Monthly Archives: February 2013

Is it time for a New Mattress?

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After sleeping on hotel beds for the past couple of weeks, I have a new appreciation for my  mattress at home.  My friend had the opposite experience, she was much more comfortable in the hotel than at home.  That made me start thinking – when should we start thinking about changing to a new mattress?

New MattressMy friend obviously needs a new mattress, if the one that she slept on at the hotel was that much more comfortable.  I guess that’s a good indication – if you sleep somewhere else, and are more comfortable, there’s something wrong at home!  Most mattresses are only designed to last between eight and ten years, yet many of us keep them for twelve years or more.  That means that for at least a quarter of the time, we’re uncomfortable.  To me, that’s unacceptable.

Another indication that your mattress needs to be replaced is a sag or dip.  This means that inside the bed, there is a malfunction in the support system.  A failed support system leads to compromised support for your back.

If your bed is squeaking, it needs to be replaced.  Something has shifted, worn through, or otherwise changed to produce the noise, and that means that things are not working as they should.

Finally, if you’re waking up with a backache, it’s time to change.  The rule of thumb is that if  your back pain goes away by the afternoon, it’s from your bed.  If it is the same all day, it’s your back.  Either way, you can probably get better support and some relief from a newer, more supportive mattress.

Studies have shown that people complain about their mattress for an average of three to five years before replacing it.  Life is too short to be uncomfortable, especially for eight hours a night for five years.  That’s almost 15,000 hours of tossing and turning!  Do yourself a favor, go shop for a new mattress, and be comfortable for another eight to ten years!

Mattress Warranty Information

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One of the most asked questions that we get at our call center is: “What happens if I have a problem with the mattress, or the mattress warranty?”  We understand your concern, sometimes buying a product online can make it difficult to return, if something goes wrong.  Plus, you’re spending a lot of money here…you want to protect your investment.

First, understand that all warranties that are offered on merchandise purchased at DrSnooze.com are through the manufacturer.  We don’t offer any additional mattress warranty.  In fact, you don’t even need us to file your claim with the manufacturer!  This being said, we’re happy to help you along the way, and if you have a problem with your bed, click here to get the warranty process started.

Even though we are located in Florida, each of our manufacturers has centers nationwide, and can help you in whichever state you reside.  On our Warranty Page, the phone numbers for each manufacturer are listed, so you can call them to verify this.  The only move that will void your warranty is if you move out of the country.

If you have any questions, you can call our Customer Service team at 855-377-6669.  We are always happy to walk you through the process, and help you fill out your paperwork, or send a communication to the manufacturer.

Some manufacturers require an inspection, which will be scheduled by them.  This inspector will come out to your home, and take some pictures and measurements.  This is an independent inspector, and sends your reports back to the manufacturer for evaluation.  We would be happy to show you how to measure your bed, just like the inspector would, to make sure that you qualify for a warranty exchange.

Just remember that Dr Snooze doesn’t make the decision whether to exchange your bed or not, that’s up to the manufacturer.  However, we’re here for you every step of the way, and are happy to answer your questions, or help you in any way possible.

Your Warranty and How a Mattress Protector Can Save It

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I often get questioned about warranties, what they cover, and what to do if you want to use one.  The first thing that I have to say is that each manufacturer is different about their warranties, and that this is just a general guide.  Some like to interact with the consumer themselves, some like for the retailer to do it.  Each bed has a different warranty duration, as well as definition of what “defective” means.  Read your warranty card carefully when you get your bed.

All that being said, there are a few things that you need to know even before you sleep on your bed that first time.  A stain voids any warranty.  Period.  It may seem ridiculous to you, but there are reasons for this.  First, a stain usually means that some sort of liquid got into the padding layers of the bed, and into the foam.  This can cause the foam to fail, and is not a manufacturer defect.  A stain could also be evidence of mishandling, abuse of the mattress, or lack of care.  The warranty only covers a manufacturer’s defect, which basically means that the bed failed at no fault of the customer.  The most important thing that you can do to protect your warranty is to cover your bed with a waterproof mattress protector.  Believe me, you’ll be glad that you got it.  Secondly, do not throw away your original receipt, or the warranty card that came with the mattress.

If you have a complaint about the bed that you think is covered under the warranty, check out the warranty page on our website.  We will either send you a warranty questionnaire, or give you the phone number that you need in order to contact the manufacturer.  If we send you the warranty questionnaire, then we will be handling your warranty claim.  Fill out the paperwork, and send it back to us.  It helps if you take pictures of the defect, directions on how to do it will be included with the questionnaire.  If we think that it’s necessary, we will send out an inspector to take a look at the mattress, measure for any sag, and evaluate the defect.  We will then send this information to the manufacturer.

