How To Buy A Bed - The Ultimate Mattress Buying Guide
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With proper care, a mattress can contribute to a good night’s sleep for years. But it has to be the right mattress for your unique sleep needs. As your lifestyle and body change, so can your mattress needs.
Trouble getting comfortable at night, waking up feeling less than fully rested, or having a mattress that is just plain old are all signs it may be time for a new one.
DO I NEED A NEW MATTRESS?
HOW LONG DOES A MATTRESS LAST?
How long a mattress lasts depends on a number of things, including how you care for it and what it’s made of. Water damage, inadequate support and improper cleaning can all cause premature aging. So can careless storage or letting kiddos use the bed as a trampoline. Over time springs will wear out and memory foam won’t bounce back as quickly.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BUY A NEW MATTRESS?
Mattresses don’t come with a hard expiration date, but there are a few signs you can look for to help you know when it’s time. If your mattress is visibly sagging, that’s a sign that it’s no longer supporting you the way it should. Other signs include worn spots, squeaking, lumps and bad smells. Above all, stay mindful of how you feel when you wake up. If you consistently get out of bed feeling achy, it’s probably time for a new mattress.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY A NEW MATTRESS?
You can buy a mattress any time, and you absolutely should if your current one is impacting your sleep quality. But if you have your eye on a specific mattress or manufacturer, you may want to wait for a sale. You can often find great mattress deals around holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day. If you’re looking to get the latest model, companies typically release new mattresses in the spring.
WHERE TO BUY A MATTRESS
When shopping for a mattress, choose one from a reliable company that makes high-quality products. Ideally, there will be stellar reviews, a long trial period and a great warranty.
When you visit a Sleep Number® store, you’ll discover advanced sleep technology and Sleep Professionals who care about your individual sleep needs. They’ll listen and guide you to the smart bed that’s just right for you. And our smart beds are proven to provide more restful sleep.
If you prefer to shop online, our Smart Bed quiz can help you choose the smart bed that best fits your —and your sleep partner’s — needs, with effortless comfort and adjustability.
1. ADJUSTABLE MATTRESSES
The Sleep Number® smart bed allows you to choose your ideal comfort and firmness on each side — your Sleep Number® setting — so both you and your sleep partner can sleep just right. And you can change the firmness any time you want, as your sleep needs change. In addition, our smart bed uses exclusive “sense and do” SleepIQ® technology that automatically adjusts to your individual needs to help keep you sleeping comfortably through the night. Plus, temperature balancing properties can help keep you from overheating.
Shop all Sleep Number® mattresses
Sleep Number® i8 smart bed
2. LATEX MATTRESSES
This bouncy, durable material conforms to the body. Latex mattresses are also breathable, making them a good option for individuals who sleep warm.
3. HYBRID MATTRESSES
Hybrid mattresses aim to provide comfort and support with a coil system as their base structure, a transition layer for cushion, and a top comfort layer made of memory foam or another foam material.
4. INNERSPRING MATTRESSES
Like hybrid mattresses, innerspring mattresses have a coil system as a support base, which is topped with a comfort layer. However, they lack the extra cushioning of a transition layer and require a box spring for support.
5. MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES
Memory foam is a durable, comfortable material that conforms to the shape of your body. This type of mattress can help relieve pressure and keep your spine aligned while you sleep. Memory foam mattresses are good for couples because they reduce motion transfer.
Sleep Number® m7 smart bed
6. PILLOWTOP MATTRESSES
Like the name implies, pillowtop mattresses include an extra top layer of plush padding. This provides soft, pillow-like comfort, while innerspring coils offer support and bounce.
MATTRESSES SIZES AND DIMENSIONS
1. ADJUSTABLE BASE
Adjustable bases such as our FlexFit™ smart adjustable bases make it easy to raise and lower the head and foot of your bed for ultimate relaxation. Combined with a Sleep Number® smart bed, you’ve got a fully customizable bed ready to be set to your exact sleep preferences, including Foot Warming* to help you fall asleep faster, and Partner Snore™ technology may temporarily relieve snoring.†
Sleep Number FlexFootTM Adjustable Base
2. BOX SPRING
A box spring is a wooden frame with a layer of coils that provides support for a mattress. This kind of base is most commonly used with innerspring mattresses.
3. SLATTED BASE
A slatted base offers solid support for a mattress. The slats are typically made from sturdy wood.
4. BUNKY BOARD
Bunkie (or bunky) boards are thin, wood-based barriers that are placed between a mattress and bed frame. They provide a flat platform for the mattress to rest on and are typically used with bunk beds.
5. FOUNDATION
A bed foundation typically consists of a fabric-covered wooden frame with slats across the surface. It works with most mattresses and offers firm support, ultimately creating a firmer bed.
MATTRESS FIRMNESS
Firmness is a huge factor in sleeping comfort. Figuring out whether you prefer a firmer or a softer mattress can go a long way in helping you narrow down your options.
The Sleep Experts at Sleep Number® use IndividualFit® 3D imaging to help you determine the firmness, comfort and support that’s just right for you. Sleep Number® smart beds are adjustable, so you can choose your ideal firmness and change it any time you like.
SLEEPING WITH A PARTNER
Sharing a bed with a partner can be intimate and comforting, but it can also be a hassle if the two of you have wildly different sleep preferences. Sleeping positions, firmness needs and snoring can have you tossing and turning instead of slumbering soundly. That’s why it’s important to start with a mattress that works for both of you. Sleep Number® smart beds adjust on each side to the individual needs of each sleeper, so even if you have different preferences, you can both sleep comfortably together. And the PartnerSnore™ feature on our FlexFit™ smart adjustable bases may temporarily relieve snoring.**
SLEEPING WITH BACK PAIN
Back pain caused by muscle strains, pinched nerves and other conditions can interfere with your sleep quality, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. Since no two people sleep the same, the best mattresses for back pain are the ones that meet an individual’s needs.
