Mattress Purchasing Decisions
PURCHASING DECISIONS
“Those who have never suffered the iniquities of exile cannot possibly understand the significance, the gravitas, of a mattress.”
- Ariel Dorfman -
When is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
Early spring is the best time, either March or April, or holidays such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday. You will find sales on one or two mattresses or brands throughout the year, but during the major holidays, a larger portion of the products in the marketplace will be significantly marked down. One tip to get a great deal on a new mattress is to inquire about floor model mattresses for sale. This is because new mattress models will typically be in stores by March or April. As new mattresses become available, shoppers can save money by purchasing an older model or a floor sample directly from the showroom floor. A floor model mattress could save you up to 50% off the price. You can inquire with a manager about when the store intends to turn over its inventory, as timing can vary.
It is recommended that you start mattress shopping if your current mattress is between seven and ten years old. Your body can also tell you when it's time to replace it. You might not notice your current mattress is uncomfortable until you go on vacation and sleep on a different mattress. Maybe your tastes have changed, or your partners. Tips For Purchasing a Mattress Look on the Internet: You've probably seen social media mattress unboxing videos. Online retailers such as Bear Mattress, Casper, and Lull provide convenience by shipping their mattresses in a box. Aside from the novelty factor, online pricing can be extremely competitive.
Try it Out: Sleep on it before making a decision. Many sellers provide a free trial period. You'll get a refund if you take a mattress home and decide to return it within a certain time frame (usually 100 to 120 nights). That's especially useful if you're buying from an online seller and haven't yet felt the mattress. Some mattress retailers that used to be online-only now feature their stock in stores, allowing you to try it out. Even if they don’t, go to a store and lay on some different mattresses there. (Bring slip-off shoes and wear your nice socks). You can then get a sense of what type of mattress suits you best. Glowing reviews and descriptions won’t help you if you don’t know what style you find more comfortable. Full foam, hybrid, or pillow top? And how large of a bed do you really need? A single adult will often still get a Queen-sized mattress, perhaps thinking of future guests, but there is no reason to view a single bed as childish. You will save significant amounts of money by purchasing a smaller size than you think you need, especially if you live in an apartment.
Shop the Deals: Some sellers will refund the difference if the mattress you purchased goes on sale within a certain time frame after you purchase it. The 120-night price-guarantee window at Mattress Firm means you'll most likely be able to take advantage of pricing from at least one major sale period, and not have to wait for a holiday if you are in need. Negotiate: Unlike most other purchases, there is just a little wiggle room for negotiation. If you can't persuade a retailer to lower their prices, they usually are willing to throw in a free pillow or accessory to make it worthwhile. Green Certification: A new mattress can emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which are chemicals emitted by solvents used in mattress manufacturing and can cause health problems if inhaled. If you want to buy a mattress with low or no VOCs or other harmful chemicals, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the best label to look for. This certification ensures that a mattress is made of 95% organic material and that no chemical flame retardants or polyurethane were used in its manufacture. The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) for latex mattresses ensures that the latex used is 95% organic and that no chemical flame retardants or polyurethane were used.
Don't Purchase a Box Spring: It's possible you won't need it. If your box spring is still structurally sound, keep it and save money (roughly $150 to $300 for a queen-size). One caveat: some manufacturers require you to purchase their box spring in order to receive full warranty coverage. Many foam manufacturers recommend a platform foundation or a solid slatted-wood foundation in any case. If you don’t need to buy the box spring at the retailer, look at reseller sites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Where you might be hesitant to buy a used mattress, a box spring doesn’t carry as much sanitary concerns, and you may even be able to get one for free by looking in the free sections on those marketplaces. Size Considerations If you're in the market for a new mattress, this could be an exciting opportunity for a room makeover! Maybe your lifestyle has changed, and you now live in a larger home with a bedroom that can accommodate more than the old bed you've had for a decade. Or perhaps you relocated to the city for a new job and now live in a much smaller apartment, making it more practical to downsize your bed. Whatever your circumstances are, size is a critical factor to consider when purchasing a mattress. Begin by measuring your room, deciding whether you want to keep your bed in the same location or move it, and determining what size bed and mattress the space can accommodate.
Speaking of redecorating, the specifics of the bed frame you have in mind must also be taken into account as well as the mattress size. Leave plenty of room to maneuver around the bed, accounting for other furniture such as dressers.
