Mattress Buying Guide

Know thy Mattress
As you’ll soon learn when you shop, there are many types of mattresses to choose from. A little homework will keep you from feeling overwhelmed in the store.

• Innerspring mattresses, the most traditional type of mattress set, typically use systems of open coils or metal springs layered between padding. When shopping you’ll hear the term “Coil Count.” Typically, the higher the count, the more support you’ll get.
• Pocketed Coil® spring mattresses, created by Simmons®, feature an advanced innerspring system. The springs are individually wrapped in a fabric cover, enabling each coil to adjust independently to your body. Because these springs move individually, if your bedmate rolls over, the motion won’t disturb your incredible dream of bowling 300 with your opposite hand while wearing a clown suit.
• Memory foam mattresses are constructed of high- density polyurethane and conform to the body to reduce pressure points and provide natural body alignment. Memory foam is temperature sensitive and conforms as your body warms it. Latex foam is not sensitive to temperature and is available in many different densities. When you research, be on the look-out for new and better types of foam, as new generations are constantly being developed.
• Hybrid mattresses feature layers of foam and coils. These beds give you the comfort and support of both technologies. And, if you’re not sure about buying an all-foam mattress, it makes for a nice compromise.
• Air mattresses use air chambers as their primary support. A quality air mattress will mold to body contours. Some models come with adjustable air chambers, so you can change your bed’s firmness whenever you like. A great feature for the comfort-challenged among us.

Choose your comfort. Firm? Plush? Or Pillow top?
It has long been said, and usually by hard-boiled men with calloused hands, that the only mattress you need, sonny boy, is a firm one. But thankfully, that kind of thinking is changing. Today, plush and pillow top mattresses are selling well as guys realize that a soft mattress will not diminish their ability to change a flat tire. But, ultimately, the decision is up to you. Some people like the solid feel of a firm mattress, while others would rather sink into bed and prefer a pillow top. Do yourself a favor and spend a few minutes on each to see which feels best.

Shopping Tips

• Knowledge is power. Before you visit a store, go online and research mattress brands and styles. The average person moves 40 to 60 times a night. Therefore, if you sleep with a partner, you should consider a queen or king-size set to accommodate the both of you comfortably.
• Shop with your partner. Yes, getting him to come along might be tough, but it’ll be worth it. The two of you should test the mattress together and agree on preferences or at least come to a compromise.
• Take your time. You’ll spend more hours in bed than on your couch. So don’t make a rash decision. Regret feels even worse after a sleepless night. As a rule, you get what you pay for. You shouldn’t overpay or underpay. According to Consumer Reports, a quality queen-size innerspring mattress set costs about $1000. You could, however, spend literally tens of thousands of dollars on a luxury featherbed mattress.
• Shop the sales. Mattress retailers are known for big discounts – especially around the holidays as well as seasonal. So check your local newspapers for the best savings.
• Jargon smargon. The coil count reflects the amount of support in the mattress. For example, 300 coils would be less support than 700 coils. Also, for those of you sleeping with herky-jerky partners, more coils means better motion separation.
• No need to flip. Most mattresses are now sold with only one sleep surface. These mattresses require less maintenance and are able to sustain their comfort and support for a longer period of time.
• Bad back? There are plenty of mattresses that can help. Look for models specifically designed to help keep your spine in its natural alignment while you sleep.
• Buy the set. Mattresses and foundations are designed to work together. Getting one without the other may reduce the comfort and support you receive. Plus, it might shorten the bed’s lifespan and possibly affect its warranty.
• New mattresses are thicker now, so your old sheets may no longer fit. Depths have gone from about seven inches to more than 14 inches, meaning you may need sheets with a deep-pocket corner.
• Test for real. According to Consumer Reports, consumers should test the bed out for at least 15 minutes. A good salesperson should leave you alone while you do this.
• If you want to try a bed out for a night or two, you can stay in a number of hotels offering luxurious bedding. Just keep in mind, the mattresses in hotel rooms are used and may be softer than a brand new one.
• Know the policies. Some dealers may let you return a mattress. Be sure to ask for all the details about this. It may affect where you buy.
• Be curious. Ask the salesperson how the mattress you’re interested in is different from the others on the floor. Also, if you’re going to buy, find out if delivery of your new bed and removal of your old one are included.
• Shopping for your ideal bed can be overwhelming. So arm yourself with these tips and an understanding of the different types of mattresses – making the sleep you’ve dreamed about closer than you think.

A Woman’s Guide
Find your comfort zone.
There are various levels of firmness for mattresses, such as firm, pillow top and plush. Firm mattresses provide more resistance against pressure from the sleep surface, making them as their name indicates, the firmest style of mattress. The plush models utilize various comfort layers to create a softer sleep surface. Lastly, the pillow top models utilize multiple layers of foams in the top upholstery to create especially soft, enveloping sleep surfaces. Just note, the top upholstery may be attached to the mattress in a variety of methods, resulting in pillow top models that feel and appear different.

The Reluctant Man’s Guide To Mattress Buying
Do you need a new mattress?
That’s the big question. Be sure that your bed is to blame for your sleepless nights. Chances are if a couple of these signs apply to you, it’s time to start shopping:

• You often wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains. And your name isn’t Nick Nolte.
• Your bed hasn’t aged well. It sags, has lumps or, on those occasions when you change the sheets, you can see stuff you shouldn’t, like strands of wire.
• You often think to yourself, “I need a good night’s sleep. I better stay on the couch.”
• Your mattress is older than the term “Hanging Chad.”

Regarding the age of your bed, you might think eight years or so isn’t very long. But it’s important to remember that as you grow older, and become a bit creakier, your bed has to keep up with your body’s needs and still give you proper support.