Please remember that the decision to approve or deny your warranty claim belongs soley to the manufacturer.  Dr Snooze doesn’t make beds, and doesn’t offer a warranty.  The manufacturer is who warranties your bed, and will make the determination to repair, replace, or to deny the claim.

If your claim is approved, we will come out and replace the defective piece.  It’s that easy.  As always, if you have questions, call us!

I’ll Just Strap that King Mattress to the Top of my Honda…

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No, it’s not a joke.  I’ve seen people wrap a brand new king mattress around their coupe, and drive away.  But folks, it’s just not a good idea.  That’s why they invented box trucks and delivery personnel.

At Dr Snooze, we deliver beds all the time.  In fact, about 96{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of our mattress sales are delivered…no one wants to pick them up anymore.  We bring the mattress set to your home, into your bedroom, and put it on your frame.  If you bought a new frame, we’ll even set that up for you.  Do you want your old mattress put in your guest room?  No problem.  Do you want us to take it away so that you never see it again?  Sure!  See how easy that was?  We did all the heavy lifting, and all you had to do is point where to put it.

Are you buying online, or do you want your new mattress delivered somewhere else?  Not a problem, because we offer nationwide shipping.  That’s correct, we’ll ship anywhere in the continental United States. Now, if you have different homes for different times of the year, you can have the same bed in both places.  Love your bed and want to buy one for your mom in Wisconsin?  We’ll happily take care of that for you.  Our nationwide delivery service offers the same benefits as our local delivery service.  Set up, removal of your old bed, four hour time windows, it couldn’t be easier.

If you really want to pick it up from our Ocala warehouse, we’re not going to stop you.  But as a word of advice, a twin fits inside of a minivan.  A twin or a full fit on top of a small car.  A queen fits on top of a larger car, and a king mattress doesn’t fit anywhere, except in a box truck.  Likewise, twins, fulls, and queens can usually be hauled in the back of a pickup, but that pesky king mattress still won’t fit.  So for your new king mattress, use our delivery service, and relax while we take care of the details.

Choosing an Innerspring Mattress is Making Me Crazy!

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I hear the same thing all the time from my older customers: “Why are there so many different mattresses to choose from?  When I was young, there was a soft one, and a firm one…”  The short answer is that one size does not fit all.  The long answer is too long to answer in one blog post, but I’m sure that I’ll end up covering it all at some point.  Today, we’re going to focus on the innerspring mattress.  Even when you strip off the padding, covers, and edge support, there are huge differences in coil systems between beds.  Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the different coil systems that are out there, just the most popular ones.

Pocketed coil beds are perhaps the easiest explained coil system that is currently made.  Each coil is individually wrapped in it’s own cloth bag.  The coil is usually compressed before it is sealed up in it’s bag, so it’s always tensed and ready to spring.  The bags are assembled and glued together, about half way down the length of the coil.  This allows for individual movement of each coil.  These are great for eliminating motion disturbance, and they offer better conformance than most other innerspring mattresses.

The Bonnell coil system is the most traditional coil system, and is used in most entry level beds.  Each coil is attached together at the top and the bottom with a helical wire, usually across the bed side to side.  Each coil is in an hourglass shape, being thinner in the middle of the coil than at the top and the bottom.  The Bonnell coil system is inexpensive, and offers adequate support.  However, they aren’t built to last forever, and are pretty bouncy.

The double offset coil unit is the next option.  These coils are very similar to Bonnell coils, because they are also in an hourglass shape.  However, they have a squared off portion at the head and foot of the coil, making them more durable and easier laced together.

Some manufacturers make their innerspring mattress out of one continuous wire, called a continuous coil.  This is type of coil system is very durable, as each coil can be supported by the coils around it, but this type is very bouncy, and not necessarily the best for couples.

The coil system is what gives each innerspring mattress it’s support.  Coil counts aren’t as important and the coil composition, and placement in the bed.  Add to all of these different brands, types, feels, memory foam, latex, pillow tops, and euro tops, and you’ve got hundreds of beds to choose from.

Ready for a New Kids Mattress?

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Parenting is hard, and really expensive.  Making your kids comfortable doesn’t have to be.  I don’t know about you, but I grew up sleeping on some terrible cheapo mattress that was not comfortable, and did not make me feel good in the morning.  Did you know that growing children actually need a more supportive mattress than adults do?  Their bones are growing, adjusting, and need proper support.  However, that doesn’t mean that you need to take out a second mortgage to buy your child a good, supportive bed.

