Our nationwide epidemic of insomnia has caused Americans to become obsessed with buying the right mattress. It's faulty logic, though; most cures for insomnia involve lifestyle choices -- drinking less caffeine, not watching TV before bed, not working up until the moment you go to bed.

The August 2012 issue of Consumer Reports has taken a look at both mattresses and mattress retailers. The highest mattress rating of all goes to the Tempur-Pedic (average price $2,465). Though the real story here is the No. 2 mattress, which comes from the Original Mattress Factory (average price $855).

Yes, that's right -- the second highest rated product is one-third the cost of the industry leader! Now that's a Clark Smart buy!

It's important to remember that price does not necessarily equate to satisfaction with mattresses. A more expensive mattress may not make for a better product.

When it comes to retailers, Consumer Reports ranked the Original Mattress Factory stores as the top choice for customer satisfaction. Costco Wholesale was a close second.

The high placement for Costco may reflect their return policy on mattresses: A full money back refund without penalty and no time limit. That really makes Costco stand apart!

I particularly like the warehouse clubs for mattress shopping, and I've long advised people to test the mattress right there in the store for an extended period. Bring a book or an iPad to Costco or Sam's Club and get those mattresses off the displays or yank them off the walls. Then lay there for 15 minutes and see how you like the feel before you buy.

Meanwhile, in the same August 2012 issue, Consumer Reports crowned Tide Ultra HE powder as a laundry detergent Best Buy pick for high efficiency washing machines. It costs just 16 cents a load to wash your clothes. HE washers don't require as much detergent as conventional washers; try putting in only a third of what you're used to.