Here's what you need to know Is it time for you to buy a new mattress? It can be tough to know whether the time has come to shell out cash for a new mattress, and it can be even harder to pick out the right one. Here's how to tell — and what to know as you head to the store. How to know if you need a new mattress If you’re not sure whether or not you even need a new mattress, there are a few ways to tell. You need a new mattress when: You feel the coils as you rest.You have aches and pains when you wake up.You sleep better in other beds.You see impressions in your mattress where you sleep.You have owned your mattress for more than 10 years. If any of these points are familiar to you, it’s time to start shopping. RELATED: 4 folding and hanging hacks to organize your closet (and your life) A mattress has a big impact on your life as it influences your sleep every night, so shopping may seem overwhelming. Here are some tips to make sure your shopping trip is a successful one:
If you are a couple, shop together.Bring your pillows with you.If may feel awkward, but rest on a mattress for no less than 10 minutes in your typical sleep position.Don't rely on the store's label to tell you which models give you the best support. A mattress is a mattress, right? You’ll find various terms tied to different models as you shop. Innerspring mattresses are the most common type of mattress. They give support from metal coils. A salesperson might try to tell you that a mattress' quality is based on the number of coils inside, but that's not the case. What you do need to pay attention to is the gauge of the wire that the coils are made from. This affects the firmness. Just remember: Heavier gauge means a stiffer mattress. Lighter gauge means a springier mattress. Foam mattresses are filled with a combination of synthetics and natural fibers. Most people think of memory foam or viscoelastic foam when they consider a foam mattress, and that's exactly right.
These mattresses tend to mold to the shape of your body as you sleep, and these mattresses also tend to cost more. RELATED: How often you should wash your duvet — and the right way to do it Several manufacturers suggest flipping your mattress every three months to extend its life, but today's market also includes the no-flip mattress. These models have extra padding on one side so it never has to be flipped. But one warning for you: No-flip mattresses tend to cost more, so consider whether or not the chore of flipping every three months is worth the extra cost. Finding your perfect sleep starts here. You have not viewed any products recently. How to Buy a MattressMattress Sizes ChartMattress Names/Terms GlossaryNeed a New Mattress? Do You Need a New Mattress? Do you need a new mattress? Some signs your mattress has lost it's support - You wake up with stiffness, numbness, or aches You get a better night's sleep anywhere but in bed (like a hotel, the couch, at a family members)
Your mattress shows visible signs of wear (it's dipping, has lumps, the interior is exposed, etc.) Your mattress is more than 7 years old* *How long a mattress lasts If you decide to purchase a new mattress, don't throw the old mattress in the garbage! The best way to get rid of the old bed Email Sign Up: Receive Special Offers & Sleep Tips How to Buy A MattressPeople spend more time on their bed than on any other piece of furniture in their home. It is like a source of relief and comfort. A good night’s sleep has a refreshing and re-energizing effect. That’s why mattress selection is quite an important shopping exercise. If you are planning to buy a new mattress, take the time to read up on several important things you should know before buying one.1. The most important thing to consider is your own comfort level. Even if you buy the most expensive mattress, you won’t have the best sleeping experience of your life if you’re not comfortable on it.
To find a mattress you’re comfortable with you need to consider several other factors, like the size, firmness and type of materials used in the mattress.2. Don’t look for one mattress that is the best for everyone. Look for your own best mattress. Remember to look for a mattress that’s best for you, not the mattresses that the experts hail as the best ever on the market.3. Find the right size for your needs. If you feel restricted by a narrow bed, then you need a more spacious double bed. A queen size may be a bit large for an individual person, but it’s great if you like the extra space. King-sized or California king mattresses are made for partners and for master bedrooms and offer plenty of space for couples.4. Firmness labels are not accurate. When it comes to firmness, don’t believe the labels firm, medium firm, and extra firm. One brand’s extra firm may be equivalent to another brand’s medium firm option. You can’t trust these labels completely.5. This is why you should personally test the mattress first.
Most mattress and bed shops will allow you to lie down on the mattress so you can test it.6. Read consumer mattress reviews when buying online. This gives you a more practical idea of the popular mattresses currently available and allows you to narrow down the huge field of choices.7. Firmer is not better. You need just enough firmness to properly support your spine and other parts of your body. But excess firmness can cause uncomfortable pressure points and prevent your spine from maintaining its natural curve while you sleep.8. Softer is not better. Too much softness will sag under the middle area of the spine, which can cause poor posture and lead to back pain.9. An adjustable air bed is a safe but expensive option. Since you can adjust the firmness and softness with a remote, you’re safer even without first testing the mattress.10. Multi-zoned beds make good alternatives. If you find adjustable beds too expensive, you can go for mattresses with different support zones. Hunt for a mattress that is softer at the hips and shoulders, but firmer at the mid-spine area.11.
Decide on a budget and stick to it. The prices of mattresses vary greatly, so you need to set a price you are willing to pay and not go over that amount.12. Take your time and so you will make the right decision. The last thing you want to do is bring home a bad mattress and then go through all the hassles of returning it.13. You can spend the time you have researching innerspring mattresses, air beds, waterbeds, memory foam, latex, and so on to find the best mattresses and the type which suits you best.14. Metal coils are common, but not necessarily the best. Innerspring beds are prone to sagging and allergens, are noisy and have a bouncy effect some people find uncomfortable.15. Memory foam is far from perfect. Despite all the hype, memory foam is not the ultimate choice. It tends to feel hot, expels an unpleasant chemical smell and is prone to body indentations.16. Natural latex foam is better. Keep an eye out for natural latex if you do decide to go with this classic foam choice.17.
Waterbeds are not for everyone. Waterbeds can follow the body’s shape and feel cool, but some people also feel seasick and dizzy on them and they don’t always provide enough back support.18. Hybrid beds are becoming more popular. If you want to get the benefits of the different types of mattresses, get hybrids like latex and memory foam combination, or an innerspring with memory foam top layer.19. There are reasons why some brands are more well known than others. Look for trusted brands that have good quality products and good customer support.20. Look for a good warranty. The warranty, of course, is the most important aspect of a mattress brand’s customer support system. The longer the warranty, the better.Remember that you will spend more time on your bed than any other furniture item in your home. A small amount of time spent researching your mattress choices can pay huge dividends by contributing to your comfort and well being for years to come. These tips were provided to us by David Patrick from Mattress Wiz.