9 Questions to Ask When Looking for the Best Mattress Store in Ocala

In America, 35.9 million mattresses are sold every year. Unfortunately, many people have previously purchased the wrong mattress. This causes financial losses and may cause muscle and joint pain.

If you want a good mattress, visit the best mattress store in Ocala. You’ll make a good purchase that will allow you to enjoy your sleep and promote good overall health.

Here are nine questions to ask when looking for the best mattress store in Ocala.

1. What Size of Mattress Do You Want?

To determine the size of the mattress, take the measurements of your bed first. This is significant since you’ll purchase a mattress that perfectly fits your bed.

Another consideration to make when looking at the size of the mattress is your body size. Focus on purchasing a mattress you’ll have enough space to lie on.

2. What Type of Mattress Do You Want?

Mattresses are available in different brands, sizes, and types in the market. This makes it challenging to make a decision.

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you have a variety of choices. To avoid confusion, do thorough research.

If your shopping decision is based on brand, check the reviews. Research what the current and past users of the mattress brand of your interest have to say. Positive reviews indicate you can proceed to try and buy.

From the reviews, identify whether the past buyers consider making the same purchase again or whether they would recommend it to their loved ones. If they answer yes to the two questions, then it’s time to visit the store and see if it’s comfortable for you.

Purchasing a reputable brand will help you access quality, durable, and comfortable mattresses.

3. Are You Looking for a Soft or Firm Mattress?

Some people like a firm mattress. Others prefer the soft ones, and some want something in between. To make the right choice based on this, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Advantages of a firm mattress include less sinking feeling, and they are easier to change position and move around on.

A soft mattress helps relieve muscle and joint pains. They’re mostly recommendable for people who sleep on their side.

Generally, research shows that too soft mattresses are not the best, but too firm mattresses can be just as detrimental for your body. You require a mattress that helps in supporting your spine and keeping it straight, while also cushioning your joints and bones.  When in doubt, a middle of the road softness is best.

4. What’s Your Favorite Sleeping Position?

The main question is whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach. Your mattress choice should be affiliated with your sleeping position. Your sleeping position will determine how much support you need from a mattress.

For a side sleeper, focus on supporting your spine. Look for a soft mattress that will support your curves.

Don’t worry about your shoulders and hips if you sleep on your stomach.

For a back sleeper, buy a memory foam mattress. It will aid in alleviating pains and aches. This mattress also helps in relieving pressure when sleeping.

5. Are You Sleeping Alone?

This question is not meant to intrude on your private life. It would help if you asked yourself this important question when making a mattress purchase.

If you sleep by yourself, it’s easier to choose a mattress because you’re aware of your preferences.

If you don’t sleep alone, you need to consider your partner’s choice. Apart from their choice, consider the weight of the two people.

Buy a mattress that will serve you long enough, and you’ll enjoy the comfort.

6. Does the Seller Offer a Warranty?

If the store of your choice offers a warranty, be confident in the mattress’s quality.

When buying a mattress, consider the warranty just in case you face inconveniences after purchasing. Confirm whether the mattress sellers will service the warranty, or you’ll be needed to look for the manufacturers.

The best warranty deal is that of dealing with the store. Most, if not all, manufacturers warranty their new mattresses.  Buying from a store that can help you with this process will make it easier if you ever need to exchange your mattress.

Another advantage of getting a warranty directly from the store is giving you access to information. The salesperson in the store will have answers to questions you might have relating to the mattress warranty.

To be sure of the validity of the warranty, have the agreement in writing. This will help you in making a claim if the need arises.

7. What’s the Exchange Policy?

Have a better understanding of the exchange policy. Identify after how many days you can exchange your mattress.

Ask who will make the mattress transportation back to the store. Ask if there are any fees.

Ensure that all questions are answered to avoid creating inconveniences. Visit a reputable Ocala mattress store to buy the best mattresses.

8. What’s Your Budget?

Before searching for a mattress, know how much you’re willing to spend. Knowing your budget will help you manage your expectations.

