Woman's Guide
If you answer yes to any of the following, it’s time for a new bed
You wake up tired or achy.
Your bed dips like a hammock.
You bought your mattress over 7 years ago.
If you’re still reading, you probably have a bed that’s more than seven years old, which is the age The Better Sleep Council says a mattress stops giving you the necessary support it should. After all, your body changes a lot in seven years, and your mattress should keep up with your needs. And although you’ve probably dreaded looking for a new bed since you bought the last one, just know that, with the right information at hand, this shopping experience doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Remember that more comfortable, restful nights await you.
What’s your type of mattress?
As with finding the perfect cocktail dress, getting feedback from friends is nice. But remember, this is one of the most personal things you’ll ever buy. It has to work with your curves. So don’t limit your testing. The best way to find the perfect bed is to try models with different levels of firmness. Read on to learn about several basic types of mattresses. All are designed to give you comfort and support. You just have to find the one that feels right.
Traditional Innerspring mattresses, the most traditional type of mattress set, typically use systems of open coils or metal springslayered between padding. When shopping you’ll hear the term “Coil Count.” Typically, the higher the count, the more support you’ll get but the ‘support value’ really depends on the design of the coils and layers of padding used in combination with them.
Pocketed Coil® mattresses, created by Simmons®, feature an advanced innerspring system. The springs areindividually wrapped in a fabric cover, enabling each coil to adjust independently to your body. Because these springs move individually, if your bedmate rolls over, the motion won’t awaken you out of your sleep cycle.
Latex and Memory Foam mattressesare made of advanced pressure relieving material and designed to reduce pressurepoints and provide natural body alignment. Memory foam is temperature sensitive and conforms as your body warms it. Latex foam provides great durability and pressure relief is available in many different comfort options. When you research, be on the look-out for new and better types of foam, as new generations are constantly being developed.
Hybrid mattressesfeature layers of memory foam or latex over an innerspring system to provide a more traditional feel with the benefit of pressure relief. These beds give you the comfort and support of both technologies.And, if you’re not sure about buying an all-foam mattress, it makes for a nice compromise.
Find your comfort zone
There are various levels of firmness for mattresses, such as firm, pillow top and plush. Firm mattresses provide more resistance against pressure from the sleep surface, making them as their name indicates, the firmest style of mattress. The plush models utilize various comfort layers to create a softer sleep surface. Lastly, the pillow top models utilize multiple layers of foams in the top upholstery to create especially soft, enveloping sleep surfaces. Just note, the top upholstery may be attached to the mattress in a variety of methods, resulting in pillow top models that feel and appear different.
Shopping Tips
Knowledge is power. Before you visit a store, go online and research mattress brands and styles.
The average person moves 40 to 60 times a night. Therefore, if you sleep with a partner, you should consider a queen or king-size set to accomodate the both of you comfortably.
Shop with your partner. Yes, getting him to come along might be tough, but it’ll be worth it. The two of you should test the mattress together and agree on preferences or at least come to a compromise.
Take your time. You’ll spend more hours in bed than on your couch. So don’t make a rash decision. Regret feels even worse after a sleepless night.
As a rule, you get what you pay for. You shouldn’t overpay or underpay. According to Consumer Reports, a quality queen-size innerspring mattress set costs about $1000.
Shop the sales. Mattress retailers are known for big discounts – especially around the holidays as well as seasonal. So check your local newspapers for the best savings.
Jargon smargon. The coil count reflects the amount of support in the mattress. For example, 300 coils would be less support than 700 coils. Also, for those of you sleeping with herky-jerky partners, more coils means better motion separation.
No need to flip. Most mattresses are now sold with only one sleep surface. These mattresses require less maintenance and are able to sustain their comfort and support for a longer period of time.
Bad back? There are plenty of mattresses that can help. Look for models specifically designed to help keep your spine in its natural alignment while you sleep.
Buy the set. Mattresses and foundations are designed to work together. Getting one without the other may reduce the comfort and support you receive. Plus, it might shorten the bed’s lifespan and possibly affect its warranty.
New mattresses are thicker now, so your old sheets may no longer fit. Depths have gone from about seven inches to more than 14 inches, meaning you may need sheets with a deep-pocket corner.
Test for real. According to Consumer Reports, consumers should test the bed out for at least 15 minutes. A good salesperson should leave you alone while you do this.
If you want to try a bed out for a night or two, you can stay in a number of hotels offering luxurious bedding. Just keep in mind, the mattresses in hotel rooms are used and maybe softer than a brand new one.
Know the policies. Some dealers may let you return a mattress. Be sure to ask for all the details about this. It may affect where you buy.
Be curious. Ask the salesperson how the mattress you’re interested in is different from the others on the floor. Also, if you’re going to buy, find out if delivery of your new bed and removal of your old one are included.
Shopping for your ideal bed can be overwhelming. So arm yourself with these tips and an understanding of the different types of mattresses – making the sleep you’ve dreamed about closer than you think.
Some Good Advice for Better Sleep
Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool and uncluttered.
Prepare your mind and body for sleep: read for pleasure, take a hot bath or stretch before bed.
Limit the use of TV or a computer in your bedroom and turn your clock away from you.
Establish a regular sleep schedule and don’t sleep in. Instead, take power naps if possible.
Try not to drink caffeinated beverages or eat chocolate after 2 p.m. We know this one is tough, but it’s for your own good.