Even if you bought just the right mattress years ago, if it’s more than ten years old, it’s time to replace it. But before rushing out to buy a mattress be sure to do your homework so you’ll know what to buy and not bring home the first mattress that feels good.
Types of Mattresses
There are seven main types of mattresses each with different qualities.
- Innerspring mattresses are the ones mostly sold with roughly 80 percent of the market, notes ChooseAMattress.com. This mattress has different upholstery types on top of the coils, giving a mattress its feel for comfort.
- Memory foam mattresses, which are somewhat new since the mid-1990s, conform to the shape of a person’s body which leaves an impression of the body contour after getting out of bed. This type gives the sensation of melting into bed.
- Latex mattresses are regaining in popularity, although they’ve been on the market for decades. It’s not as conforming as the memory foam, but offers durability and support.
- Air mattresses use air instead of coils with degrees of firmness adjusted by the amount of air that’s in the mattress.
- Waterbeds, which were the rage in the 1970s, have declined in popularity. This type of mattress uses liquid for support rather than coils.
- Adjustable beds can elevate into upright, besides other positions. These are good for people with back problems or for people who like to sit upright in bed. They come in various materials such as memory form, innerspring and latex.
- Dual-purpose beds, which include futons and sofa beds, are excellent for guests and can transform from a sitting to a sleeping surface.
Mattress Components
Your new mattress will consist of three main parts: upholstery layers, an innerspring coil unit and box springs.
The upholstery layers or padding makes up most of the cost. An Average mattress is 14 inches thick, while 20 years ago it was only nine inches thick, according to the US Mattress website. The coil hasn’t changed much as it’s typically about six inches. The more padding in a mattress, the thicker it is. Every mattress has roughly three to eight layers of padding. Layers are made up of natural fibers, man-made materials and various foams. The padding is more expensive than the coils.
The Innerspring coils, the base of a mattress, support your body where it’s most needed. More coils in a mattress doesn’t necessarily mean a better mattress as different manufacturers use various materials and there are many variables in coil function and design.
The box spring is the foundation of a mattress. They come in a wide range of designs, with better quality ones extending the longevity of a mattress.
How to Test a Mattress
Take off your shoes and then plop on it right there in the store. Don't be embarrassed about how you may look to others. Don't just lie down on a mattress in one position. For example, if you sleep on your side, then get on your side to test the comfort. The mattress may support your side or stomach differently than how it supports your back.
Make sure you can get into a comfortable position easily. Look for different models or brands if you feel any springs when lying down. Also test the ease of getting in and out of bed.
Dealing with Salespeople
Watch out for “pay less offers”. A salesperson may want to throw in additional things such as discounted prices if you buy more than one mattress. Although some deals may be okay, be sure you’ve done your research and know what you should get before buying more.
Don’t be pressured into a sale if a salesperson says that if you don’t buy the mattress today it won’t be on sale tomorrow and that he has other consumers coming in later in the day willing to pay more.
Beware of the frequency marketing techniques that give purchase rewards with spending more money on a mattress.
Remember to tell the salesperson that you’re still researching mattresses and do not intend to make a decision immediately.
Mattress Considerations
The firmness of a mattress doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better for your spine. Firmness shouldn’t be confused with support as a softer mattress can let your hips and shoulders sink into a bed, while it keeps the spine straight as you sleep on your side. Pick a mattress that’s somewhat between being too firm and too soft.
Consider height when choosing a mattress. For example, tall people do better in king size beds. Queen size beds give enough space for comfortable sleep for people under six feet tall.
Mattress Consumer Warnings
Don’t buy at the first store you visit or don’t lay down on a mattress for just 10 seconds and then make a hasty decision. Realize there are many manufacturers, such as Serta, Sealy, Simmons and others, besides different types of mattresses.
Don’t pay more for a mattress because it has a longer warranty. Remember that a mattress is only good for about ten years.
When you select just the right mattress you’ll be rewarded with years of restful sleep. Taking care of your new mattress is also important so you don’t want pets or children to use it as a trampoline. Just as good quality furniture, mattresses are a huge investment and much thought should be given before investing your hard-earned money.
Sources
What’s the Best Mattress: Mattress Buying Guide (date accessed 2/21/2011).
Best Bed Guide: Mattress Types Overview (date accessed 2/21/2011).
10-things-you-need-to-know-before-buying-a-mattress/
Choose a Mattress: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Mattress (date accessed 2/21/2011).
U.S. Mattress: How to Shop for a Mattress (date accessed 2/21/2011).
Bed Mattress: How to Test a Mattress (date accessed 2/22/2011).
Venice Kichura - Venice Kichura is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of subjects. She holds a special passion for topics relating to art and ...