When setting a budget, identify the factors that determine the price of the mattress. Don’t set a low budget since you’ll result in settling for a low-quality one that will not serve you long enough.

To set a reasonable budget, view a mattress purchase as an investment. You will most likely have this mattress for 5-10 years, maybe longer than you will have your car!  This will help you focus on buying the comfortable and right mattress.

9. What Kind of Deals Can You Get?

It’s always good to know the offers available before purchasing a mattress. Stores offering you deals allow you to access some additional accessories.

For example, you can buy a mattress and get a free bed sheet. These offers also enable you to save on costs.

Buy Your Mattress From the Best Mattress Store in Ocala

Since you now know the queries to ask when purchasing a mattress, visit a reliable mattress store. When purchasing a mattress, consider the above points to get quality, comfortable, and affordable mattresses.

Are you looking to buy a good mattress? If so, contact us to get outstanding deals from the best mattress store in Ocala.

The Complete Guide to Buying Bed Pillows: Everything to Know

Woman Fluffing Bed PillowsBed pillows: they’re one of the most important purchases for your home.

Buy the right bed pillows, and you’ll have a great night of sleep and more energy. Buy the wrong pillows, and you could end up in pain and in a bad mood the next day.

Buying the right pillows for your bed requires knowing your options and spending some time reflecting on your sleep style. Curious to learn more?

Below we’ve put together the following guide explaining what you need to know about buying bed pillows.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before you go on the hunt for a new pillow, you should consider your preferences and sleeping habits. Below are some questions to ask yourself.

What Position Do You Sleep In?

The position you sleep in depends on the support you need for your neck and head. You want a pillow that won’t tilt your head too much up or down.

If you sleep on your back, you’ll need a flatter pillow. A side sleeper will need something more full, and stomach sleepers need a thin pillow. Using the right pillow firmness will prevent pain.

You want your spine and neck to stay neutral when you’re sleeping, so this will minimize the stress that each muscle group feels.

Do You Sleep Hot or Cool?

If you tend to get warm while you sleep, you’ll do best with a pillow that has some room for breathing. It should dissipate heat so that it doesn’t get too hot at night.

Pillows made from shredded foam and polyester tend to do better than ones with solid foam. And pillows with a “cool” gel layer should be tested – you don’t know until you lay down with a pillow if it’s going to be the right temperature for you.

How Are You Using the Pillow?

Depending on how you use the pillow, you’ll want to have different pillow types and sizes. On a twin or full-sized bed, you’ll probably want a standard or queen-sized pillow.

As you move up to a queen and king bed, you’ll want queen and king-sized pillows. Your bed will also look good with a mix of different sizes and pillowcases.

Neck pillows come in handy to help prevent neck pain, and body pillows are a great choice for sleepers who like to hold onto something or want a larger pillow to rest on.

Types of Pillows & Fillings

What should go in your pillow? Below are a few of the types and fillings you can choose.

Latex

Natural latex comes from tree sap, but it also can be made synthetically. Latex responds to the body for a more comfortable feel. It is springy to the touch and returns to its shape quickly after being compressed.

Down or Feathers

Down pillows are usually made from goose or duck feathers. Some down pillows can be denser than others, depending on their “fill power.” The higher the fill power the more space an ounce of down takes up.

Pillows with higher fill power will stay firm for longer but all down pillows typically become softer and flatten easily. Feather pillows don’t trap as much heat, but the feathers may poke through.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a less common material but is sought after by those who do not want to use animal materials in their pillows. Buckwheat is a plant-based material made from small, dry seeds.

Due to the nature of the buckwheat seeds, the pillow will conform to the head and neck. However, buckwheat pillows are a bit noisier than their feather alternatives.

Polyester

Polyester pillows are often described as polyester fiber or fill. They’re the most common type of pillow on the market and typically are sold for the lowest cost. The filling in polyester pillows looks like cotton, and usually, they lose their shape after a while.

Memory Foam

Memory foam pillows usually have the same material as many mattresses. They can be one solid layer of foam or can be cut up or shredded.

