Mattress Shopping

Buying a Mattress | Mattress Care | Sleep Information | Mattress page

Though you may find bed-buying somewhat confusing – after all, you don't do it very often and it's not easy to see what's inside – research shows that the level of customer satisfaction with new mattresses is very high.

The best way to ensure that you're a satisfied customer is to shop at a store you know and trust to give you good information, good service and top quality products. Look for educated salespeople who can guide you through the many choices. Once your new sleep set has been delivered to your home, you'll probably be so happy with it that you'll wonder why you didn't buy a new bed sooner.

 

Comparison Shopping for Mattresses

If you're a shopper who likes to compare values from store to store, you should be aware that comparison shopping by model name might lead to frustration. You probably won't find the same model name in one store as you did in another. As with so many products on the market in America today – from apparel to fine furnishings – many retailers prefer to offer products that are exclusive to their store. So find a sleep set you like, then see what levels of comfort and support you can get for the same amount of money in another store. Your best strategy for making a wise purchase is to go to a store where the sales personnel make you feel comfortable, are knowledgeable and helpful. Many will be able to show you illustrated or actual "cutaways" of the interior of the different mattress and foundation choices so you can see what's inside, where much of the quality is hidden. Don't forget to compare store services such as delivery, financing and removal of old bedding as well.

When comparing, remember that a "bargain" mattress and foundation are no bargain when it comes to getting a good night's sleep. Shop for the best value, not the lowest price. And, buy the best you can afford. Considering that you'll probably be using your bed more than any other product you own – including your car, TV, computer or cell phone – the mattress you sleep on is one of the best cost-per-day values on the market today.

 

	What to Look for When Buying a Mattress
	COMFORT	Gone are the days when a mattress had to be hard-as-a-board to be good for you. A too-hard mattress may only succeed in putting your shoulders and hips to sleep. You'll sleep best when your bed helps you feel cradled in comfort, cozy and secure. Today's top quality mattress/foundation ensembles are built for superior comfort. Luxurious new cushioning materials and extra-soft surface treatments create a plusher, more comfortable feel.
	SUPPORT	Correct support is the essential ingredient for a healthy body. A good mattress and foundation will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with good standing posture. Pay special attention to your shoulders, hips, and lower back—the heaviest parts. If there's too little support, you can develop back pain. But if the mattress is too hard for you, you can experience uncomfortable pressure. A word about "firm." Don't rely on product labels to tell you which mattress will give you the right support. One manufacturer's "firm" may feel harder than another's "extra firm." The only way to find out if the support is right is to lie down and try it.
	DURABILITY	It's the quality of the materials used and how they're put together that determine how long a mattress and foundation will provide the comfort and support you bought them for. The best assurance of good performance over a good many years is to buy the highest quality sleep set you can afford. A word about the warranty. Don't look to the warranty to tell you how long to keep your mattress and foundation. It's there to protect you against product defects, not against the gradual loss of comfort and support. A sleep set may still be usable after 15 or 20 years, but it's not giving you the good night's sleep you deserve.
	SPACE	Cramped quarters can turn sleeping into a nightly wrestling match. A healthy sleeper moves anywhere from 40-60 times a night, including some dozen full body turns. You need freedom of motion while you sleep and to help you relax while getting to sleep. If you sleep with a partner, be sure to select queen or king size. Both are not only wider, but several inches longer than the standard "double" (full size), which offers each sleeper only as much space as a baby in a crib.

Mattress Care

Buying a Mattress | Mattress Care | Sleep Information | Mattress page

Consider your new mattress and foundation as "sleep equipment" that needs to be cared for in order to assure the best hygiene and performance. It's important to follow mattress care instructions from the maker of your mattress as products vary greatly. However in general it's important to know about the following:

• Proper installation Make sure your new mattress and foundation are properly installed in your home. Improper installation can damage your new sleep set. If you choose to transport and install on your own, ask the store personnel to give you some tips to help you avoid problems.

• Use a protective pad. A good quality, washable mattress pad (and one for the foundation, too, if you like) is a must to keep your set fresh and free from stains.

• Let it breathe. If you detect a slight "new product" odor, leave the mattress and foundation uncovered and well ventilated for a few hours. A breath of fresh air should do the trick!

