Considerations When Purchasing A New Mattress
Sleeping on a new mattress can be a very satisfying and rewarding experience. If you are considering the purchase of a new mattress, it is important to find one that best fits your body and sleeping habits. Here are a few considerations to think about when shopping for a new mattress and a few suggestions on how to maintain it once you have brought it home:
Test Drive A Mattress
Take some time to really experience a mattress before you purchase it. Spend at least 15–20 minutes to test drive each potential mattress purchase in the mattress store. Test the mattress in the same body positions that you sleep: on your back, on your stomach, and on each side. If you sleep with someone, it is wise for both of you to test drive a potential mattress purchase together. When you test drive mattresses, try different types, such as innerspring, memory foam, air chamber, cooling, and adjustable, until you find the most comfortable fit for your body.
Mattress Support Grades
There are many mattress support grades such as soft, medium, firm, plush, cushion, and adjustable. These grades will vary by brand and mattress type so you must try each of the different support grades when you are considering a purchase. Note that some mattresses come with an additional pillow top pad so those mattresses may seem to be more comfortable even on a support grade that you have not used before.
Mattress Return or Exchange Policy
You can never tell if a mattress is a good fit for you until you have spent a few weeks sleeping on it each night. Make sure when you purchase a new mattress that it has at least a 30-day return or exchange policy so that you have ample time to test your new purchase. Also, check the return or exchange policy to verify that the mattress store will come to your residence and pick up your purchased mattress should you decide to return or exchange it.
Rotate and Flip Your Mattress
After a while, all mattresses can get lumpy or worn in areas that receive a lot of body contact. To extend the life of your mattress, it is wise to rotate and flip it every month. This means that the end of the mattress that was at the bottom of the bed is moved to the top of the bed. It also means that the side of the mattress where you previously slept is now face down on your bed. Also, whenever you change the linens on your bed, allow your mattress, box springs, and pillow top pad to air out for a few hours without linens to keep them fresh.
Change The Mattress Cover and Padding
In order to have the most comfortable sleep, it is best to change your mattress cover and pad every year. Buy a fitted cotton mattress cover with wrap around sides to protect your new mattress and keep it clean. If you like extra padding, place a pillow top pad on top of your mattress and under your mattress cover. This can cushion your body from the structural coils or springs of your mattress.
Whatever mattress you decide to purchase must be fully researched and test driven. You will be very happy once you have found a great mattress that truly fits your body and lifestyle, as it can give you great comfort every night and good health for many few years.