Tips For Buying A New Mattress 05/28/2015 3:29 pm EDT 06/23/2015 1:59 pm EDT In the market for a new mattress? In a sea of quilted beige cushion tops, it can be difficult to find the perfect mattress for your needs. Sure, we all know the basics: if you have a bad back, firmer is better, but if you want something that's cozy, foam is perfect for you. But even with the basics covered, a new poll by online mattress retailer Casper suggests Canadians just can't stand shopping for new mattresses, with more than 30 per cent saying they'd rather be nursing a hangover. We can only assume they based the study on "The Hangover."Testing out mattresses doesn't seem like it would cause nightmares, but in a press release, Casper claimed only 22 per cent of Canadians actually found buying a mattress in store helpful. On the flip side, more than 40 per cent admit that having an extended period to try out the mattress at home would make buying a mattress much more enjoyable.Regardless of how you're doing it, buying a new mattress doesn't have to be complicated.
In the slideshow below, we provide seven tips to help you find the perfect mattress. And if you're still struggling to find the right fit, we've also included our five favourite mattresses that will make you want to spend the whole day in bed.The lowdown on crib mattresses Types of mattresses What to look for when buying Important safety notes What it's going to cost you The lowdown on crib mattressesA good mattress not only makes bedtime cozier – it supports your growing baby and keeps her safe. Consider cost, comfort, and durability, as your baby will probably sleep in a crib for up to 3 years.Browse dozens of cribs.Types of mattresses“Breathable” mattresses, made of materials that are supposed to allow a baby to breathe freely even if his or her face is pressed up against it, are getting more popular. Experts haven’t yet weighed in on their efficacy.What to look for when buyingDensity: You want high density so it’s firm enough to keep your baby safe while sleeping. Most foam mattresses don't list density on the packaging, but weight can be a good indicator.
As for innerspring mattresses, manufacturers often equate the number of coils with firmness, but the gauge of the wire is just as important. Lower gauge means thicker wire, which is stronger and therefore firmer. Look for a mattress with 135 or more coils and a gauge of 15.5 or lower.Weight: A typical foam mattress weighs about 7 to 8 pounds, although mattresses made of memory foam (an especially dense form of polyurethane) can weigh close to 20 pounds. Innerspring crib mattresses are heavier in general, weighing in at about 15 to 25 pounds. Keep in mind that you'll be hoisting up a side of the mattress, or lifting the whole thing, when changing your baby's sheet.Cleaning: Most traditional mattresses suggest spot-cleaning only. Some have removable covers that can be machine-washed. The innards of at least one crib mattress on the market can be hosed down in the tub once its washable cover is removed.Certification seals: Crib mattresses for sale in the United States must meet safety standards defined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials.
(The Juvenile Products Manufacturer Association does not test or certify crib mattresses.) A manufacturer's claim that a product is organic can mean a variety of things, but look for an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification (a worldwide uniform certification), which assures you that certain flame retardants and heavy metals were not used to make the mattress.Important safety notesNo matter what mattress parents choose, they should continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe-sleep guidelines and put babies to sleep on their backs on a firm, bare surface.What it's going to cost youCrib mattresses start at about $40 and can range to more than $350. Organic mattresses start at about $80 and can reach $400. Download our illustrated guide to crib mattressesAmerican Academy of Pediatrics. /English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Choosing-a-Crib.aspx [Accessed May 2016]Consumer Reports. Crib mattress buying guide. /cro/crib-mattresses/buying-guide.htm [Accessed May 2016]Consumer Reports.
/cro/cribs/buying-guide.htm [Accessed May 2016]CPSC. Learn how to put your baby to sleep safely. http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/cribs/ [Accessed May 2016] Do you have feedback about this page? Take your refund to the max & get the most out of your return with the right tax software Major DEALS on major appliances FINAL WEEK TO SAVE BIG SAVINGS on baby gear from the brands you trust SAVE UP TO 70% on luggage sets - Starting as low as $199.99The spring mattress is by far the most common type of mattress in use. The core of the mattress is made up of metal springs, or coils, to support your body. In many spring mattresses, the coils are encased in individual pockets, which offer more contoured support and better movement isolation than connected springs. A comfort layer is added on top of the coils and can be made from a variety of materials, including pillow padding and latex. Spring mattresses range in firmness of the coils and plushness of the comfort layer, so nearly anyone can find a mattress that feels right.
They are also extremely affordable, particularly compared to memory foam mattresses. Whether you are in the market for a new pocket-coil mattress or one with continuous springs, here are some key factors to keep in mind to help you choose the best mattress for getting a good night’s sleep. Coil gauge refers to the thickness and firmness of the coils. Many people mistakenly believe that the total number of coils defines a good mattress, but the gauge of the metal the coils are made from is more important. That’s because coil gauge determines the firmness and overall support of a spring mattress. Coil gauge is measured in quarter increments and the lower the number, the thicker the gauge. Furthermore, the thicker the gauge, the firmer a mattress will be. In addition to coil gauge, you should consider the type of materials used for the upholstered top layer of a spring mattress. While the coils provide support, this comfort layer augments the feel of the mattress, providing further comfort and cushioning.
Look for high-quality materials that conform to your body and are layered for extra comfort. The best mattresses are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin to California king. Most people change positions frequently in their sleep. Thus, opt for a spring mattress that is big enough for you to move freely for a peaceful and uninterrupted night of sleep. Warranties on spring mattresses cover manufacturing defects, such as a coil popping out of the mattress. Any mattress you are considering should come with a multi-year warranty that protects against such defects. Purchasing a mattress can be a significant investment, and considering how much time you spend sleeping on it, your mattress should be guaranteed to last for years to come. Since comfort preferences and budget tend to determine the type of mattress you sleep on, no one type of mattress is superior to others. However, a spring mattress can be a smart choice if you’re seeking an affordable mattress that provides your desired level of firmness.