Firmness : To determine what type of mattress you require, first ask yourself a couple of questions: do you prefer a firm, plush, or bouncy sleeping surface? Do you prefer to sleep on your back or on your side? Do you sweat a lot at night and toss and turn a lot? Answering these questions will help you narrow your options and assist you once you begin shopping. While the mattress industry has a firmness scale, each brand will have their own definition of what the terms "firm" and "extra firm" actually mean when it comes to their products. And of course, what feels firm to you might be too soft for another person. The firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest mattress available and 10 being the firmest available. While this will help you when shopping, nothing will tell you more about the firmness and comfort of a mattress than trying it out for yourself. You might also consider purchasing a mattress topper or pad that improves comfort and makes the bed feel more plush without causing the mattress to lose any of its firmness. If you're looking for extra padding and comfort in your new mattress, you might want to consider a pillowtop model. However, keep in mind that pillowtop mattresses sag and lose their plushness over time, while also costing you more money to buy in the first place.
Also remember your own body size and weight when you consider how firm or soft to get a mattress. Larger and heavier people tend to appreciate a firm mattress more, as it will have more give under their frame. An extremely thin or light person will often look to softer mattresses, as they will not be concerned about sinking in too deep, and an extremely firm mattress may feel like a board. Also consider the temperature and weather where you live. If you live in a humid climate, consider a mattress with hypoallergenic qualities; some even have copper infused in them to prevent the spread of bacteria and mold. A dry yet hot climate like a desert will create a need for a cool, breathable mattress - and advertisers will specify if a mattress is “cooling” or one that circulates air well. The different types of material your mattress is made of will contribute to its heating or cooling properties, so when looking at types of mattresses keep the materials in mind that best suit your heating or cooling preferences for a good night’s sleep.
Types of Mattresses
The mattress market has grown enormously, with numerous types of mattresses available at various price points. You may be familiar with the common types, such as memory foam, innerspring, and Hybrids - but, as with any large purchase, do some research and weigh the pros and cons of each type of mattress before making a decision. The following are the most common types of mattresses sold in stores and online today. Innersprings Mattress: This is the most common and traditional mattress on the market, and it is available at a variety of price points, including very low prices. It is supported by metal springs or coils and is on the firmer side, so it may not be the best option for someone looking for a softer, more plush option. Many shoppers are accustomed to innerspring mattresses, especially when compared to the boxed mattresses that have become popular in recent years. They're better suited to back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface to keep their spine aligned. When shopping, keep coil gauge and coil count in mind. The coil gauge indicates the thickness of the steel; it typically ranges from 12 to 15, with a lower number indicating firmer and more durable steel. The number of coils in the mattress is indicated by the coil count; a high-quality model will have at least 400 coils in a Queen size. Consider pocketed coils, in which each spring is individually wrapped (rather than webbed together) for targeted support. Some excellent brands include: Beautyrest, Saatva, & Dreamcloud. Memory
Foam Mattress: This type of mattress is softer and conforms to your body's shape, making it an excellent choice for extra support and pressure relief. It will suit you if you do not require extreme firmness and are prone to getting cold at night. There is a cooling memory foam option for anyone who is always warm, which will keep you from feeling too hot at night. Memory foam mattresses are typically more expensive, so keep that in mind if price is an issue. Tuft & Needle, Layla, & Temper-pedic.
Hybrid Mattress: A hybrid mattress combines innerspring and memory foam mattresses to provide the best of both worlds. It is an excellent choice for a wide range of body types and sleepers. It is more expensive, but this may be offset by its durability. Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam or latex with coils, so you don't have to choose just one. Coils provide support at the bottom, while foam provides pressure relief at the top. When you lie down, many hybrids on the market, particularly those from bed-in-a-box brands, feel very similar to foam beds. Some popular brands of hybrid mattress include, Helix, Saatva, & Brooklyn Bedding.
Latex Mattress: This is an excellent option if you want a mattress that conforms to your body and is unlikely to accumulate allergens. It won't make you feel as hot as a memory foam mattress, and it has a little more bounce and elasticity, which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your needs. As you shop, you'll notice two types of latex: Dunlop, which is often denser, and Talalay, which may feel softer. In reality, you might not be able to tell the difference between the two. Some brands that offer excellent latex mattresses include: Winkbed, Birch & Avacado.
