Filed under: Bedroom
If your mattress is old, lumpy or keeping you from a good night's sleep, it's probably time to get a new one. But don't buy a mattress without running through these five questions.You may not think 10 years is a long lifespan for mattresses, but think of it this way: You spend an average of one-fourth to one-third of your life resting on that thing. That's a lot of horizontal hours logged! A good queen-size mattress can easily cost $1,000, which is no small purchase, but over the span of 10 years, that's just 27 cents a day.
Will you have this much fun if you buy a mattress? Maybe. Photo: Frank Herholdt, Getty Images
If you've been thinking about buying a mattress, you already know the catch: You can't really test-drive a mattress without bringing it home. Add in the confusing names (Crown Jewel Ultra Plush versus Plush Pillowtop?) and the hustling salesman you're supposed to haggle with and you've got quite an intimidating process. Don't worry, we talked to the experts. Here are five key things to keep in mind when you're ready to buy a mattress.
Don't Buy a Mattress Without Asking: Do I Need a New Mattress?
Dr. Robert Hayden, a spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association, suggests using a yard stick to see if your bed is sagging. If your mattress isn't old, try flipping it. Mattresses should be flipped every three months. If it sags on both sides, it's time for a new mattress.
Some factors that can help prevent wear and tear during a mattress' 10-year life are stronger coils and extra padding around the edges, where we tend to sit.
Don't Buy a Mattress Without Asking: What's It Made Of?
Most mattresses fall into two categories -- innerspring and foam. According to the International Sleep Products Association, innerspring mattresses make up 90 percent of mattresses sold in 2009. They're also cheaper, with an average sales price of $210, verses $540 for non-innerspring. Don't be concerned with the coil count though, it's actually the coil style and gauge that make the most impact on strength and support, so be sure to check in with the salesperson about it.
If you get hot during the night, stay away from polyester: You'll want a mattress made of natural fibers, like wool, silk, etc. (You'll see these in most beds in the over-$1,000 range). If you move around a lot in your sleep, you might want to splurge on foam, since it absorbs the movement and your partner's less likely to feel the bed shake.
Don't Buy a Mattress Without Asking: What's the Best Bed For Me?
According to Dr. Hayden, a good mattress keeps your spine as straight as it is when you're standing. So if a mattress is too firm it won't allow for your hips and shoulders. Too soft? You may fall into an unnatural sag.
"Mattresses are like gloves, they really have to fit you," he says. Hayden is an advocate of memory foam mattresses. In fact, he likes them so much he had one installed in his office so his patients can try it out.
Dr. William Kohler, a sleep specialist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, says there's no one model that can guarantee a good night's sleep since comfort level is very individual. Although he does point out that, "the price does not guarantee a quality sleep."
Don't Buy a Mattress Without Asking: How Does it Compare to Similar Models?
One tricky thing mattress manufacturers do is change the name and fabric of identical models for each retail outlet. So price shopping becomes impossible because it's hard to know if you're comparing apples to apples. It doesn't help that there's no industry standard for firm, extra firm and other characteristics. So you really have to lay down on the samples in the store to get the best comparrison. Take your time -- experts suggest 10 minutes to give yourself a chance to really know if you'll like sleeping on it.
Don't Buy a Mattress Without Asking: What's Your Return Policy?
Ten minutes might still not be enough to know how you'll feel in the middle of the night. Most mattresses come with a 30-day warranty which will protect against any problems from normal use in the first month. Beware of the salesman up-sell to an extended warranty, which can be difficult to cash in because any stains or rips on the mattress can render them void. If you do plan to buy extended coverage be sure to buy a good mattress cover.
Looking for more ways to improve your bed? Check out our guide to the best pillow for your sleep style or the best beds for sex!And check out this video from our partner on how to save money on mattresses!