Top 7 Tips for Buying a New Mattress

You may not notice but a mattress is a place in your home where you spend most of your time in. Did you know according to The National Bed Federation, they recommend you change your mattress every seven years (although really good ones can last eight to ten years in some cases even more)? They warn that quite often a mattress has worn out before you realise. Indeed, the Sleep Council points out that after seven years, your mattress will have had over 20,000 hours of wear and tear, to go with the half-pint of fluid lost each night and a pound of dead skin cells shed each year.

The tell-tale signs that you need a new mattress include finding that you sleep better in other beds, and realising that you don’t sleep as well as you did a year or so ago. If you start to wake up with stiffness or pain it may also be a sign that you need to splash the cash.

A mattress that’s right for you and not worn out will mean you move about less, awaken less and are less disturbed by your partner. You’re also less likely to wake up feeling groggy or with any aches or pains and have slept comfortably during the night and early morning.

It seems you can’t watch the evening news on the telly or pass by a shopping centre without someone trying to sell you a mattress or bed. The seemingly limitless options for choosing a mattress can be overwhelming. This is even truer if you experience back or neck pain. Choosing the right or wrong mattress can make the difference between spending the day feeling good or in pain. Nowadays, with the quality of your sleep and the support of your spine at stake, do you really want to risk spending a fortune on an unsupportive mattress that won’t stand the test of time?

These Top 7 tips can’t guarantee you will end up with the perfect mattress (since everyone’s mattress needs are different) but they can help you make a good choice so here are the Top 10 Tips for Buying a New Mattress.

1.Always research online before going shopping. The question is How much do I need to spend? The answer is, it’s up to you and your budget. However, if you prefer to go to the traditional route if you want to choose from a greater variety and feel the mattress before buying it. Most stores will also offer removal of your existing mattress. The downside is it can feel overwhelming and it’s harder to compare prices to know if you’re getting a good deal.

A big mistake is rushing the decision by quickly lying down on many different mattresses to find the one that feels best. If you’re going to invest in a mattress, take the time to recline for a while (at least 10 minutes) and make sure you don’t feel any pressure or pain. In a mattress store, you should never pay full price. Always shop the sales, and don’t be afraid to negotiate with the salesperson.

2.Shop at a store that specialises in mattresses. The salespeople usually have more training on the whole subject of sleep. Try to find a store that carries several major brands.

3. Be careful and watch out for gimmicks. Mattress sellers will label mattresses as “orthopaedic” or “medically-approved,” but there is no medical organisation that officially certifies mattresses to carry these labels. They may have orthopaedic-friendly features, but no medical group has verified this. So do ask them to clarify.

4.Check the warranty. A good mattress will have a minimum of a 10-year full replacement. Check the warranty, not only for the number of years it lasts but also for the fine print. Most warranties cover manufacturing defects, which will probably happen quite quickly, for example, a popped spring, or foam not bouncing back. But if something happens and you haven’t used the recommended bed base or have failed to use a mattress protector when they insist you need one, the warranty could be invalid.

5.If you have a health condition such as back pains, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about what he or she recommends. Keep in mind that doctors are not mattress experts, but they know your medical condition and symptoms and will probably have some good advice from that point of view.

6. Always take the mattress for a test drive. When shopping for a mattress, try to lie on the mattress in the store for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t feel self-conscious or let the salesperson hurry you along. It is, of course, a big purchase, and if you don’t try it for at least 10 minutes you’re not going to get a real feel for it. Couples should test out the mattress together too.

Your mattress should provide the correct support and comfort levels. That’s why it’s important to either try before you buy or get a mattress with a trial period. That means either trying it out in the shop, taking time to lie on it in your natural sleeping position or, if you buy one online, looking for one that comes with a 100-day trial period. As a general rule, heavier people tend to prefer firm support, while lighter people find medium or soft mattresses more comfortable. However, you need to consider your sleeping position and personal preference too. In fact, personal preference counts for more than you probably think.

7.Be aware that firm mattresses aren’t always better for your back. Think twice before buying a hard or firm mattress, as some research has shown that the best mattress for low back pain is a medium-firm mattress rather than a firm mattress. There is a difference between firm support and a firm feel. You want firm support with a comfortable feel. Comfort will be determined by your personal preference.

Remember, it’s your mattress, your back, and your money, so it’s worth the time to research it and get the best mattress possible. Keep an eye out for specials and sales, and always try to negotiate delivery charges.