Pillows with memory foam are usually denser and conform to your head shape. Because they’re denser, they keep your head hotter at night. Some memory foam pillows come with a gel layer or are gel-infused to keep you cooler at night.  On the whole, memory foam pillows offer more support than many other types of pillows.

Pillow Shopping Tips

Once you begin the pillow shopping process, you’ll want to verify that the pillows you buy are the right choice for your lifestyle. Consider these pillow shopping tips.

Do the Squeeze Test

Pillows may say “soft” or “firm” on the label, but the best indication of the material is to squeeze it yourself. Give it your own firmness test. If you’re in a store, put the pillow on a flat surface and push it down.

The harder you have to push down to get the pillow to compress, the firmer it is. Once you get home, try out the same test on your bed.

Fluff It

Pillows with filling can lose their shape easily, whereas a pillow made from the foam will hold its shape longer. After you test a pillow’s firmness, fluff it to see if it goes back to its original shape. Is the fill even throughout the pillow?

Check the Cover

Pillows with a high-quality cover will last longer.  Some pillows will have zippers so that the cover can be washed.

Compare, Compare, Compare

With online shopping, you should be comparing pillow prices online to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

A great way to check out the quality of your pillow is to look at online customer reviews. 93% of customers read online reviews before shopping, and they can help you get an honest idea of what to expect.

Buying Bed Pillows Properly

No matter how small a job you think buying bed pillows is, your bed pillows will have a huge impact on your daily life. The right bed pillows will give you a better night of sleep and help you feel more rested the next day.

Dr Snooze is here to give you expert help on buying bed pillows. We welcome you to reach out to us with any questions!

8 Common Mattress Shopping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A great mattress provides the ideal blend of support and comfort, allowing you to maintain proper posture and spine alignment.

People frequently overlook the multitude of health risks that a poor mattress might cause. It frequently causes significant back pain and keeps you up until late at night. As a result, if you’re having trouble sleeping, your mattress might be one of the causes. For restless sleepers and those who have a hard time falling asleep, purchasing a new mattress may be a wise decision.

In this article, we’ll go over some typical mattress shopping mistakes to avoid. Following the steps in this post will assist you in making sure that you select the correct mattress.

1. Buying a Mattress Based on Price

When shopping for your mattress, you might be tempted to settle for the cheapest mattress. This has never been a wise decision. You should know that comfort, material, and durability are used in determining the price of a mattress.

Typically, a mattress that costs the least is made using less, and low-quality materials. These mattresses are thinner, with fewer coils, padding, and edge support.  They do not maintain their comfort level and may wear quickly.  Such a mattress will not in any way serve you for long.

Since many times these bargain mattresses don’t come with a sufficient warranty, you will find yourself back in the shops looking to make another purchase.  It may be less expensive, in the long run, to purchase a better quality mattress the first time around that will last longer, and offer better support.

 

2. Buying Before Trying

Please don’t spend money on a mattress before you try it. Try a mattress first to be comfortable with its firmness and feel. If you’re not comfortable with the firmness and feel of a mattress in the store, you won’t be comfortable on it sleeping at home.

When trying a mattress, you should ask for assistance from a salesperson, they have been trained to be mattress and sleep experts. The salesperson can answer any question that you might have regarding a mattress, support, or sleep. They use their knowledge and experience in the sleep business to guide customers.

You save yourself another trip to the store by ensuring you test the mattress and take the time to use the salesperson to educate yourself about the mattress’ features and benefits.

3. Not Knowing Mattresses Options

Mattress technology is continually advancing. This overwhelms many buyers and causes them to overlook the changes brought in by technology. When you understand the different options, you make more informed decisions in your purchase.

Never underrate conducting proper research and gathering enough resources to make a good decision on the right mattress.

There are new mattress innovations that are being designed to improve your sleep. By being aware of the various types of mattresses, you’ll be more proficient in sorting through and selecting your mattress.

