:

March Is Space Heaters Digital Cameras As warmer weather inches At the end of this month, THE BEST closer, prices on heaters you're likely to see great TIME TO BUY … will begin to drop, so now prices—especially on older is a good time to take one models—with deals second home for next winter. only to Black Friday sales.

For more info, go to CR.org/timetobuy0318. MARCH 2018 RECALLS

CEILING CHILDREN'S FANS MATTRESSES

Hunter is recalling about 168,000 Dream On Me is recalling about Contempo ceiling fans because 23,400 crib and toddler bed the owner's manual instructs mattresses because they fail users to install the light globe to meet the mandatory federal incorrectly, and the globe can flammability standard, posing fall, posing a risk of injury. The a fire hazard. The mattresses fans were sold at Costco stores were sold online from January and online from January 2016 2016 through December 2016 for through August 2017 for about $40 to $90. $130. Refurbished models were What to do: Stop using the also sold online during the same mattress and call Dream On Me at period on Amazon, eBay, and 877-201-4317 or go to dreamonme. Groupon. com/customercare to get a free What to do: Check to make sure mattress cover for the mattress to the light globe was installed meet federal standards. ▲ JOHN DEERE Pain Relieving Cream with correctly by turning it clockwise UTILITY VEHICLES Lidocaine because the packaging until it stops and is resting firmly is not child resistant as required in place. Call Hunter at 866-326- John Deere is recalling about by the Poison Prevention 2003 or go to hunterfan.com/ 68,300 Crossover Gator utility Packaging Act. The cream DECORATIVE recalls for more details. vehicles (above) because the contains lidocaine, which poses PUMPKINS steering shaft can separate from a risk of poisoning for young Pier 1 Imports is recalling about the steering rack, resulting in a loss children. The cream was sold at 16,600 glass pumpkins with of steering control, which could grocery stores and drugstores DRINKING wooden stems because the stem cause the driver to crash. nationwide and online from June GLASSES can detach when picked up, What to do: Stop using the vehicle. 2017 through October 2017 for causing the glass base to fall and Call 800-537-8233 or go to deere. about $19. Libbey is recalling about 229,000 break, posing a laceration hazard. com to contact your John Deere What to do: Put the cream out Bourbon Taster glasses because The pumpkins were sold at stores of reach of all children. Call they can break during use and dealer for a free repair. nationwide and online from Natural Solutions for Life at 855- pose a risk of laceration. The June 2017 through November 2017 499-6435 or go to synodrin.com glasses were sold at stores for about $25 for a small-sized and click on "Recall Information" nationwide and online from one and about $30 for a medium- under “About Us” to get a free May 2017 through October 2017 TABLE LAMPS sized one. child-resistant lid. for $20 to $25 for a four-piece set, What to do: Return the pumpkin and $6 per individual glass. West Elm is recalling about to the nearest Pier 1 Imports store What to do: Stop using the glasses. 43,000 Industrial Task table for a full refund or merchandise Call Libbey at 800-982-7063 lamps because the electrical wire credit. Call Pier 1 Imports at 855- or return them to the place of that runs through them can be 513-5140 or go to pier1.com and purchase for a full refund. cut or frayed by the lamp's CROSSBOWS click on "Product Notes & Recalls" adjustable joint, posing a risk for more details. of electric shock. The lamps Ravin Crossbows is recalling were sold at West Elm stores, about 220,000 arrow nocks KUBOTA in catalogs, and online from because if the nock isn't fully UTILITY June 2014 through October 2017 engaged with the bowstring, the POWER VEHICLES for about $130 for the lamp with crossbow may not discharge when ADAPTERS a USB and $80 to $100 for the the trigger is pulled, which could Kubota is recalling about lamp without a USB. lead to the bow discharging while Netgear is recalling about 7,300 26,900 RTV-X series utility What to do: Stop using the re-nocking the arrow, posing power adapters for outdoor Arlo vehicles because the seat belt lamp and call West Elm at 866- a risk of injury. The nocks were cameras because water can leak stays can break and pose an 577-9276 or go to westelm.com sold at stores nationwide from into the weatherproof connector injury hazard in the event of and click on “Safety Recalls" to October 2016 through November and cause a short circuit, melting, a crash. The vehicles were sold at arrange for a full refund. 2017 for $8 to $15 when sold and overheating—posing a risk of Kubota dealers nationwide from separately (the nocks were also fire. The adapters were sold at Fry's June 2015 through June 2017 for included as original equipment electronics stores nationwide, and $15,000 to $25,000. with Ravin crossbows and arrows). online at frys.com and amazon. What to do: Consumers should PAIN RELIEVING What to do: Stop using the com from June 2017 through stop using the vehicle CREAM arrow nocks and call Ravin October 2017 for about $20. immediately and call Kubota at Crossbows at 888-298-6335 What to do: Stop using the adapter. 800-752-0290 to schedule a free Natural Solutions for Life is or go to ravincrossbows.com/ Call Netgear at 866-243-0513 or go repair, or contact your authorized recalling about 56,000 units of safetyandinstructions to get free to arlo.com, then click on the tab at Kubota dealer. Maximum Strength Synodrin replacement nocks. the top of the page for a full refund.

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 17 The number of drones sold in the U.S. *

5 (millions) Product 4 3

2 Updates 1 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 The latest ratings from our labs Estimated Projected

Taking Photos on the Fly

Aerial video of your daughter’s wedding or a scenic hike is now within reach. Thanks to user-friendly design changes, drones are poised to go mainstream. CR puts the latest models to the test. by Chris Raymond

ZeroTech Dobby Palm Pilot $280 The ZeroTech Dobby and other handheld 067 drones can be controlled with a OVERALL SCORE smartphone.

18 CR.ORG *Source: Consumer Technology Association. FOR YEARS, AERIAL drones were Force. Some hobbyists buy specialized beyond the reach of most consumers. drones built for racing or acrobatics. They were just too expensive and hard The models Consumer Reports tested to fly. And so the wonder of drone are essentially flying video cameras photography was left to aviation buffs designed for mainstream use. and pro videographers who used the Priced between $230 and $900, they flying cameras to record weddings, real offer automated takeoff and landing estate offerings, and adventure sports. How to features and preprogrammed modes But with reliable, lightweight, and that allow the craft to orbit you or user-friendly models, all of that has Shoot Great follow you from above. Some can even changed. You can now purchase a return home using GPS. drone recommended by Consumer Drone Video The cameras take decent video (see Reports for as little as $400 at Best “How to Shoot Great Drone Video,” Buy and capture video of a backyard Consumer drones are essentially at left), but not all models fly with the barbecue or family road trip. Some airborne video cameras, but same precision and ease. And you might even fold up and fit in your pocket. flying and recording at the be surprised by the short battery life. same time can be tricky. If “Four years ago, when I started In our testing, the Parrot Bebop 2’s you’re not careful, you can flying, it was with people who enjoyed end up with shaky footage, battery claimed top honors, delivering tinkering in the garage, building the excessive glare, or—worse— 24 minutes of flight time with the things themselves,” says Sally French, a run-in with a tree. Here are a video camera running. The GoPro founder of the Drone Girl blog. But new few easy-to-follow tips: Karma logged 13 minutes. (GoPro models put “drones into the hands of announced recently that it’s exiting FORM A FLIGHT PLAN. When nearly everyone,” she says. you’re flying a drone, every the drone business.) The Consumer Technology minute counts, says Consumer Association says U.S. consumers Reports tester Alex Nasrallah. Do I Need a License to Fly One? purchased 2.4 million recreational Don’t waste battery life thinking No, as long as you’re flying for fun, and about what, where, and how to models in 2016. And it estimates that not financial gain. But you do have to shoot—do all that in advance. this year consumers will buy 4.4 million. To be extra prepared, create register any drone that weighs between That intense growth has raised safety an equipment checklist, too, 0.55 and 55 pounds with the Federal and privacy concerns for the general suggests Travis Jack, who Aviation Administration (FAA). The public as drone hobbyists increasingly produces video for clients. registration, good for three years, costs zip their mini aircraft around suburban That way you won’t leave the $5 per aircraft and takes only a few controller at home charging in homes and parks. But a consensus the kitchen when you dash off minutes on the agency’s website. is growing about what kinds of to capture that seaside sunrise. regulations, commonsense rules, and Are Drones Dangerous? etiquette are needed to smooth the flight STAY CLOSE TO EARTH. They can be. Many models have guards path for these flying cameras. It’s tempting to fly as high as that shield fingers from rotors and the drone can go, says blogger If you’re toying with buying a drone, also come with low-battery warnings Sally French, but it’s far more be prepared to learn the technology interesting to capture the view to alert the operator to land the and the rules—official and unofficial. from just above the rooftop. drone before it falls from the sky. The Here’s a quick guide: The best shots often materialize Consumer Product Safety Commission within 50 feet of the ground, doesn’t have the authority to set but watch out for wires and What Is a Drone? safety standards or oversee recalls other obstacles. The broad term can describe a $20 for aircraft. And the FAA, for its part, remote control toy or a $64.2 million CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 generally provides guidance for where

ILLUSTRATIONS: CHRIS PHILPOT CHRIS ILLUSTRATIONS: armed spycraft flown by the U.S. Air recreational drones can be flown.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN FINKE MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 19 Product Updates 10 20 30 40 50 !0 POOR EXCELLENT RECOMMENDED

Last November, Consumers Union, Before your first flight, read the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 the policy and mobilization division owner’s manual and note maintenance of Consumer Reports, wrote to KEEP THE SUN AT procedures and pre-flight checklists. members of Congress to request greater YOUR BACK. This rule of oversight—even from the FAA—to better earthbound photography Can I Fly in Parks? applies to drones, too. Be wary ensure that drones are built to be safe. of light bouncing off buildings The FAA says you must fly drones no Hazardous crashes are fairly routine, and water. “You get a lot more higher than 400 feet and keep the especially among inexperienced pilots. reflection in the air,” Jack says. craft in your line of sight at all times. A drone that drifts out of view can hurt Specialized lens filters, such as Federal law also forbids drones from bystanders and personal property. those from Polar Pro, can help operating near wildfires (so that they cut the glare, he adds. Drones also can threaten larger don’t endanger firefighters) and within aircraft. According to FAA computer RISE UP. For a more three nautical miles of a stadium. simulations, a high-speed collision with dramatic shot, take a page National parks are mostly off-limits, a passenger jet could damage the jet’s from Hollywood and those and you can forget about buzzing engines, stabilizers, or wings. classic crane shots and start landmarks like Mount Rushmore. recording at takeoff and keep That’s why the FAA requires drone The FAA insists you steer clear of going as the drone rises above pilots to notify airports before flying the treetops. It’s also a good prisons, power plants, government within 5 miles of such facilities. (For way to limit crashes because buildings, and military bases. The rules more restrictions, see below.) it’s less challenging to fly a vary by state and are often ambiguous. drone upward than down, says “It’s not like driving a car, where you How Hard Are They to Fly? Michael Kofsky, a videographer more or less know what the rules are in who occasionally shoots for CR. Flying a drone for a living teaches every city,” says French, the Drone Girl you to see the world differently, says GET A BIGGER SD CARD. blog founder. For instance, some state Travis Jack, who runs Flyboy Photo Some drone cameras store parks allow drones as long as you don’t & Media with wife Megan in Raleigh, video on microSD cards that disturb wildlife and fellow visitors. N.C. You begin to notice tree branches, you can pop out to retrieve Before you go flying, it’s best to the footage. (Many also let power lines, light poles, and all sorts of review local rules. The FAA has a free you transfer video wirelessly, hazards looming overhead, he says. through a phone app.) It’s app named B4UFLY that uses GPS data Today’s drones are designed with worth paying $50 to upgrade to inform you of certain restrictions. automated flying features and built-in from 16GB of storage to 256GB, Regulations aside, it’s smart to err safeguards. But they’re not foolproof. Kofsky says. It’s no fun landing on the side of caution. “At the end of to swap out a card. CR testers lost a $400 DJI Spark that the day, these are aircraft,” says zipped off on its own beyond the range Gretchen West, a senior advisor in the of its controller—a mishap cited by Silicon Valley office of the law firm other drone owners online. According Hogan Lovells, which helps commercial to flight data saved in the cloud and clients navigate FAA regulations. reviewed later by the manufacturer, the problem was due to “a compass error Can My Neighbors Use of undetermined origin,” which could One to Spy on Me? mean “a faulty compass, failure to At the moment, federal privacy laws calibrate the compass before flight,” or don’t specifically address drones, “electromagnetic interference.” but Peeping Tom laws may apply. And BRING A SPOTTER. It’s a good idea to start out with a 2016 guidelines created by the National Once you hit record, you’ll be cheap model, says Los Angeles-based looking down at your phone Telecommunications and Information video producer Michael Kofsky, who to see the live footage from Administration advise pilots not to has worked on projects for Consumer the drone, says 16-year-old fly over private property without Reports. Kofsky learned to fly inside his real estate photographer permission. Bottom line: Drones are Ryan Felner. That’s when the home, weaving a $90 drone in figure noisy and—like any video equipment— spotter—in Felner’s case, his eights through the holiday decorations mom—looks to the sky to can seem intrusive. If someone objects draped from his ceiling. “When I make sure his DJI Phantom 3 is to a drone, the operator should ground shelled out three grand for a drone, not drifting into trouble. it and have a chat, West says. “It’s best I had already crashed myself silly.” to cooperate and educate.”

20 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 Ratings Top Flight In our tests, we looked for drones with simple, reliable controls and high-quality cameras.

Our tests confirm that it’s range to 260 feet or less (and Last, don’t pay dramatically Do-It-Yourself possible to purchase a well- only 164 feet vertically). If you more to get safety features designed, user-friendly drone for want the freedom to fly the such as obstacle avoidance and Drone just a few hundred dollars. The drone over large stretches of return-to-home. They sound price ultimately depends on land or water, invest in a model good but aren’t always reliable. Shopping the features you choose. with a remote control. It can For instance, the return-home Consider flight controls. There pilot a drone from miles away. feature may let you down if are two main ways to pilot a When it comes to the the drone flies out of range drone—through an app on your camera, it’s easy to get hung up or enters an area with poor smartphone or tablet, or via a on the image resolution. But the satellite reception. remote control unit (which may ultra high definition of 4K isn’t The tested drones, shown in also integrate with your mobile worth it for most consumers. the ratings charts below, fall device). A model that relies on First, 4K drone cameras don’t into two groups: larger drones a mobile app for maneuvering all deliver high image quality that generally have longer requires a Bluetooth or WiFi at that resolution. And when ranges and more features in the connection, which limits its you post your flight video on top chart, and smaller, shorter- YouTube, most of your friends range drones in the bottom one. are going to watch it in plain HD (aka 1080p) anyway.

OUTDOOR ONLY

Overall Brand & Model Score Price Specs Test Results Rec. Rank (lb.) Weight time Flight (min.) Flight quality Image life Battery Versatility Safety features use of Ease

!0 1 DJI Mavic Pro 82 $900 1.62 23 50 50 40 50 50 40 Parrot Bebop 2 2 62 $350 1.10 24 w/FPV pack 40 30 40 40 30 40 3 GoPro Karma* 60 $800 4.29 13 30 40 20 50 30 40 Yuneec Q500+ Typhoon 4 58 $700 3.75 14 4K Quadcopter 30 30 20 40 40 50

SELFIE DRONES

Overall Brand & Model Score Price Specs Test Results Rec. Rank (lb.) Weight Flight video 4K quality video HD quality photo Still life Battery Versatility use of Ease

!0 1 DJI Spark 84 $400 0.66 50 NA 40 40 50 50 50

2 Yuneec Breeze 4K 68 $230 0.85 40 30 30 30 50 40 50

3 ZeroTech Dobby 67 $280 0.43 40 NA 30 40 30 40 50

4 Xiro Xplorer Mini 62 $500 0.96 40 NA 30 30 40 30 50

5 Hover Camera Passport 54 $500 0.53 20 30 30 40 30 50 50

6 Wingsland S6 4K 53 $240 0.57 30 30 20 20 20 30 50

HOW WE TEST: The scores for selfie to account for size, weight, and the drone hovering and recording Safety features include prop drones should not be compared functionality. Flight reflects takeoff, video. Versatility rewards features guards, geo-fencing, obstacle with scores for outdoor drones landing, and maneuverability. such as folding rotors, orbit modes, avoidance sensors, and low-battery because we varied test protocols Battery life was measured with and easy-to-replace batteries. warnings.