For toddlers transitioning from a crib mattress, moving to a medium feel will be easier, since it will feel similar to what they are used to.  However, since most kids of this age are only about thirty pounds, realize that they will be sleeping more on top of the mattress than in it.  A good option for your kids mattress is the Mount Laurel Euro by BeautySleep, or the King Koil Hathaway Pillow Top.  Both of these mattresses have great support, and a medium feel that will grow with your child.  Another great option is memory foam.  Foam beds will support, cushion, and possibly last until they graduate high school!  Check out the Serenity by Spirit Sleep, it’s a great mattress at a great sale price.

For older kids, around seven to twelve, they will probably want something softer.  Keeping support while indulging in comfort can be difficult, but is attainable.  The BeautySleep Fancy is a great bed, and has a very soft feel with great support.  On a side note, keep in mind that this is the bed that they will either take with them, or that will morph into your guest room bed.  The Aikenton Plush Euro Top by Beautyrest is a great option, and is durable and comfortable for one person, or two.

Remember to plan for your child’s needs in the future.  Maybe a full size would serve their purpose longer than just a twin.  Also, make sure that you protect the mattress with a protector, one that’s waterproof and washable.  Once that bed-wetting stage is over, there will still be food and drink on the bed (whether you know it or not), as well as sweat, and probably some tears.

In conclusion, purchasing a quality bed for your child can save you money in the long run, and get them set up for proper alignment, development, and growth.

Dr Snooze Ocala – Worth the Drive!

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Attention everyone in Central Florida…Ocala is the place to buy a mattress!  Whether you live in Tampa, Orlando, or Gainesville, no one will beat the price, service, quality, and selection of Dr Snooze.  If you’re skeptical, just check out their website, www.drsnooze.com, and see that they carry full lines of some of the most popular brands!

Sure, there are a million places that you can buy a mattress.  Here’s a few reasons why you shouldn’t even waste your time anywhere else:

  • All furniture stores carry mattresses.  I can guarantee that Dr Snooze has a better selection, and their prices blow everyone else out of the water.  And if not, they stand behind their Price Guarantee.
  • Just in Ocala, there are six different bedding stores, and some of those stores have multiple locations.  Dr Snooze is locally owned, and competes every day with those other stores.  They offer free delivery, set up, and removal of your old bed.  Their delivery is fast, and their customer service is unparalleled.  But the biggest difference between Dr Snooze and everyone else?  Knowledge.  Both their salespeople in the store and their sales department from their website are specially trained to “diagnose” your perfect bed.  No one else has the skill, the knowledge, or the experience to aid you in making the right decision, the first time.
  • I’m not even going to go into buying off of online boards, or from that neighbor down the road.  Dr Snooze only sells new products.  Nothing is ever refurbished or reused.  Yuck.

Ocala truly in the center or Florida.  It’s forty-five minutes from Orlando, an hour from Tampa, and about a half hour from Gainesville.  There is no reason why all of Central Florida can’t come by the showroom and see what Dr Snooze has to offer.  And if you can’t make the trip, check out their deals online, or call 855-377-6669 for some assistance.  Dr Snooze Ocala will make it worth your effort, and will keep you sleeping comfortably for years to come!

Sleep, Your Mattress, and Weight Loss

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Did you know that your mattress can be sabotaging your diet?!?

It’s the end of January, and for many of us, that New Year’s Resolution is starting to wear off.  If you purchased a gym membership, watched what you ate, and haven’t seen a change on the scale, don’t fret.  It may be your mattress.

People who sleep less than the recommended 7-8 hours per night may be doing more harm to their body than they realize.  It’s more complex than just not having enough energy to workout.  Only getting 5-6 hours can elevate your stress hormones.  High stress hormones can make you hungrier, and crave carbs and sugar.  It also decreases your level of growth hormone, so it’s harder for your body to burn fat and repair your muscles after a workout.  Finally, the hormone ghrelin is increased, which elevates hunger and makes you likely to store fat.

So what do you do?  First, take a look at why you’re not sleeping enough.  Are you making sleep a priority, or are you being stretched too thin in other aspects of your life?  Do you have the same ritual every night before you go to bed, and are you taking time to relax your mind before retiring to bed?  Could it be that you’re not comfortable?

There could be many reasons why you aren’t comfortable at night, even if your mattress is relatively new.  If you can’t stretch out, or wake up when your partner is tossing and turning, then you might want to try a larger size, or a bed that has individually pocketed coils, like a Beautyrest.  Is your bed too soft or too firm?  By changing your body shape (losing or gaining weight), your support needs from your mattress are also changing.  What was comfortable a year ago might not be comfortable now, since your body has changed.  Also, if you are exercising, you might have aches and pains that you haven’t felt before.  Try a King Koil for some extra back support, or a memory foam bed to reduce the pressure on your achy joints.

Once you start sleeping better, your body will respond quicker to your exercising and dieting efforts.  You will feel energized, in control of your appetite, and ready to reach that fitness goal!