For example, foam mattresses are ideal for sleepers with joint pain. Its material aids in pressure relief on the shoulders and hips. You may want to make a list of your own health issues, sleep problems, etc, and bring that into the store to help you find a mattress that will truly benefit your health.  In addition, since you will have this mattress for the next seven to ten years, think about your future and anticipate your needs.

Finally, knowing the size of your current bed is a must.  Decide if you want the same size, or different.  Some mattresses only come in certain sizes, so knowing the size when beginning your search can keep you from choosing a product that is unavailable.

4. Depending on a Brand

When buying a mattress, while it is important to know what you are buying, don’t allow this factor to be the key determinant when picking a mattress.

If you depend on a specific brand and do not consider other factors, you may end up purchasing the wrong mattress. While we have all heard of the main, national brands, there are other regional manufacturers that make an as good, or better product, often at a lower price. To be certain of the brand, always look into the warranty and their experience in the business.

Not all brands that appear trendy online are the best.

5. Not Reading Online Customer Reviews

A mattress and the company selling it may appear good on paper but have you checked the customer’s reviews? Be careful – reviews can be a double-edged sword.

Individuals give reviews based on their preferences.  However, since we are all different, what one person thought was uncomfortable may be the most comfortable option for someone else.  A consumer may complain about soft edge support, but they sit on the edge of the bed a lot, and you don’t.  It can be hard to decipher from customer reviews if the mattress will be good for you or not.

Online customer reviews can also indicate how well the mattress manufacturer and retailer fulfill their customer service promises. From the reviews, was the salesperson helpful?  Did the manufacturer honor the warranty?  But as before, remember that some people will bash the retailer for issues beyond their control.  As with all reviews, it’s best to take them all with a grain of salt and a level head.

You have the option of either checking the reviews on their websites or the Better Business Bureau.

6. Buying a Mattress Solely Based on Another Person’s Experience

This doesn’t mean to discredit other people’s opinions completely. When shopping for a mattress, keep in mind that your body is entirely different from other people. We’re all unique and have different preferences for comfort and needs.

There are people who have hips and shoulder issues, making them enjoy a much softer mattress, while others like a firmer feel.

You will be able to avoid this mistake by staying away from specific mattress recommendations and focusing on their experience. Did the retailer deliver on time? Are the salespeople knowledgeable?

Ask these questions when asking for referrals when shopping for a mattress.

7. Skimming The Small Print

Even when purchasing from a trusted brand, checking the small print before parting with your money is essential. Find out what sellers offer for free and what they charge for. A good example is some manufacturers offer warranties on their products, but the warranties do not cover redelivery.

Check on the warranties. Identify what the warranty will and won’t cover.  Is there any exchange policy?  What are the terms?

8. Trying Many Mattresses

It can be tempting to flop down on every mattress to make sure you buy the right one. Trying every mattress you come across may result in confusion. Trying out many mattresses may result in you getting overwhelmed, and every mattress you try ends up feeling the same to you.

The best thing is to try out a firm, medium, and then a soft mattress.  Then try out mattresses only in your preferred feel. Doing this will help you narrow down choices. Narrow down to two or three options, then use at least ten minutes on each to get a better idea of the best comfort.  Make sure that you try different positions.  Most people do not sleep on their back, but will only try a mattress on their back.  Get comfortable, and really feel the support from the bed.

Avoid These Mattress Shopping Mistakes

Remembering each of these mattress shopping mistakes will save you valuable time and help you make the best purchase. Using these tips will help you avoid body pain and body aches by making the right mattress purchase.

Are you planning on buying a new mattress? Contact us today and let us help you select the right mattress.

What to Look for When Buying a Mattress Online

Woman Buying a mattress onlineThe average mattress should be replaced every seven to 10 years. While it used to be difficult to buy a mattress, you can now purchase a mattress online! This is a more convenient and cost-effective option, as long as you do it correctly.

Do you want to learn more about how to buy a mattress online? Keep reading this guide for the top tips to follow when you purchase a mattress online.

Research the Material Options

The first thing you need to do before online shopping for a mattress is research the types of mattress materials available. Different mattress materials all have different features, so you must be informed before you choose your mattress!

