Mattress Buying Guide
How often should a mattress be replaced?
That depends on the mattress was used (guest room or master bedroom), whether it was cared for properly and, of course, the quality of the mattress itself. The weight of the sleepers may also contribute to wear and tear on the bed. Only you can know if you’re no longer comfortable with your mattress. Here are a few questions that you might want to ask yourself when considering replacing your bed:
- Are you sleeping better or worse than you did last year?
- Do you feel stiff and sore when you wake up?
- Is your mattress showing visible signs of wear?
- Has your lifestyle changed since you bought your bed?
If your answer was "yes" to any of the above, it's time to think about a new mattress.
What should I look for in a new mattress?
There are three main things to keep in mind when purchasing a mattress.
- Size : How large is your space? Many experts recommend getting the largest mattress your room can comfortably allow without giving up easy accesses around the sides and foot. Most couples feel more comfortable with a queen or a king because larger mattresses provide enough space for easy, free movement.
- Support : Somewhere along the line most of us were told that a firm mattress provides the best support. That’s not necessarily true. The mattress that's right for you will keep your spine in proper alignment, supporting your body and cradling it along its curves.
- Comfort : The right mattress will also be comfortable for your body. Keep in mind that your comfort preferences are likely to change as you age.
What is the best way to try a mattress?
The internet has provided a wealth of information to allow you to become an informed buyer. However, nothing can compare to actually trying the mattress. The Better Sleep Council recommends taking a "SLEEP Test":
S elect the mattress
L ie down in your sleep position.
E valuate the level of comfort and support
E ducate yourself about each selection
P artners should try each mattress together
Take your time and don't be embarrassed. You don't think twice about test driving a car, and you shouldn't think twice about "SLEEP Testing" a mattress. Lie down on the mattress for several minutes in your normal sleeping position and assess how well it provides support and how comfortable it is for you. The only way to tell if a mattress is right for you is to lie down on it.
What is the best bed for back pain sufferers?
If you have a medical condition, you should consult your physician regarding the proper support for your situation. He or she will be able to advise you on what to look for in a mattress that will meet your particular needs. Once you have his input, you should test the mattresses you’re interested in and make sure you’re getting the support and comfort you need.
Is it a bad idea to buy a mattress without a box spring?
Generally speaking, your box spring receives as much wear and tear as your mattress over the years but it’s harder to see. In all likelihood, if your mattress needs to be replaced, so does your box spring. If you don’t replace your box spring, you may find that your new mattress does not wear as long because it’s not getting the support it needs. If problems occur later, the manufacturer may void the warranty.
If you have a platform bed, may not need a box spring. You do want to make sure your slats are in good condition and properly spaced to support today's heavier mattresses. See your manufacturer's warranty for slat support requirements.
What are the dimensions of mattresses?
Although mattresses heights will vary, the width and length are standard.
|
Size |
Width |
| Twin |
38” x 75" |
| Twin XL |
38” x 80” |
| Full |
53” x 75” |
| Full XL |
53” x 80” |
| Queen |
60” x 80” |
| King |
76" x 80" |
| California King |
72" x 84" |
What is the differce between a standard and a low-profile box spring?
As mattresses have gotten thicker, a low profile (5¼ high) box spring was designed to offer all of the support and durability features of a traditional (9” high) box spring with less height. This allows the mattress to sit lower against the headboard and makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
How do I find a mattress exactly like my old one?
Mattresses evolve and change over time. If it’s been a number of years since you purchased your mattress, it may be hard to find the exact same mattress. If you know the features and comfort level you liked about your old bed, you can select a product that gives you the feel you prefer, even if you don’t get exactly the same model. And of course, Sleep Squad will let you try before you buy so you can be sure you’ve found a set that offers the same feel of your old mattress.
Is it okay for parents to pass their mattress down to the kids?
We usually only consider buying a new mattress because the old one no longer offers adequate support and maximum comfort. If the old bed no longer gives the parents the best night’s sleep possible, it would not be appropriate to pass it down to your kids.
How do I know what comfort level is right for me?
Most retailers will assign a comfort level rating to each of their mattresses, though they may call them by different names. These comfort levels help you filter out which mattresses to try, however, since comfort is a relative concept it’s not recommended to that you make your purchase decision base solely on someone else’s definition of comfort.
The general comfort levels that Sleep Squad uses to recommend mattresses include:
Extra Firm: (Futon Feel) If you can camp on the ground or the living room floor without waking up stiff and sore, this could very well be your best bet. These mattresses are built with a heavier gauge coil and a tighter quilting pattern to give them a “hard” feel.
Luxury Firm: (Minimally Padded) Padding layers are added to give the bed a more cushy feel. Foams come in various thicknesses and qualities and are generally used in combinations to give a desired feel. These beds may use a heavy coil (13 gauge) to give them the combination of firmness and cushioning that many prefer, or they may use a lighter coil (15 gauge) to give the bed a more springy feel. Minimal padding is mattresses are generally preferred by side and stomach sleepers.
Plush: (Comfortable) Additional layers of padding, or higher quality foams, are used to add to the cushy feel.
Pillow Top: (Cushy) At this level, you're looking at a pillow top or euro top which means an extra pillow of cushioning materials has been sewn to the top of the mattress. Again, these will come in both coil gauges to allow you to choose the combination of firmness and cushioning you prefer.
Super Pillow Top: (Heavenly) We reserve this rating for our the most luxurious mattresses. They have several inches additional cushioning, made of the highest quality foams such as latex or visco. When purchasing a super pillow top mattress, you may want to consider combining it with a low profile box spring or foundation to maintain a lower overall bed height.
What should I do with my old mattress?
Donating your old mattress to a local charity is commendable. Unfortunately, finding an organization that both accepts used bedding and picks up old mattresses can be time-consuming, frustrating, and even impossible.
It might seem harmless to stand an old mattress near a dumpster, for sanitation workers to remove. This practice is actually highly illegal. In Chicago, first-time “fly dumping” offenders are subject to $2,000 in fines, an impounded vehicle, and 200 hours of community service. In order to legally dispose of a used mattress, you might have to receive a special permit from the city. Or, you can try to find a landfill that will accept your bed, often at a fee.
Here’s the easiest option: simply ask your Sleep Squad Personal Shoppers to take away your old bed after they set up your new mattress. Just like our instant delivery, instant take-away is free of charge and your mattress will be recycled instead of ending up in a landfill.
How do I clean my mattress?
A good mattress pad is the best way to keep your mattress clean. A little dust or dirt may be removed with a vacuum. For stains, baking soda is a simple way to spot clean your mattress. Just apply baking soda to the soiled area and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Vacuum and repeat as needed. It's also a good idea to air the mattress as much as possible. Avoid soaking the mattress, which can result in mildew growth. Never use dry cleaning fluid or any liquid cleaning solutions on your mattress or foundation as it may damage some of the materials and void your warranty.