*Tested with GoPro Hero5 camera (sold separately). GoPro says it’s exiting the drone business, so the model and replacement parts may be in limited supply. CR.ORG 21 Find the Best Mattress for You End mattress madness once and for all by consulting our comprehensive ratings of 116 models and following our buying advice so that you can choose with confidence and pay a price that fits your budget. Plus, what you need to know about the booming bed-in-a-box option. by Mary H.J. Farrell

22 CR.ORG PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY C.J. BURTON

an attempt to be heard above the fray: “Goldilocks found the bed that’s just right, and now you can too,” Purple touts. “The internet’s most comfortable We spend mattress,” Tuft & Needle declares. “Tirelessly engineered sleep products for your best rest,” Casper claims. In short, they’re promising to make your sleep dreams come true. Our roughly a rigorous, scientific testing and ratings will help you separate hype from reality and guide you to the choice that’s best for you. CR tests innerspring, adjustable air, and foam mattresses—including 41 beds-in-a-box so far. (See “How We third of our Test Mattresses,” on page 27, for testing details; see ratings on page 30.) Here, the best way to purchase and set up a bed-in-a-box, as well as advice life in bed. for buying traditional mattresses: A Workaround for Comparison Shopping The rest of it we spend shopping for some pretty remarkable growth in One of the most frustrating things the perfect mattress. Not really, of this category.” According to a report about buying a mattress has long been course. But that’s how it can feel as by the trade publication Furniture how difficult manufacturers make it to we’re traipsing from department store Today, direct-to-consumer mattress comparison shop. Unlike products that to bedding store to warehouse club, companies now command 12 percent have the same name or model number inspecting row upon row of identical- of the market, up from 6 percent in no matter where they’re sold (think a looking mattresses and fending off 2014. Most beds-in-a-box are foam, Samsung Family Hub refrigerator or a aggressive salespeople all claiming but some manufacturers have found Vitamix blender), mattress makers often to offer the best deal. It’s enough to inventive ways to cram innerspring give the same model different names make you hide under the covers. But and adjustable air mattresses into depending on where it’s sold, making a growing number of companies are cartons, too. it almost impossible for a consumer taking the pain out of the buying To make the process as pain-free to compare prices. (They might also process—no more showrooms or as possible, many bed-in-a-box firms make slight changes in construction or endless sales pitches—and promising a offer free shipping, and generous trial materials from one retailer to another.) dreamy mattress at a competitive price. periods—usually 100 days, sometimes So don’t expect a salesperson to be able The catch? You usually have to order longer—and return policies. (Policies to guide you to a comparable model. online and the mattress arrives on your may differ if the mattress is purchased Bed-in-a-box sellers have eliminated doorstep compressed into a box about from a third-party retailer, such as this frustration from the buying process the size of your coffee table. Amazon.) Compare that with Macy’s, by paring down your choices. Many of “The idea of ordering a mattress where returns must be made within these companies sell just one mattress, online, the same way you make much 60 days of purchase. betting that it will suit most sleepers. smaller purchases, is still a novelty, The success of major bed-in-a-box Our testing shows that, in theory, at even though it has been an option for purveyors such as Casper, Leesa, and least, this approach can work. several years,” says Claudette Ennis, Tuft & Needle has inspired dozens of “We’ve seen several bed-in-a-box the analyst who follows the mattress copycats. Industry sources report that mattresses come through the lab that market for Consumer Reports. “Beds- the number of online mattress retailers perform consistently, at a level of Good in-a-box represent just a small part is now approaching 200, and many are of the market today, but we’ve seen puffing up their marketing messages in Continued on page 26

24 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 10 20 30 40 50 $0 !0 POOR EXCELLENT CR BEST BUY RECOMMENDED

MATTRESSES THAT RISE AND SHINE To help you narrow down the many mattress-buying options, we’ve selected eight high-scoring models from among the three types we test (foam, innerspring, and adjustable air) at a wide range of prices. (Prices listed are for queen-size mattresses.)

A Firm Lead Crowd-Pleaser The Price Is Right Infinite Options

BED-IN-A-BOX BED-IN-A-BOX BED-IN-A-BOX FOAM ! Sleep On Latex $0 Casper $0 Tuft & Needle ! Reverie Dream Supreme II Pure Green Firm The Casper T&N Mattress Hybrid Sleep System Firm $1,200 $950 $575 $3,500 81 80 74 81

This highly rated foam bed- Casper’s signature mattress The T&N Mattress ranks 13th Instead of coils, this mattress in-a-box has an Overall delivers Very Good support for out of the 53 foam models has 204 foam cylinders of Score that vies with some top sleepers of all sizes and styles. tested and will delight those varying densities that can conventional (and far more The company recently released for whom a low price is a be arranged in more than expensive) mattresses. And a more expensive model called high priority. In our support 37 trillion configurations. firm is right—this model scored The Wave, which performed tests, it earned a score of (The manufacturer provides a 7 out of 10 in our firmness similarly to The Casper in our Very Good for anyone who instructions on how to place test (with 10 being the firmest). tests, though it’s softer and sleeps on his or her side but them to create a mattress It’s a good choice for sleepers offers slightly less support was only middling for average that’s firm, medium, or soft.) It of all sizes and sleep styles, for large and/or tall back and large and/or tall back received an Excellent score for particularly if you sleep on sleepers. We think these minor sleepers. In terms of firmness, durability. It’s ideal for petite your back. differences make it tough to it’s middle-of-the-road. back sleepers and Very Good WHERE TO BUY: sleeponlatex.com justify the higher price. WHERE TO BUY: tuftandneedle.com for sleepers of every other WHERE TO BUY: casper.com stripe. It’s also very stable.

Top Innerspring Stable Sleeper Mile-High Mattress Air Apparent

INNERSPRING INNERSPRING INNERSPRING ADJUSTABLE AIR ! Charles P. Rogers ! Sealy Posturepedic $0 Denver Mattress $0 Sleep Number Powercore Estate 5000 Hybrid Elite Kelburn Doctor’s Choice c2 $1,500 $1,350 $500 $900 80 79 76 81

This top-scoring innerspring Very Good for most side and A softer mattress that scores An air mattress with adjustable mattress in our tests excels back sleepers (though only equally well for back and firmness, this model provided at back support and is rated Good for large and/or tall back side support, this model is superb support for most Excellent for back sleepers of sleepers), this mattress scored extremely durable and has a back sleepers and impressive every size and Very Good for Excellent for durability and surface that conforms to many support for side sleepers. all side sleepers. It has a high stabilization, so it will last a body shapes. It’s also fairly It’s breathable, which could profile (14 inches), is durable, very long time without losing stable, enabling sleepers to reduce the likelihood of and is among the best we’ve support and won’t rock and easily change their sleeping sleeping hot, and it showed seen at supporting the curve of roll when a fitful sleeper tosses position. All in all, a top no change after eight years the spine. and turns. performer at a pleasing price. of simulated use. The firmness level of each side can be

PHOTOS: JOHN WALSH/CONSUMER REPORTS WALSH/CONSUMER JOHN PHOTOS: adjusted independently.

CR.ORG 25 to Excellent, for sleepers of every discounts and coupons with savings body size and sleeping style,” says test of $50 and up. Plenty of bed-in-a-box engineer Chris Regan, who oversees Do You firms offer discounts around the same CR’s mattress tests. In fact, the top-rated holidays that traditional retailers do— foam beds-in-a-box score Very Good or Need Presidents Day, Labor Day, and Black Excellent in our support tests for petite, Friday. Use a website’s customer-service average, and large and/or tall sleepers. a Box chat feature to ask about upcoming promotions or discounts. Say Goodbye to ‘Try Before You Buy’ Spring? Making Your Mattress Feel at Home CR has long advised readers to lie on a mattress in the store for at least Mattresses usually arrive a few days 10 to 15 minutes before buying. We A box spring, which serves as to a week after an order is placed. still consider this critical: Our most a foundation for a mattress, Although the cartons are compact (the recent mattress survey showed that the adds to the cost of new queen-size Lull, for example, comes in a bedding, tempting many to longer people try out a mattress before do without one. Opinions 19x19x43-inch box), they can be heavy, buying it, the more likely they are to be vary on whether a box ranging from 60 to 150 pounds, and satisfied with their purchase. Ordering spring is really necessary. difficult for someone to wrangle alone. online eliminates this opportunity. The International Sleep Shipping is often free, but for an Certain companies have worked Products Association says additional fee almost all of these the box spring is responsible around this limitation by teaming up companies offer white-glove delivery, for much of the comfort with walk-in retailers. For example, you and support a mattress similar to the services offered by a can now try a Leesa mattress at West provides, but some mattress traditional retailer. Casper charges Elm and buy it there for the same price sellers say all that many of $75 to $100 to move the mattress into offered at leesa.com. Casper has twin- today’s models require is the bedroom and set it up, and an a sturdy surface, such as a size mattresses on display at Target that additional $50 to remove the old one. platform bed. you can curl up on for a foretaste of Certain retailers press A bed-in-a-box, which is usually how they’ll perform. the issue harder than foam, is compressed and rolled or A handful of the large bed-in-a- others. Casper, for example, folded (or both) before shipping. Most box companies have showrooms in recommends that buyers of manufacturers recommend unboxing its mattresses use Casper’s large metropolitan areas, so if you’re a new mattress within a month or two own foundation or bed interested in a different brand but frame. Lull says its mattress after it’s delivered. If you’re setting it you’re not ready to buy a mattress will work with everything up yourself, follow the steps outlined sight unseen, check the company’s from box springs to a slatted by the manufacturer. If you bought website to see whether it has a bed frame to the floor. a bed frame or platform, put that showroom nearby. If it doesn’t, you Our answer is always together first. the same: Follow the can use our ratings, starting on page manufacturer’s advice. Because they can be heavy and 30. Find your size and favorite sleep “Some manufacturers’ unwieldy when fully open, always take position, and note the models that warranties require that the the mattress to the bedroom while it’s provide adequate support for you—and mattress be placed on a still in the box, Regan says. “Once you for your sleeping partner. matching box spring,” says take it out of the box, put it on your box Chris Regan, the engineer Unlike mattresses sold at retail, spring or platform before removing who oversees mattress which are usually marked up testing at CR. “Not doing so the plastic.” (See “Do You Need a Box significantly and offer more price will void the warranty.” Spring?” at left.) flexibility, bed-in-a-box mattresses are Skipping the box spring “Some will be wrapped in multiple generally sold at a fixed price, making it can certainly save you layers of plastic; others have only one,” money in the short term, but difficult to haggle. Regan says. “You can use scissors or a it could cost you far more in But there are other ways to save. the end. knife to open them, but take care not to Check the sellers’ websites for special puncture the mattress.” offers such as a free pillow, and go to goodbed.com, which lists mattress Continued on page 28

26 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 HOW WE TEST MATTRESSES CR’s scientific testing employs man, woman, machine—and plenty of technology—to push the mattresses we rate to their limits. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at a few key tests we run.

▶ Durability A mattress is an investment. In our durability test, a machine pushes and pulls a 308- pound wood roller across the mattress 30,000 times to predict how it will hold up. The test takes about 30 hours and simulates eight to 10 years of use. When the torture ends, we measure for changes in firmness, check for sagging, and inspect for damage. “For a mattress to earn an Excellent rating in durability, we’d see no evidence of damage, sagging, or change in support,” says Chris Regan, the engineer who oversees mattress testing. “In the worst models, we see sagging of nearly 10 percent.”

◀ Firmness ◀ Pressure Not all claims To measure pressure mattress companies (a calculation that’s make about firmness factored into the are accurate. We Overall Score), we determine our lay a mat equipped firmness score with with 680 sensors a machine that over the mattress. A measures deflection. test subject then lies Then we rank the on his or her back, results on a scale of and the sensors record 1 to 10, with 10 being the level of pressure the firmest. at almost every point where the body comes into contact with the mattress. In the resulting image, red indicates the points of highest pressure. “Those are the places ▶ Support where you might feel In our support tests, we use human subjects tingling, numbness, of small and large stature. (We average the or even pain,” Regan results for average-sized sleepers.) For the says. “The lower the side-sleeping score, we observe several points pressure readings, the along each subject’s spine and measure how higher the score.” much they diverge from a straight line. For a model to score well, the points must remain fairly parallel to the surface of the mattress. For the back-sleeper score, we graph dozens of points along the spine and measure whether the mattress maintains the spine’s natural curve. —Haniya Rae Once the wrapping is removed, the How to Have Many Many bed-in-a-box companies observe mattress regains the volume that was Happy Returns similar trial periods of 100 days or lost when compressed for shipment. It more, but some, such as GhostBed can take a few minutes to a few hours As the old saying goes, you can’t put the and WinkBeds, require you to keep for the mattress to regain its full shape. genie back in the bottle. The same is the mattress for at least 30 days before The materials in new mattresses true for beds-in-a-box. Return policies arranging a return. can give off an odor, some of which is vary, but if you decide you don’t like In the end, only 7 percent of the caused by the breakdown of volatile your mattress during the trial period, beds-in-a-box that are purchased are organic compounds in the foam. you can usually get your money back. returned, according to 1010data, a data “More research is needed to determine Fortunately, you won’t have to put the analytics company. That’s more than the whether or not there are any chronic mattress back in the box. 2.2 percent returned at Mattress Firm health risks from long-term exposure Some sellers provide a full refund but but an indication that most consumers to VOCs in mattresses,” says Don don’t want the mattress back. Instead, are pleased with their purchase. Huber, CR’s director of product safety. they’ll help you donate it to a charity or In case you’re not one of them, be sure “The odor should dissipate in a few nonprofit in your area. Casper and Tuft you understand the company’s return hours or, at most, a few days. You may & Needle say they will help you find a policy before you buy. And if you have want to wait until the odor goes away charity that will pick it up. If there is no the space and really want to be on the to sleep on your new mattress,” Huber group in your area that will take it, these safe side, hang on to your old mattress says. Opening a window could help the companies and others will arrange for until you’re sure that you’re going to odor dissipate more rapidly. the mattress to be picked up. stick with your new one.

Smart In-Store Shopping Strategies

Not ready to order a Understand Model Make Your Decision Check the Try to mattress online? Our Musical Chairs Lying Down Fine Print Haggle expert buying advice If you find a mattress The biggest benefit of Make sure the store Once you’ve settled on will help consumers you like at one store and shopping at a store offers a full refund or a model, ask for a better who prefer to shop for a look for it at another is that you can try credit toward another price. Many businesses, mattress the traditional retailer, you’ll probably each mattress you’re mattress. Retailers’ such as warehouse way—in a store. CR’s be steered toward a considering. Wear return periods, clubs, have fixed prices years of testing have model made by the same loose clothes and shoes sometimes called and won’t budge. But shown that, whichever brand but with a different that you can slip off, “comfort guarantees,” for retailers that do type you choose, you name. The salesperson and take your favorite range from a couple negotiate, huge markups don’t have to spend might say that it has pillow. Shoo away the of weeks to 120 days. allow them to lower much more than $1,000 identical construction, salesperson if you’re Some, including Macy’s prices by 50 percent or for a comfortable, but that’s probably not feeling pressured. Spend and Sears, charge a more during sales. Our supportive mattress, the case. Manufactur- at least 10 to 15 minutes 15 percent restocking recommendation: Insist and you can certainly ers offer certain model in your favorite sleeping fee. Macy’s charges on a sale price you’ve spend a lot less. See lines across the board, position(s). The more an $85 pickup fee seen for the mattress page 32 for full results but they often create time you can spend, in addition to the you want, and don’t be of our mattress tests exclusive models to sell the more likely you’ll restocking charge. afraid to walk out. More before you head out to through major chains be satisfied with Warranties range from than half the readers in the showrooms. such as Macy’s, Mattress your purchase. 10 to 25 years and cover our survey paid $500 to Firm, and Sears. That can only manufacturing $1,750 for a mattress. make comparison shop- defects such as sagging Those who successfully ping a challenge. Use our and loose or broken haggled saved a median ratings as a guide, and coils. Coverage is of $205. ask for the precise model frequently prorated, when you shop. meaning that it decreases over time. REPORTS WALSH/CONSUMER JOHN PHOTOS:

28 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 KNOW YOUR TYPE There are three major mattress categories (our ratings, beginning on page 30, are divided into these types). This primer will help you make sense of their relative benefits and drawbacks.

Innerspring Foam Adjustable Air

More than 60 percent of mattresses Foam mattresses, usually made This niche category of mattress is sold today are innerspring models. of polyurethane or latex, vary dominated by the Sleep Number Composed of steel coils in various widely in their construction. Many brand. These are usually topped with configurations, they can also include manufacturers use multiple layers layers of foam (so they share certain layers of cushioning, such as a of different types of foam, but our qualities of foam mattresses) and can pillowtop; layers of standard foam; testing has shown no correlation be inflated by an electric pump to and layers of gel-infused foam, which between performance and the any firmness you desire at the push manufacturers claim cools you down. type of foam used. Memory foam, of a button. In fact, on most models, (Our past tests have shown that a temperature-sensitive variation each half can be inflated to a different innerspring mattresses containing that softens as it gets warmer, is firmness level, allowing each sleeper gel do tend to sleep slightly cooler well-regarded by those with health to customize his or her side when two but that the reverse is true for problems—such as back and joint people share a bed. Eighty percent of gel-infused foam beds.) Shifting pain—that affect sleep, according surveyed CR subscribers who own an positions on a traditional innerspring to our mattress satisfaction survey. adjustable air mattress reported that mattress tends to be easy, but on Some owners feel that memory they were highly satisfied with it. And certain models your partner might foam sleeps hot. We’ve found that folks with health problems that affect feel a bounce when you do so. (We any foam mattress can sleep hot their sleep are even more likely to be measure this in our stabilization because the material doesn’t allow highly satisfied with an adjustable test.) In our 2017 mattress satisfaction for air to circulate in the same way an air mattress than owners of foam survey of nearly 62,000 Consumer innerspring mattress does. Some find mattresses are. Reports subscribers, 65 percent of that it takes more effort to change innerspring owners were highly positions on a foam mattress. Be satisfied with their mattress. sure to roll over and switch sides when you try out foam mattresses (and check our stabilization scores). Seventy-five percent of surveyed CR subscribers who own a foam mattress were highly satisfied with it.

CR.ORG 29 Ratings Boxing Match Ratings of all 41 beds-in-a-box we've tested.