One of the most common materials is memory foam. This provides pressure relief and contours to your body, making it easy to reposition while you sleep.

A more traditional type of support system is an innerspring mattress. These have coil systems inside the mattress, but also have a foam layer to make the mattress more comfortable. These beds are bouncier and typically have better airflow.

If you are looking for natural material for your bed, you may want to consider latex mattresses. These offer a springy surface with a solid bounce.

Finally, you can choose a hybrid bed. These combine several different materials, including foam and coils. This way, you can get the benefits of pressure relief while still having the comfortable support you need.

Choose the Best Mattress Size

You can also shop for mattresses by size. These sizes include twin, full, queen, king, and California king mattresses. If you need a lot of room while you are sleeping or if you share a bed with a partner, you may want to consider getting a mattress that is a queen size or bigger.

Understand Firmness Levels

Next, you will need to understand the different firmness levels that you can choose from for your mattresses. Each person may prefer a different firmness level, depending on sleep positions, body weight, and other factors.

Mattress firmness levels range from extra soft to extra firm. Soft mattresses conform closely to your body while you sleep while firm mattresses do not sink at all while you sleep.

Read Online Reviews

When you are shopping online for mattresses, it can be difficult to know the level of quality that you can expect. If you need help learning more about the different brands available, you can start by checking online reviews for mattresses.

These reviews will discuss the details about mattresses, including how it feels, how it works for different types of sleepers, and more. You can even find detailed mattress reviews on YouTube that make it easy to see exactly how a mattress works.

By checking online reviews, you will be able to find a mattress that has high ratings. Keep in mind, however, that different people feel the same mattress very differently.  Just because Mary from Topeka doesn’t like the softer feel of the mattress doesn’t mean that it won’t be the perfect mattress for you.

Set a Budget

Next, you need to set a budget before you buy a new mattress online. This is something that will help you narrow down your options when you are looking at mattresses online.

Finding an option that fits your budget doesn’t need to be difficult! Typically, you can spend as little as a few hundred dollars on a new mattress to well over $3,000. The cost of your mattress will also depend on the features you want to include and the brand that you choose.

By setting a budget before you begin shopping, you will not break the bank when you buy your new mattress. If you want to save money while you are buying a mattress, you can consider choosing a mattress from the clearance section online, or waiting for major holiday sales such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Black Friday.

You can also wait for other deals and discounts to help you save money when you buy your mattress online.

Research Warranty Options

Finally, you must research the warranty options available for your mattress. While mattresses are supposed to last for several years, they may develop problems after continued use.

Many companies will provide a warranty to cover issues with your mattress that happen through normal use. While they will not replace a bed that you have damaged, you may be able to get a replacement if the bed begins to bow or if it has any other issues.

Wondering How To Buy a Mattress Online? We Can Help

Buying a mattress online is a great way to save money and time when you are looking for a new mattress. To make sure you find the perfect mattress, you can follow each of these online mattress shopping tips.

Do you want help learning how to buy a mattress online? Dr Snooze can help!

Contact our team today to learn more about our mattress options or to start shopping for mattresses on our website!

5 Signs It’s Time to Buy a New Mattress

Woman Sleeping on a New Mattress

Are you tired of waking up with back or neck pain? Do you worry that your mattress is causing a rough start to your day? If so, then you need to learn all about the five signs that it’s time to buy a new mattress.

Doing so can help you move on from your current sleeping situation. You’ll be able to purchase one with new technology, new materials, and a more efficient design for your sleep needs.

See below for an in-depth guide on the signs that you should look into purchasing a new mattress. Why not make the most of the situation by buying the best mattress on the market?

1. You’re Waking Up With Pain

Unfortunately, many people believe that waking up with new aches and pains is a part of life. They are quick to blame it on an event that occurred the day prior (such as a hard workout).

However, if the aches and pains are consistent, then it’s probably a sign that your mattress isn’t doing its job. This is often because your mattress can’t support your body any longer.

