With the holiday season in full swing and the cold weather creeping
indoors, the most comfortable place to lay your head down after
a day of shopping should be in your own bed. Yet, a new survey by
BSC shows that many Americans are not getting the rest they need
because they are in need of a new mattress. Many consumers may not
even realize that it’s time to replace their current bed or,
if it’s been awhile, how to go about buying a new one. In fact,
Consumer Reports wrote in June 2005 that they "receive more
inquiries about mattresses than any other product except cars."
To relieve the confusion that comes with finding a new mattress,
BSC has developed some guidelines to walk consumers through the
process and help them buy the bed of their dreams. It's called the
EASE Method and it has four steps:
1.) Evaluate your options
2.) Arm yourself with information
3.) Shop for the right selection
4.) Ensure quality care
With the launch of the EASE Online Guide, consumers now have a one-stop-shop
for mattress shopping and care information, in addition to the existing
information on www.bettersleep.org that aims to help consumers improve
the quality of their sleep and, in turn, the quality of the lives.
For more information on the BSC’s EASE Online Guide and to
download a guide to Better Sleep, visit:
http://www.bettersleep.org/Ease/index.asp
Q&A with the Better Sleep Council
Q: How often should I replace my mattress? How do I tell if I
need a new one?
A: Because sleep is so critical to our ability to function and feel
our best, it is important to replace your sleep set on a regular
basis. If you’ve had your mattress for 5 – 7 years or
longer, it may be time for a new one. A mattress can still feel
‘comfortable’ even if it no longer be provides you with
the support that you need.
It’s time for a new mattress when you wake up with pain, stiffness
or soreness, or you had your best night’s sleep somewhere other
than your own bed. How often to replace a mattress depends on the
individual, his/her personal comfort and support needs, and his/her
interest in benefiting from new technologies that continually emerge
in mattress design.
Keep in mind that people’s bodies change over time, and the
need for good comfort and support only increases with age. That’s
why it’s a good idea to compare the mattress and foundation
you are sleeping on now to newer models every few years.
Q: What are the newest trends in mattresses?
A: If you haven't shopped for a new mattress in a while, you'll
be surprised to find a wide variety of new choices. Just as computer,
wireless and electronic technology gets more advanced each year,
new developments are continuously being introduced that make the
latest model mattresses and foundations a new experience in comfort.
Here is the latest scoop in mattress trends:
Indulge me: Pillowtop mattresses are among the most popular designs
in sleeping luxury, offering an extra layer of soft cushioning that
looks much like a comforter attached to the mattress surface. A
wide selection of luxury materials are now used in mattress construction,
including everything from natural fibers like cotton and wool to
21st century technologies such as foams that mold to the body. Mattresses
made of these "memory" (visco-elastic) foams are also
among today's most popular designs.
Super size me: Mattress makers are going to new heights, literally,
when it comes to building top quality mattresses, adding in so many
extra comfort layers that they can be 14, 15 or 16 inches thick,
sometimes more. New technologies are also giving consumers a choice
between mattresses that perform best with regular turning and single-sided
designs that don't need to be turned.
But, there's no better way to experience the full array of new choices
without a personal bed-shopping trip to see them first hand.
Q: What is a reasonable amount to spend on a new mattress?
A: A quality mattress is one of the best investments that you can
make to improve your health and quality of life. Considering that
you'll probably be using your bed more than any other product you
own - including your car, TV, computer or cell phone - the mattress
you sleep on is one of the best cost-per-day values on the market
today. Bottomline: Buy the best you can afford.
The best way to ensure that you're a satisfied customer is to shop
at a store you trust will give you good information, good service
and top quality products. Look for educated salespeople who can
guide you through the many choices in bedding. If you don't feel
your salesperson is knowledgeable or helpful, take your business
elsewhere.
If you're a shopper who likes to compare values from store to store,
you should be aware that comparison shopping by model name may lead
to frustration. You probably won't find the same model name in one
store as you did in another. As with so many products on the market
in America today - from apparel to fine furnishings - many retailers
prefer to offer products that are exclusive to their store.
When comparing, remember that a "bargain" mattress and
foundation are no bargain when it comes to getting a good night's
sleep.
Q: Is it a smart idea to buy a mattress online?
A: The Internet is a great place to do research and find out what
options are available, and what your needs are when it comes to
comfort and support. However, just like you would a new car, it
is more important to "test drive" your new mattress in
the store to ensure the correct level of comfort and support. The
best way to do this is by removing your shoes (if you're a woman,
it's best to go mattress-shopping in jeans or slacks) and lying
down on several different models in various positions, especially
the one you usually sleep in.
Pay special attention to its support of your lower back, postural
alignment (as if you were standing) and make sure you feel plenty
of comfort at the shoulders and hips. Also, it is a good idea to
shop with your partner so the selection of your new bed is made
together. Those few extra minutes of focusing on the "feel"
of different mattress choices can save a lot of time later.
