Expert tips on shopping for the right mattress
(Photo courtesy of Mattress Firm)
A good mattress is a key ingredient for a good night’s sleep. Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve been in the market for a new one? There’s been a lot of technological advances recently. Did you know your mattress can give you a massage? Or, that a “coconut pillow” can help you breathe better at night? Your mattress can even adjust so that it makes it more comfortable on those lazy Saturday mornings when you enjoy breakfast in bed.
Memorial Day weekend just so happens to be the most popular time of the year for mattress shopping, and stores are having huge sales.
So, we’ve done a little homework for you and asked Chris Marsh, Vice President of Merchandising at Mattress Firm — the largest specialty retailer of mattresses in the United States — some questions about mattress buying.
ShopAtHome.com: How can an old mattress be interrupting our ZZZ’s?
Chris Marsh: Over the years, your mattress practically doubles in weight from sweat, dead skin and millions of dust mites, that can aggravate allergies and interrupt sleep. At different times in our lives, our bodies, lifestyles and needs also change. If you experience an onset of trouble sleeping or aches and pains, it’s your body telling you it’s time for a change.
SAH: What’s the lifetime of mattress? And, what are some things that we can do to care for our mattresses to make them last their longest?
CM: To find out how old your mattress is, check the tag. If it’s over 8 years old, it’s time to replace.
Additionally, it’s time to buy a new mattress if:
- · You wake up with aches and pains that dissipate throughout the day
- · Your mattress shows visible signs of wear and tear
- · You feel the coils when lying on your bed
- · You hear noises/creaks on your mattress when moving around
- · You roll toward the middle of the bed
Never use a cleaning product because it can breakdown your comfort layers. The best and easiest way to care for your mattress is by placing a waterproof mattress protector on your new mattress.
SAH: For those who haven’t been in the market for a new mattress for some time, can you tell us what new technological trends we might notice?
CM: Climate Control Beds: Climate control mattress technology provides heating and cooling functionality to personalize your sleep environment. Each side of the bed has independent climate controls that can help end the battle over the covers. Exclusively at Mattress Firm, the YuMe climate control bed is available in Texas and Atlanta, Georgia locations and will be available nationwide later this year.
Adjustable Bases: Adjustable beds are quickly becoming popular among people seeking better sleep. The range of positions allow sleepers to control health problems that could be aggravated by flat beds, including swelling, acid reflux and back pain. But they are not just for medical facilities. Adjustable bases are also a great choice for people who like to read, watch TV or eat breakfast in bed. It makes the bed a more suitable and flexible piece of furniture for various lifestyles. Many feature luxurious extras like wireless controls and massage.
Hybrid Beds: Hybrid beds provide the support of pocketed coil technology with layers of memory foam for pressure relief. This style provides the contouring feel of memory foam, which reduces pressure points, and the deep down support of a pocketed coil, which promotes proper spinal alignment.
SAH: We’ve heard about the coconut foam pillows. Sounds like vacation. What can they do for us?
CM: The Coconut Bliss Pillow is a great choice for back and side sleepers. It has natural coconut integrated with premium foam, which allows for 3 times more air circulation than traditional foams, giving you a more comfortable night’s sleep.
SAH: After buying a new mattress, what’s the best thing to do with our old one?
CM: Disposing of an old mattress set can be difficult. When you are buying a new mattress, check the procedure of the retailer you are purchasing from. Many will remove your old mattress as part of the delivery service.
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