Over time, mattresses will develop things like lumps or start to cave in on themselves, a process known as “hammocking”. If you can see a dip in the center of the mattress when you aren’t laying on it, then it is probably starting to wear in the center of the bed.

Memory foam mattresses have a similar issue. Over years of usage, the foam may soften in places of heavy use. This makes it less able to support your body; that lack of support is what’s leading to your injured neck and back.

Don’t delay any longer; browse our inventory of mattresses to find yourself a good night’s sleep. It will make a world of difference.

2. Your Current Mattress is Uncomfortable

This might be hard to believe, but many people don’t recognize when their mattress starts to get uncomfortable. They’re finding it harder to fall asleep because they can’t seem to find the “sweet spot”.

If you’ve been writhing around in your mattress the past few nights, then it could be a sign your current mattress needs to be replaced.

Staying comfortable while you sleep is crucial. It will help you stay asleep longer so that your body can undergo deeper REM cycles without interruption. Getting a full night’s worth of sleep can offer a plethora of benefits, such as:

  • Increase your productivity levels the next day
  • Improve your muscle endurance in tomorrow’s workout
  • Give your immune system and digestive system a boost
  • Improves your brain cognition and memory
  • Allows your respiratory system and the cardiovascular system a much-needed time of autopilot

To gauge whether your mattress has lost its comfort, start by removing blue light from your bedside (charge your smartphone in another room). After that, try to close your eyes and gradually fall asleep. If you notice that you’re constantly tossing and turning, it’s an indication you need a new, more comfortable mattress.

3. You Notice an Odor

Perhaps you’ve noticed an odor when you make your bed. You may have changed and cleaned your sheets, but the odor is still hovering around.

If the smell isn’t going away, then it’s likely coming from your mattress. It’s an effect caused by nightly usage over several years. The odor is the result of a build-up of bodily fluids, mold, mildew, and bacteria running rampant on your mattress.

If your mattress isn’t old, then try cleaning your mattress first. If the odor still isn’t going away, then it’s time to find a replacement.

Taking action is the most important thing. Sleeping on a mattress filled with bacteria can cause respiratory complications for you and your spouse.

You can also prevent this from happening with your new mattress by purchasing a mattress protector.  Try one that’s waterproof yet breathable for a comfortable night’s sleep as well as great mattress protection.

4. The Mattress Makes A Lot of Noise

After a few years of using the mattress, if your mattress is squeaking when you lay on it, then you need to replace it.

The noise won’t go away with time; it’s here to stay. That noise can keep you or your spouse up, provide an unwelcomed wake-up call, and interfere with your sleep patterns.

Even worse, the squeaking is usually a sign of a larger issue. Be sure to find a new mattress that’s soundless and comfortable.

5. The Years Are Adding Up

When it comes to the lifespan of your mattress, you don’t want to push it too far past its expiration date. Doing so can cause pain, interrupted sleep, and so on.

Most people want to try and surpass the decade mark before they even consider replacing their mattresses. However, experts recommend that you shoot to replace it after the 7-year mark.

This will ensure you get the most out of your sleep each night. Your mattresses will never fall too far past their prime, enabling you to set yourself up for success the following day.

Buy a New Mattress for Your Home Today

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on the signs that it’s time to buy a new mattress, be sure to use this information wisely.

The mattress isn’t the only thing you should upgrade. Be sure to browse our bedding accessories to upgrade things like your pillows, sheets, and more. For any other questions, be sure to give us a call directly at 1-855-377-6669 and we will be happy to assist you further.

Bed Frames: Do They Really Need Replacing?

Mattress sales are not glamorous.  But what is the least glamorous part of your new bed?  The metal frame.  It’s the part that you think is included, but it’s probably not.  It’s the part that you don’t see, don’t care about, but can totally ruin your new mattress set.  It’s the part that you think is cheap, but since it’s made of steel, it’s not.

This is NOT an awesome frame.

This is NOT an awesome frame.