BEDS-IN-A-BOX

Like traditional mattresses, chart. Most of the mattresses we where these mattresses fall beds-in-a-box come in three tested scored Excellent or Very in the complete list of CR's types: adjustable air, foam, and Good, and 12 foam models and mattress ratings, according to innerspring. To make it easier one innerspring model earned type, which is why there are for you to compare bed-in-a- the recommended designation. gaps in the rank order. For box models with one another, Note that the rank indicates full ratings of all mattresses, we've consolidated the ratings including these beds-in-a-box, of the 41 we've tested in this turn to page 32.

Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Support Recommended Rank side Petite sleeper Average sleeperside Large/tall sleeperside back Petite sleeper Average sleeper back Large/tall sleeper back Durability Stabilization rating Firmness

ADJUSTABLE AIR

3 Sleep Number It Bed ⁄ 60 $1,100 30 30 30 30 30 20 50 30 3

FOAM

!0 1 Essentia Stratami €‹› 81 $2,445 40 40 40 50 50 40 50 50 6

!0 3 Sleep on Latex Pure Green Firm €‹› 81 $1,200 40 40 40 50 50 50 50 40 7

$0 4 Casper The Casper fi 80 $950 40 40 40 50 40 40 50 40 5

!0 5 Casper The Wave €fi 80 $1,850 40 40 40 50 40 30 50 40 3

$0 6 Serta Luxury 12” Gel Memory Foam fifl 78 $500 40 40 40 50 40 40 50 40 7

$0 7 Lull The Lull fi 78 $800 40 40 30 50 40 40 50 40 6

!0 8 GhostBed GhostBed €fifl 77 $795 40 40 40 50 40 40 50 40 7

!0 9 Sleep Innovations Marley fifl 77 $430 40 40 30 50 40 40 50 40 7

!0 10 Purple The Purple Bed ‹ 76 $1,000 40 40 30 40 40 30 50 40 3

!0 11 My Pillow 10” Mattress fifl 74 $900 40 30 30 50 40 40 50 40 6

!0 12 Ashley Sleep The Perfect 10 fifl 74 $700 40 40 30 40 40 40 50 40 4

$0 13 Tuft & Needle T&N Mattress ‹fl 74 $575 40 40 40 40 30 30 50 40 5

16 Brentwood Home Sequoia Euro Top fifl 72 $1,495 40 30 30 40 40 30 50 40 5

18 Bear Queen fl 71 $850 40 40 30 50 40 30 50 40 6

21 Novosbed Memory Foam fi 69 $1,100 40 30 30 50 40 30 40 30 4

23 Luxi The Luxi Soft €fi 69 $1,100 40 40 40 30 30 40 50 40 4

24 Yogabed Luxury Foam Y10 ‹ 69 $850 40 30 30 40 40 30 50 40 6

26 Novaform Altabella (Costco) fifl 69 $1,300 40 40 40 30 30 20 50 30 4

27 Dromma Triple Layer €fifl 69 $850 40 40 30 40 30 30 40 40 4

28 Sleep Innovations Taylor 12 inch Gel Swirl fifl 68 $470 40 40 40 40 40 30 40 30 6

29 Novaform Comfort Grande (Costco) fifl 68 $600 40 40 40 40 30 30 40 40 6

⁄ Firmness displayed is an average value. € Includes a latex-foam layer. ‹ Made of foam but not memory foam. › Certified organic. fi Memory foam. fl Includes a layer of gel-infused foam. ‡ Firm models are memory foam; medium-firm models have latex foam.

30 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 10 20 30 40 50 $0 !0 POOR EXCELLENT CR BEST BUY RECOMMENDED

Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Support Recommended Rank side Petite sleeper Average sleeperside Large/tall sleeperside back Petite sleeper Average sleeper back Large/tall sleeper back Durability Stabilization rating Firmness

FOAM Continued

30 Wright 1.27 Luxury Memory Foam fifl 68 $1,785 40 40 30 40 30 30 40 40 4

31 Leesa Leesa Medium Firm ‹fi 68 $890 40 40 30 40 30 20 50 40 5

35 Brooklyn Bedding Queen Med. Firm €‹ 65 $750 40 40 30 30 30 20 50 40 4

39 Luxi The Luxi Medium Firm €fi 64 $1,000 40 40 40 30 30 30 50 40 3

40 Spa Sensations Memory Foam SPA-1000Q fi 64 $360 40 30 30 50 40 30 30 20 6

41 Ikea Matrand €‡ 63 $400 40 30 30 40 30 30 40 40 6

44 Cocoon by Sealy Cocoon Firm fi 61 $850 40 30 30 40 40 30 40 30 6

45 Dream Bed The Dream Original Mattress € 61 $830 40 40 30 40 30 20 50 30 5

47 Casper The Essential fi 60 $600 40 40 30 40 30 20 40 30 3

49 Ara 100% Visco Memory Foam (Costco) fi 55 $1,100 40 40 30 30 20 20 50 30 2

50 Serta iComfort Blue 100 Gentle Firm fl 55 $2,750 30 30 30 40 30 20 40 30 4

52 Luxi The Luxi Firm €fi 54 $1,000 40 40 40 20 20 20 50 40 3

INNERSPRING

!0 4 Voila Hybrid €fi 77 $1,200 40 40 40 40 40 40 50 40 6

17 King Koil Grand Eurotop fl 72 $560 40 40 40 50 40 30 50 40 5

21 Sapira by Leesa Luxury fi 71 $1,475 40 40 30 40 40 40 50 40 3

30 Night Therapy Euro Box Top Spring 69 $248 40 40 40 30 30 30 50 40 3

47 My Green Mattress The Natural Escape › 60 $1,000 40 40 40 30 30 20 50 20 3

57 Modern Sleep Pillowtop Hybrid fl 50 $595 40 40 30 30 20 10 50 40 2

58 Classic Brands Mercer Hybrid fl 49 $440 20 30 40 30 20 10 50 40 2

HOW BOXED Casper, which launched a size small enough to fit didn’t take a very big came on to the scene— in 2014, gets a lot of the in a shipping box years bite out of an industry sometimes backed BEDS WERE credit for creating the before that. He began still dominated by long- by millions in venture bed-in-a-box. But Bill selling boxed mattresses established players capital—that the idea BORN Bradley, a machinist online in 2007, and he such as 1800mattress really caught on and from Johnson City, claims to be the first .com and Mattress Firm. consumers began Tenn., built a machine person to do so. It wasn’t until several to consider a boxed that could compress and Bradley’s business years later, when Casper mattress as a serious roll foam mattresses to (see bedinabox.com) and early competitors bedding option.

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 31 Ratings Bedding Down Complete ratings of the adjustable air, foam, and innerspring mattresses we've tested (including beds-in-a-box), so you can see how each model stacks up against the rest.

Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Support Recommended Rank side Petite sleeper Average sleeperside Large/tall sleeperside back Petite sleeper Average sleeper back Large/tall sleeper back Durability Stabilization rating Firmness Bed-in-a-box

ADJUSTABLE AIR

!0 1 Sleep Number i8 bed ⁄‹ 84 $2,900 40 40 40 50 50 50 50 40 3

$0 2 Sleep Number c2 bed ⁄ 81 $900 40 40 40 50 50 40 50 50 9

3 Sleep Number It Bed ⁄ 60 $1,100 30 30 30 30 30 20 50 30 3 

FOAM

!0 1 Essentia Stratami €‹› 81 $2,445 40 40 40 50 50 40 50 50 6  Reverie Dream Supreme II Hybrid Sleep System !0 2 81 $3,500 4 Firm › 40 40 40 50 40 40 50 40 !0 3 Sleep on Latex Pure Green Firm €‹› 81 $1,200 40 40 40 50 50 50 50 40 7 

$0 4 Casper The Casper fi 80 $950 40 40 40 50 40 40 50 40 5 

!0 5 Casper The Wave €fi 80 $1,850 40 40 40 50 40 30 50 40 3 

$0 6 Serta Luxury 12” Gel Memory Foam fifl 78 $500 40 40 40 50 40 40 50 40 7 

$0 7 Lull The Lull fi 78 $800 40 40 30 50 40 40 50 40 6 

!0 8 GhostBed GhostBed €fifl 77 $795 40 40 40 50 40 40 50 40 7 

!0 9 Sleep Innovations Marley fifl 77 $430 40 40 30 50 40 40 50 40 7 

!0 10 Purple The Purple Bed ‹ 76 $1,000 40 40 30 40 40 30 50 40 3 

!0 11 My Pillow 10” Mattress fifl 74 $900 40 30 30 50 40 40 50 40 6 

!0 12 Ashley Sleep The Perfect 10 fifl 74 $700 40 40 30 40 40 40 50 40 4 

$0 13 Tuft & Needle T&N Mattress ‹fl 74 $575 40 40 40 40 30 30 50 40 5 

!0 14 Serta iComfort Savant EverFeel fifl 74 $1,575 40 30 30 50 40 40 50 40 4 Reverie Dream Supreme II Hybrid Sleep System !0 15 73 $3,500 3 Medium › 40 40 40 40 30 30 50 40 16 Brentwood Home Sequoia Euro Top fifl 72 $1,495 40 30 30 40 40 30 50 40 5 

17 Spring Air Back Supporter Natalie (Costco) €fi 71 $1,100 40 30 30 50 40 40 30 40 7

18 Bear Queen fl 71 $850 40 40 30 50 40 30 50 40 6 

19 OrganicPedic by OMI Flora Nouveau €‹› 71 $4,445 30 30 30 40 30 30 50 40 4

20 Ikea Morgongava €‹ 70 $1,000 40 30 30 40 40 40 40 40 5

21 Novosbed Memory Foam fi 69 $1,100 40 30 30 50 40 30 40 30 4 

22 Eight The Smart Mattress 69 $1,050 40 40 30 40 30 20 50 40 5

23 Luxi The Luxi Soft €fi 69 $1,100 40 40 40 30 30 40 50 40 4 

24 Yogabed Luxury Foam Y10 ‹ 69 $850 40 30 30 40 40 30 50 40 6  Reverie Dream Supreme II Hybrid Sleep System 25 69 $3,500 3 Soft › 40 40 40 30 30 20 50 40 26 Novaform Altabella (Costco) fifl 69 $1,300 40 40 40 30 30 20 50 30 4 

27 Dromma Triple Layer €fifl 69 $850 40 40 30 40 30 30 40 40 4 

28 Sleep Innovations Taylor 12 inch Gel Swirl fifl 68 $470 40 40 40 40 40 30 40 30 6 

⁄ Firmness displayed is an average value. € Includes a latex-foam layer. ‹ Made of foam but not memory foam. › Certified organic. fi Memory foam. fl Includes a layer of gel-infused foam. ‡ Firm models are memory foam; medium-firm models have latex foam.

32 CR.ORG 10 20 30 40 50 $0 !0 POOR EXCELLENT CR BEST BUY RECOMMENDED

Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Support Recommended Rank side Petite sleeper Average sleeperside Large/tall sleeperside back Petite sleeper Average sleeper back Large/tall sleeper back Durability Stabilization rating Firmness Bed-in-a-box

FOAM Continued

29 Novaform Comfort Grande (Costco) fifl 68 $600 40 40 40 40 30 30 40 40 6 

30 Wright 1.27 Luxury Memory Foam fifl 68 $1,785 40 40 30 40 30 30 40 40 4 

31 Leesa Leesa Medium Firm ‹fi 68 $890 40 40 30 40 30 20 50 40 5 

32 Ikea Myrbacka €fi‡ 68 $500 40 30 30 40 40 30 40 40 7

33 The Original Mattress Factory Serenity Latex €‹ 67 $1,540 40 40 40 30 30 30 50 30 4

34 Therapedic Eco-Gel2 Oceanfront fifl 66 $2,500 40 40 40 30 30 30 40 30 2

35 Brooklyn Bedding Queen Med. Firm €‹ 65 $750 40 40 30 30 30 20 50 40 4 

36 Amerisleep AS3 ‹ 65 $1,200 40 40 30 40 30 20 50 40 3

37 Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Contour Supreme fifl 64 $2,200 40 30 30 30 30 30 50 30 2

38 Sleep Science Escape 64 $1,800 40 40 30 30 30 20 50 40 2

39 Luxi The Luxi Medium Firm €fi 64 $1,000 40 40 40 30 30 30 50 40 3 

40 Spa Sensations Memory Foam SPA-1000Q fi 64 $360 40 30 30 50 40 30 30 20 6 

41 Ikea Matrand €‡ 63 $400 40 30 30 40 30 30 40 40 6 

42 Dormeo 230GX fl 63 $1,410 30 30 30 30 30 30 50 40 2

43 Sealy Premium Collection Gratifying fl 62 $1,850 40 40 40 30 30 20 50 40 2

44 Cocoon by Sealy Cocoon Firm fi 61 $850 40 30 30 40 40 30 40 30 6 

45 Dream Bed The Dream Original Mattress € 61 $830 40 40 30 40 30 20 50 30 5 

46 Loom & Leaf Luxury Relaxed Firm ›fl 60 $1,000 40 40 40 30 30 20 40 30 4

47 Casper The Essential fi 60 $600 40 40 30 40 30 20 40 30 3 

48 Serta iComfort Savant III fl 56 $1,775 40 30 30 30 20 10 50 40 2

49 Ara 100% Visco Memory Foam (Costco) fi 55 $1,100 40 40 30 30 20 20 50 30 2 

50 Serta iComfort Blue 100 Gentle Firm fl 55 $2,750 30 30 30 40 30 20 40 30 4 

51 Palmpring Colva PP-4W-003Q €‹› 54 $3,400 40 40 40 40 30 30 30 30 8

52 Luxi The Luxi Firm €fi 54 $1,000 40 40 40 20 20 20 50 40 3 

53 Airweave Airfiber 51 $1,300 30 30 30 40 40 40 20 30 10

INNERSPRING

!0 1 Charles P. Rogers Powercore Estate 5000 € 80 $1,500 40 40 40 50 50 50 50 40 6

!0 2 Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Elite Kelburn fl 79 $1,350 40 40 40 40 40 30 50 50 4

!0 3 Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Middletown fl 78 $2,300 40 40 40 50 40 40 50 40 4

!0 4 Voila Hybrid €fi 77 $1,200 40 40 40 40 40 40 50 40 6 

!0 5 WinkBeds The WinkBed 77 $1,350 40 40 40 40 40 30 50 40 5

$0 6 Denver Mattress Doctor’s Choice 76 $500 40 40 40 40 40 40 50 30 3

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 33 Ratings Bedding Down Continued

Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Support Recommended Rank side Petite sleeper Average sleeperside Large/tall sleeperside back Petite sleeper Average sleeper back Large/tall sleeper back Durability Stabilization rating Firmness Bed-in-a-box

INNERSPRING Continued

!0 7 Beautyrest Silver Golden Gate Pillowtop fl 75 $1,130 40 40 40 30 30 30 50 40 4

$0 8 Charles P. Rogers St. Regis Pillowtop 75 $1,100 40 30 30 50 40 40 50 40 6 Sealy Posturepedic Performance !0 9 75 $1,570 6 Lawson Euro Pillowtop fl 30 30 30 50 40 40 50 40 !0 10 Beautyrest Silver High Tide Luxury Firm Summit fl 75 $1,355 30 30 30 40 40 30 50 40 2

!0 11 Saatva Flagship Luxury Firm Eurotop 74 $1,000 30 40 40 40 40 30 50 30 3

!0 12 Ethan Allen EA Signature Firm fl 74 $2,000 40 40 40 40 40 50 40 40 7

!0 13 MacyBed Lux by Kingsdown fl 73 $1,500 40 40 40 40 30 30 50 40 3

!0 14 Stearns & Foster Signature Garrick Luxury fl 73 $2,200 40 30 30 50 40 30 50 40 4

!0 15 Duxiana Dux 1001 73 $4,950 40 40 50 40 40 30 50 30 4

16 Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Flex Supreme Breeze fifl 72 $3,500 40 40 30 40 40 30 50 40 4

17 King Koil Grand Eurotop fl 72 $560 40 40 40 50 40 30 50 40 5 

18 Beautyrest Black Mariela 72 $2,500 30 40 40 30 30 30 50 40 2

19 Beautyrest Silver Hybrid Grand Isle Firm fl 72 $1,285 40 40 30 40 40 30 50 30 4

20 Beautyrest Silver Navy Pier Pillowtop fl 71 $700 40 40 40 40 30 30 50 40 3

21 Sapira by Leesa Luxury fi 71 $1,475 40 40 30 40 40 40 50 40 3 

22 Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Flex Prima Firm fi 71 $2,100 40 30 30 40 40 30 50 40 4 Sealy Posturepedic Premier Hybrid Copper 23 70 $1,275 4 Cushion Firm fl 40 40 40 50 40 30 40 40 The Original Mattress Factory Orthopedic 24 70 $540 4 Luxury Firm 40 40 40 40 40 30 30 30 25 Kingsdown Passions Imagination fl 70 $1,140 40 40 50 40 30 20 40 40 3

26 Beautyrest Legend McFarland €fl 69 $1,950 40 40 40 40 30 30 50 40 4 Eastman House Lifetime Collection Eternity Euro 27 69 $1,500 4 Pillowtop 50 40 40 30 30 30 50 30 Sealy Posturepedic Performance Chase Pointe 28 69 $970 6 Eurotop fl 40 30 30 50 40 40 50 10 29 Bob-O-Pedic Hybrid Queen Cushion Firm fl 69 $800 30 30 40 40 30 30 50 40 3

30 Night Therapy Euro Box Top Spring 69 $248 40 40 40 30 30 30 50 40 3 

31 Charles P. Rogers Estate Nano € 68 $2,400 40 40 30 40 40 30 50 40 5

32 Beautyrest Black Hybrid Gladney fl 67 $2,750 40 40 40 40 30 20 50 30 3

33 Intellibed Posture Perfect 67 $3,800 40 40 40 40 30 30 50 20 3

34 Sealy Performance Dolby Cushion Firm fl 67 $1,700 30 30 30 40 40 30 40 40 4

35 Spring Air Isabella 66 $1,599 40 40 40 40 40 20 50 30 4

36 Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Flex Flex Supreme fifl 66 $2,599 40 30 30 30 30 30 50 40 3

37 Saatva Luxury Firm Euro Pillowtop 66 $900 40 40 40 40 40 30 40 20 3

38 Eclipse Comformatic Collection Diamond Plush fl 64 $800 30 30 30 30 30 20 50 40 3

⁄ Firmness displayed is an average value. € Includes a latex-foam layer. ‹ Made of foam but not memory foam. › Certified organic. fi Memory foam. fl Includes a layer of gel-infused foam. ‡ Firm models are memory foam; medium-firm models have latex foam.

