Mattresses 101 Agawam MA

If you suspect that your difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, afternoon fatigue, and perhaps even a little crankiness may be due to the fact that you aren’t sleeping well, you are probably right. The most likely culprit? Your mattress. It may be worn out, or you may have one that is not the right firmness or size. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best mattress for you, and then protecting your investment in a good night’s rest.

Types of Mattresses

The most common types of mattresses for daily use are spring mattresses and foam mattresses. There are also water and air mattresses, futon mattresses, and special beds whose position and firmness can be changed by remote control.

Most types of mattresses are available ready-made at furniture and mattress stores, or by phone order. You can also get most types of mattresses custom made if you have an irregularly-sized antique bed frame, or other design requirements.

Spring mattresses. Spring mattresses can be made with an open coil system, in which the springs are all connected, or a pocket sprung system, in which each metal coil is packed separately into the mattress in its own “pocket,” rather than being connected like continuous coil springs. Pocket springs react individually to pressure and weight so they may be a good choice for couples. Because the springs move a bit more independently, you may be less affected by your partner's movements.

Springs also differ in width, indicated by wire gauge. Lower gauge numbers offer broader wires, which in turn make a firmer mattress. A gauge of 12, for example, will be quite firm. The thicker gauges of wire are also sturdier, and likely to last longer. The diameter of the coiled springs, and their quantity also affect the quality of the mattresses, with wider coils and more springs indicating a sturdier mattress. Thinner wires, which have gauge numbers as high as 15, will feel softer.

The sleep surface of a spring mattress varies depending on what material is packed in the space above the springs. This can be any sort of fiber, like wool, cotton, cashmere, mohair, or silk, or it could be a layer of memory foam or latex. You’ll find the prices of these mattresses vary according to the quality of materials used to make them, and are higher if much of the mattress was constructed by hand rather than machine.

Foam mattresses. Foam mattresses also come in several types. Reflex foam transfers less movement, and may be a good choice if you or your partner is a restless sleeper. Memory foam is supportive, but forms to the contours of the body. Latex foam is hypo-allergenic, and resistant to mold and mildew.

Most high quality mattresses will last about 10 years, but a latex mattress can last up to 30. Futon mattresses are commonly full of cotton but may be made with layers of natural fibers, foam, or latex, and some even have coils. Some mattress makers and sellers will also refer to “orthopedic” mattresses. This is really not a separate type of mattress, but a way of referring to very firm mattresses which may or may not be better for you. Don’t be fooled; this is a marketing tool, not a medical endorsement.

How to Choose the Right Mattress

The only way to figure out which mattress is right for you is to try them out! The easiest way to do this is to don comfortable clothes, head to a mattress show-room floor, and spend a long Saturday afternoon lying around on the various models with whoever else is going to be using the mattress. Another good way to try out mattresses is to stay in a hotel that uses the kind of mattress you want to test. Some brands of mattresses have partnered with hotels as a marketing technique, and a mattress brand’s website or customer service number should be able to direct you to a hotel that uses its products.

Roll from edge to edge to make sure that the support is consistent. Spend some time on your favorite models. A soft mattress that feels comfortable at first may feel insufficiently supportive after a little while. Do not be shy, take all the time that you need, and just worry about what feels most comfortable for you and your bedmate—not what a sales person might be interested in persuading you is best. Don’t buy right away. Go home and think it over, and measure the space where you want the bed to fit. Then when you go back, you will know what kind you like, and how much room you have.

If you are buying a futon mattress, look for one at least 6 inches thick; the thicker it is, the more comfortable it is likely to be. Instead of a box spring for your futon you will want a frame. Some frames can be converted to couches, but you will want to experiment in the store to see how easy it is to maneuver. If you like the look of a wood frame, opt for one made of Southern Yellow Pine, which offers superior strength and durability.

Cost and Warranties

It is a good rule of thumb to buy the best and biggest mattress you can possibly afford and fit in your bedroom. You may find a smaller mattress more comfortable, but generally more room will mean better sleep. You should compromise as little as possible on the quality of the mattress. It is tempting to try to save money on something so utilitarian, but remember that good sleep is essential to good health, and your investment will be well repaid once you begin to experience consistently refreshing sleep. You should expect to pay a minimum of a few hundred dollars, but it will probably cost you more, and an especially large, well-made, or high-tech mattress could cost you well over a thousand dollars.

Familiarize yourself with the warranty of whatever mattress you are planning to buy. Typically the warranties last ten to twenty years, but that doesn’t necessarily correspond to how long the mattress will continue to be useful. The warranties will probably cover only manufacturers’ defects, not every day wear and tear, and may be invalidated by stains, tears, or indications that it was used with an improper box spring. In short, don’t count on being able to return your new mattress a few weeks after you buy it unless the company explicitly guarantees that you have a certain amount of time to return the mattress just because you have changed your mind.

Things to Avoid

Steer clear of used mattresses, refurbished mattresses, or any stores where the sales people do not assure you with complete confidence that the mattresses are made from all new materials. Not only will a used mattress have conformed already to someone else’s sleep pattern, and perhaps have begun to sag and lose its bounce, but is clearly not the most hygienic option.

You also should be sure to always buy a matching box spring with your mattress, if it is designed for one. A sales person may offer you a discounted price for a mismatched box spring that has been discontinued due to a fabric change or some other reason. However, be aware this may not always be the best deal. A mismatched box spring may not provide the right support for your new mattress, and could be uncomfortable to sleep on. It also may have an inferior wire gauge. Also try to keep from spilling anything on your mattress, as stains may invalidate the warranty.

Caring For Your Mattress

Once you find the mattress of your dreams and bring it home, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure that you will snooze on it peacefully for many years to come.

First, buy yourself a mattress pad. These range from very simple cotton sheet-like covers that simply keep your mattress clean, to memory foam comfort enhancing pads. Second, depending on the type of mattress you own, it may be necessary to turn your mattress on a regular schedule to keep it from sagging in spots where you spend the most time. It is a good idea to flip the mattress once a month, or twice a month if you opt for a futon, alternating between flipping it end over end one month, and side over side the next. If your mattress only has one sleep surface, such as a pillowtop design, you can skip the flip but be sure to rotate it regularly to reduce wear.

Lastly, some people like to drag their mattresses outside to air them out when they do their spring cleaning, but you should probably stick to vacuuming. Who knows what sort of creepy-crawlies outside in the grass might think your mattress looks like a nice new home, or if a sudden shower might come along, and prevent you from using your mattress for quite some time while you wait for it to dry thoroughly?

Enjoy Yourself

Take all the time you need to get the best mattress for you. Have fun choosing a mattress that gives you that wonderful “aaaaahhhh” feeling when you sink into it each night, and enjoy sweet dreams!

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