Mattress Buying Tips
Buying a mattress is a necessity that many people take for granted. Since it's not something that needs to be replaced often, once the need arises we may not be armed with the information needed to make a good buying decision. There are ten mattress buying tips to keep in mind when make this important purchase.
1. Do Your Research Before Purchasing Your Mattress
Walking into a mattress retailer with little or no information is not a wise idea. Uniformed consumers are easy targets for salesmen who's only concern is to sell you the most expensive model in stock. Even with minimal knowledge from manufacturers websites, you'll be able to hold your own.
2. Consider Recommendations
This tip is especially useful if you suffer any sort of back problems or other health issues that may have a bearing on what type of mattress your should be shopping for. Consult your physician or physical therapist and listen carefully to any advice they might have to offer. Your mattress choice could make a health condition worse if you don't make the right decision.
3. Understand Your Options
Be informed about the fundamental differences in the way mattresses are manufactured. Innerspring, memory foam, sleep number, and adjustable mattresses are all possibilities you might consider. Based on research and recommendations, you may be able to narrow down your options to a particular type of mattress. It never hurts to try them all however.
4. Bring Your Measuring Tape
Out of all the mattress buying tips that you may encounter, this is the simplest and the most often overlooked. Don't buy a mattress if you aren't sure it will make it to the bedroom. This may seem very straight forward, but there are many occasions where the combination of narrow doorways, tight hallways, and winding stair cases may determine what size mattress you will need to buy. This is especially true when deciding to upgrade. Always take measurements.
5. Box Springs
If you currently have an innerspring mattress, you most likely have a box spring, unless you own a platform bed. If you plan on eliminating your box spring and switching to a platform bed, use caution. Innerspring mattresses are typically designed to rest on top of box springs. Putting a regular mattress on a platform will cause wear and tear that the mattress is not designed for. If you must use a platform bed, consider buying a foam mattress.
6. Memory Foam
Use caution when buying inexpensive foam mattresses at big box retail stores. The key to memory foam is the thickness and overall density of the material. Thicker memory foam will serve you better in the end, but you will have to pay the price. Thin foam mattresses may result in back issues and poor sleeping patterns.
7. Adjustable Beds
Even if the odds are that you won't make the purchase, at least examine the pros and cons of an adjustable bed. Ask your physician what they believe the benefits might be in regards to taking stress off of your lower back. If you or your spouse have a habit of reading or watching television in bed, it might be a consideration.
8. Price Shopping
Especially in difficult financial times, budget is always going to be an issue. It shouldn't be a deal breaker however. If you can find a good bargain on a mattress that feels right, it does deserve consideration. Keep in mind that less expensive mattresses may not offer the length of service that brand names can provide. This isn't always the case, but remember that a mattress is an investment, not just a requirement.
9. Warranty.
Take a close look at the warranty that any prospective manufacturer has to offer. Read the fine print because the devil is always in the details. Look for a good 10 year unconditional warranty that covers all the bases.
10. Money Back Guarantee.
You won't know how your new mattress really performs until you've logged in some solid sleep time. Most retailers and manufacturers will offer consumers a 30 day comfort guarantee. Never hesitate to use this. If you find that your new mattress is the least bit uncomfortable, chances are it won't get better after 1 month. Common sense, patience, and good research always make good mattress buying tips.