10 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Mattress

By Steven King

Shopped for a mattress lately? Unless you came armed with certain knowledge, you would be in a world of hurt. Here are a few tips you can put to immediate use from a guy that knows sleep inside and out, Steven King the Sleep Doctor.

Before I get into the details I would like to emphasize that you never shop for a mattress. Restful, peaceful, rejuvenating sleep is what you’re after and you are looking for the perfect fitting surface on which to accomplish this important mission.

1. Warranty: Most mattresses come with a 10-year warranty. However, the quickest way to void the warranty is to stain the mattress. Yes, the smallest stain will void it. The solution is to purchase a moisture proof mattress pad. Many are available and don’t cost a small fortune. Some manufacturers require that you flip/turn your mattress occasionally. Follow the instructions and you should be OK.

2. Take Time with Your Selection: This is all about your sleep. Can you think of anything more important? There are many different types of mattresses to choose from (innerspring, foam, air, water, and futon) and many national manufacturers (Sealy, Serta, Simmons, Tempur Pedic, King Koil, etc.). Take your time and try several comfort levels. Spend 10-to-15 minutes on each and lie down in your normal sleeping position. You’re looking for even support. Avoid hard spots, pinching, and if you feel the coils under you, get off, this one is not for you. If you sleep with a partner, bring that person with you. Try this: lie on the mattress facing away from each other and see if you can tell when the other gets in and out of the bed.

3. Firmness: Regardless of what you’ve heard, firmer is not necessarily better. A misconception exists that a firmer mattress is better for your spine. Not true. A too firm mattress does not have the “give” necessary and can force the spine to bend at the hips and shoulders. A softer (plushier) mattress allows your hips and shoulders to sink slightly keeping your spine straight while you sleep on your side. Sometimes it’s best to pick the not too soft/not too firm mattress.

4. Size: Select the right size for you. Tall people should consider a King (80” long). Extremely tall people may need a California King (84” long). For most couples under 6 feet tall, a queen is fine and will save you some money.

5. Coils: More coils are not necessarily better. The two main innerspring coil configurations are interlocking coil and independent coil. Interlocking coils usually require fewer coils because the coils are tied together with wire. Independent coil mattresses require more coils because each coil must work independently to support you. A mattress with independent coils is less prone to movement. This is a good choice if your partner gets in and out of bed a lot; this is important to light sleepers.

6. Hybrids: The lines between mattresses have blurred in recent years with the advent of innerspring mattresses with memory foam, latex, air, and water chambers. Don’t be distracted by the hype. The ultimate test is how it feels to you.

7. Comfort Exchange: Some retailers offer a comfort exchange. Sleep on your mattress investment and if you don’t like it, exchange it. A retailer may boast a comfort exchange policy and make it nearly impossible economically or logistically to exercise that option. Ask questions regarding this option and be sure all is in writing.

8. Budget: Have a budget in mind before you start shopping. Mattresses are expensive — expect to spend $800 plus for a decent queen mattress and box spring. Many people spend upwards of $2,000. Are they getting a better mattress? Not necessarily, its only better if it feels better to them.

9. Brand: If you can afford it, go with a major brand. Although some local and regional brands may be just as good, unless you have lots of faith in the retailer, the major brand is your best bet.

10. Where To Buy: Select a retailer carefully. Ask your friends, neighbors, and co-workers for a reference. Contact the local Better Business Bureau and get the names of some reputable mattress retailers. If the salesperson puts the “full court press” on you, if he gets the “manager” to help you “buy today,” or if you start with a $2,000 price tag and as soon as you start walking out and it’s now down to $1,200, run out the door. Those are signs of a retailer I would not want to entrust with my physical, mental, and economical wellbeing. Remember, if you pay $900 and buy a $900 mattress, you did well, if you spend $900 and get a $400 mattress, that’s bad news.

Steven King is president of Steven King & Associates, a sleep consulting firm. King is an author, and writes a column for Sleep Savvy Magazine and is a keynote speaker. He can be contacted at moneyinthemattress@hotmail.com or 954-600-6555.