Bedding

Mattress and Bedding Buyer’s Guide

 

Thinking of buying a new mattress? There a lot of choices available out there. Different sizes, thicknesses, styles and materials – and how do you know which one is right for you? Use this quick buyer’s guide to help point you in the right direction. The most popular varieties will be discussed to help you find the right bed for your budget and comfort.

How to Tell If You Need a New Mattress:

 

Since you’re looking at this website, you probably already think you need a new mattress. But just in case you’re not sure, here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

 

Mattresses are designed to last for several years. How many? Well that depends on the mattress. But if the one you are currently sleeping on is more than 9 years old, chances are very good that it’s time for a new one. If you ever wake up sore or feeling un-rested, your mattress is either not the right one for you or it is suffering from old age. A mattress in good condition should maintain a regular shape. Check to see if there is noticeable sag in the middle of the mattress or wherever you typically sleep. If so, it’s time to come see us and get some help finding the right mattress for you.

 

The right mattress can dramatically increase the quality of your sleep and the effectiveness of your daytime activities. You spend as much time, or more, sleeping in your bed than you do at work, so you owe it to yourself to make the most of that time with a mattress that is right for you.

To Box Spring or Not to Box Spring:

 

There exists a myth out there that the box spring is not an important part of a mattress. If you believe that, I’m sorry to inform you that it’s time to reconsider. Putting a new mattress on an old box spring might feel the same as putting it on a new one; however, it will only last 1/3 as long as it would if sitting on a new box spring. It’s usually inexpensive to buy the entire set and it’s well worth your money. Look for sales on mismatching sets if you don’t care whether or not the box spring matches the mattress. It’s an easy way to save money on the box spring but still ensure that your new mattress will last as long as it can. When looking at box springs, look for those with steel or reinforced springs. These will last longer, which will in turn make your mattress last longer.

What You Need to Know About Coils:

 

Most mattresses have metal coils in the mattress core. These coils are responsible for supporting your body and are very important to the comfort of your mattress. Here are some helpful hints on how to interpret information provided on the coils of a mattress.

 

Typically a mattress will boast how many coils are in it. The number or coils corresponds to how much support it gives. The more coils, the more support provided. This being said, a mattress with less coils is not automatically inferior to one with more. It is a matter of personal preference. For example, you may prefer the “:give”: of a mattress with only 300 coils, or the increased support of one with 700. There are variations on this depending on the type of coil used. It’s important to try out a variety of mattresses and note what kind of support you prefer.

 

Besides the number or coils, the gauge of coils also varies between mattresses. The gauge equals the number of coils of that size it would take to make an inch. Heavy gauge coils are thicker and generally offer more support. Light gauge coils are thinner and offer less support. Beware of mattresses with low coil counts but heavy gauges being represented as firm mattresses. That combination often quickly becomes lumpy and uncomfortable. Compare the number and gauge of coils when trying out mattresses to see what range you prefer.

The Top Upholstery and Fabric Layers:

 

It’s not just the inner core of the mattress that influences its support and comfort. There are a variety of top upholsteries that can prove to be very important for basic comfort. Choose a pillow top if you want to feel like you are sleeping on a feather bed but still get the support of a solid mattress. If you prefer very firm mattresses, look for thin upholsteries that don’t interfere with the support of the coils.

 

The fabric that is used in the construction of the mattress is also very important in terms of comfort and price. You can choose mattresses with additional layers of wool, silk, foam and cotton. This can increase the comfort, but also increases the price. Look into your layers carefully and consult with a sales person. Sometimes, these extra layers of padding can be compressed and break down sooner than the springs, making your mattress feel concave or lumpy. Keep in mind that you can add some of these layers yourself with removable liners and pads that can be replaced should they break down. Look for the right balance between comfort and price for you.