Every 10 years or so you probably buy a new mattress. That's the typical thinking. It's odd, though, that something we spend so much time with (and on) takes up so little of our brain power. We lay on them every night, do little to no maintenance on them and really only consider buying a new bed or mattress when we see a good deal after the mystical 10 year period has elapsed. Verlo and its recently-renovated flagship store at 6501 W. Layton Ave. wants to change this. The Milwaukee-maker of mattresses isn't alone in wanting to solve our sleep challenges or change our minds about what we want and need in a mattress. It is, though, unique in its transparent, modern and comfortable approach. The end of last year unveiling of the rebranded and redesigned Verlo store featured new mattress collections utilizing the latest sleep technology and an entirely new mattress selection process. This new process isn't one based on price and laying awkwardly on a showroom bed. Rather it includes beacon-enabled iPads and easy-to-understand icons to help you identify which mattress might best fit your needs.
Apple Store is an easy comparison for this new Verlo store, but it's not quite that. The Greenfield store is very welcoming and almost instantly alleviates some of the bad design feelings that a local furniture or national mattress store can elicit. The store is the result of three years of research, planning and development. One thing that stands out as you tour the pods to find your best bed is that Verlo tells you and shows you exactly how the bed is made. In fact, the factory is attached to the store and showcased via huge windows. You can watch your bed being made, ask questions and even help make your mattress. "We wanted to demystify the mattress. There's no magic in making what is basically a big subway sandwich of pieces and parts. The magic in this for the customer is that they get to see how it's all made, and if they want to, our customers can actually help make their products," said Chris Nolte, CEO of Verlo Mattress. Making your own bed doesn't cost any more or less as Verlo's factory direct cost structure keeps all prices competitive.
Constructing the bed you sleep on might not appeal to everyone, but it's available and helps personalize the buying process and lessen the sales talk. "You'll hear so much less sales talk here, we won't try to move you from one bed to another. It's all clearly laid out and people can self select based upon price and features with a logical flow that makes it transparent and simple," said Nolte. It is pretty easy to walk through the store and if I wanted a salesperson he/she responded or I just let the iPad and the questions it asks me guide me. Another creative tie in at the store is Verlo's leverage of its parent company, Marcus Investments. Marcus, of course, owns hotels and beds often help make or break a hotel goer's experience. "Have you ever slept on a hotel mattress and said, "This is awesome?" But, then, what did you do about it? Well, the genius of Marcus Investments buying Verlo is that it can use the product in its hotels. And, of course, then you try before you buy," said David Marcus, president of Marcus Investments.
In the Greenfield store is a Pfister Hotel set up with photos and a bed like you'd see at Marcus' marquee Downtown Milwaukee hotel. You don't, though, have to buy The Pfister bed when you shop at Verlo. All beds come with Lifetime Comfort Guarantee and soon may even be able to let Verlo do regular maintenance on your mattress. You do it on your car; why not your bed. The company has 24 locations in Wisconsin and more than 40 nationwide, but its showcase store in Greenfield is where it's heading. The Verlo people like to talk about the "retail transformation" of the store. It's indeed a transformative experience that just might also give you a better night's sleepOn all orders over $49 LEARN MORE Mattress Protector Bulk Buying Guide Whether you run a hotel, summer camp, school or shelter, mattress protectors can save you lots of money by protecting the mattresses you’ve invested in and keeping them in great condition a lot longer. Which mattress protector is best for your business depends on how you plan to use it.
What to Look for in a Mattress Protector Make sure your mattress protector is completely waterproof to guard against bedwetting, spills, and other mattress-ruining accidents. Certified Bed Bug Proof Bed bugs can squeeze through tiny holes at the start or end of mattress protector zippers, so if bed bugs are a concern choose a protector that’s certified bed bug proof. Mattress protectors that breathe keep the user cool. Those that don’t breathe might get overly warm and be less comfortable. Some protectors require regular washing. Others can simply stay on the bed and be wiped down with a damp cloth. Allergy bedding reduces dust mites, pollen and other allergens to help sleepers get better, more restful sleep. Some mattress protectors can even guard against fire in case of emergency. Make sure to choose the right size (twin, full, queen, king, etc) and depth so your mattress protector fits well and is easy to put on. Basic Types of Mattress Protectors
Fitted protectors protect the top and sides of the mattress. They guard against moisture but aren’t bed bug or allergen proof. Typically not recommended for commercial use. These protectors will guard the top of your mattress, but not the sides or underneath. Anchor bands help hold these protectors in place. Once again, good for home but usually not for commercial use. Zippered protectors offer the most protection by encasing your entire mattress. Great for commercial use! A mattress protector is only as good as the material that makes it. Here are the two main types and pros and cons of both, so you can make the best decision for your business. Effective against moisture, bed bugs, allergens & more Aren’t breathable (can be hot to sleep on) Can make “plastic” noise Vinyl mattress protectors are the most cost effective and least time consuming to clean. They don’t need to be washed; simply leave them on the bed and wipe them down with a damp cloth or disinfectant.
We recommend them for camps, dorms, and shelters. Because vinyl protectors aren’t breathable and can make a “plastic” sound, we usually don’t recommend them for hotels. But if you’re a hotel owner looking for a protector for your box springs, these are a great option. Vinyl mattress protectors come in two styles: 3 gauge and 6 gauge. For commercial use, we always recommend 6 gauge. They’re heavy duty and won’t rip or tear like a 3 gauge protector might. Cost slightly more than vinyl Unlike vinyl protectors, urethane mattress protectors breathe well, are super comfortable to sleep on, and completely quiet. We recommend these for hotels. They aren’t quite as cheap as vinyl protectors but are still cost effective. They also require washing instead of simply being wiped down. Dry Defender Zippered Vinyl Mattress Protector - Heavy Duty This heavy-duty mattress protector is waterproof, certified bed bug proof, reduces allergens and is even flame retardant.
The 6 gauge vinyl is durable and will last you a long time. Its patented Bugstop Seal and rust-proof zipper makes this protector impenetrable to bed bugs. Plus, the protector’s antimicrobial treatment prevents the growth of mold or mildew. This mattress protector is perfect for summer camps, dorms, shelters and more. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out the reviews. Dry Defender Premium Breathable Zippered Mattress Encasement This breathable mattress protector is waterproof, certified bed bug proof, reduces allergens, and is made right here in the USA. The waterproof material is completely breathable so it won’t get too hot at night, and its smooth cotton is super comfortable. It won’t make any “plastic” sound like vinyl protectors do. Plus, it comes with an impressive 10 year warranty. This mattress is perfect for hotels, as it keeps your mattress safe without compromising comfort. Check out the reviews here. 1. Remember to measure the depth of your beds before buying a mattress protector.