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Buying a mattress set can be a drag. There are so many mattresses to choose from and too many companies to count. And then you have to deal with the sales people who have the unwarranted comparison to car salesmen. I can tell you that mattress shopping can be intimidating and frustrating, but that's why the experts are here to help.
To begin, one must acknowledge the importance of shopping for a mattress set and the benefits of finding the right one. A typical person spends on average a third of their life sleeping. A third!!! This statistic makes buying the right mattress unlike any other purchase. The mattress you sleep on will be the place where you spend a lot of your time. Furthermore, if you do not get the proper sleep, it can have an effect on your mood and ability to perform your daily tasks. Buying a mattress is important but buying the right mattress is essential.
So how do you know you need a new mattress? There are a few different signs, for instance, if your mattress is over 10 years old then it is probably time to go shopping. Other signs might be that your feeling the springs or that you are tossing and turning all night.
Now that you know that you need a mattress and that a mattress set will be the most important purchase you will make, let me help you make the process a lot simpler.
Let's start with a big misconception. I cannot tell you the countless times someone has walked in wanting a firm bed. "A firmer bed is better for your back", they say. Not true!!! If you are confusing firm with hard than a firmer bed is not better for your back in most cases. And think about it, if that was true, would you not just get the most relief from sleeping on the floor? What is true is that a firmer support or a better support is best for your back. There are many different kinds of supports and they obviously get better as the price increases. For example, the Sealy Posturepedic line which typically starts around 7 to 8 hundred dollars (queen size) will have a much better support than a Sealy Backsaver which will be in the 3 to 7 hundred dollar range (queen size). There are many things that make up the support in a mattress, from the coil count to the gauge of steel used to the type of coil used. These are technicalities of mattresses that salesmen should have good information on, and if they concern you then ask them or research online. However, you should remember as a rule of thumb, the highest lineups will have the best supports and as we go down the line the supports will gradually decrease in effectiveness and durability.
The previous paragraph pertains to mattresses that have coil supports. There are however memory foam and latex beds that have recently become popular. These beds typically last 20 years (compared to 10 for coil beds) and have a great support system. However these beds are not for everyone, therefore, even if you know someone that loves their own, please spend about 20 minutes on one in a store before you purchase. The reason we stress this is that it takes about 20 minutes for the memory foam/latex to conform to your body and to get a good understanding of its feel. And if you notice that these beds just aren't for you, don't worry, most beds now have at least a layer of memory foam/latex that will help to conform to your body.
So now that you have a general understanding of supports, the most important thing to do is to have a good understanding of yourself. Take a look at what your needs are. Measure the room you intend to put the mattress set in, this will indicate the size mattress you need. Be honest about your weight, heavier people need a better support system. Furthermore, think about how long you need your mattress. The best mattresses have at least a 10 year manufactures warranty, so if you only need the bed a few years you may not need to spend the money on anything too fancy. Finally, look at how you sleep. You may say that you toss and turn and have no idea. Well that is most likely a sign that you need a new mattress. What you need to do is find that position that you are most comfortable in. Once you have figured that out, there is a general rule of thumb for what mattress is best for you. There are a few different levels, firm is the hardest, cushion firm is a little softer, plush is soft and ultra plush is the softest. If you are a stomach sleeper go with a firm or cushion firm. Back sleepers should get a cushion firm or plush. If you are a side sleeper you definitely want a plush or ultra plush. Now if the mattress is a plush pillow top that is great for side sleepers especially if you have broad shoulders or tend to dig your shoulder into the mattress. Make sure to lie in your most comfortable position when you visit a store because your own feel matters most.
Hopefully this has helped to make the process a lot easier. One more thing to keep in mind is have a reasonable budget. Understand your needs and it doesn't hurt to ask a salesman for a good deal, that is what we are here to do. Look forward to seeing you at the Bedding Experts.
Answers provided by Angel Garcia, Oswego Manager and Raja Khalid, Assistant Manager and Social Media Strategist
