Top 10 tips for buying a new mattress set

1) “SLEEP Test” your mattress
Select a mattress
Lie down in your sleep position
Evaluate the level of comfort and support
Educate yourself about each selection
Partners should shop together

2) Don’t buy a” name”, buy for comfort and support
Comfort and support are the most important factors when selecting a new mattress set.  You should also make sure that with that you have a quality bedding company (regardless of the name brand they sell) that will back their products.

3) Coil count isn’t a good indicator for comparison shopping
It is important to make sure the mattress you select has the proper amount of coils to support your neck and back while you sleep. However, there is a wide variety of sizes, shapes and constructions among coils from one manufacturer to another.  For example a Serta containing 900 coils does not necessarily provide you with more support than a Sealy with 700 coils.

4) Compare store services
When considering what store to buy from consider the “hidden costs”.  Check the stores you shop at for the costs of services such as delivery, setup, and removal of old bedding.

5) Wear proper attire
As important as it is to wear comfortable clothing when shopping for a mattress, many people don’t even consider it.  Try to wear loose fitting clothing.  If you are shopping in cold weather make sure you remove your coat or jacket.  It is best to try to wear something you might nap on the couch in, even consider removing your shoes.

6) Take a nap
Better Homes and Gardens recommend that you lie down on each selection for 15-20 minutes.  It may be difficult for many people to actually fall asleep in a store, but try to relax and ignore all outside stimuli.  As you relax, concentrate on the support the mattress gives your hips, lower back, and shoulders (these are the key pressure points). 

7) Don’t treat a mattress as an heirloom
When most people buy a new mattress they like to hand-down their old mattress to their children, other family members or friends. Children will often sleep on pretty much whatever you tell them to, however it is very important that a growing body gets the proper support it needs to allow healthy growth.  Remember if it’s not good enough for you to sleep on chances are its not good enough for someone else.

8) Buy a new foundation every time you buy a new mattress
Manufacturers design a mattress and foundation to work together.  The foundation (aka box springs) takes much of the nightly wear and tear not to mention is important in order to get the intended comfort, support, and life out of your mattress set. 

9) Pillows are not just for looks
Even with the best mattress set on the market if you don’t give your neck the proper support with a quality pillow you won’t get the rest you need.  The type of pillow you choose can vary depending on your sleep style and personal comfort.  Depending upon the quality you choose you should consider replacing your pillows every 1-5 years.

10) Do your own research
Get on the internet and do your own research to educate yourself about changes in the mattress industry in recent years. Know who you are getting your information from.  By doing this you will find information such as the following from the Better Sleep Council at www.bettersleep.org

*How long a mattress will last depends on several factors, such as amount of use and original quality, but in general, a mattress set that has been in use 5-7 years is no longer providing you with the best comfort and support. Keep in mind that people’s bodies change over time, and the need for good comfort and support only increases with age. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare the mattress and foundation you are sleeping on now to newer models every few years