TIPS FOR BUYING A NEW MATTRESS SET

By AIM
American Innerspring Manufacturers

 

Important Quick Tips:
Think comfort, support, durability, space and foundation.
Test drive thoroughly and spend as much as you can afford.

 

  1. Give your current sleep set a thorough going over.

Check for age, condition, support, resiliency and appearance.  A sleep set that is eight to ten years old has probably developed lumps and bumps, hills and valleys and has lost support.

  1. Get the scoop on what’s available.

Send for free literature from mattress manufacturers and organizations concerned with proper and healthy sleep.  Drop by a few stores that sell bedding and pick up their literature.

  1. Choose stores you trust.

Shop for your new sleep set in a reputable store, one you know and trust to give you good information, service and top quality.  Select a store known for its customer satisfaction.

  1. Test-drive as many models as possible.

Wear comfortable clothing and make sure your shoes are easy to slip off.  Lie down on each model for several minutes and turn from side to side to check comfort and support in all positions.  Take your partner and try out the models together – both should make the decision.

  1. Ask questions and look for several key attributes.

Make sure the mattress is an innerspring and at least nine inches thick.  Sit on the edge and check for support and return to original shape.  Check coil counts:  full-size should have at least 300, queen-size at least 375 and king-size at least 450.  Research indicates that only innerspring mattresses and foundations provide the proper support.

  1. Think about size and think modern.

The old-fashioned double bed provides only 26 inches of sleep space for each person.  That’s about the same amount of space as a baby crib.  Today’s modern Queen or King mattresses will fit just about any bedroom.  The bigger, the better.

  1. Buy a complete set, not just the mattress.

A good steel wire box spring foundation is as important as a good innerspring mattress.  Think of it as a large shock absorber.  When buying a mattress, buy its companion – the two are designed to work best together.

 

  1. Forget about comparison shopping by model names.

It’s very hard to find the same model names from store to store.  So, find a sleep set you like, then see what levels of comfort and support you can get for the same price in another store.  But don’t forget to compare store services and delivery.

  1. Spend as much as your budget can afford.

Don’t scrimp.  Shop for the best value, not the lowest price.  Mattress prices are determined by the materials used, the quality of construction and the size.  Considering the amount of time you will use a sleep set, the cost is actually only pennies per night.  In mattresses, you get what you pay for.

  1. The Warranty is important but not the final word.

A warranty is for the purpose of protecting you against product defects, NOT against gradual loss of comfort and support.  Don’t look to the warranty to tell you how long your mattress and foundation should last.