First, let’s talk about why it’s important.  It supports your foundation, which then supports your mattress.  If the frame doesn’t have a center support (for a queen or king size), you WILL damage your foundation and mattress.  Box springs aren’t designed to hold all the weight being placed on them without having support in the middle.  Conversely, if your frame is held together with the dreaded C-clamps, chances are that things have shifted a bit and the side of your foundation isn’t even on the frame anymore.  Also not good.

Second, let’s talk about why they cost so much.  They are made of steel, which is expensive.  They are heavy, and cost a lot to ship.  They are not a big money maker for mattress stores.

Third, let’s talk about your frame at home, and whether you can just use it again.  Does steel wear out?  Not really, but you want to make sure that your frame will adequately support your new, heavy mattress.  Is it the correct size?  There should be minimal room on each side of the foundation, between it and the side rails.  There should be a center support bar for queen and King frames.  There should be at least one leg extending to the ground in the middle of the bed, attached to this center support bar.  The frame should have all of the wheels/glides intact.  There should be no rust or corrosion.

This IS an awesome frame.

This IS an awesome frame.

Finally, let’s talk about why you would buy the more expensive frame, rather than the cheap-o frame.  A more expensive frame has more steel, more strength, and more of the rails touching the foundation.  There is usually a center support bar that is about 3-4” wide, extending from the head of the bed to the foot of the bed, which is especially important for king sized beds.  The wheels are wider, less likely to break, and have wheel locks.  They will be a one size only frame, meaning that they are not held together by nuts and bolts, but by wedge locks.  All in all, buying a more expensive frame will be a one time expense that you won’t have to replace.

So the next time you are buying a mattress, do your homework first and look at your frame.  If you can use it, great.  If you need a new one, spring for the best one that you can afford, and ensure that your investment in the mattress will extend as long as possible.

What Are the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers?

Side SleepersAre you a back, stomach or side sleeper? If you sleep on your side, you’re in the majority. According to WebMD.com, 63 percent of Americans are side sleepers. By comparison, 16 percent of Americans sleep on their stomach, and only 14 percent are back sleepers. (We’re not quite sure about the remaining seven percent — they must sleep standing up or on their heads!)

Most people do not consciously choose their sleep position. Although you may sleep in each of the positions at different times during the night, you’ll tend to gravitate to the one that feels natural. Specifically, you will assume the sleep position that enables you to breathe freely.

The type and condition of a mattress is also a contributing factor. An old, worn-out mattress that sags in the middle, for instance, can make side or stomach sleeping more difficult.

Finding a Match Between Mattress and Sleep Position

These days, bedding manufacturers produce customized mattresses for all types of sleeping positions. This means you have a choice between a back, side or stomach sleeper mattress. Choosing the right mattress for your natural sleep position can mean the difference between enjoying sound, restful sleep or tossing and turning all night long.

Softness Is the Key When Choosing a Side Sleeper Mattress

If you’re like most Americans and tend to be a side sleeper, mattresses that are softer are likely to be your best alternative. Why? When you lie on your side, it places you spine in its most natural position. A softer side sleeper mattress will provide better support for the natural curvature of your body and keep you spine properly aligned, enabling you to sleep more comfortably. If you’re a side sleeper, and you wake up with hip or shoulder pain or stiffness, there’s a good chance your mattress is too firm.

Consider a Memory Foam or Latex Mattress

Many sleep experts suggest that memory foam mattresses or latex mattresses are best for side sleepers. Memory foam is designed to cradle specific body pressure points and provide even weight distribution. Latex will support the natural curve of your body as you sleep.

5 Tips to Comparing Mattresses

I’ve written blogs and articles on different model names of mattresses before, but I’ve found that the confusion remains.  Therefore, I have created a few tips on how to “beat the system” so to speak, to make sure that you’re comparing the same models.  Remember, no one is trying to trick you, deceive you, or otherwise cheat you.  It’s just one of those things that all manufacturers do, to keep the price integrity of their mattresses. 

