The Secrets To Buying The Right Mattress

Korky Vann Savvy Shopper

April 15, 2012

Need a new mattress? Get ready to lose some sleep. The endless array of types, styles, brands and prices can make the process of choosing one feel more like a nightmare than sweet dreams.

"For a lot of people, it's a daunting purchase," says Bob Naboicheck, president of Gold Bond Mattress in Hartford. "There's a confusing selection of options. Visco foam feels different from gel, which feels different from latex, which feels different from innerspring. Then there's organic materials. And pillow tops. Two-sided pillow tops. Euro-tops. No question, it can be overwhelming."

Even Consumer Reports has stopped rating mattresses because everyone's idea of the perfect choice is different. (As Goldilocks said, some are too hard, some are too soft and some are just right.)

Add to that, there are no industry standards for such terms as "firm," "extra firm or "plush. All vary from on maker to another. And manufacturers often modify the models they make for different retailers by changing fabric color, padding, quilting and model names, which makes it impossible for consumers to comparison shop. That's no small thing, because the price of a new queen-size mattress and boxspring (the most common size sold) can run anywhere from less than $1000 to more than price of a new Hyundai Sonata. (Bloomingdale's made news a few years ago when it introduced its Palais Royal Plush Mattress, which carries a $27,000 price tag.)

But if you're sleeping on a mattress that's more than a decade old, you're probably not getting a great night's rest. According to Shop Smart, a Consumer Report's publication, mattresses generally last about eight to 10 years and worn-out mattresses can cause aches, pains and a lot of tossing and turning.

Dr. Patrick Troy, a pulmonologist at the Hartford Hospital's Sleep Center, says people may not be aware that their mattresses are affecting their sleep.

"Your whole environment has to be conducive to falling and staying asleep and that includes your bed," says Troy. "If you are sleeping on an old mattress that doesn't keep your body aligned in a neutral position, it can cause you to be restless during the night."

Your sleeping style figures into the selection process as well. Back sleepers, for example, need a mattress that provides firm support. Side sleepers need medium support. Stomach sleepers should opt for a softer surface.
While close to 80 percent of mattresses sold in this country are innerspring models, Naboicheck says the American consumer is currently in love with memory foam. (Memory foam uses your body's heat to conform to your body.)

"Some people love it, while others say it makes them feel hot," says Naboicheck, who himself sleeps on a firm innerspring mattress.

And it's not just your sleep needs you'll have to take into account.

"Your partner's movements can disrupt your sleep," says Troy. "The mattress that works for them might not be right for you, so you'll have to compromise."

"Number" beds that allow each person to adjust the firmness level for his or her own side are the answer for some couples, but ShopSmart magazine reported that some of their panelists found the mechanism noisy.
To help consumers make the right choice, some stores have developed mattress quizzes. The Ikea website, for example, takes consumers through a firmness, sleeping-style and body temperature check list and provides suggestions.

Bedding producer Kingsdown Inc. developed bedMATCH technology. Shoppers answer basic questions on sleep habits and bedding preferences at an in-store kiosk, then lie down on a diagnostic mattress to have their measurements taken. Based on the findings, the bedMATCH system recommends mattresses to be rest-tested. (A number of Connecticut Sleepy's stores have the kiosks.)

Naboicheck says diagnostic gimmicks may help point you in the right direction, but are no substitute for taking the time to actually lie down on a bed and try it out. And not for a minute or two. Consumers need to give it at least 10 minutes. A half hour is even better. Wear shoes you can slip off and comfortable clothing and settle in. Spend time on your back, your side and your stomach.

"Keep an open mind and try everything," he says.

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Top Tips For Buying the Right Mattress

Many of us wake up in the morning with back pain and a stiff body. The most common reason behind this is that you are sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress. The mattress on which we sleep plays an extremely important role in making sure that you sleep well at night. We spend around one-third of each and every day lying on the bed and therefore, it is extremely vital that the mattress on which you sleep makes your body feel comfortable. Here are some top tips for buying the right mattress:

Comfort

While buying a mattress, your primary consideration should be the comfort that it provides. Choose a mattress that would provide you maximum comfort as well as support all part of the body properly, particularly your back, hips and neck.

Firmness

Some people prefer soft mattresses, whereas other like hard mattresses. However, it is important to remember that even though soft mattresses seem to be cozy they are not at all healthy for the body. They sag easily and do not provide spine alignment at all. Similarly, a mattress that is too hard can also lead to stiffness of the joints. So, look for mattresses that are neither too hard, not too soft.

Types of Mattresses

Before choosing your mattress, it is important to know about the different kinds of mattresses available in the market, as well as their respective benefits.

