Mattress Buying 101

Mattress buying has become one of the most statistically proven dreaded experiences for a consumer. But does it have to be? The words and language used alone can be an overwhelming experience. This article is designed to help take some of the guess-work out of mattress buying.

As a mattress manufacturer we hear on a daily basis that a customer has visited a big “Box” store and when asked what is the inside construction of the mattress; the sales person is clueless to the answer. They pull out the binder of information they’re given and read directly from that. A customer should be wary if they are not confident in what they’re buying. There are so many different brands of beds, types, and appearances in the mattress industry now. Mattresses can be pillowtop, two-sided traditional, gel/memory foam, latex foam, air, and so much more. They’re even being shipped vacuum sealed in a box. There are three distinct factors in mattress building: support, comfort, and durability. Follow these simple guidelines to help determine what might work best for you.

Mattress support systems can vary, including innerspring, pocketed coil individually wrapped, 100-percent foam, or a combination of those options. Support is perhaps the most important aspect if you have any orthopedic or back issues as it's what keeps the spine in alignment. A traditional innerspring tends to be steel with a border wire perimeter. This design is typical in a two-sided (flip) mattress, and the springs do not compress easily with a wire gauge between 15 and 12.5. In the mattress industry, the lower number gauge of wire signifies a better, thicker wire present. An individually wrapped coil is a softer gauge wire and designed to create a softer feeling when lying down. It's commonly encased in a foam perimeter, and is typically a no-flip design. And finally, 100-percent foam is when a foam core is used as the support in the mattress.

Comfort to most consumers is perhaps the most important aspect in mattress buying. The “ooh-ah” moment when lying down in the showroom is what a salesperson is waiting to hear. And the right type of comfort is great when combined with the right quality. Foam comes in various different quality levels, which is standardly based on its weight. It can range from 8 ounces to 5 pounds per cubic foot. The higher the density of the foam, the better the quality. Density equals durability, which leads to my next point. Sleeping well is an important part of your overall health. A new mattress could be the key.

Durability can be achieved in many different ways. Insulator pads are a common practice in the mattress industry, but coconut fibers, felt pads, raw cotton, etc. are the most popular fillers currently. People who live in warmer climates should be aware of this when bed shopping and choose a material that will not allow absorb moisture. Insulator pads can range in weight and thickness, which all change the feeling of a mattress. As a rule of thumb, a two-sided traditional flip mattress will outlast a pillowtop no-flip design due to the additional sleeping surface. The best way to preserve the life of a mattress is to regularly rotate and flip it.

Memory foam or gel foams are perhaps the most popular in the industry recently, with leading name brands carrying these products. Many mattress manufacturers have moved away from spring designs and are migrating to all-foam. Memory foam is a slow-recovery foam that's designed to mold around the sleeper and eventually create your body silhouette. Going back to the above topic of comfort, there are different density memory foams available. Memory foam standardly ranges from 3 to 5 pounds per cubic foot. Latex foam is another alternative with a faster recovery than memory foam. It is commonly described as being more “natural” as it's derived from the rubber tree.Many mattresses look the same on the outside and come at all different price points, but don't judge a bed by its cover. What is inside the mattress is what matters most, so when you’re shopping for your new bed, ask your mattress specialist for details. And whether it’s an all-foam or a traditional mattress, find what is going to work best for YOU.