PREPARE TO BED-SHOP
This is one decision you need to make lying down! Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can take off easily. If you're going to share this bed, bring your partner along and “test drive” a variety of mattresses together.
DISCARD OLD NOTIONS ABOUT “FIRM”
Ten years ago and more, the conventional thinking was that a mattress had to be hard as a board to be good for you. Now we know that a mattress that's too hard may ruin your sleep by creating pressure points – especially at your hips and shoulders. Today's mattresses can be much more user friendly combining comfort at the surface with deep down support.
GET THE WHOLE STORY
Study the available literature – especially independent sources like newspapers or university studies. Once you make a decision, you should ask for any special care information prepared by the manufacturer or by the store itself.
FIRST IMPPRESSIONS COUNT
Quality bedding will give the outward appearance of quality. Look for fine tailoring, superior fabrics and a surface that looks and feels plush. Better bedding features extra layers of soft cushioning in high-quality natural or man-made fibers.
ABOUT THE WARRANTY
The warranty is there to protect you against product defects, not the gradual loss of comfort and support. Although a sleep set may be usable after 10 years, it may no longer be probiding the comfort and support you body needs.
BIGGER IS BETTER
If you sleep with someone else, don't settle for anything smaller than a queen; consider a king set if you're tall or like lots of extra space (the average person turns 40 to 60 times a night).
BUY A MATCHING SET
Don't make the mistake of putting a new mattress on an old box spring. A mattress and box spring are engineered to work together as a sleep set. The box spring acts like a giant shock absorber, taking a lot of the nightly wear and tear, and contributes to the bed's overall comfort and support.
INVEST IN THE BEST
When you consider that you'lll be spending three of the next 10 years in bed, it makes sense to invest in the best quality sleep set your budget will allow. Averaged over its lifespan, even the most expensive bed costs less a day than a cup of coffee!
