Contrary to popular belief, your mattress is the most important piece of furniture in your home. No, that Hi-Def TV or that Front Loading Washing Machine are not the most important. For most people, no item in your home will get more hours of use. We spend approximately one-third of our lives on them. No other piece of furniture contributes so directly to your health and well being. If your mattress is more than 10 years old, if it has formed annoying peaks, valleys or lumps, or if you wake up stiff and sore, it’s probably time for a new one.

The short of it is that your body needs a restful night’s sleep in order to be fresh for the day ahead. The effects of poor sleep can have negative effects on memory, cognitive skills, digestion and potentially many other functions. A mattress that is worn out or poorly suited to your needs can cause you to lose valuable sleep. To the contrary, sleeping on the right mattress can help you sleep better.

Obvious signs that your old mattress has seen better days:

• A valley has developed in the section of the mattress where you sleep,
• Sagging across the middle third of the mattress or along the sides makes you roll toward your partner,
• The mattress makes creaking noises,
• Soft, non-supportive edges are a sign of edge breakdown,
• You’re waking up sore or stiff in the morning,
• You’ve developed reoccurring back pain.

How tired are you?

Signs that you are not getting enough sleep:

• You are always tired in the morning,
• You are having constant difficulty getting out of bed,
• You are in need of a nap during the day,
• You are irritable,
• You are unable to concentrate,
• You sleep better in beds that are not your own,
• You are not sleeping well.

Poor sleeping habits and the effects of sleep deprivation is usually the first sign that you need a new mattress.

YOU ARE THE BEST TEST OF A MATTRESS!

Obviously a good night’s sleep is crucial. Sleep helps replenish the vital energy you expend during the day. If you’re not getting refreshing, deep sleep, it is probably time to shop for a new mattress.

1. WARRANTY. Most mattresses come with a 10 year warranty. However, some warranties are void if the mattress has even the slightest stain on it. If you plan to use your mattress warranty at some point it is critical that you purchase a waterproof mattress cover early on. Some warranties also require that the bed be flipped every six months.

2. TAKE YOUR TIME! Don’t rush through the purchasing process. There are many different types of mattresses (innerspring, foam, air, water, futon) and even more manufacturers (sealy, serta, simmons, tempur-pedic, king koil, spring air, etc.). Don’t just lie down on a mattress for 10 seconds; take your time and relax on it, then try another. If you sleep with a partner be sure you bring that person with you to test. Lie on the bed facing away from your partner and see if you can figure out when he/she is getting in and out of bed.

3. FIRMNESS. Firmer is not necessarily better. There is a common sentiment that a firm bed is good for the spine. In fact, this is not the case. A very firm mattress doesn’t “give” which can force your spine to bend at the hips and shoulders. A softer (more plush) mattress can allow your hips and shoulders to sink into the bed slightly, keeping your spine straight when you sleep on your side. Don’t confuse firmness with supportive – they’re two different things.

4. SIZE. Pick the right size for your height. If you’re a tall person (over 6 feet) you will probably want to go with a king size bed. If you’re extremely tall you will want to consider the california king size. The california king is slightly narrower and taller than the “regular” california mattress. For most couples under six feet tall, a queen size bed should provide enough space to sleep comfortably.

5. COILS. More coils are not necessarily better. The two main types of innerspring mattresses are interlocking coil and independent coil. Interlocking coil mattresses actually require fewer coils because the coils are tied together with wire. Independent coil mattresses require more coils because each one must work on its own to support you. The benefit of an independent coil mattress is that it is less prone to movement if your partner is getting in and out of bed. This can be an important factor to consider if you’re a light sleeper.

6. HYBRIDS. Sometimes a hybrid mattress is worth considering. The lines between the different types of mattresses have blurred in recent years with the advent of innerspring mattresses with memory foam, innerspring futon mattresses, and innerspring mattresses that have water chambers inside them. Don’t get sold on too much hype – the ultimate test is how it feels to you.

7. BUDGET. Decide on a budget before you go in the store. Mattresses are very expensive – it will typically cost you at least $800 for a decent mattress & box spring combo and many people spend $2,000 or more on a bed. As you test different mattresses you will undoubtedly notice that the more expensive the mattress, the more comfortable it feels.

8. BRAND. Sometimes it’s worth it to go with a major brand. Smaller mattress retailers will sometimes try to sell you on a mattress that they claim is “just as good” as a major brand but at a much lower price. As with most things, you get what you pay for. Inexpensive mattresses are often cheaper because corners have been cut somewhere in the manufacturing process whether it’s the coils, the foam, the cotton batting, or the actual construction of the mattress itself. If you can afford it, you’ll likely get more miles out of a name brand mattress.