Air-Filled Mattress: The primary advantage of this type of mattress is its adjustability, which allows you to control how full, and thus how firm, the mattress is. Many have a warranty ranging from 10 to 30 years, but you will undoubtedly pay a higher price for them. One of its drawbacks is that it can gradually deflate, resulting in uneven air distribution. An air filled mattress (besides what you hurriedly blow up for guests or when you are moving) are not very common yet, and are best for couples with opposing tastes. Although they are not an air-option, Sleep Number made a name for itself by being the first to really customize each side of the bed to account for a difference in preferences expressed by partners. They are reputable, though expensive. Other air-powered mattress options include: ReST bed, Solaire, & Ghost Smartbed.
Boxed Mattress: Because of the convenience, affordability, and quality of these mattresses, this is becoming an increasingly popular option. It's simply a mattress that has been compressed to fit inside a box, as the name implies. It's the most convenient option because you order it online, it's shipped directly to your door, and instead of lugging a bulky flat mattress up the stairs and around tight corners, all you have to do is take the box into your bedroom, unpack the mattress, and let it sit flat until it fully forms its shape. Some popular brands of boxed mattresses (all relatively new to the market but with glowing customer reviews) are: Casper, Leesa, and Purple.
Purchasing a Mattress Online
Purchasing a mattress online is becoming more popular, especially with the growing number of companies offering high-quality mattresses that are conveniently shipped right to your door. It saves you time because you don't have to go to a physical store and spend hours looking at mattresses, and it's often less expensive to shop online. Furthermore, you will not be responsible for transporting the mattress to your home. However, there are drawbacks to shopping online, the main one being that you cannot try the mattress on before purchasing it, and returning it is often a lengthy process that can cost you return shipping and even a restocking fee. If you do decide to go this route, make sure to carefully read the store's return policy to avoid any future headaches. The good news is that the major brands of online mattresses provide high quality mattresses with excellent customer service - so if you don’t like a mattress, it will just be a matter of personal preference, not because the whole experience was a scam. Online mattress retailers know they have to overcome a lot of trust issues with their clients who are making a large purchase in terms of dollars as well as physically, so they tend to have excellent return policies.
Mattress Myths
A pillow-top mattress is best for comfort: Pillow-top mattresses are comfy, but so are others. A pillow-top mattress merely has a luxurious feel, like many others. If you want extra soft, consider a pillow-top or cushioned mattress topper. Some 'pillow-top' mattresses have a soft cushioned top to mask a lack of strength or integrity. Your back may protest a few weeks or days after lying on it. Most mattresses give needed support. Mattress construction is more significant than the top. Core support requires a stable central core. Over it, or integrated with it, should be a layer that supports your full spine, not just your hips and shoulders. Otherwise, lumbar difficulties may arise. Your pillowtop might be a removable mattress topper, which is much less expensive and more customizable than paying hundreds extra for a fancy mattress.
Bad backs prefer hard mattresses: Many believe a firmer mattress provides more support. It makes sense, but your spine curves from your neck to your coccyx. As you mature, your spine becomes 'S'-shaped. From shoulder to hips, the thoracic curvature slopes inward. From behind, your spine seems straight. Sideways, it's curved. Hard mattresses don't support your back's curve as much. This causes back pain, and vertebral compression. If you sleep on your side, a hard mattress may be okay. Shoulders, hips, feet, and the small of your back also need support. Medium-firm mattresses are preferable than soft ones, and back sleepers seem to prefer memory foam. Box springs are required: Another mattress myth. A mattress for your weight should be box spring-free. Box springs and solid wood bases are generally superior than slatted bases. In the past, mattresses were thinner and simpler, and the box spring provided spring and absorbed shock, however box springs aren't needed for modern mattresses.
Mattresses should be flipped and turned regularly: Many believe flipping and turning a mattress regularly keeps it comfortable. Not necessarily. Most current mattresses are one-sided and can't be flipped. However, you may find it helps to turn or rotate your new mattress monthly after purchasing it. If you do this for around six months, then for every three months after that, you should get the best wear and performance from it. Mattress impressions are normal and not a sign of a faulty mattress. Look for the best Mattress warranties or guarantees: Usually an empty promise! A 5-year or 10-year warranty, or even a 'lifetime warranty,' does not usually refer to the mattress. If you read it carefully, you may discover that it is about the materials used to make the mattress. Many warranties are voided if you wash any topper provided or attempt to clean the mattress's surface. Check the terms and conditions of any warranty offered. You might discover that cleaning up a baby's sick from your mattress voids the warranty!
