Home Improvement Information

The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a Mattress


Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few relish. The range of prices, features, and stores can make your head spin. It doesn't have to be this difficult. Bearing a few things in mind while you try and find that perfect place to sleep can ease that big purchase tension.

1. Don't limit your mattress search to innerspring mattresses.
Innersprings mattresses have long been the standard and for that reason many people are inclined to shop accordingly. Recently that trend has been changing as more and more people are realizing the benefits of getting-edge sleep systems. Latex and memory foam beds are superior to innersprings in comfort, support, and price.

2. Explore what will best suit your needs.
It is easy to be swept up in advertising and form opinions about products without ever having tried them or done any further research. This is one of the biggest mistakes to be made when shopping for a mattress. Being dead set on having a memory foam bed can blind you to the possibility that latex, with its antimicrobial properties and breathability may be a better mattress for you. You may find that memory foam is what you needed, but it is important to keep your mind open.

3. Don't be sidetracked by trends or gimmicks.
Though it may seem like fun to change the firmness of your bed every night through products like air beds, it is not worth losing the support your body needs. Find a mattress that is customizable but continues to offer support. For example, it is easy to customize latex mattresses to any firmness level without losing support, even for couples.

4. Know the difference between firmness and support.
It is a common misconception that firmer is better. This theory has been debunked. As it turns out the human body does in fact have curves. The best mattress for you will relieve pressure points while supporting your body.

5. Don't buy more than you need.
Many mattress sellers will try and sell you a whole new mattress set even if you already have a perfectly good box spring. If your box spring isn't broken don't replace it. In the case of a platform bed, which provides more under bed storage, a box spring is unnecessary.

6. Know what the exchange policy is.
Being stuck on an uncomfortable mattress that cost you a fortune is a miserable experience. Many retailers have exchange policies extending up to a month to ensure that you know the mattress you buy is the mattress you want. Know what the store's policy is before thinking about buying.

7. Take into account the importance of a good night's sleep.
A lot of people undervalue the time they spend in bed. A cheap innerspring mattress will not relieve pressure points near as well as memory foam or latex, which means more tossing and turning, and less deep restful sleep.

8. Don't be too attached to brand names.
Name brand products are often very high quality. However, many smaller scale manufacturers and retailers generate comparable and often superior products at a fraction of the price.

9. Take into consideration the longevity of the mattress.
Mattress lifespan is important to consider because it affects the cost of the mattress relative to time. A good latex mattress will remain a premium sleeping surface for twice as long as any innerspring mattress. Be sure to ask about warranties on any mattress you are considering.

10. Be sure to know the features and benefits.
Knowing the features and benefits is the only way to decide which mattress is going to work best for you. To the uninformed eye a cover is a cover. To someone in the know, a cover is an amazing feature. Some covers are antimicrobial to reduce the number of allergens in the sleeping area. Some breathe better than others allowing excess moisture to be rapidly dissipated. Still others stretch to form to your body. Remember that there are important considerations when choosing a mattress cover.

With these tips in hand, it's easier to focus on the ultimate goal of achieving a comfortable, restful sleep. Inquire into new technologies and investigate as many different options as possible using the internet before you walk into a store. Use these points to form your own list of preferences and questions and take your business to someone who listens to your questions and answers them honestly. The most powerful ally for any consumer, after all, is preparation!

Ben Hermsen, a latex mattress and foam cushion engineer, is a manager for FoamSource.com where he champions the benefits of latex mattresses, toppers and pillows for both individual health and also the preservation of our natural environment. For more information on ordering latex mattresses, click here.


MORE RESOURCES:

Home improvement Q&A: Proper care and bleeding of a radiator heat ...
News & Observer, NC - 4 hours ago
By ALAN J. HEAVENS - The Philadelphia Inquirer Question: Do know anything about radiators and boilers for the home? I'm not sure about proper bleeding and ...


Home design depression
Boston Globe, United States - 11 hours ago
The sad truth is, if I had an IV drip of Diet Pepsi I could spend all weekend watching HGTV, or any of the home improvement shows on the DIY Network, ...


European shares down for second straight session
MarketWatch - 9 hours ago
Mineral extractors will continue its decline along with home improvement retailers. Remember the stay-cation theme where bets were on home improvement ...


BobVila.com

How to save money on your home improvement project
YourHub.com, CO - Jan 5, 2009
Workshop for Women can help you get the home improvement skills you need in an inviting and fun environment. Taking a class will . ...
New Year's Home Improvement Resolutions BobVila.com
all 2 news articles


9 home-improvement projects for 2009
Seattle Times, United States - Jan 3, 2009
A look at what home projects will allow folks to live better now and make the house more saleable later. By Karen Klages A bathroom remodel may make your ...


Do thorough research before signing a home improvement contract
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 4, 2009
... the economy on shaky ground, it's more important than ever for homeowners to carefully screen the contractors they hire for home improvement projects. ...


Home Improvement Expert Don Zeman Dies
Los Angeles Chronicle,  USA - Jan 3, 2009
SAVANNAH, GA - Don Zeman, known to millions of radio listeners and television viewers across the country as "America´s Home Improvement Expert" died ...
News From The Homefront KEYC
all 3 news articles


What’s Up? Students go back to school and hectic lives
Reno Gazette Journal, NV - 23 hours ago
It never is easy to focus on finals when you've spent the last two weeks watching reruns of Home Improvement, hanging out with friends and sleeping in until ...


What's your home improvement resolution for 2009?
MLive.com, MI - Jan 3, 2009
"What are your home improvement resolutions for the new year?" Post your response under "Post a comment," and it could be included in next Sunday's ...


Plan ahead to save money on energy, home improvement
Staunton News Leader, VA - Jan 3, 2009
And, thanks to a number of plastic storm window kits available at area hardware and home improvement stores, putting plastic over your windows is easier ...

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
© 2006