Tips for Buying a Mattress
1. Personal preference is the ultimate determination. Choose a mattress that meets your own standards for comfort and support.
2. Inquire about the physical components of the mattress, including number and arrangement of coils, padding thickness, and mattress depth.
3. Find a balance between back support and comfort. If a mattress is supportive, but not comfortable, it will not help your sleep.
4. Know when it is time to buy a new mattress. Most mattresses have a life span of about 7 years. If a mattress sags in the middle or if it is no longer comfortable, it is time for a new mattress. Putting a board under a sagging mattress is only a short-term fix.
5. Shop for value and quality, not price. High quality mattresses are worth the investment if you consider the savings on health-care costs and greater productivity when getting pain-free, restful sleep. Mattress stores often have sales and promotions, so comparison-shop after choosing what mattress you would like.
6. Test-drive your mattress. Sleep on different mattresses in hotels or at friends' homes. When at the store, lay on the mattress with your shoes off for at least ten minutes. If two people will be sleeping on the same mattress, do this together to make sure you are both comfortable.
7. Shop for the best customer service. Consider delivery options, old mattress removal policies, warranty, and return policies. Give high preference to stores that will let you return the mattress within two to four weeks if you are not satisfied.
8. Take good care of your mattress. Mattresses should be rotated every six months, both turned 180 degrees and flipped lengthwise.
Getting a good night's rest is very important. A simple change in your mattress may make the difference between waking with back pain and waking rested and refreshed.