• Give it good support. Use a sturdy bed frame. If it's a queen or king size set, make sure your frame has the adequate center support that will prevent bowing or breakage.

• Don't dry clean. The chemicals in dry cleaning agents/spot removers may be harmful to the fabric or underlying materials. Vacuuming is the only recommended cleaning method. But if you're determined to tackle a stain, use mild soap with cold water and apply lightly. Do not ever soak a mattress or foundation.

• Don't remove the tag. Contrary to popular belief, it's not illegal to remove the law tag, but the information on the label will serve as a means of identification should you have a warranty claim.

• It's not a trampoline. Don't let the kids jump on your sleep set. Their rough-housing could do damage to the interior construction, as well as to themselves!

• No boards, please. Never put a board between the mattress and foundation. It may enhance the sense of support for a while, but it will only make the problem worse over time. When any bed in your home has reached the "board stage", get rid of it.

• Out with the old. Now that you've treated yourself to a new sleep set, arrange to have your old bed removed and disposed of. Don't give it to the kids, relatives, guests or neighbors. If it wasn't good enough for you, it isn't good enough for anyone else. Throw it out!

Why is sleep important?

Buying a Mattress | Mattress Care | Sleep Information | Mattress page

• Sleep is one of the 4 major components of "Wellness". Nutrition, Stress Management, Exercise and Sleep all contribute equally to our ability to lead an active, healthy, and productive life.

• Sleep is the key to our health, performance, safety, and quality of life.

• Sleep is as essential to optimal health as the water we drink, the food we eat, or the air we breath.

The state of sleep in America today

• 63% of Americans are not getting enough sleep. Less than the 8hrs. recommended for optimal health.

• 69% experience sleep problems.

• 50% have experienced symptoms of insomnia.

Sleep Deprivation has serious consequences

• Daytime sleepiness affects all aspects of our lives.

• 40% of American adults experience daytime sleepiness that interferes with daily activities.

You will spend approximately 1/3 of your life asleep. How this 1/3 is used will affect the other 2/3's of your life. Your quality of life is derived from the quality of your sleep. In other words: Sleep Well, Live Well, Sleep Wellness is the key.

Here are some Do's and Don'ts for better sleep

DOs	Bedtime Routine Consistent bedtime Relaxing activity (light music, meditation, reading, etc.)	Sleep Pattern 8 Hours of Continuous Sleep Nap 20 - 30min. only when needed - preferably late AM/early PM	Sleep Sanctuary Comfort is key, no noise or low and consistent noise Should be dark and cool Choose a serene bedroom palette
DON'Ts	Food/Drink Consumption Prior to bed Caffeine Alcohol Nicotine Big meals (Limit liquids prior to retiring.)	Exercise prior to bed. (However, exercise earlier in the day can help promote sleep.)

A productive day starts with the bed you got into the night before. The more you know, the better you sleep!

• Create the perfect sleeping environment. A cool, dark, quiet room is the most conducive for a good night’s sleep. Some people will find it helpful to have some kind of white noise in the background. A fan or a FM radio that is between stations can provide enough sound to block out any unwanted noises. 65 degrees is the ideal sleeping temperature.

• Exercise will help you get a good night’s sleep. Make sure not to exercise 2-3 hours before bedtime, it will actually make it harder to get that much needed rest.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine in the evening hours.

• Establishing a nighttime routine will make it easier to fall asleep. Try to relax before bedtime by avoiding stressful activities, like paying bills. Establishing a “winding down” ritual like reading a book or taking a hot bath are popular ways to prepare for sleep.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Studies show that a proper diet will help you get a more restful night’s sleep.

• If you are having problems falling asleep, don’t stay in bed. If you don’t fall asleep after 30 minutes get up and read or listen to soft music until you feel sleepy.

• Keep your routine constant, even on the weekends! Try not to wake up more than two hours after your regular time.

• Finish eating 2-3 hours before bedtime. This will give your body time to digest your food and lower your risk of indigestion.

• Check your mattress. If it is not comfortable and/or supportive, you will have a hard time getting a good night’s sleep. Invest in a mattress set that will provide you many years of quality sleep. Also check your pillows to make sure they are conducive to your needs.

Buying a Mattress | Mattress Care | Sleep Information | Mattress page