34 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 10 20 30 40 50 $0 !0 POOR EXCELLENT CR BEST BUY RECOMMENDED

Overall Brand & Model Score Price Test Results Support Recommended Rank side Petite sleeper Average sleeperside Large/tall sleeperside back Petite sleeper Average sleeper back Large/tall sleeper back Durability Stabilization rating Firmness Bed-in-a-box

INNERSPRING Continued

39 Denver Mattress Telluride 63 $1,100 40 40 30 30 30 20 50 30 3

40 Ashley Sleep Anniversary Edition fl 63 $600 30 30 30 50 40 20 50 40 5

41 Black Label Gel Queen Firm €fl 63 $850 40 30 30 30 30 20 50 40 2

42 Hampton & Rhodes HR420S Plush 63 $600 30 40 40 30 30 20 50 20 2 Serta iSeries Profiles Prominence 43 62 $2,275 2 Super Pillowtop fl 30 30 40 30 30 20 50 40 44 Shifman Handmade Original 61 $3,500 40 40 40 40 40 40 20 20 8

45 Restonic ComfortCare Select Hampton €fl 61 $1,500 30 40 40 30 30 30 30 40 3

46 Serta iComfort Applause II fl 61 $1,155 40 40 40 30 30 20 50 40 3

47 My Green Mattress The Natural Escape › 60 $1,000 40 40 40 30 30 20 50 20 3 

48 Beautyrest Black Katarina Lux-Firm Pillowtop 59 $2,350 40 40 40 20 20 20 50 40 2

49 Sealy Performance Kenney fl 59 $700 30 30 30 50 40 30 40 10 5

50 Serta Perfect Sleeper Soothing Haven Pillowtop fl 58 $1,775 30 30 30 30 30 20 40 40 2

51 Serta iComfort Expertise Super Pillowtop fl 58 $1,775 40 40 40 30 30 20 50 40 2

52 Serta iComfort Hybrid Expertise Firm fl 55 $1,775 40 40 30 20 20 20 50 40 3 Spring Air Back Supporter Perfect 53 55 $700 3 Balance Sophia 30 30 40 30 20 20 50 30 54 Hotel Collection Vitagenic Cushion Firm HL € 53 $2,800 40 30 30 30 20 20 50 40 2

55 Classic Brands Hybrid Gramercy fl 52 $395 40 40 40 30 20 10 50 30 2

56 Ikea Holmsbu 52 $800 40 40 40 20 20 10 50 40 2

57 Modern Sleep Pillowtop Hybrid fl 50 $595 40 40 30 30 20 10 50 40 2 

58 Classic Brands Mercer Hybrid fl 49 $440 20 30 40 30 20 10 50 40 2 

59 Serta iComfort Smart Support HB300Q fl 46 $2,275 30 30 30 20 20 10 50 40 2

60 Ashley Sleep American Classic Plush Latex € 46 $1,500 40 30 30 30 20 10 50 40 2

HOW WE TEST: We calculate Support for back sleepers is the the Large/tall sleeper scores. The Stabilization indicates little or no the Overall Score primarily by ability to maintain the natural Average sleeper is an average of bouncing or vibration transferred for evaluating a mattress’s side and curve of a back sleeper’s spine. In the two sizes. Durability gauges a innersprings, and ease of movement back support, durability, and our support tests, we use a woman mattress’s ability to keep its original and changing positions for foam. stabilization. For adjustable air 4 feet 11½ inches to 5 feet 1½ inches shape, height, firmness, and support We rate Firmness on a scale of 1 to mattresses, we use an average of tall and 110 to 127.5 pounds for the after a simulated eight to 10 years 10, with 10 being the firmest. Price is firmness levels. Support for side Petite sleeper scores, and a man of use, including our passing a approximate retail for a queen-size sleepers is the ability to keep a side 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 4 inches 308-pound roller over each mattress mattress without a box spring. sleeper’s spine relatively horizontal. tall and 220 to 242 pounds for 30,000 times. A high score for

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 35 Miracle Worker? Adult stem cells can help treat only a short list of diseases, such as leukemia.

36 MARCH 2018 Could This

CellSave

JOHN RODOLF SAYS it was the online sales pitch that helped Yo u r Li fe? persuade him to fork over $6,000 to the Lung Institute in STEM CELL THERAPY IS AN ACCEPTED TREATMENT FOR Tampa, Fla., in August 2015. The JUST A SHORT LIST OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS. AND YET SOME institute’s website cited both scientific research and patient STEM CELL TREATMENTS ARE BEING PROFFERED FOR A testimonials as proof that its WIDE RANGE OF ILLNESSES. THOSE TREATMENTS ARE OFTEN simple but cutting-edge stem cell INEFFECTIVE AND SOMETIMES DANGEROUS. HERE’S WHAT therapy could successfully treat YOU NEED TO KNOW TO STAY SAFE. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that By Jeneen Interlandi left Rodolf struggling to breathe for most of his waking hours. His own doctor had described the condition as incurable. But, Rodolf says, the website suggested that restoring his ability to breathe could be as simple as extracting these special cells from his own blood and then delivering them back into his body through an IV. What the institute didn’t explain was that such treatments aren’t supported by the balance of scientific evidence. Doctors and scientists have made some small but impressive strides in using stem cells to treat some complicated diseases. But so far, lung disorders aren’t on the list. Rodolf, who says he got no benefit from the treatments, has signed on to a lawsuit alleging that the

CR.ORG 37 Lung Institute intentionally defrauded him and dozens of other patients. In retrospect, he says he wishes he had been more skeptical. “It was a bad call,” he says. “But I couldn’t breathe at the time, and when you can’t breathe you’ll try just about anything.” The Lung Institute declined to be interviewed for this article, but a “Stem cells have taken on this sort of mythic spokeswoman said by email that the power in people’s minds. But there are real limits clinic had treated thousands of patients to what most of these cells can actually do.” and that many of them had indeed seen an improvement in their quality of life. —SALLY TEMPLE, PH.D., SCIENTIST, Scientists and federal regulators THE NEURAL STEM CELL INSTITUTE, RENSSELAER, N.Y. say that stories like Rodolf’s illustrate something they are increasingly worried about. As evidence of stem cell therapy’s potential grows, so does confusion over what this emerging medicine can and Access to embryonic stem cells is federally monitored, can’t do. And with few consumer protections in place, but adult stem cells, which can be extracted from a unscrupulous doctors are exploiting that confusion for patient’s own body, are subject to relatively few federal profit. Across the country, clinics like the one Rodolf regulations. As a result, doctors have generally been went to are promoting stem cell therapies for a long list of allowed to use them to treat a wide range of conditions conditions, including joint injuries, sexual dysfunction, without demonstrating that they’re safe or effective. COPD, lupus, and diabetes. These treatments are rarely In fact, stem cell treatments are widely accepted only covered by insurance, and they can cost thousands of for two broad medical indications: to help treat a handful dollars. None of them have been proved to work. Some of blood disorders—including leukemia and some forms of have proved to be dangerous. anemia—and in some cases to help burn victims. “Stem cells “There’s an important difference between the stem cell have taken on this sort of mythic power in people’s minds,” treatments emerging from slow and careful study and says Sally Temple, Ph.D., a scientist at the Neural Stem Cell the ones being sold for thousands of dollars without any Institute in Rensselaer, N.Y. “But there are real limits to evidence of safety or efficacy,” says Orly Avitzur, M.D., what most of these cells can actually do.” Consumer Reports’ medical director. “But that difference is The FDA has acknowledged the problem of under- not being made clear to consumers.” regulated stem cell medicine and says it is taking steps to strengthen its oversight of this burgeoning industry. A Medical Gray Zone Regulators have issued warning letters to numerous stem Stem cells are special cells with the potential to repair cell clinics for violating laboratory and manufacturing damaged tissue and organs. Stem cell therapy involves standards, and have ordered at least one company to stop using these cells in injections and tissue transplants to heal selling stem cell-based products. In November it declared injuries and treat disease. that going forward, agency approval would be required That’s not as simple or straightforward as it might sound. for some stem cell therapies (the way it is for prescription There are several types of stem cells, and not all of them are drugs) and that clinics where patients are harmed would possessed of equal power. Those that come from human be subject to enforcement actions, including increased embryos or are specially programmed in a laboratory can inspections and possible product seizures. turn into any kind of cell—and in theory, repair any organ Patient-safety advocates say those measures fall short or tissue—in the human body. But according to the current of what’s needed to protect consumers. “Clinics and scientific consensus, stem cells taken from fully developed doctors need to be prevented from selling dangerous tissues (what scientists often refer to as “adult stem cells”) untested medicine before they harm people, not after,” can only turn into the type of tissue from which they came. says Lisa McGiffert, director of the Safe Patient Project at The therapeutic potential of these adult cells is believed to be Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization division much more limited, because fat stem cells can only turn into of Consumer Reports.

fat, liver stem cells can only turn into liver, and so on. The FDA declined to make any of its representatives SUZANNE KAWOLA PAGE: THIS PHOTO, PREVIOUS SPREAD: STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE LIBRARY. PHOTO, PHOTO

38 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 available for an interview for this article. But a years of research and involves careful vetting of protocols spokesperson said by email that the agency is working to for safety and close monitoring of patients, as a rule. But balance consumer protection with medical innovation, other trials listed on the site haven’t completed those steps, and that it is hopeful that doctors and clinics will comply and there’s no easy way to tell the two groups apart. voluntarily with the new framework. The clinical trial that allegedly cost the three women their vision was administered at U.S. Stem Cell A Climate of Confusion Clinic (USSCC) in Sunrise, Fla. It involved extracting There’s no shortage of opportunity for consumers like John stem cells from the women’s belly fat and injecting them Rodolf to encounter the promise and peril of experimental into their eyes to treat their macular degeneration. stem cell treatments. They are being studied by blue-chip Researchers say the protocol violated basic safety medical centers like the Mayo Clinic, offered in the exam principles—such as treating only one eye so that the other rooms of dermatologists and orthopedists, and advertised would be spared in the event of complications—and in newspapers and online by more than 500 stem cell that it used a type of stem cell that hasn’t demonstrated specialty clinics. any potential for treating macular degeneration. “Fat The level of scientific vetting these treatments have been stem cells can only turn into fat,” says Temple of the subjected to runs the gamut. Some have been carefully Neural Stem Cell Institute. “There’s no reason to think developed and sanctioned by the FDA; others haven’t been they would do anything for diseases of the eye.” U.S. formally studied but have some evidence to support their Stem Cell Clinic declined to be interviewed for this article. use. Others still are untested and dangerously unscientific. The NIH recently added a disclaimer to its clinical It can be difficult to tell which of those categories any trials home page, warning that not all of the listed studies given stem cell therapy falls into, in part have been vetted by a federal because websites and advertisements agency. But critics say that that promote bogus treatments can look notice isn’t enough to protect just as professional and trustworthy as consumers, many of whom are the ones that discuss legitimate clinical desperate for miracle cures. trials. “I found out about the Lung “Some clinics effectively use this Institute in a magazine advertisement site as a marketing tool,” says in my doctor’s office,” says Maureen Leigh Turner, Ph.D., a bioethicist Rosen, a 75-year-old resident of Ocala, at the University of Minnesota Fla., who, like John Rodolf, paid the who has studied the stem cell Lung Institute thousands of dollars for industry. “They post studies COPD treatments she says didn’t work “[Some institutions] there because it gives them an at all. “And it looked impressive to me. use patient air of legitimacy, which in turn And when I went online, the website helps them attract patients.” looked like any other website that you’d testimonials An NIH spokeswoman see for a hospital.” to promote told Consumer Reports that Another problem is that questionable treatments that the government agency is treatments are sometimes advertised have not been considering additional measures alongside promising ones. For example, scientifically to help consumers navigate according to court documents and proven. They the site better, but she didn’t a case study published in the New mention specifics. England Journal of Medicine, three create the Stem cell scientists and women suffered serious vision impression that patient-safety advocates say that impairment (one went completely blind) even though it’s stem cell specialty clinics are after participating in a study they found experimental, it the most likely to sell untested listed at clinicaltrials.gov, a website really works.” therapies to consumers or to maintained by the National Institutes disguise questionable treatments of Health (NIH). The site lists more —LEIGH TURNER, as legitimate clinical trials. But than 1,000 stem cell-related clinical PH.D., BIOETHICIST, even such well-known and trials. Some of them have secured UNIVERSITY OF trusted institutions as the investigative new drug (IND) approval MINNESOTA Mayo Clinic, the University from the FDA, a process that can take of California, Davis and

CR.ORG 39 Northwestern University have been accused of stem cell overhype. Some doctors and bioethicists believe that web videos touting clinical research at all three institutions run afoul of medical ethics. “They’re using patient testimonials to promote treatments that have not been scientifically proven,” says Turner. “They create “People think that since the cells come from the impression that even though it’s their own bodies, they must be safe. But oversight is experimental, it really works.” so lax that there’s no way to even know what you’re Northwestern University didn’t being injected with half the time.” respond to requests for comment. But a UC Davis spokesperson said —PAUL KNOEPFLER, PH.D., STEM CELL RESEARCHER, that the intention of its video was UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS for consumers to simply “learn more” about the school’s work. And a Mayo spokesperson reportedly told Health News Review (a nonprofit that subjects health media the paper’s authors wrote, adverse events associated with to peer review) that the web video was meant not as unproven stem cell treatments are probably much more an advertisement for stem cell therapy but to showcase common than is currently known. promising research. Paul Knoepfler, Ph.D., a stem cell researcher and Victor Khabie, M.D., chief of sports medicine at Northern industry watchdog at the University of California, Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., says that some Davis—who was not involved in the research promoted private-practice physicians (often in sports medicine and in the school’s web video—says that consumers routinely dermatology) are also guilty of selling stem cell injections underestimate the risks associated with stem cell that may have no therapeutic benefit, but that they’re injections. “People think that since the cells come from largely responding to patient demand. “People hear about their own bodies, they must be safe,” he says. “But professional athletes who swear these injections cured oversight is so lax that there’s no way to even know what their muscle damage or resolved their joint pain, and they you’re being injected with half the time.” come in wanting the same treatments,” he says. “When Last summer federal agents confiscated smallpox done right, these particular injections are safe. But they’re vaccines from StemImmune, a California company that also very expensive, and there hasn’t been enough research specializes in stem cell-based immunotherapies for to say whether or not the effects are placebo effects.” cancer. The company was mixing those vaccines with (A placebo effect refers to the tendency of any medical stem cells to create an experimental—and dangerous, the treatment, even a sugar pill, to produce some benefit FDA says—cancer treatment. It was being used by doctors simply because the patient expects it to work.) at the California Stem Cell Treatment Centers (CSCTC) in Rancho Mirage and Beverly Hills. StemImmune didn’t In Harm’s Way respond to a request for comment. But Mark Berman, The women who suffered vision impairment after being M.D., a co-founder of CSCTC, disputed the implication that treated at USSCC in Florida aren’t the only patients to his clinics were exploiting cancer patients or putting them have allegedly been harmed by an experimental stem cell at risk. “We have real board-certified oncologists evaluate treatment. According to court papers filed by the Florida these patients,” he says. “And it was all free of charge.” State Board of Medicine, at least one patient died after According to the FDA commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, receiving stem cell injections to treat nerve damage from M.D., shoddy stem cell medicine does more than imperil a Florida doctor whose license has since been revoked. unwitting consumers; it also threatens to undermine real And according to the New England Journal of Medicine, scientific progress being made. “Products that are reliably a Massachusetts man was completely paralyzed after and carefully developed will be harder to advance if bad stem cells injected into his spine to treat a stroke-related actors are able to make hollow claims and market unsafe disability morphed into a tumor. The article suggested science,” he said in an Aug. 28 press release announcing that known cases of patient harm may only be the tip of that the agency would be issuing a new framework for

the iceberg. Owing to a lack of reporting requirements, stem cell regulations. SYSTEM HEALTH DAVIS UC PHOTO:

40 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 That framework, released in November, indicates and clinics three years to comply with the regulations, that at least some stem cell treatments (namely those provided their treatments and techniques haven’t derived from belly fat) will now need FDA approval. been deemed a threat to patient safety. But the agency The International Society for Stem Cell Research has hasn’t explained how—or even if—it will determine hailed the new measures as an important step toward which doctors and clinics are putting consumers at risk. better consumer protection. And it hasn’t clarified what will happen to clinics that But whether they will usher in any meaningful change don’t comply within the three-year time frame. remains to be seen. The FDA says it will give companies According to the guidelines, treatments injected directly into the bloodstream or central nervous system will be considered more dangerous than those How to injected into joints or skin. But in a press conference this past November, Peter Marks, Protect Yourself M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s center for biologics The Food and Drug Administration, the International Society evaluation and research, for Stem Cell Research, and CR’s medical experts implied that punitive advise you to be cautious when considering stem cell therapy. measures would be taken only after patient injuries or illnesses were reported. BEWARE OF THE HYPE ASK QUESTIONS READ THE FINE PRINT “There are literally hundreds AND HEFTY FEES Any doctor who offers stem If the treatment is being Doctors testing stem cell cell therapy should offered as a clinical trial, and hundreds of these treatments in carefully be able to explain where make sure the trial has clinics,” he said. “We simply controlled clinical trials the cells will come from, been vetted by the FDA, a don’t have the bandwidth usually don’t promote what will be done to them process known as securing to go after all of them at once. their offerings with big, before they’re injected investigative new drug So the judgment here is flashy advertisements into your body, and how, (IND) approval. The agency that promise dramatic exactly, they will resolve advises that you ask to to go after the ones where improvements or total your illness or injury. see the actual approval we have documented cures. They also don’t He or she should also be letter to make sure it has instances of harm.” charge a lot. There may able to offer you proof of been issued specifically In the meantime, John be some minor fees for safety and efficacy, even for for the treatment you’re Rodolf and Maureen Rosen travel or other personal experimental treatments. considering. Treatments expenses, but the treatment Don’t settle for patient that have cleared this say that after many months itself should be free or low- testimonials. Ask how hurdle are much more likely of waiting for their stem cost to participants. many people the proposed to be safe than those that cell treatments to kick in, “A large price tag— therapy has been tested on have not. they gave up and tried more especially in the range of (the more the better) and You should also make conventional approaches. thousands of dollars— whether those tests were sure that any informed should be a major red flag,” done in clinical trials or consent document Rodolf says that losing weight says Marvin M. Lipman, as individual case studies. (an explanation of the has helped improve his M.D., Consumer Reports’ (Randomized controlled experimental treatment breathing. And Rosen now chief medical adviser. trials, where people given that study participants pays $48 a month to go to So should any doctor a treatment are compared are usually asked to sign) pulmonary rehab, where she claiming to treat a with a control group that provides a clear description gets physical therapy three wide range of medical wasn’t, are best.) It’s also of the treatment being conditions, such as autism, important to find out what offered along with the risks, times a week. Her breathing arthritis, and erectile the outcomes were. (Ideally, alternative options, and has improved enough that dysfunction, with the same side effects were minimal details about what to expect she can remove her oxygen therapy. Different organs and significantly more in the days and weeks after tank for small portions of her and body systems require people improved than the procedure. It should not day. “I wish someone had different expertise—and did not.) indemnify doctors or their different medicine—to institutions against liability told me to try this first,” she treat, which is why most for negligence. says. “It’s a lot cheaper, and it doctors specialize. actually works.”

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 41 Planning for a Secure Retirement

There’s plenty of uncertainty today about whether you’ll have enough money to stop working, and when—especially if that decision is not entirely yours. But many factors are completely under your control. Take these savvy steps, whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or 70s. by Penelope Wang

In Your In Your 50s 60s RETIREMENT PLANNING has always sweeping changes is the new tax law “The most important thing people can been full of uncertainties: How much that will greatly limit deductions and do is control what is controllable,” says longer will you be able to work? How other breaks. That could have a major Andrew Jamison, a certified financial much savings will you have when you impact on your taxable income. planner with Main Avenue Financial stop working? How many decades will Investing is also more challenging. Services in Beaverton, Ore. And the that money need to last? But for anyone After a nine-year bull run, the benchmark truth is, the things you can control— nearing retirement, or already there, Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index is your day-to-day saving, investing, and the level of uncertainty has rarely been at record highs, so returns are likely to planning decisions—are what’s most greater than it is right now. be lower in the years ahead. “There’s a critical to your retirement success. Most significantly, Congress and the growing risk of a market correction in the Whether you are still working and White House have been overhauling future,” says David Blanchett, director plowing money into your 401(k), or many rules that have a big impact on of retirement research at Morningstar, enjoying your retirement now, here are consumers generally and retirement an investment research firm. smart strategies that will help ensure savers in particular. One of the most Don’t let these worries paralyze you. your financial security.

In Your 70s

CR.ORG 43 $6,000 more in catch-up contributions. chance of living until age 90. Working and Saving Don’t have an employer plan? Opt for Of course, average life expectancies an individual retirement account. You won’t tell you much about any can save up to $5,500 per year in an individual—that’s impossible to predict 50 to IRA, plus a $1,000 catch-up contribution with any accuracy. Still, you can get for those 50 and older. A traditional IRA a rough idea by running numbers at lets you save pretax; a Roth IRA lets you livingto100.com. The calculator there Early 60s put away after-tax dollars that grow tax- factors in data about your health free. If you have any extra savings, put and lifestyle. Most financial advisers money in a taxable account. typically plan for a retirement that lasts Of course, saving more requires until age 90 or 95, Kitces says. cutting back on your spending. But UNDERSTAND YOUR SPENDING. Once you On average, men claim retirement there’s a double benefit to doing that, have a rough idea of how long your benefits at age 64.2 and women at says certified financial planner Michael money will need to last, you can create 64, Social Security data show. For Kitces, director of wealth management a retirement budget. Start by tracking nearly half, retirement comes sooner at Pinnacle Advisory Group in Columbia, what you’re spending now, using than expected, often because of poor Md. By living a more frugal lifestyle, software such as Mint or YNAB. “Most health or a layoff, according to a you not only free up savings but also people have no idea where their money 2017 report by the Employee Benefit won’t need as much money to live on in is going,” says Scott Cole, a certified Research Institute. But nearly a third retirement because your scaled-down financial planner in Birmingham, Ala., of retirees leave their job because spending has become your new normal. “so this process helps clarify.” they can afford to. To improve the So consider downsizing your house now With a budget in hand, you can think odds that you can retire on your own that the kids have moved out, or cook about ways that spending might shift schedule, follow these steps. more at home rather than eating out. in retirement. Many financial planners These savings will make reaching your suggest you aim to replace 70 to 80 ASSESS YOUR ASSETS. Add up your retirement goals more doable. percent of your pre-retirement income, retirement savings to see whether CONSIDER YOUR LONGEVITY. If you assuming that retirees usually spend you’re on track to meet your retirement need more incentive to save, think less. But many people spend as much as goals. As a benchmark, at 50 years about how long your money will they did before because of higher travel old someone seeking to retire at age have to last in retirement—it could be and entertainment expenses, especially 65 should have stashed away the two decades or longer. According to in the early retirement years. Spending equivalent of 5.2 times their household the Social Security Administration, tends to drop off in the middle phase income in financial assets, according to the average 65-year-old man today of retirement, only to rise in later years financial adviser Charles Farrell, J.D., is expected to live until 84.3, and a as healthcare expenses increase—a LL.M., author of “Your Money Ratios” 65-year-old woman to 86.6. If you’re pattern that Morningstar’s Blanchett (2010, Avery). So if you’re 50 years a couple, one of you has a 47 percent calls the “retirement spending smile.” old and earning $100,000, having a DESIGN YOUR RETIREMENT LIFE. “You $520,000 portfolio would leave you in need to understand that you are not good shape. (This calculation assumes just retiring from something but also you’ll be living on about 80 percent of retiring to something,” Cole says. your preretirement income, including At 50 So take the time now to fine-tune Social Security benefits.) Use an your vision of retirement and share online tool, such as the T. Rowe Price years old, someone your ideas with your spouse to see Retirement Income Calculator, to see seeking to retire whether you’re on the same page. If how your savings stack up. at age 65 should you’re dreaming of moving to a beach BOOST YOUR SAVINGS. If you’re falling town, for example, test-drive that life behind on savings but you’re still have stashed away in an extended vacation. And if you working, ramp up now by making the the equivalent intend to volunteer or build a second most of tax-advantaged retirement of 5.2 times their career as a small-business person, plans. Max out your 401(k) if you can— join organizations or take courses you can stash away as much as $18,500 household income in relevant topics so you can gain in 2018; those 50 and older can put away in financial assets. experience over the next few years. PREVIOUS SPREAD: ISTOCK PHOTOS,

44 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 THE UNEXPECTED RETIREMENT 4 steps to take if you stop working sooner than you planned

Maybe you planned on retiring depending on where you live. less expensive locale can have a at 65 or even a little later, then If you have and want to big impact on your budget. suddenly—pow!—life happens continue life or disability and you’re out of work well insurance, find out whether your Identify new before that. A 2017 survey by workplace’s plans are “portable.” 4 sources of income. the Employee Benefits Research You’ll have to pay the premiums, A home equity line of credit is Institute found that 48 percent of course, but you avoid the risk a good source of emergency of people retire unexpectedly, of being denied coverage if you funds, but you’ll need to apply often because of health try to buy these on your own. for it when you’re still employed; problems, caregiving demands, otherwise, you probably won’t or being laid off from a job. Decide what to do qualify. (Do this if you see a job An unexpected retirement is a 2 with your retirement 48% loss on the horizon.) You may double whammy: It derails your accounts. also be able to borrow from a future savings ambitions and of people retire In your final weeks on the whole life insurance policy, if you may force you to tap retirement payroll, try to contribute as unexpectedly have one. Avoid relying on credit funds sooner than planned. much as you can to your 401(k) cards for expenses—this is not The first thing to do—after for reasons or 403(b) to maximize the the time to go into debt. In the taking a deep breath—is to match from your employer, says case of a layoff, be aggressive “figure out how to move forward that include Maryan Jaross, AAMS, a senior about negotiating the best by thoughtfully examining financial adviser in Boulder, health problems, possible severance package. And your entire financial picture,” Colo. The next big decision is be sure to file for unemployment says Bill Galvin, a certified caregiving whether to keep your savings in as soon as you can. financial planner with Capital your workplace account, if that’s demands, and Finally, “Working should Management Group of New an option. (Some employers be a pillar of any retirement York. These steps can help you job layoffs. might require you to roll it over.) plan, so look for ways you can secure your long-term future. There are pros and cons continue to earn income,” says Kerry Hannon, author of “Great Make sure your to staying with a company plan. Reasons not to: The fees Jobs for Everyone 50+” (2018, help you. Find one through 1 insurance needs might be high; you prefer the Wiley). If you’ve been laid off, the National Association of are covered. convenience of having your finding another full-time job can Personal Financial Advisors at If you’re not yet 65 and entire nest egg in a single be tough but not impossible, napfa.org. eligible for Medicare, good individual retirement account; or especially with today’s low health insurance is a must. A there might be tax advantages unemployment rate. But be spouse’s employer plan may to moving funds into a Roth IRA. Build a budget you realistic about your prospects: offer your best option. Leaving On the pro side: a little-known 3 can live with. It might take a while to land a job enables you to sign up rule that permits people age 55 Create a spreadsheet or something, and you probably for COBRA coverage within or older to make withdrawals use an online budgeting tool will have to take a pay cut. the 60-day period after the from that workplace account (such as the one at bankrate. According to Hannon, the so-called “qualifying event.” without penalty in the event com; search for “home budget best way for older workers to You can pay to stay on your of a job loss. (You usually pay calculator”) to get a handle job hunt is through personal workplace plan for 18 months, a 10 percent penalty if you on your spending habits. Then referrals, so tell family, friends, though in some cases that withdraw money before age examine your savings to figure neighbors, and former can be extended to as long 59½—a cost you should avoid out how much you can draw colleagues that you’re looking as three years. (Check with unless absolutely necessary.) down each month. With an for work. Also, check job listings your human resources rep.) If you have a pension, you unexpected retirement, there will at aarp.org/work, where you Because COBRA premiums may have the choice of taking it probably be a gap—though if can find employers who have can be costly, examine plans as a lump sum or an annuity—a you’ve been planning properly, it pledged to hire older workers, at healthcare.gov to search decision that depends entirely may not be as dire as you fear. and sites such as Glassdoor, for a better deal. Depending on your specific financial needs. Still, you’ll probably need Indeed, and Monster. If your on your health and finances, a Investigate whether you can to stretch your dollars, which skills are out-of-date or you high-deductible policy might take annuity payments before can mean anything from just want to do something new, be an economical choice. Also, retirement age, which can be eliminating extras (vacations, investigate training programs depending on your household a helpful source of income. a second car) to making major at local colleges or check out earnings, you might qualify for Because these decisions can be lifestyle changes. Downsizing websites such as Encore.org a subsidy from the Affordable overwhelming, consider enlisting to a smaller home or a rental and iRelaunch. Care Act or for Medicaid, a fee-only financial planner to apartment or relocating to a —Mary C. Hickey to avoid an uncomfortable encounter to the amount you keep in cash or short- Easing Into Retirement with a worst-case scenario. “People term bonds, vs. stocks. That’s to protect underestimate what a powerful lever against what’s known as sequence delaying retirement can be,” Lester says. of return risk: Poor stock returns 60 to REVIEW YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY OPTIONS. early in retirement, combined with There’s another reason to consider withdrawals to fund your expenses, Early 70s putting off retirement: By claiming raises the odds that you’ll dangerously Social Security later, you can receive deplete your portfolio. Even if returns more in benefits. Between ages 62 and recover, you may not have enough 70, for each year you delay filing, your savings left to catch up. payment increases by 6.5 to 8 percent To avoid panic selling, build up cash a year. If you can bridge your finances in taxable accounts that can cover your As you close in on your retirement before claiming for even a year or two, expenses for a year or longer, says date, you have less time to recover it can be worth it. “There aren’t many Harold Evensky, a certified financial from a financial setback. So make other ways to get higher inflation- planner with Evensky & Katz/Foldes sure you have these bases covered. adjusted lifetime income,” says Sheri in Lubbock, Texas. A 2013 study by Conklin, a certified financial planner Evensky found that having those STRESS-TEST YOUR FINANCES. How well in Roseville, Calif. reserves raised the odds that a nest would your retirement plan withstand Granted, not everyone can put egg would be as much as 6 percentage a layoff or a market downturn? “It’s off claiming Social Security, and the points higher at the 30-year retirement important to think ahead about your decision gets more complicated when mark vs. not having that cash on hand. options,” says Anne Lester, head of you factor in a spouse’s benefits. CHOOSE A SUSTAINABLE WITHDRAWAL RATE. retirement solutions at J.P. Morgan Asset So it can be smart to get help with When figuring out how much money Management. Run different scenarios on this decision. One option is to use you can safely pull from your portfolio, an online retirement calculator—using an an online tool, such as the one at one common starting point is the earlier retirement date, lower returns, or maximizemysocialsecurity.com ($40 4 percent rule—in your first year of the need to purchase health insurance per year) or socialsecuritysolutions.com retirement, take out 4 percent of the prior to Medicare. A bad couple of ($50 for comparative reports), which initial amount, then increase that years may not derail your finances if provides customized advice. Or you may amount by inflation each year to make you can ratchet down your spending want to hire a financial adviser. your money last at least 30 years. without giving up essentials. If not, you RESET YOUR PORTFOLIO RISK LEVEL. As you Today a more prudent starting point may want to work a year or two longer reach retirement, pay extra attention may be 3.5 percent.

PORTFOLIO Percentage Withdrawal Amount* HOW MUCH AMOUNT $1,000,000 $500,000 WILL YOU $1,000,000 3.5% $35,000 $17,500 HAVE TO 4.0% $40,000 $20,000 LIVE ON? 5.0% $50,000 $25,000 *In year one.

