Mattress Buying Tips

Many of today's top-quality mattresses use technologically advanced foams and fibers that are designed to be softer and more comfortable while ensuring your body has the support you need for good health. By cradling your body, these materials relieve pressure and are so comfortable that you'll probably toss and turn less in the night. For that reason, in the first few weeks you sleep on a new mattress that offers these extra comfort layers, you will likely notice some body impressions on the mattress surface. These impressions are normal and shouldn't be considered a sign that something is wrong with your new mattress. Unless your mattress care instructions indicate otherwise, you may want to rotate your mattress from end-to-end and from top-to-bottom. After a few weeks, the impressions will begin to smooth out and, over time, disappear.

Some retailers today offer "comfort guarantees" – the option to return a mattress if you take it home and find that it is not comfortable. That offer can sound appealing to consumers at first, but in practice, it can mean an extra day of coordinating pick ups and re-delivery, another day of shopping for a new set and all sorts of logistical issues. Consumers are advised to take steps the first time around to assure the mattress and foundation they choose is the right one.

The warranty on the new mattress and foundation you purchase is not an indicator of how long the product should be used before replacement. The warranty is there to protect the customer from product defects, not against the gradual loss of comfort and support. Moreover, different manufacturers offer different warranties, and you should check with the manufacturer of your mattress for product-specific information.

When you consider emerging technologies that continually improve mattress construction and the changing needs of your body over time, you'll understand why it's wise to compare the comfort and support of your present mattress to a new mattress at least every few years, regardless of the length of the warranty.

The SLEEP Test
Remember the SLEEP Test when you are checking out new mattresses.
S elect a mattress
L ie down in your sleep position
E valuate the level of comfort and support
E ducate yourself about each selection
P artners should try each mattress together

You should remove your shoes (if you're a woman, it's best to go mattress-shopping in jeans or slacks) and lay down on several different models in various positions, especially the one you usually sleep in. Pay special attention to the support at the lower back, postural alignment (as if you were standing) and level of comfort at the shoulders and hips.

Definitely shop with your partner so the selection of your new bed is made together. Those few extra minutes of focusing on the "feel" of different mattress choices can save a lot of time later. Remember, too, that you'll spend nearly a third of every day on this new mattress – consider this an investment in a good night's sleep and a good start to every day. What's more, consumer research shows that nearly 90% of the people who buy a mattress are very satisfied with their choice afterwards, many reporting that a better mattress translates into better sleep.

Mattress Care

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. Be sure to periodically rotate your mattress to increase comfort and prolongs the beds life. 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 mattress protector. A good quality, washable mattress protector (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!
   
  
• 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!