Inner Spring Mattress: This is the most conventional mattress and can easily be found in most households. It comprises of steel coils covered with various layers of cushions.

Foam Mattress: These mattresses are gaining popularity quite fast due to the great comfort it provides. They take the shape of our body well and are resistant towards bacteria, allergens and dust mites.

Air Mattress: The air chambers present in the air mattress provide immense support and comfort. It can be adjusted easily to suit your personal comfort as well. These mattresses can be used both at home as well as taken outside for camping trips.

Waterbed: Waterbed mattresses are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Both soft as well as hard waterbeds are made using vinyl and are filled with water. They support the spinal alignment very well. During winters, it can be filled with hot water to keep the bed warm.

Size

The mattress' size is another important consideration for buying the right mattress. Mattresses are available in different sizes such as twin size, full size, king size and queen size. Choose the size according to your requirement.

The quality of the mattress plays an extremely important role in ensuring sound sleep. Therefore, choose a mattress that is of high quality and extremely comfortable. After all, this investment will bring you great benefits for many years.

Find out more about the different types of mattress, including the Myers Sceptre mattress and Sleepeezee Pocket 800 mattress.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Cridland 

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What To Consider When Shopping for a Mattress

New mattresses are expensive, so if you are in the market for a new mattress, you may want to be careful about your selection and make sure you get the most for your money. However, not everyone is looking for the same thing when it comes to mattresses. Before you start shopping, take a moment to think about your options!

Setting a budget is a great first step. Mattresses range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Your budget will determine the size and style that you can afford. Also, try to avoid setting your budget too high just because you want a bigger bed. You can find all sizes within most price ranges. By setting your budget first, before you start to shop, you will avoid overspending when you get to the store.

When considering your budget, also think about financing options. Although this often means that you could end up paying more in the end, if you finance your mattress, you may be able to afford a bigger, nicer, or more up-scale mattress in the long run. With financing, you pay a lower monthly price for your mattress until it is completely paid off. The higher price, though, occurs because you will have to interest on the mattress. It is like a car loan, but on a smaller level.

After you have set your budget you can begin looking for mattresses. You next step is determining a size. If you already have a bed frame in mind, you will probably also have a specific size in mind. Usually, if you are buying a bed for a child, you will want a single or double mattress. You can purchase anything from a small mattress like you might find in a dorm room to a large mattress known as a California King.

The size of your mattress is not the only factor to consider. When it comes to the firmness of a mattress, different people have different preferences. So, it is a good idea to consider the feel of the mattress as well. For most people, this makes a big difference. If you purchase a mattress that is too firm, you might have a problem falling asleep because it will not have any give. However, if you purchase a mattress that is too soft, you might wake up with horrible backaches and other muscle pains. In either case, choosing the wrong mattress can be very uncomfortable and can leave you unhappy with your purchase. Most likely, this will result in returning the mattress to the store, which might not be an easy task depending on the mattress’s size; and, of course, you will have to begin the process all over again.

Many people choose a mattress that has different levels of firmness which can be adjusted. These mattresses are usually a bit more expensive, but if you have problems sleeping or have back pain, your doctor might recommend such a mattress. This kind of mattress allows both you and your partner to choose the firmness that is right for you. Again, you may pay more for this luxury, but sometimes that extra money is worth it.

You can also order an adjustable bed, such as those you see in hospitals. This is a good option for anyone older or sick who spends a lot of time in bed. You can move the back of the bed to sit up and move the foot of the bed to prop up your feet. Some beds move together, while others move side by side individually. This is done so that both you and your spouse can be comfortable. Similar to mattresses that adjust levels of firmness, beds that move are usually more expensive, but for some, the cost is worth it.

When you are shopping for a mattress, it is also a good idea to check out the reviews online for the different brands and particular styles of mattresses that are available. Reading reviews is a common practice many consumers take advantage of. There are many different factors to consider when buying a mattress, and reviews can help to eliminate products which consumers felt were no good. Some mattresses wear out faster than others and some come with great customer support while others come with no customer support. If you want the best mattress for your money, it is important to read reviews and speak with people about their experiences with different mattresses.

Another aspect that many people forget is the practicality of a specific mattress. When looking for a mattress, think about how you are going to get it to your home. If you have a large truck, this is not a problem, but otherwise, a store that delivers is key. Some charge a large amount for shipping the mattress to your home while others may deliver it for free. Consider this and other important aspects if you cannot decide between two great mattress options. Finding a mattress that you like and, most importantly, feel comfortable in is crucial to feeling healthy and well rested.

Article Source: http://contentsource.co.za 

About Author:
Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning home improvement and decorating, often focusing on specific topics such as beds and Mattresses

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