The rate at which you take income from your savings can $500,000 determine whether your money will last your lifetime—or not. This chart shows withdrawals from two portfolios, one worth $1 million and the other $500,000, at different drawdown rates over 30 years. 0 510152025 30 YEARS YOUR MONEY WILL LAST

Note: Both portfolios are assumed to be composed of 40 percent equities and 60 percent bonds, and resulting projections are based on benchmark returns. The initial withdrawal is set at a fixed percentage of the initial amount and is then inflation-adjusted annually over the period at 2.5 percent. Source: David Blanchett, director of retirement research, Morningstar. HOW TO AFFORD HEALTHCARE Living in Retirement Strategies to pay what may be your biggest retirement expense 70 and Whether you’re still saving for HSAs have a triple tax advantage: Beyond your later years or just joined the The money you contribute reduces ranks of retirees, you’re probably your taxable income. If you spend underestimating one major the money on qualified healthcare retirement expense: how much expenses, you aren’t taxed on it. money you’ll need to pay for your And growth within the account is healthcare. free from capital gains taxes. You The numbers are big. A man can contribute up to $3,450 as an Once you’re retired, your main retiring at 65 today with a typi- individual or $6,900 for a family concern will be making sure your cal lifespan will need $189,687 (in annually, and an additional $1,000 retirement income keeps flowing, today’s dollars), on average, to per year if you’re age 55 or older. pay healthcare costs not covered especially if your health expenses by insurance; a woman will need Consider long-term-care rise. A recent survey by the $214,565, according to projections insurance. investment firm Capital Group found from HealthView Services, a health- More than half of people who that more than 4 out of 10 retirees care cost data provider. And those are 65 or older today will require were spending more than they estimates don’t include the expense long-term care at some point. of long-term care if you have a expected on healthcare. A traditional long-term-care chronic condition or disability. insurance policy can help cover One reason people get the the cost of home care, assisted MIND YOUR RMDs. Starting in the year number wrong is they think that living, or a nursing home. But it’s you turn 70 ½, the clock begins ticking Medicare, the government health expensive (averaging $3,490 a on the required minimum distributions insurance program for people 65 year in premiums to cover $150 a and older, will cover all their needs, you must take from your 401(k) and day in nursing home costs each for says Ron Mastrogiovanni, Health- individual retirement accounts, which a 60-year-old couple), the policies View’s CEO. But Medicare isn’t free. can be confusing, and a number has to happen by the end of that year. You pay premiums, deductibles, of companies offering plans have (You can defer your first RMD until April and co-pays. If you want coverage dropped out of the market. A 1 of the next year, but you’ll have to take for prescription drugs, dental, vision, less costly option is a short-term a second one before year-end.) Miss an or hearing care, you have to pay policy with more limited benefits. out of pocket or buy a supplemen- RMD and you’ll pay a 50 percent penalty A 60-year-old might pay $860 tal policy or additional insurance. annually for a policy that provides and taxes on the money you should The good news is there is a lot $120 a day for 360 days in a have withdrawn. Your RMD amounts you can do to manage the cost. nursing home, plus $900 a week are based on the market value of your Here, three ways to ensure your for a year of home care, according accounts and your life expectancy (and healthcare expenses are covered: to the American Association for that of your spouse if he or she is the Long-Term Care Insurance. Create a healthcare sole beneficiary and more than 10 years investment account. Take care of your health. younger than you). RMD percentages Once you have a handle on You’ll have better quality of life increase as you age. A single 70-year- your expected healthcare costs, if you maintain good health. But old with a $100,000 IRA portfolio, for set up a dedicated account for there’s a financial benefit, too. example, would be required to withdraw healthcare savings separate from Although your total medical costs $3,650, and an 80-year-old would have your other retirement money. rise the longer you live, your annual Earmarking money for a specific outlay is far less when you’re fit: A to take out $5,348. You can find RMD goal makes it more likely that you’ll person in poor health spends an worksheets at irs.gov, and most brokerage be successful saving what you average of about $1,700 a year firms will help you calculate the amounts. need, Mastrogiovanni says. You more on out-of-pocket medical SIMPLIFY YOUR FINANCES. Consolidating can use an individual retirement expenses than someone in very accounts at a single brokerage will make account. Or, if you have a high- good health, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Devoting less of it easier to coordinate withdrawals, deductible health plan (insurance with a deductible of at least your budget to health bills frees up Kitces says. And your larger balance may $1,350 per year for an individual money to spend on activities that qualify you for lower fees, which will or $2,700 for a family), you can make retirement more enjoyable. boost your returns. open a health savings account. —Donna Rosato

47 Physician Assistant p.a. Registered Nurse r.n. Medical Doctor m.d. Nurse Practitioner n.p. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicıne d.o. The _____ Will 48 CR.ORG Today it’s getting harder to see an actual M.D. But you can still get quality care from a host of other medical professionals provided you know who’s who. Plus, how to make the most out of your office visit. by Hallie Levine

See You Now ILLUSTRATIONS BY FELIX SOCKWELL MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 49 Special Report

But is seeing one of them as good as seeing a medical doctor? In most cases, yes, says Ateev Mehrotra, M.D., an associate professor of healthcare policy at Harvard Medical School. His January 2017 study in the journal used to be so simple: are feeling pressure to work faster. Medical Care found that practices You made an appointment with a Because of competitive forces in the with more N.P.s and P.A.s had fewer Itdoctor and would almost certainly marketplace, including many hospitals specialist referrals, hospitalizations, see an M.D., someone who spent four buying up physician practices, doctors and ER visits. And other research years in medical school and then had are now more likely to work for large has found that when it comes to high at least three years of additional networks than for themselves. And blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory training, usually in a hospital. those employers often set daily patient infections, and other common But today you’re likely to encounter quotas—16 to 25 per day is typical—that problems, there’s little difference in a veritable alphabet soup of healthcare can limit your time with a doctor. treatment from M.D.s and advanced degrees: D.O., P.A., N.P., R.N., and That time crunch, combined with practice providers. N.D., to name a few. Who are all these growing demands to document all of The team approach is also efficient, people? What training do they have? their encounters in often cumbersome allowing each clinician to focus on Which one is best for you? And where’s electronic health records, is taking a what he or she does best. And it can your good old M.D., anyway? toll on doctors. mean shorter wait times and better The truth is, you may not always More than half of primary-care patient education, according to a 2016 need a traditional physician—and may doctors report feeling burned out, analysis by the Agency for Healthcare have a difficult time finding one. The according to a 2017 Medscape survey. Research and Quality. U.S. is short on doctors, especially And that could undermine the care In addition to N.P.s and P.A.s, you those practicing primary care, who they provide, make them less willing to may also be more likely to encounter typically earn less than specialists. work collaboratively with patients, and other healthcare professionals now. We now have fewer primary-care drive even more out of the profession. They include reputable ones, such as physicians per person than many doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.). other developed nations. Canada, for A TEAM OF PROVIDERS Their education is similar to an M.D.’s, example, has 1.2 per 1,000 people; the Enter “advanced practice providers.” with special training in muscle and U.S., just 0.3. These are the N.P.s (nurse practitioners) skeletal issues, and their numbers have Fewer primary-care doctors means and P.A.s (physician assistants) you may been growing. that it’s harder to get an appointment. run into at a doctor’s office. But you may also encounter some The average wait time for a new patient They don’t have as much training as more controversial providers, such as in a big city to see a family-medicine M.D.s but are licensed to do many of naturopathic doctors, or N.D.s. physician, for example, is now 29 days, the same things. And their ranks are This guide explains who’s who, gives compared with 19.5 days in 2014, growing fast. The share of physicians advice on how to get the most of your according to the physician recruiting with these clinicians on their team has precious time with each of them, and firm Merritt Hawkins. risen from 25 percent in 1999 to more identifies those you should consider At the same time, doctors today than 60 percent now. steering clear of.

50 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 CR’S ADVICE: If you have a complex health condition or one that isn’t responding to treatment, you’re better off seeing an M.D., says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., CR’s chief medical adviser. But if you’re in good health or your condition is well-controlled, it can be fine to get the bulk of your care from an advanced practice provider.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (d.o.) TRAINING: The four years of medical education for D.O.s largely matches M.D. programs but also includes 200 hours in osteopathic manipulative medicine, hands-on techniques designed mainly to treat pain. These doctors participate in many of the same residency programs as M.D.s and can specialize in anything from pediatrics to psychiatry to surgery. One of four U.S. medical students now attends an osteopathic medical school. But But it can be reassuring to know exactly don’t confuse D.O.s with osteopathic A Guide to who it is you’re seeing. Here’s a guide practitioners who are trained abroad; to some of the providers and what sets they’re neither M.D.s nor D.O.s., only Today’s them apart from one another. perform manipulative treatment, and Healthcare can’t prescribe medicine. Medical Doctor (m.d.) STRENGTHS: “D.O.s are virtually Professionals TRAINING: Earning this degree requires interchangeable from M.D.s,” says four years of medical school—typically Susan Hingle, M.D., chair of the Board Everything you need with two years studying biomedical of Regents of the American College to know about the science and basic clinical skills—and two of Physicians. They provide a full providers you might more rotating through a broad variety of range of medical care for all types of see now. specialties. Then there’s another three diseases and health problems, but to seven years under the supervision of they may be especially good at treating experienced faculty physicians. musculoskeletal conditions such as lower STRENGTHS: M.D.s (and D.O.s; see right) back pain, and less likely to prescribe have the most training of the providers drugs for that problem, according you’ll see. So if you have several to a 2015 study in the Journal of the conditions or symptoms that don’t easily American Osteopathic Association. FOR A ROUTINE office visit these add up, an M.D. can connect the dots LIMITATIONS: Like M.D.s, they don’t days, you might not ever see an M.D. more easily, says David Blumenthal, have much time to spend with patients. A case of the flu, for example, might M.D., president of the Commonwealth The average osteopathic visit is actually be handled by a physician assistant Fund, a nonprofit foundation that a couple of minutes shorter than the (P.A.), and a regular checkup might be focuses on health policy. average visit with an M.D., according to done mainly by a nurse practitioner LIMITATIONS: Primary-care docs are in that same 2015 study. (N.P.). And that can be just fine: short supply, so it might be difficult to CR’S ADVICE: A D.O. can serve as your Practices with advanced practice find one accepting new patients, and doctor in any case where you might providers have outcomes at least as he or she might not be able to spend as seek an M.D. More than half of them good as those that rely mainly on M.D.s. much time with you as you like. practice family medicine or pediatrics. And by seeing a D.O., you get the health education and counseling. One such as family medicine, internal benefit of his or her extra training study found that patients tend to be more medicine, emergency medicine, and in the musculoskeletal system. satisfied after a visit with an N.P., and that pediatrics. Many P.A. programs also those visits tend to be longer. In some require some sort of patient-care Nurse Practitioner (n.p.) states, N.P.s can practice independently. experience, such as working as an EMT, TRAINING: Before someone can LIMITATIONS: Those with diagnostic a phlebotomist, or a registered nurse. become an N.P., he or she must be a dilemmas, such as an unexplained fever STRENGTHS: They can do many of the registered nurse (R.N.), which requires that has lasted a few weeks, should same things as M.D.s and D.O.s, such as an undergraduate degree in nursing. usually be referred to an M.D. or a D.O. taking medical histories, doing physical N.P.s go on to advanced education CR’S ADVICE: It’s fine to choose a nurse exams, ordering X-rays and other tests, and clinical training, earning either practitioner as your main healthcare and prescribing medication. a master’s or doctorate degree, provider and to have one provide LIMITATIONS: P.A.s usually aren’t specializing in an area such as family routine care during an office visit. But trained to handle multiple complicated practice, pediatrics, or women’s health, you should expect to be referred to a diagnoses or complex procedures on says Diane Padden, N.P., Ph.D., vice physician for complicated problems. their own. And they can work only president of professional practice under a supervising physician. and partnerships at the American Physician Assistant (p.a.) CR’S ADVICE: It’s fine to rely on a P.A. Association of Nurse Practitioners. TRAINING: Becoming licensed as a P.A. for routine matters, such as a urinary STRENGTHS: N.P. education and training typically involves a three-year master’s tract infection or sprain, Lipman says. emphasize patient-centered care, which program with coursework in anatomy, You can also go to them for follow-up means that in addition to diagnosing physiology, pharmacology, diagnosis, visits for such conditions as high blood and treating conditions, N.P.s focus on and ethics, as well as training in areas pressure. But avoid relying on them for complicated procedures.

Registered Nurse (r.n.) The Growth of Different TRAINING: Laws vary by state, but R.N.s generally have a Bachelor of Medical Professions, 2000-2016 Science degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. STRENGTHS: R.N.s are vital members MEDICAL 36% DOCTORS (M.D.) of a medical team, taking medical histories, assessing symptoms, and supporting patients. They tend to NURSE PRACTITIONERS 42% (N.P.)* focus more on patient education, “for example, counseling someone with high blood pressure on how to take their PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS blood pressure at home,” Hingle says. (P.A.) 107% That’s because their training “tends to be a lot more relationship-focused than what doctors get in medical school.” DOCTORS OF OSTEOPATHIC 113% MEDICINE (D.O.) LIMITATIONS: R.N.s can’t practice independently or write prescriptions, and they must work under the DOCTORS OF 103% CHIROPRACTIC (D.C.) supervision of an M.D. or a D.O. CR’S ADVICE: You shouldn’t rely on one as a primary-care provider. REGISTERED NURSES 59% But R.N.s are a great resource at your (R.N.) doctor’s office if you need diet or lifestyle counseling, or instructions on Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (N.P.s, P.A.s, D.C.s, and R.N.s) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (M.D.s and D.O.s). day-to-day treatment of a disease (such as monitoring blood sugar levels).

*Data available only for 2012-2016. Special Report

Who Should Be Your Main Healthcare Provider? Whether you’re the picture of health or you suffer from multiple conditions, you should have a primary-care provider (PCP). That’s a person who handles routine health problems like sprains or the flu, keeps track of medication, and, if necessary, coordinates care with specialists. Without that point person, you’re more prone to drug errors and more likely to have early symptoms go unseen until they develop into serious problems.

A PHYSICIAN TRAINED in also trained to treat children. training in caring for women. cognitively impaired people internal medicine—typically That way, you don’t need a But some research suggests whose family and friends feel called an internist—often pediatrician, your family’s that OB/GYNs may be less overwhelmed by complicated plays the role of a PCP. medical records will stay in likely to screen patients for treatment plans or multiple (Medical doctors, or M.D.s, one office, and you’ll form high cholesterol, diabetes, and healthcare providers, says and doctors of osteopathic a relationship with a doctor colorectal cancer, or counsel Annette Medina-Walpole, medicine, or D.O.s, can be familiar with everyone. them about diet and exercise. M.D., chief of geriatrics and internists.) But providers with So if you’re considering one aging at the University of other training can also be a WOMEN (or a C.N.M.) as your primary Rochester Medical Center. good choice. Here’s our guide You could consider having an provider, ask whether he or Research suggests that people to those providers, and when obstetrician/gynecologist as she is comfortable in that role. who see geriatricians may they can make sense for you. your PCP. OB-GYNs provide be less likely to end up in a care that women need, like PEOPLE 65 AND OLDER hospital, possibly because FAMILIES WITH KIDS breast exams, birth control, Geriatricians are internists those physicians are more If you want one doctor for and screening for cervical or family practitioners with likely to spot warning signs the whole family, consider cancer. Or consider a special training in the health of dementia and to avoid risky a board-certified family- certified nurse-midwife concerns of older people. medication. You can look for practice physician, a doctor (C.N.M.), an advanced While in short supply, they’re a geriatrician in your area at similar to an internist but practice nurse with special especially helpful for frail or healthinaging.org.

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 53 Finding Dr. Right

If you went looking for a new doctor determines which hospital 5 | FOLLOW THE MONEY. recently, chances are you turned to friends you can go to. Your insurer’s The government collects data or family members for a recommendation. website or medicare.gov/ on the money doctors get That’s a reasonable place to start, but it physiciancompare will list his from drug and medical-device or her hospital affiliations. companies. A physician who should hardly be the final word, says Orly TIP Go to CR.org/hospitalratings receives large payments may Avitzur, M.D., Consumer Reports’ medical to see how hospitals in your area be more likely to recommend a director. “After all, who’s right for them may score on avoiding infections and company’s device or drug, even not be right for you,” she says. on other measures. if it might not be best for you. TIP The nonprofit journalism 4 | LOOK FOR group ProPublica keeps a WARNING SIGNS. database of how much industry It’s not easy to find out about a money physicians receive, at doctor’s disciplinary history for projects.propublica.org/ 1 | CHECK 2 | VERIFY things like sexual misconduct or docdollars. INSURANCE. CREDENTIALS. substance abuse. A good place Call your insurer for a list Look for a board-certified to start: docinfo.org, run by the 6 | CHECK OUT THE OFFICE. of approved doctors or ask provider, which means the Federation of State Medical Use your first appointment whether the doctor you’re physician meets standards set Boards, which represents state as a test run. Does the doctor considering is in-network. If by a professional organization. agencies that license and listen, answer questions fully, you’re on Medicare, look for TIP To check on a physician’s discipline physicians. and explain your diagnosis and physicians at medicare.gov/ certification status, go to TIP If your search lists anything treatment? physiciancompare. certificationmatters.org. under “Actions,” click on the link, TIP Consider the whole team. Is the TIP Doctors often add or drop which should take you to a state’s staff respectful and efficient? How insurance plans, so don’t rely only 3 | CONSIDER HOSPITALS. website, where you may learn more long is the wait for a routine visit? on your insurer’s online lists. The doctor you choose often about the doctor. —Catherine Roberts Special Report

care is crucial. Here’s when your PCP A GUIDE TO SPECIALISTS When to See might refer you to one, or when you should ask to see one. allergist/immunologist: For allergies, asthma, and immune- a Specialist YOU RECEIVE A SERIOUS DIAGNOSIS. system disorders. An oncologist is clearly needed if Certain complex dermatologist: For acne, eczema, you learn that you have cancer, medical conditions melanoma, and other problems with call for more than a as is a cardiologist if you have a skin, hair, nails, and the lining of the heart attack. But specialists also primary-care provider. mouth, nose, and eyelids. improve outcomes for certain other endocrinologist: For diabetes, conditions, such as a neurologist for osteoporosis, thyroid diseases, and people with Parkinson’s. other gland and hormone disorders. YOU HAVE A COMPLEX PROBLEM. neurologist: For dementia, brain SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS are so clear- A PCP can handle, say, osteoarthritis, injuries, epilepsy, and brain, nerve, and spinal-cord disorders. cut or serious that, if insurance allows, but you may need a rheumatologist it’s worth going straight to a specialist. for severe rheumatoid arthritis. orthopedist: For injuries to and diseases of the bones, joints, Someone with a history of skin cancer THE DIAGNOSIS IS UNCLEAR. ligaments, muscles, and tendons. who develops a new lesion should see Diagnosis can be difficult for otolaryngologist: For hearing a dermatologist, for example. But it’s uncommon problems such as cystic loss, chronic sinusitis, and ear, nose, not always so straightforward, and part fibrosis. “PCPs encounter them so and throat (ENT) disorders. of your primary-care provider’s job is infrequently they may not recognize psychiatrist: For substance abuse to decide when a specialist is needed, them,” Lipman says. and all mental health issues. says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., CR’s chief YOU’RE NOT IMPROVING. Maybe non-m.d. specialists: These include medical adviser. While a neurologist back pain lingers despite anti- podiatrists (who focus on feet); may be necessary, say, for persistent inflammatories and physical therapy. chiropractors (with special training migraines or an allergist to pinpoint “If things aren’t helping after a helpful for some back problems); physical therapists; and dietitians. allergy triggers, a PCP can often manage reasonable time,” Lipman says, “ask both. Of course, sometimes a specialist’s to see a specialist.”

