Robert Pore's Ag Blog

According to a recent study, one in four of us sleeps on a mattress that is past its prime. This can cause us to wake up feeling stiff, sore or unrested. Since you spend more time on a mattress than any other piece of furniture, experts recommend that you replace your mattress every eight to ten years to ensure maximum comfort and support.

When choosing a new mattress, the options can be overwhelming so it is important to understand the basics. Slumberland Furniture offers these ten tips to keep in mind when looking for a new mattress:

> Decide on a budget: Mattress prices can vary greatly. If price is your number one consideration, you can find an inexpensive mattress and box spring set for a few hundred dollars. But it is a good idea to buy the best mattress and box spring you can afford because when buying a mattress, you get what you pay for.

> Size matters: For adults who share a bed, avoid buying anything smaller than a queen-size bed. A king-size bed, assuming you can afford it and have the room for it, is highly recommended, and will provide enough room to move around without disturbing your partner.

> Know what you like: There are basically three comfort preferences: pillowtop, plush and firm. Once you know which "feel" you prefer, you will have effectively eliminated two-thirds of the options.

> Know your options: Innerspring mattresses are the most common type of mattress purchased. Innerspring mattresses are made with coils encased in layers of cushioning and upholstery. Other options include foam mattresses, adjustable mattresses, which allow you to adjust the firmness, and waterbeds.

> Consider construction: Don't judge a mattress by its cover – it’s what’s underneath that counts. Ask to see a model of the interior of the mattress. Look for sturdy springs and a filling material that can spring back easily. The more expensive the mattress, the better the filling. And the better the filling, the longer the mattress should last.

> Understand firmness: Firmness is not standardized in the mattress industry. One manufacturer’s “firm” mattress may actually be firmer than another’s “extra firm” mattress. Look for comfort and support, and remember that a firm mattress isn’t always the best mattress. You need to find a balance between softness and firmness,” says Bill Fedor, bedding buyer for Slumberland Furniture. “You want to feel both cradled and supported when you lay on a mattress.”

> Don’t forget the box spring: The mattress rests on a box spring, which interacts with the mattress to help absorb shock, distribute weight and support the body. It’s not a good idea to put a new mattress on an old box spring because a manufacturer’s box spring and mattress are designed to work together to give you the best product. Box springs also save wear on your mattress. A new box spring will triple the life of your mattress.

> Take your time: Give each mattress a good test. The best way to test a mattress is wear comfortable clothing and take off your shoes. “It is a good idea to spend 15 minutes on each mattress to get a good sense of the comfort it will provide,” explains Fedor. “It’s the best way to tell if a mattress is or isn’t right for you.”
Warranty vs. sleep guarantee: A warranty that protects you from defects and problems is important, but remember that the life expectancy of a quality mattress is about 10 years. A sleep guarantee is more important than a long warranty. A sleep guarantee gives you a period to try out your mattress. If during that time you decide the mattress you purchased is not right for you, you can either exchange it or return it for a refund.

> Let comfort be the deciding factor: There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a new mattress, but remember that it is important to focus on what feels best. Comfort, as long as you are in your within the range of your budget, should be your number one consideration.