Mattress Shopping 101: 4 Signs You Need a New One & 4 Tips to Find the Right One!
It’s hard to put a price on a good night’s sleep. Millions of Americans struggle with occasional or long-term sleeping problems, and I’m sure we’ve all had those nights where counting sheep just wasn’t cutting it. While our inability to get a full night’s rest could be the result of several different factors, make sure the mattress you’re sleeping isn’t overlooked.
4 Signs You May Need a New Mattress
According to bettersleep.org, “your mattress can still feel comfortable long after it has lost its ability to provide your body with the proper comfort and support it needs.” Therefore, it’s important to evaluate your mattress on occasion and base that evaluation on more than comfort. Bettersleep.org provides several things to consider when deciding whether or not it may be time to invest in a new mattress:
- Your mattress is five to seven years old
- You wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains
- You had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel or a friend’s guest room)
- Your mattress shows signs of overuse (it sags, has lumps, etc.)
Are these statements characteristic of your current mattress? If so, it may be time to go shopping…
4 Simple Tips for Choosing the Right Mattress
It’s time to invest in a new mattress, but how do you know which one to choose? You can certainly narrow down your selection by determining a budget, doing some basic research online, and talking with a sales associate. But, to truly know which mattress is right for you, follow these simple tips (from Restonic.com and Bettersleep.org):
- Test out different mattresses by laying on them. (Yes, this may feel awkward when you’re in store, but it’s important). How often do you buy a car without taking it for a test drive?
- Take your time. It may take 5-10 minutes before you actually feel the true support of the bed. For the most realistic test, make sure you lay in various positions, especially the one you usually sleep in (side, stomach, or back)
- Know how much space you need. Bettersleep.org recommends no smaller than a queen szie mattress for couples. A queen is 60” x 80”, a king is 76” x 80, and a California king is 72” x 84”. It’s all a matter of personal preference.
- Compare mattresses at similar price points so you compare fairly. Shop for the best value (a quality mattress) versus the lowest price. What value will you place a good night’s sleep?
Overall, make sure to do your research, ask a lot of good questions, test out a variety of mattresses, and communicate with the sales associate in store throughout the entire process. Finding the ‘right’ mattress can be challenging at times, but a good night’s rest is worth your time.
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