3 | Bring your meds. At least the office has a dietitian to How to Get More once a year bring in all your discuss weight loss, a diabetes prescription and OTC drugs and educator to go over strategies From Your Doctor Visit supplements so your doctor for managing the condition, can check for unnecessary ones or a nurse who can better Almost half of primary-care doctors in the and interactions. And if it’s the explain how to give yourself U.S. typically spend 15 minutes or less first time you’re seeing a doctor, an injection. have your previous doctor send with their patients. Here are some ways to copies of your medical records. 6 | Expect quality time. make the most of those minutes. Physicians today spend much 4 | Take notes. Don’t expect of their time with their back to remember everything your to patients as they enter data doctor says, especially if you’re into a computer. That’s because not feeling well or you get a of the electronic health records 1 | Plan ahead. It’s easy to 2 | Prioritize. Identify your worrisome diagnosis. Write they now use, which can make forget what you want to ask three main health concerns it down, record it, or bring drug errors less likely and when you’re being poked and and talk about the most someone with you to take notes. ensure that doctors cover prodded, says Mary Talen, important one first, suggests essential points. But that can Ph.D., director of primary-care Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., 5 | Take advantage of your care also make visits impersonal. behavioral health education at Consumer Reports’ chief team. Clear communication If you think that your doctor Northwestern University’s Family medical adviser. That’s the one may not be your doctor’s focuses too much on the Medicine Residency Program your doctor will spend the most strength. But there often are screen or that your concerns in Chicago. She has found that time on. If you have a longer people in the office trained to are routinely left unaddressed, writing down concerns ahead of list, ask whether a lengthier visit talk with patients, and they may consider looking for a new time greatly improves doctor- is possible when you schedule have more time, Talen says. physician, Lipman suggests. patient communication. your appointment. So ask, for example, whether —Catherine Roberts

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 55 Naturopathic Physicians says that How ‘Natural’ Can Hurt You distinguishing between N.D.s and untrained naturopaths would protect Naturopathic doctors promise more personalized consumers. “Without licensure, it’s and ‘natural’ care than regular M.D.s. kind of the Wild West,” says Robert But critics say their training isn’t rigorous and their Kachko, an N.D. in Connecticut and treatments are often unproved. a board member of the organization. “If anyone can call themselves a naturopath, you end up with people going to completely untrained practitioners, thinking that they’re seeing a real doctor.” AMONG THE MOST controversial Naturopathic Physicians says it wants But opponents worry that allowing healthcare professionals you N.D.s in all states to be recognized as N.D.s to practice like M.D.s will add might run into these days are licensed medical professionals, because to the confusion. “Patients can easily those who practice what’s known that would differentiate its members be misled into thinking that an N.D. as naturopathic medicine. from unlicensed naturopaths. That approach to healthcare is And it argues that N.D.s should based on the belief that the human be allowed to work as primary-care body possesses “an inherent self- physicians, prescribe medication, healing” ability, according to the diagnose diseases, and seek insurance American Association of Naturopathic payment just like M.D.s and D.O.s. Physicians. Naturopathic practitioners Lobbying by the AANP has prompted resist drugs and surgery, relying 15 state legislatures to consider bills instead on giving patients lots of that would expand or clarify the scope attention and personalized advice, of what N.D.s can do. and turning to a variety of “natural” But critics—including the American or “holistic” treatments. Academy of Family Physicians, Those include approaches—such as which represents many primary-care changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle— doctors—worry that granting N.D.s that medical doctors (M.D.s) and the same rights and privileges as M.D.s doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s) and D.O.s could harm consumers. also often embrace. They say that N.D.s aren’t as But critics say that many keystones of rigorously trained as medical doctors— naturopathic care, such as homeopathy who usually study for about a decade and intravenous vitamin treatment, before practicing on their own—and haven’t been scientifically proved. that many naturopathic treatments are ineffective and potentially dangerous. CONFUSING DISTINCTIONS To make matters even more confusing A FIGHT FOR LEGITIMACY for consumers, there are two main The scope of what N.D.s can now do branches of naturopathic practitioners: varies widely by state. naturopathic doctors (N.D.s), who In 20 states plus the District of have graduated from a four-year Columbia, N.D.s are generally naturopathic school and passed a allowed to order certain medical licensing exam given by the Council tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, on Naturopathic Medical Education; and write at least some prescriptions. and unlicensed naturopaths, who have But in other states they are no not completed those steps but practice different from naturopaths: restricted anyway. That’s generally legal as long to offering health advice and as they stick to basic lifestyle advice. nonprescription treatments. The American Association of The American Association of

56 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 Special Report

license is the same as an M.D.’s,” says N.D.s are attentive and treatment plans say that they focus on health, while we Britt Hermes, a former naturopathic are personalized. just treat illness,” Munger says. “But doctor who says she grew disillusioned The problem, Caulfield says, that’s not true. Preventive healthcare is with the field after observing what is that many of their treatments a staple of primary medicine.” she considered unethical treatment aren’t evidence based. “I went to a Second, many treatments that N.D.s of cancer patients. “It’s essentially naturopath and it was a totally offer aren’t in fact natural. “There is allowing them to practice medicine pleasant experience,” he says. nothing natural about infusing massive without any real medical training.” “But I left with $250 in homeopathic doses of herbs or vitamins into your solutions and herbal supplements bloodstream,” says Pieter Cohen, M.D., DUBIOUS SCIENCE that are completely useless.” of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Timothy Caulfield, a professor of Homeopathy, for example, is based Public Health, who studies the dietary- health law at the University of Alberta on the notion that tiny doses of a toxin supplement industry. in Edmonton, Canada, and a longtime can cure certain medical conditions. And last, while standard medical care skeptic of alternative medicine, says (Drinking small doses of pollen can harm patients, so can naturopathic he understands why naturopathic dissolved in large quantities of water to care. There’s no reliable information on medicine appeals to some consumers: cure a pollen allergy, for example.) But a how often such harm occurs, but there large and growing body of research has are some documented cases. found that homeopathy doesn’t work For example, the Food and Drug any better than a placebo, or sugar pill. Administration reported last March Some critics say that even less that a 30-year-old woman died after contentious parts of naturopathy tend receiving an intravenous infusion to be steeped in pseudoscience. “No of curcumin (an ingredient in the one disagrees that diet and lifestyle are spice turmeric) from a naturopathic important,” says Michael Munger, M.D., practitioner to treat eczema, a relatively president of the AAFP. “But a lot of the benign skin condition that’s usually specifics naturopathy offers are bogus.” treated with steroids. According to the For example, N.D.s sometimes base FDA, medical authorities concluded dietary advice on a patient’s blood that the curcumin—which was deemed type. But a 2013 review in the American ineffective by a comprehensive 2017 Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded scientific review—caused her death. that there was no scientific evidence to back that approach. PROCEED WITH CAUTION If you’re considering naturopathic WHEN ‘NATURAL’ ISN’T SAFE medicine, think twice. First talk with N.D.s say that homeopathy and other your primary-care doctor. If your goal “natural” therapies are worth trying is to improve your health through diet, first because they’re less toxic than exercise, or other lifestyle changes, pharmaceuticals. In fact, safety is a key your M.D. or D.O. may well be able to selling point of naturopathic medicine. help just as well. N.D.s call it the “therapeutic order,” If you opt for naturopathic medicine meaning that practitioners should start anyway, be skeptical of claims that with the safest treatments available. it’s safer, more natural, or less profit- “We’re not against drugs or surgery,” oriented than conventional medicine. Kachko says. “But that shouldn’t be the Remember that while N.D.s have first thing that we do.” more formal medical education than The AAFP and other supporters naturopaths, neither practitioner is as of standard medical care say that rigorously trained as an M.D. or a D.O. argument fails on several counts. And keep in mind that most First, M.D.s are also trained to focus naturopathic treatments are usually not on doing the least harm and to avoid covered by insurance, so you’ll most riskier treatments until safer ones have likely have to foot the bill yourself. been exhausted. “Naturopaths like to —Jeneen Interlandi

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 57 We conduct more than 50 tests on each vehicle at our 327-acre Road Test Auto Test Center. For complete road tests, go to CR.org/cars.

well with the X3’s standard LUXURY COMPACT SUVs all-wheel-drive system. That polished powertrain helps BMW X3 make the X3 a thoroughly engaging SUV to drive, as does its OVERALL SCORE 81 responsive and secure handling.  The suspension absorbs bumps ROAD-TEST SCORE 92 well, even though the ride quality skews to the firm side. Outside HIGHS noises are impressively muted. Handling, braking, quietness, We love the interior’s array of front-seat comfort, fit and finish, fuel economy Doubling Down THE NEW X3 picks up where high-quality materials and their the outgoing version left off, impeccable assembly. Even the LOWS on Excellence keeping its title as the best- cargo area is nicely finished. Operating the gear shifter driving compact SUV. But the The standard 10-way power takes some getting used to With a spot-on combination redesigned model ratchets up front seats are firm and POWERTRAIN of handling, comfort, and the comfort and luxury factors supportive, and provide all-day 248-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder a spiffy cabin, the redesigned thanks to a more pampering comfort. Hop in the rear seat turbo engine; 8-speed BMW X3 is a joy to drive. cabin and reduced noise. and there’s plenty of space for automatic transmission; The BMW’s turbocharged two adults. all-wheel drive four-cylinder engine delivers Controls are relatively easy FUEL ample power that’s polished to learn, including the now 24 mpg on premium fuel and nearly immediate when simplified iDrive infotainment you hit the accelerator. Yet system. However, it takes time PRICE AS TESTED at 24 mpg overall, the X3 is to get accustomed to using the $53,745 among the most economical electronic shift lever. compact luxury SUVs. Automatic emergency braking The superbly smooth isn’t standard, a big oversight on and responsive eight-speed a redesigned vehicle that starts automatic transmission works at more than $40,000.

is smooth and punchy, and LUXURY LARGE SUVs it’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that has Buick Enclave nearly imperceptible shifts. But even among three-row SUVs, OVERALL SCORE 63 the Buick’s 18 mpg overall fuel  economy is unimpressive. The ROAD-TEST SCORE 87 awkward and confusing shifter is a nuisance, particularly when HIGHS trying to park. Ride, quietness, interior room, Given its price, the Enclave is powertrain, easy-to-use infotainment system a bit of a letdown in the luxury THE REDESIGNED ENCLAVE is a department. There are a couple LOWS Room for strong entry for General Motors of ill-fitting trim pieces, and Confusing gear selector, in the luxury SUV segment. the front seats have only two- fuel economy, clunky manual sunroof shades Improvement It has features that shoppers way lumbar adjustment. The The Buick Enclave delivers look for in a luxury SUV, but manually operated sunroof POWERTRAIN qualities that SUV buyers the Enclave is hurt by its low shades snap open in a clunky 310-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine; want, but some features mpg and the added cost to get way, and only the driver’s 9-speed automatic are missing for the price. key advanced safety systems window has auto-up capability. transmission; all-wheel drive that CR believes should come We like that the 8-inch touch- FUEL standard on all vehicles. screen infotainment system 18 mpg on regular fuel This Buick has a hushed has straightforward logic. But cabin with enough room the screen is a tad far away and PRICE AS TESTED for up to seven passengers some buttons are a bit of a reach. $55,680 to stretch out. It also has a Forward-collision warning and comfortable and relaxing ride, automatic emergency braking are with particularly responsive available only on top trims. They handling for a large SUV. should be standard, particularly The 310-hp V6 engine in a vehicle this pricey.

58 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 10 20 30 40 50 WORSE BETTER

steering, but it proved secure COMPACT SUVs and predictable in our simulated emergency maneuvers. GMC Terrain However, we found the ride too stiff and uncomfortable. OVERALL SCORE 55 The 2.0-liter, turbocharged  engine moves the SUV along ROAD-TEST SCORE 65 smartly, and it’s significantly punchier than the standard HIGHS 1.5-liter turbo. But the nine- Acceleration from the speed automatic transmission 2.0-liter turbo, braking GENERAL MOTORS HAS doesn’t shift very smoothly LOWS A Luxury positioned the new Terrain as or promptly. This powertrain Loud cabin, stiff ride, agility, Misfire a premium alternative to its combination produced an visibility, fit and finish, corporate cousin, the Chevrolet unimpressive 22 mpg overall. confusing gear selector, price The GMC Terrain lacks the Equinox. But we don’t think it’s Inside, the cabin is dreary, POWERTRAIN premium features and driving worth the extra cost. with lots of uninspiring hard 252-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder acumen to compete with the One of the Terrain’s major plastic. The seats are reasonably turbo engine; 9-speed best compact SUVs. shortcomings is the dash- comfortable, but they’re covered automatic transmission; mounted push-button gear in a coarse, unattractive fabric. all-wheel drive

selector. The buttons are low Making matters worse, the FUEL in the center console, forcing Terrain is loud. The engine 22 mpg on regular fuel drivers to look down and sounds unrefined, and the away from the road when elevated wind and road noise PRICE AS TESTED making a gear choice. It’s create a tiring din. $36,950 distracting to use—which can Forward-collision warning be potentially unsafe—and it and automatic emergency makes parking maddening. braking are optional. We believe The Terrain feels mundane these safety systems should be through turns due to vague standard on every vehicle.

an abrupt start/stop system can LUXURY COMPACT SUVs make in-town driving annoying. It’s not as well-mannered as Land Rover Range it should be for a high-priced Rover Velar luxury vehicle. The Velar gets OVERALL 21 mpg overall on premium fuel, SCORE 51 a bit below the segment average. Land Rover’s new dual-screen ROAD-TEST SCORE 76 infotainment system dominates the high-caliber cabin. But the HIGHS bottom screen is mounted too Handling, fit and finish, standard automatic low and requires too many steps emergency braking ONCE YOU START driving the to execute everyday tasks. Wading Into new Velar, it’s obvious this The door handles slide out LOWS compact luxury SUV is a new as you press the unlock button. Stiff ride, distracting controls, New Waters breed of Land Rover. It sits The seats are comfortable visibility, fuel economy The all-new Land Rover lower than other Range Rover and supportive, but we were POWERTRAIN Range Rover Velar models and takes corners surprised that the standard seat 247-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder ditches the brand’s off-road better, with quick steering lacks lumbar adjustment. turbo engine; 8-speed ruggedness for sporty driving and graceful handling over Thick pillars and tapering automatic transmission; all-wheel drive dynamics, sleek styling, and undulating roads. But the ride glass make it difficult to see out a high-tech cabin. transmits nearly every bump to of the back. And drivers might FUEL the cabin, and it can get jittery object to the clunky manual 21 mpg on premium fuel on rough surfaces. steering-wheel adjustments. The Velar feels perky The Velar has standard low- PRICE AS TESTED $59,503 because of a turbo four- speed automatic emergency cylinder engine that’s helped braking and optional blind-spot along by its smooth and warning. Its Overall Score is hurt decisive eight-speed automatic by poor predicted reliability

PHOTOS: JOHN POWERS PHOTOS: transmission. But turbo lag and based on the brand’s history.

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 59 Ratings A Good Fit for All Whether you want sporty handling, 10 20 30 40 50 !0 fuel efficiency, cargo space galore, or room for seven WORSE BETTER RECOMMENDED people, you'll find an SUV below that matches your needs.

Overall Survey Make & Model Score Price Results Safety Road-Test Results Recommended tested As Predicted reliability satisfaction Owner Front-crash prevention Road-test score Overall MPG Acceleration sec. 0-60 MPH, Dry braking ft.60-0 MPH, maneuver Avoidance MPH speed, Routine handling Ride Noise Seat comfort front/rear Controls Cargo volume, cu. ft.

