Surveys show that many of us keep our mattresses longer than their intended shelf life of five to seven years. With some help from Robert Klein, president of Dial-A-Mattress, which sells mattresses from a variety of manufacturers, we offer some food for thought before you purchase:
Need to know: You need a mattress that allows plenty of room for movement — cramped quarters can mean a nightly wrestling match. A healthy sleeper moves 40 to 60 times a night, including some full body turns. If you or your bedmate tends to toss about, consider a mattress with coils that are individually encased in fabric pockets, to eliminate the transfer of motion. You will feel less movement around you.
Size matters. Mattress sizes are defined by the industry as twin (39 inches wide by 75 long; add 5 inches for extra-long), full (54 inches by 75 inches), queen (60 inches by 80 inches), king (76 inches by 80 inches), and California king (72 inches by 84 inches). A good minimum-size mattress for two people is the queen size. Klein says couples with full-size beds are allowing themselves less space each than can be had in a baby’s crib.
Get touchy. Don’t buy a mattress without testing it first. Lie on different types for at least 15 minutes each to determine for yourself what kind of comfort — firm, plush, pillow-top — appeals to you. Consider the position in which you sleep. Side sleepers usually prefer a softer feel, while stomach sleepers like a firm mattress. A good mattress and foundation (box spring and bed frame) will gently support your body at all points.
Be sure to ask: What is the mattress made of? The quality of the materials used and how well they’re put together determine how long a mattress and foundation will provide the comfort and support you seek. Updated materials in the quilting, such as latex and memory foam, may resist body impressions longer than traditional materials. Memory-foam quilting molds around your body’s unique curves and cushions areas such as the hips and shoulders. As a result, the pressure is distributed evenly across the body.
Good advice. A good foundation is as important as a good mattress. Most mattress warranties come with a “matching foundation” requirement. Remember that a “bargain” mattress and foundation are no bargain when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. You should shop for the best value from a reputable retailer.
What will it cost: Sleep Train, a mattress retailer, says a good-quality, basic bed will generally cost $399 to $599 in a queen size. A step-up sleep set with a premium inner-spring and higher-end upholstery materials can cost $699 to $899. A top-end mattress set, with the firmest support and the most expensive fibers in the upholstery, will run at least $999, and possibly as much as $3,000 or more.
The flip side. Manufacturers suggest that, for the first three months after purchase, you turn your mattress monthly; thereafter, every 90 days. Rotate the box spring twice a year.
