Top 12 Tips for Buying a New Mattress
It appears you can not see the evening news or pass by a strip mall without somebody wanting to offer you a mattress. The seemingly limitless choices for choosing a mattress can be overwhelming.
This is even truer if you experience back or neck pain--choosing the correct or wrong mattress can make the difference between spending the day feeling in pain.
All these 12 tips can not assure you will end up with the perfect mattress (because everyone's mattress demands are different), but they can help you make an educated choice:
1. Research online before going shopping: Try these two helpful resources that offer advice but don't sell mattresses.
- Spine-health's Sleep Health Center
- The Better Sleep website
2. Talk to your physician: In case you have a medical condition, speak with your physician or physical therapist about what he or she urges. Remember that doctors are not mattress specialists, however they know your medical illness and signs and will probably have some good advice with that point of view.
3. Watch out for gimmicks: Mattress sellers will label mattresses as"orthopedic" or"medically-approved," but there's not any medical organization which officially certifies mattresses to take these labels. They may have orthopedic-friendly attributes, but no medical group has confirmed this.
4. Afford the mattress to get a test drive: While looking for a mattress, try to lie on the mattress at the store for 10 to 15 minutes. Don't feel self-conscious or allow the salesperson rush you along. It is a huge purchase, and if you do not try it for at least 10 minutes you are not likely to get a real feel for it. Couples should test out the mattress together.
5. Be aware that firm mattresses aren't always better for your spine: Think twice before buying a hard or firm mattress, as some research indicates that the ideal mattress for low back pain is a medium firm mattress rather than a firm mattress. There is a gap between firm support and company texture. You need firm support with a comfortable feel. Comfort will be determined by your own personal preference.
6. Pillow tops are not for everyone: Very light-weight folks don't need big thick pillow top mattresses since they don't weigh enough to compress the foam to even touch the underlying coils/support system. On the reverse side, larger/heavier individuals have a tendency to feel more comfortable with a little extra cushion between them and the coils.
7. Adjustable beds are a fantastic option: If you find you're more comfortable sitting in a recliner than lying down, try an adjustable bed. They allow you to lift your mind and knees slightly to alleviate pressure on the lower spine. You may even create the same effect using pillows.
8. Request about comfort guarantees or trial periods before you buy: Many states still allow retailers to provide what is known as a comfort guarantee. Ask for it before you purchase, and be certain you understand the details, such as whether you are expected to pay shipping, if it features a money-back guarantee or exchange, even if you must go back the mattress within a certain time frame, etc..
9. Assess the warranty: A good mattress will have a minimum of a 10 year full replacement or non-prorated guarantee.
10. Protect your investment: Don't forget some kind of waterproof mattress protector. Stains will void your warranty.
11. Check out each of the options and variants: Give yourself a comfortable test when the salesperson doesn't offer you . Request to try out a company, a plush, and a pillow top at precisely the same brand quality and price point. Lie on each one for 10 to 15 minutes. As soon as you locate the most comfortable kind of mattress, ask to see more of this type.
12. Shop at a store that specializes in mattresses: The salespeople at a mattress specialty store usually have more training on the entire topic of sleep. Try to find a store that carries several major brands, such as Sealy, Serta, Simmons, and Tempurpedic.
Remember, it's your mattress, your back, and your money, so it's well worth the time to investigate it and get the best mattress possible. Keep a look out for specials and sales, and always work to negotiate delivery fees.