COMPACT SUVs Subaru Forester 2.5i 84 $27,145 Opt. 85 26 8.7 127 52.0 / 35.5 !0 Premium 50 40 40 30 30 40 50 50 !0 Honda CR-V EX (1.5T) 83 $28,935 50 50 Opt. 82 28 8.2 137 52.0 40 30 40 40 / 50 40 36.0 !0 Toyota RAV4 XLE 81 $29,014 50 40 Std. / 50 75 24 9.3 135 51.0 40 40 40 30 / 40 40 37.0 !0 Nissan Rogue SV 73 $29,920 40 20 Std. / 50 74 24 9.5 134 54.0 30 40 30 30 / 40 50 31.5 !0 Mazda CX-5 Touring 72 $29,530 30 50 Std. / 40 80 24 8.6 133 54.0 40 40 40 40 / 40 40 30.5 !0 Ford Escape SE (1.5T) 69 $29,630 30 30 Opt. 75 23 10.1 132 50.0 40 40 40 30 / 30 50 34.0 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 65 $31,645 20 40 Opt. 84 25 10.3 131 52.0 40 40 40 40 / 50 40 33.0 Chevrolet Equinox LT (1.5T) 65 $33,730 20 30 Opt. 78 25 9.6 132 53.0 40 40 40 40 / 40 50 32.0 Hyundai Tucson Value (1.6T) 57 $28,670 20 30 Opt. 79 26 8.4 128 53.0 40 40 40 40 / 40 50 29.5 GMC Terrain SLE (2.0T) 55 $36,950 20 30 Opt. 65 22 7.2 128 54.0 30 30 30 40 / 40 20 24.0

LUXURY COMPACT SUVs

!0 BMW X3 xDrive30i 81 $53,745 40 40 Opt. 92 24 7.7 128 50.5 40 40 50 50 / 40 30 32.0 !0 Porsche Macan S 80 $63,290 40 50 Opt. 85 19 6.4 130 51.0 50 30 50 50 / 40 30 29.0 !0 Lexus NX 300 78 $43,284 40 30 Std. / 50 74 24 7.5 132 49.5 40 30 40 40 / 40 30 28.5 !0 Audi Q5 Premium Plus 78 $51,570 40 50 Std. / 40 83 24 6.8 130 52.5 40 40 40 40 / 40 30 27.0 !0 Acura RDX 73 $38,990 40 20 Opt. 75 22 6.6 132 51.0 30 30 40 50 / 40 30 31.5 Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum 66 $50,040 20 40 Std. / 50 79 23 8.0 124 52.0 40 30 40 50 / 40 20 34.0 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 54 $49,105 10 40 Std. / 40 81 22 6.8 132 50.0 40 40 40 50 / 40 20 28.0 Land Rover Range Rover 51 $59,503 Std. / 76 21 8.4 130 51.5 / 29.0 Velar S 10 40 30 40 30 40 40 40 20 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti 51 $52,040 10 40 Opt. 74 24 7.0 132 52.5 50 40 40 30 / 30 20 26.5 Jaguar F-Pace Prestige 47 $53,895 10 40 Opt. 72 20 6.0 129 50.5 40 30 30 50 / 40 30 28.5

3-ROW LARGE & MIDSIZED SUVs

!0 Audi Q7 Premium Plus 90 $68,695 40 50 Std./ 40 96 20 6.7 127 50.0 40 40 50 50 / 50 30 35.5 !0 BMW X5 xDrive35i 76 $70,050 40 40 Opt. 84 21 7.4 137 52.0 40 40 50 50 / 40 20 34.5 Chevrolet Traverse Premier 67 $49,945 20 40 Opt. 95 20 7.3 130 50.5 40 40 40 40 / 50 50 54.5 Acura MDX Tech 66 $51,410 20 30 Std./ 50 79 21 6.8 135 52.0 30 40 40 40 / 40 20 34.0 Volkswagen Atlas SEL (V6) 65 $44,165 20 40 Opt. 84 20 8.7 135 51.0 40 40 40 40 / 50 40 50.5 Infiniti QX60 64 $51,920 20 20 Opt. 79 19 8.3 137 47.0 30 40 50 50 / 30 50 39.0 Buick Enclave Premium 63 $55,680 20 40 Opt. 87 18 7.4 130 53.5 40 40 50 40 / 50 30 48.5 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum 58 $56,805 10 40 Std./ 50 84 20 7.7 126 52.5 30 30 40 50 / 50 20 35.0 GMC Acadia Denali 57 $51,585 10 30 Opt. 83 19 6.8 130 53.5 40 40 40 40 / 50 50 40.5 Land Rover Discovery HSE 47 $69,260 10 30 Opt. 71 17 7.3 138 47.5 30 40 50 40 / 30 30 42.5

HOW WE TEST: Recommended availability of front-crash prevention it’s available on some versions deduct points from the Overall models did well in our Overall features, such as forward-collision but not necessarily on the one we Score if a vehicle’s shifter lacks Score, which factors in Road-Test warning and automatic emergency tested; and models with standard fail-safes or is difficult to operate. Results, Predicted reliability, Owner braking at city or highway speeds. systems are rated from 3 to 5 Online subscribers can go to satisfaction, and Safety, which For these systems, NA means no based on how many of these CR.org/cars for complete, up-to- includes crash-test results and the such system is offered; Opt. means features are standard. We also date ratings.

60 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity Customer Care You can call us about your With Consumer Reports subscription at 800-333-0663. Or write to us: Consumer Reports Customer Care P.O. Box 2109, Harlan, IA 51593-0298 Please include or copy address label from issue. (Allow four to six weeks for processing.) Visit us online: CR.org/magazine Use our website to: Renew or pay for your current subscription Give a gift subscription • Change your address Report a delivery problem • Cancel your subscription

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MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 61 Index

a Safety systems ...... Aug 17, 52 primary-care physicians ...... Mar 18, 53 Instant Pot tips...... Mar 18, 16 Self-driving cars ...... Apr 17, 10 specialists ...... Mar 18, 55 Naturopathic medicine ...... Mar 18, 56 Accommodations services ...... Jun 17, 22 Small SUVs ...... Apr 17, 7 Door locks ...... Mar 18, 14 Nonstick pans ...... Jan 18, 13 Air filters, home Sunroofs, exploding ...... Dec 17, 30 Driving Ovens ...... Jan 18, 15 changing & cleaning ...... Nov 17, 12 Tires ...... Apr 17, 17; Nov 17, 52 distracted ...... Jan 18, 48 Pain relief Air purifiers ...... Nov 17, 8 best by region...... Jan 18, 16 phone anti-distraction back pain ...... Jun 17, 33 costs ...... Nov 17, 10 Top Picks for 2017 ...... Apr 17, 22 features ...... Jan 18, 54 Paint Air-ambulance companies ...... May 17, 52 Used cars...... Apr 17, 49 seniors ...... Jul 17, 18 interior ...... May 17, 38 Assisted living ...... Oct 17, 28 flood damage ...... Feb 18, 52 Drones ...... Mar 18, 18 Pasta contract details ...... Oct 17, 34 reliability ...... Sep 17, 52 Drugs alternative ingredients ...... May 17, 14 finances ...... Oct 17, 36 Winter driving ...... Nov 17, 52 prescription overabundance ...... Sep 17, 24 Photo print-making services ...... Dec 17, 14 insurance ...... Oct 17, 40 storage & disposal ...... Jun 17, 30 Pizza Dryers ...... Aug 17, 12 frozen ...... Feb 18, 34 AUTOMOBILE RATINGS b–d Samsung vs. LG ...... Oct 17, 14 unhealthy chain options ...... Feb 18, 37 Alfa Romeo Giulia ...... Nov 17, 62 Back pain ...... Jun 17, 33 Popcorn ...... Jun 17, 15 Alfa Romeo Stelvio ...... Dec 17, 62 Beds-in-a-box ...... Mar 18, 30 Audi Q5 ...... Nov 17, 63 e–g Behavior taxes ...... Oct 17, 48 BMW 530i xDrive ...... Jul 17, 63 Blenders Earphones ...... Jun 17, 18 r–s BMW X3 ...... Mar 18, 58 Vitamix vs. Kalorik ...... Nov 17, 39 Egg labeling ...... Feb 18, 12 Remodeling ...... Jul 17, 44 Buick Enclave ...... Mar 18, 58 Cable TV/internet services ...... Aug 17, 24 Fire extinguisher use ...... Feb 18, 11 Retirement ...... Mar 18, 42 Buick LaCrosse ...... May 17, 59 Chicken Fitness trackers ...... Aug 17, 8 healthcare expenses ...... Mar 18, 47 Chevrolet Bolt ...... Sep 17, 62 nutritional value ...... Oct 17, 44 Flexi-fridges ...... Feb 18, 14 unexpected ...... Mar 18, 45 Chevrolet Equinox ...... Aug 17, 58 Coffee Flooring ...... Aug 17, 44 Robovacs ...... Jan 18, 18 Chevrolet Traverse ...... Feb 18, 59 add-ins ...... Mar 18, 13 Food Shopping Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid ...... Oct 17, 63 beans and equipment ...... Oct 17, 8 antibiotics in ...... Nov 17, 30 best fall deals ...... Sep 17, 40 Fiat 124 Spider ...... Jun 17, 58 packaging claims...... Oct 17, 10 shopping ...... Jul 17, 30 online ...... Dec 17, 20 Ford Escape ...... Jun 17, 59 Cold & flu ...... Jan 18, 30 store-prepared ...... Jan 18, 15 haggling ...... Feb 18, 27 Genesis G90...... May 17, 58 medicine labels ...... Jan 18, 37 weird products ...... Jul 17, 14 last-minute ...... Dec 17, 29 GMC Terrain ...... Mar 18, 59 treating symptoms ...... Jan 18, 33 Frozen pizza ...... Feb 18, 34 return policies ...... Dec 17, 26 Honda Accord ...... Feb 18, 58 vaccines ...... Jan 18, 41 Grain bowls ...... Oct 17, 42 safety ...... Dec 17, 26 Honda Civic Si...... Jan 18, 58 Consumer action Grills ...... Jun 17, 46; Mar 18, 11 scams ...... Dec 17, 28 Honda CR-V (LX/EX) ...... Jun 17, 59 airline reform ...... Aug 17, 5 paying less ...... Feb 18, 24 Honda Odyssey ...... Oct 17, 63 antibiotic-free chicken Smartphones ...... Jan 18, 24 Hyundai Ioniq ...... Sep 17, 63 h–k ...... at Kentucky Fried Chicken ...... Jun 17, 8 iPhone X vs. iPhone 8 Feb 18, 13 Hyundai Sonata...... Feb 18, 58 arsenic in rice ...... Mar 18, 5 Headphones ...... Jun 17, 18 Snack crackers ...... Jan 18, 42 Jaguar XE ...... Nov 17, 62 auto insurance discrimination.... Mar 18, 5 Healthy eating...... Nov 17, 18 toppings ...... Jan 18, 45 Jeep Compass ...... Aug 17, 58 consumer data security ...... Dec 17, 5 antibiotics in food ...... Nov 17, 30 Soda alternatives ...... Oct 17, 52 Kia Cadenza ...... Jul 17, 62 consumer empowerment Q&A .....Sep 17, 5 fat ...... Nov 17, 27 Solar roof tiles ...... Sep 17, 18 Kia Niro ...... Sep 17, 63 Consumer Financial gluten ...... Nov 17, 32 Space heaters ...... Jan 18, 14 Land Rover Discovery ...... Nov 17, 63 Protection Bureau ...... Aug 17, 5 packaging claims...... Nov 17, 23 Stem cell treatments ...... Mar 18, 36 Land Rover Range Rover Velar .....Mar 18, 59 CR digital privacy standard ...... Jun 17, 8 promoting in children ...... Nov 17, 22 Strollers ...... Feb 18, 15 Lincoln Continental ...... May 17, 58 drug price transparency...... Jan 18, 5 salt ...... Nov 17, 24 Sunscreens ...... Jul 17, 8 Mazda CX-5 ...... Aug 17, 59 electric vehicle sales ...... May 17, 8 sugar ...... Nov 17, 20 Mini Cooper Countryman ...... Aug 17, 59 energy costs ...... Jun 17, 8 Heart health...... May 17, 24 Nissan Armada ...... May 17, 59 t–v Equifax hack restitution ...... Feb 18, 5 Home care ...... Dec 17, 40 Nissan Rogue Sport ...... Jan 18, 59 exploding sunroofs ...... Feb 18, 5 help with bills...... Dec 17, 46 Talking about money...... May 17, 44 Porsche 718 Boxster ...... Jun 17, 58 food recall location details ...... Dec 17, 5 hiring help ...... Dec 17, 50 Television sets Subaru Crosstrek ...... Jan 18, 59 fraud supportive communities ...... Dec 17, 48 4K ...... Nov 17, 44 Subaru Impreza ...... Jul 17, 62 restitution ...... Apr 17, 6 Home office equipment ...... Sep 17, 8 best deals ...... Feb 18, 40 Toyota Camry ...... Dec 17, 63 victim protection ...... Jan 18, 5 Home remodeling ...... Jul 17, 44 how to shop for ...... Nov 17, 49 Hybrid ...... Feb 18, 59 fuel economy ...... Apr 17, 6 elder-friendly upgrades ...... Dec 17, 44 satisfying lower-priced Toyota C-HR...... Jan 18, 58 furniture tipping Homeowners insurance ...... Aug 17, 36 models ...... Nov 17, 47 Toyota Highlander ...... Jul 17, 63 hazards ...... Jul 17, 5; Jan 18, 5 Insect repellent ...... Sep 17, 16 Toilets ...... Feb 18, 18 Toyota Mirai ...... Oct 17, 62 hair dye safety ...... Jun 17, 8 Instant Pot tips ...... Mar 18, 16 wall-mounted ...... Feb 18, 21 Toyota Prius Prime ...... Sep 17, 62 hearing aids ...... Jul 17, 5; Nov 17, 5 Insurance Vacuums...... Jun 17, 9 Volkswagen Atlas ...... Oct 17, 62 hospital infections ...... May 17, 8 car for allergy sufferers ...... Nov 17, 13 Volkswagen Tiguan ...... Dec 17, 62 hot car child protection ...... Nov 17, 5 price disparities ...... Jul 17, 52 robotic ...... Jan 18, 18 Volvo XC60 ...... Dec 17, 63 merger opposition homeowners ...... Aug 17, 36 Video AUTOMOBILES & AUTO EQUIPMENT health insurers ...... May 17, 8 iPhone X vs. iPhone 8 ...... Feb 18, 13 4K content availability ...... Nov 17, 46 Best & worst lists ...... Apr 17, 30 media companies ...... Mar 18, 5 Kitchen equipment how to shoot ...... May 17, 18 Brand Report Card ...... Apr 17, 36 net neutrality...... Aug 17, 5 appliance suites ...... Oct 17, 20 streaming devices ...... Feb 18, 43 Buying new vs. used ...... Feb 18, 50 recall reform ...... Nov 17, 5 best bundles ...... Oct 17, 22 Voice assistants Coming in 2017 ...... Apr 17, 38 recalled-car rental reform ...... Apr 17, 6 for healthy cooking ...... Nov 17, 34 Alexa ...... Jan 18, 11 Financing ...... Dec 17, 60 robocalls ...... Oct 17, 5 multi-cookers ...... Nov 17, 38 Gear shifters self-driving cars ...... Oct 17, 5 w–y flawed designs ...... Apr 17, 20 safety ...... Dec 17, 5 In-car entertainment systems...... Oct 17, 54 student debt ...... Oct 17, 5; Feb 18, 5 l–p Washing machines ...... Aug 17, 12 audio streaming ...... Oct 17, 57 vehicle-to-vehicle Laundry detergent Samsung vs. LG ...... Oct 17, 14 Bluetooth phone calls...... Oct 17, 58 communication ...... Jul 17, 5 safety alert ...... Oct 17, 18 Winter driving ...... Nov 17, 52 in-dash navigation ...... Oct 17, 56 Consumer Reports Laundry machines Yogurts most and least distracting ...... Jan 18, 53 tough safety scoring ...... Apr 17, 6 pairs ...... Aug 17, 12 whole-milk ...... Aug 17, 18 voice commands ...... Oct 17, 59 Conversations about money ...... May 17, 44 Samsung vs. LG ...... Oct 17, 14 Insurance Cordless drills ...... Dec 17, 8 Lawn mowers For an extended price disparities ...... Jul 17, 52 attachments ...... Dec 17, 12 electric ...... May 17, 9 index covering five Intelligent high beams ...... Jan 18, 12 components ...... Dec 17, 11 Lightbulbs...... Feb 18, 16 years of CR articles Owner satisfaction ...... Feb 18, 48 Crackers ...... Jan 18, 42 Mattresses ...... Mar 18, 22 LEARN Profiles, 2017 ...... Apr 17, 52 toppings ...... Jan 18, 45 beds-in-a-box ...... Mar 18, 30 and ratings, go to Ratings, 2017 ...... Apr 17, 40 Credit cards types ...... Mar 18, 28 CR.org/5yearindex. Reliability ...... Apr 17, 86 cash-back ...... Sep 17, 46 Microsoft hardware new cars ...... Dec 17, 52 Doctors poor predicted reliability ...... Nov 17, 16 used cars ...... Sep 17, 52 degrees ...... Mar 18, 48 Multi-cookers ...... Nov 17, 38

62 CR.ORG MARCH 2018 Selling It

Beauty Blunders

These grooming products and services might leave a different kind of beauty mark

Go for the Glow ... Stay for the Spay? While $15 may be cheaper than local vet prices, we'll pass on this deal. Submitted by Paul E. Zopf Jr., Greensboro, NC

Moussed to Mediocrity Finally! A product for people who are sick of having perfect hair days. Submitted by Crosby Morgan, Acton, CA

Beauty Rest We agree. If you want a dreamy hairdo, do your styling while awake! Submitted by Peggy (last name withheld), via email

Tressed to Kill? We love a good pun but even so, this salon's name makes our hair stand on end. Submitted by Emily Adler, Burlington, VT

Be on the lookout for goofs and glitches like these. Share them with us—by email at [email protected] or by mail to Selling It, Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703—and we might publish yours. SHARE Please include key information, such as the publication’s name and date.

MARCH 2018 CR.ORG 63 Car shopping? Get a deal. Without the ordeal.

Finding the perfect set of wheels is easier than you think

• Choose new or used: Check reviews, ratings, and reliability data • Save: With competitive, haggle-free, up-front pricing • Know: All about financing, safety features, insurance, tires, and car seats

LET’S GO cr.org/buyacar

CRM83NVP