Mattress To Go Beducation® - How to shop for a mattress

Mattress To Go Beducation®

How do I decide?  I'm sooo confused!

The box spring, or foundation, has recently undergone quite a bit of change. Most brands are now using platforms that do not flex at all and these are more appropriate for the current style of one-sided mattresses. Some brands choose to use simple wood boxes with cardboard decks, while others use heavier-duty metal semi-flex cages. A few companies still use torsion modules that flex a bit. The old coil box springs are not common and modern mattresses will not perform well when placed upon them. Be sure to consider replacing your box spring and mattress at the same time, as they are designed to work together. Additionally, newer mattresses and box springs are in compliance with the new more stringent federal flammability guidelines.
 

Comfort is the most important feature of your mattress. Research has shown that you want an item with good support and decent comfort to help with pressure point relief and improved circulation. A hard feel does not always equal good support or good comfort. Comfort is achieved through the use of different qualities and quantities of foam placed on top of the mattress, not by adding or removing springs from the innerspring unit. Make sure you select a product that contains higher quality foams and ask to see a specification sheet of the quilt and upholstery foam layers of the mattress. Specialty foams are becoming more popular, with visco-elastic and latex leading the way. Be sure to research the specific characteristics of these particular padding layers. And don’t be shocked to find that the mattress you are considering is one-sided, as most brands now only produce one-sided mattresses.
 

You get to do all the hard work of lying down and trying out these products, so dress comfortably and don't be shy. Companies have attempted to use computer models, pressure pads or surveys to pick the right mattress for you, but these are marketing tools meant to sell a particular mattress brand instead of helping you select the bed that is best for your individual needs. A highly-skilled comfort consultant will be much more beneficial than any electronic pressure-mapping device. 

Research from various independent groups has shown that your initial impression is usually the most accurate indicator of your happiness with a product, so if you find a feel you like, stick with it. Ask to see all the other items in the store that feel similar to the one you like and then differentiate between these items by price, features, benefits, quality and longevity. Sometimes choosing a mattress is not so much finding what you like, but what you don’t like. Either way, you are narrowing your focus to a certain range of comfort and that is what you need to accomplish. You might have to come back for a second visit to finalize your selection – don’t be afraid to do this. Never feel pressured to make an immediate decision, because the product you choose will be one which you'll be sleeping on for many years to come.

 
Warranty is another important consideration. The average length of time people keep a mattress is currently 10 years (although recent research from Oklahoma State suggests you should replace your mattress after 7 years), so you should expect a mattress warranty for an adult support product to be a 10 year, non-prorated warranty (the standard in the industry). Many brands will use their warranty as a marketing tool, offering longer periods of time because they know consumers equate the length of a warranty with the quality of a product. This is not necessarily the case as mattress warranties only cover defects in workmanship, not comfort, and comfort is what is going to wear out on any modern mattress.  

It is important to ask what the expected comfort life of any product is so that you will have an indication of approximately how long the mattress should keep its shape. Most premium mattresses will have a comfort life of about 8-10 years, with the more exclusive, ultra-premium brands lasting up to 15 years. 

Consider where the mattress you're assessing is produced. Is it composed of imported or domestic components? Look for foams that are CertiPUR-US® or Oeko-Tex® certified. We're currently experiencing an influx of foams from overseas that are produced to a much lower level of quality and environmental control, including many memory foams that have issues with off-gassing. You'll definitely want to avoid these products. 

Ask about the quality of the interior construction of the mattress. Are the padding layers closely secured with hog-rings and interior flanges, or are they floating loosely on top of the spring unit? Are the comfort layers secured with glue? A mattress will not provide adequate comfort for a long period of time if it is not assembled properly, even if it uses components of the highest quality.

Never ever consider a used mattress, a comfort exchanged product or anything that comes from a store that offers used furniture or exchanged items. Additionally, avoid items that are sold in outdoor venues or tent sales. Besides the obvious health concerns associated with such items, the transition of bed bugs is facilitated by selling and using these types of mattresses.  
 

Finally, take into consideration the reputation and track record of the store you’re visiting. The reputation of your comfort consultant is just as important as the product you're purchasing, as this reputation validates the advice you're receiving. You will rely upon these people for help in choosing your product and for questions after the sale, so you'll want to make sure they are experts and have your best interest in mind. Make sure you're not pressured and that all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction before making this important purchase.