So, if you’re interested in comparing the same model in different places, try one of these tips:

  1. Just tell the salesperson what you saw, and where you saw it.  They will usually have comparison sheets, or be able to call a manufacturer’s representative to find out what the comparable mattress is.  Don’t be worried about them trying to sell you a different bed – most salespeople would rather have another associate at a different store do all the heavy lifting of helping you pick out the perfect bed.  It’s much easier to just undercut the price, and write up the order than to try and convince you that a different mattress is the same, or move you to a different model.
  2. Still not convinced?  Ask for the specifications.  Most retailers will have sheets that have all of the layers of the interiors of the mattresses.  If the inner layers of mattresses are EXACTLY the same, in the same order, and of the same quantity, it’s the same bed.
  3. You can always call the manufacturer, and they may be able to help you.  This is a good idea when you cannot seem to find the same bed anywhere else.  The manufacturer can look up the mattress by the model number (which is on the law tag of the bed), and check to make sure that it’s a current year model.  They can also tell you if that store has exclusive rights to that bed, which is why you may not be able to find it anywhere else.
  4. Some stores may have exclusive features on their beds, such as upgraded covers.  Usually, these are superficial additions, and should not factor in to your price comparison.  Sure, a cotton stretch cover in a beautiful weave is great, but is it going to make you sleep $100 better?  Probably not.
  5. There are websites (like this one) that will post as many alternate names for their products as they can find.  It’s usually an attempt to create transparency, and show that their prices are truly the best.  Again, there is no reason to deceive the public on this – retailers want their sales to stay sold, and want to avoid costly exchanges and returns.      

Overall, if you want to compare the same mattresses at different retailers, it is possible with a little help from the retailer themselves.  Most stores are more than willing to help you, if they think that they can earn your business. 

Saggy Beautyrest Mattress? Not Necessarily.

I spoke with a customer the other day, and her main complaint about her bed at home was that it was “sagging”.  When I asked her about doing a warranty exchange, she said that she already spoke with the retailer that she bought it from, and the bed is not defective according to manufacturer standards.  To save everyone some aggravation and time, I decided to write this post about the difference between a sag and a body impression, and why a sag is a defect and a body impression is normal, and will occur in 99{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of the innerspring beds out there.

A sag is when the mattress is dipping down over an inch and a half, or two inches.   This happens when the coil system is damaged, and doesn’t return to its normal shape.  Because the issue is with the coil system, a sagging bed will not provide correct support, and will not ever return back to normal.  The great news is that if this happens to you, your warranty kicks in and chances are you’ll get a new bed.

A body impression is a slight depression of the foam on the top of the mattress.  If you think logically about the components of a bed, it’s just common sense that this would happen.  You are putting your whole body weight in the same spot for eight hours a day for ten years.  Foams will compress and mold to your curves, especially with this type of wear.  Your shoes become more comfortable when they’ve formed to the bottom of your foot, and your couch would surely develop an imprint if you sat in the same spot for eight hours a day, every day.  To expect your mattress’s foam to maintain its loft is unrealistic.  Body impressions don’t change the support of the mattress, nor do they drastically change the feel; they are a normal part of the wear of the mattress.

Here’s the key to reducing body impressions: the more padding that’s on the bed, the bigger the chance that body impressions will form.  The less padding, the less that these foams will compress, and the less likely that a body impression will show.  Does this mean that you need to sleep on something that’s hard as a rock?  No, of course not.  You can get a mattress that has a medium amount of padding on the top, but that has a more conforming coil system, like a Beautyrest.  Beautyrests have individually pocketed coils, and they contour to your curves so the padding isn’t doing all the cushioning, and you’ll need less of it to be comfortable.

Body ImpressionAnother option is to make the move to memory foam or latex.  These specialty foam beds don’t have the body impression problems like regular foams do, since they are much denser and more resilient.  Even if you don’t want to buy an all foam mattress, you can find innerspring beds that have memory foam or latex in the padding layers, like Beautyrest Elite and World Class beds.

The bottom line is that body impressions are normal, and they will happen to every bed, regardless of how much you pay for it.  It does not change the feel, the support, or the life of the mattress.

However, if the problem is deeper than just the compression of the padding, a warranty claim might be in order, to make sure that you’re getting the correct support that you need.