SLEEPING HOT OR COLD
Temperature is one of the most important factors that can impact your sleep. Materials like synthetic fabrics and foam bedding can cause you to overheat, which can negatively impact your sleep quality. Sleep Number® smart beds include temperature balancing materials designed to help you sleep at a comfortable temperature for more restful sleep.
1. READ REVIEWS
Have a few mattresses in mind? Want to know what people are saying about the most popular options? Read the product reviews. While no review can tell you exactly how well you’ll sleep on a certain mattress, it can be helpful to hear about others’ experiences. You might even happen upon a review in which a customer shares similar sleeping habits and preferences as you — maybe they’re also a side sleeper who runs hot and likes a firmer bed. In that case, their experience will be extra valuable as you shop.
Customer reviews can also tell you what a company is like. Pay attention to feedback about customer service, returns and having a mattress repaired that is still under warranty.
Read Sleep Number® smart bed reviews
2. ASK FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Online reviews are helpful, but we tend to trust recommendations even more when they come from people we know. Ask friends and family if they have a mattress they absolutely love. Find out what they like about it and think about whether it could be a good fit for your sleep needs.
3. TRY A SLEEP TRIAL
You can research the best mattress for stomach sleepers, but nothing beats trying out a mattress for yourself. And we don’t just mean sprawling out on one for a few minutes in the store (although that’s a great first step).
Sleep Number offers a 100-Night In-Home Trial on our smart beds. If, after sleeping on your new bed for a full 30 nights, you are not completely satisfied, contact us before the end of the 100-night In-Home Trial Period to arrange for a return or exchange.
4. LOOK AT WARRANTIES
Before buying a mattress, be sure to check out the warranty. Some companies will only cover a mattress for a few years, while others may offer a lifetime guarantee. Mattresses are significant investments, so it’s a good idea to ensure that your purchase will be protected for years to come just in case there’s an issue.
Read up on what is actually covered. Most mattress warranties only cover manufacturing defects. This means that you’ll be able to get issues like premature sagging or split seams fixed at little to no cost. However, regular wear and tear or damage caused by negligent care won’t be covered and can even void a warranty.
Sleep Number® smart beds come with a 15-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
5. ADD A MATTRESS PAD OR TOPPER
You may want to add a mattress pad and topper to your shopping list. Mattress pads protect your investment against stains and other kinds of damage. Some options fully encase a mattress, offering even more protection against water damage, bed bugs, pollen, pet dander and dust mites.
While mattress pads are all about protection, mattress toppers are about maximizing comfort. Your sleep preferences can change over time, and mattress toppers allow you to easily adjust the feel of your mattress without purchasing a new bed. You can add a topper for more plushness, added temperature control or more pressure relief.
Shop Sleep Number® mattress pads and toppers
6. TAKE A MATTRESS FIT QUIZ
Comfort is subjective, and it can be tough to match your preferences to the right mattress – particularly when you find yourself looking at dozens of seemingly similar options. Consider taking a mattress quiz to help you find the bed that’s right for you.
A mattress quiz will ask about your sleep position, firmness preference and more. After answering a few questions, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of mattress to look for. Some quizzes will even recommend specific mattresses, making your search that much easier.
MYTH 1: FIRM MATTRESSES ARE BETTER FOR YOUR BACK
Many people believe that firm mattresses are better than soft ones, whether for relieving back pain or ensuring quality sleep in general. This simply isn’t true. A number of factors determine whether you’d benefit from a softer or firmer mattress, including your typical sleep position and joint health. A mattress that’s too firm can actually put more pressure on problem areas like your lower back, worsening the issue. So cast this myth aside and choose a mattress with the right level of firmness for your unique needs.
MYTH 2: YOU MUST REPLACE YOUR MATTRESS AFTER A CERTAIN NUMBER OF YEARS
SleepFoundation.org recommends replacing your mattress every 6 to 8 years. But this rule isn’t set in stone. And, in fact, some mattresses, like the Sleep Number® mattress, can last 15 years or more. That’s over a decade of high-quality sleep!
The secret to keeping your bed comfortable and functional for years to come? Purchase a high-quality mattress and keep it in excellent condition. That means cleaning it regularly, protecting it with a mattress pad, and moving or storing it properly. These steps can help extend the life of your mattress.
MYTH 3: FLIPPING AND ROTATING YOUR MATTRESS WILL MAKE IT LAST LONGER
You may have heard that you should rotate or flip your mattress every few months to extend its lifespan. The idea behind this is that alternating the sides and ends that you sleep on will ensure that the whole mattress wears down evenly instead of becoming lopsided or saggy.
Many mattresses today are designed to be one-sided, which means that flipping them will only get you some subpar shuteye. Rotating, however, is still a fairly common practice — and its necessity very much depends on the material makeup of your mattress. When in doubt, check your bed’s owner’s manual.
Like diet and exercise, quality sleep is essential for optimal wellbeing and performance. Because everyone's sleep needs are different, Sleep Number® smart beds sense your movements and automatically adjust firmness, comfort and support to keep you both sleeping comfortably. Find your Sleep Number® setting for your best possible night's sleep.
*Foot Warming is available on FlexFit™ 3 smart adjustable base.
†May temporarily relieve common mild snoring in otherwise healthy adults. Partner Snore™ technology is available with Split King and FlexTop® King mattresses on FlexFit™ smart adjustable bases and Climate360® smart bed.
**May temporarily relieve common mild snoring in otherwise healthy adults. Partner Snore™ technology is available with Split King and FlexTop® King mattresses on FlexFit™ smart adjustable bases and Climate360® smart bed.
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