As the years passed our mattress slowly morphed into a hammock, with a pronounced sag in the middle. My husband and I would awaken in the morning with aching limbs and, most often, aching backs. No wonder. Our mattress was at least 20 years old and it was time to buy a new one.
But a good mattress and box spring may cost $1,000 or more. Buying a mattress isn't a small purchase; it has become an investment. Searching for the "right" mattress can be a confusing, and at times, exhausting experience. These tips will help you with your search.
1. Choose the type. There are three basic types of mattresses, innerspring, memory foam, and adjustable. According to a Consumer Reports website article, "Mattress Buying Guide," innerspring mattresses are the most common and the most economical. Memory foam mattresses are heat-sensitive and conform to your body, the article continues. We tried foam mattresses and didn't like them, so we decided on innerspring.
2. Determine your price range. To avoid spending thousands of dollars on a mattresses and box spring, we went to a local mattress factory. We had purchased mattresses from this factory in the past and were satisfied customers. Satisfied customers like us come back.
3. Test various mattresses. The Consumer Reports article tells customers to "do the 15-minute, in-store test." You should spend at least five minutes on your side, back and stomach. Which one feels best to you? We liked a mattress with a cushioned top best and that is what we ordered. The price included a new box spring.
4. Check the materials. In its online booklet, "The Better Sleep Guide," the Better Sleep Customers asks customers to check construction materials. "Ask the sales person if they can show you illustrated or actual 'cutaways' of the interior of different mattresses and foundation choices," the article explains. This wasn't a problem for us because the factory show room displayed the inner materials with each mattress.
5. Ask about the removal charge. Stores charge extra for removing your old mattress and box spring. The factory store had a reasonable removal charge and we were willing to pay it. However, you may be able to put your old mattress out with the trash. Our trash hauler takes away a twin mattress for $20.
6. What is the delivery charge? This charge may depend on distance. Though we live fairly close to the mattress factory, we were not charged for delivery. The store delivers mattresses to veterans for free. Since my husband is a veteran we qualified for free delivery. "Thank you for your service to our country," the owner said.
7. Understand the return policy. According to the Better Sleep Council, you should be wary of "comfort guarantees" because they involve additional shopping and delivery time. The tag must be on the mattress if you want to return it. Some return policies have a time limit. We lucked out here. "If this mattress isn't comfortable I will remake it for $68," he said.
Finding a mattress that fits your needs takes time. Allow plenty of time, do your homework, and keep your eyes on the goal -- a better night's sleep.
Copyright 2012 by Harriet Hodgson
But a good mattress and box spring may cost $1,000 or more. Buying a mattress isn't a small purchase; it has become an investment. Searching for the "right" mattress can be a confusing, and at times, exhausting experience. These tips will help you with your search.
1. Choose the type. There are three basic types of mattresses, innerspring, memory foam, and adjustable. According to a Consumer Reports website article, "Mattress Buying Guide," innerspring mattresses are the most common and the most economical. Memory foam mattresses are heat-sensitive and conform to your body, the article continues. We tried foam mattresses and didn't like them, so we decided on innerspring.
2. Determine your price range. To avoid spending thousands of dollars on a mattresses and box spring, we went to a local mattress factory. We had purchased mattresses from this factory in the past and were satisfied customers. Satisfied customers like us come back.
3. Test various mattresses. The Consumer Reports article tells customers to "do the 15-minute, in-store test." You should spend at least five minutes on your side, back and stomach. Which one feels best to you? We liked a mattress with a cushioned top best and that is what we ordered. The price included a new box spring.
4. Check the materials. In its online booklet, "The Better Sleep Guide," the Better Sleep Customers asks customers to check construction materials. "Ask the sales person if they can show you illustrated or actual 'cutaways' of the interior of different mattresses and foundation choices," the article explains. This wasn't a problem for us because the factory show room displayed the inner materials with each mattress.
5. Ask about the removal charge. Stores charge extra for removing your old mattress and box spring. The factory store had a reasonable removal charge and we were willing to pay it. However, you may be able to put your old mattress out with the trash. Our trash hauler takes away a twin mattress for $20.
6. What is the delivery charge? This charge may depend on distance. Though we live fairly close to the mattress factory, we were not charged for delivery. The store delivers mattresses to veterans for free. Since my husband is a veteran we qualified for free delivery. "Thank you for your service to our country," the owner said.
7. Understand the return policy. According to the Better Sleep Council, you should be wary of "comfort guarantees" because they involve additional shopping and delivery time. The tag must be on the mattress if you want to return it. Some return policies have a time limit. We lucked out here. "If this mattress isn't comfortable I will remake it for $68," he said.
Finding a mattress that fits your needs takes time. Allow plenty of time, do your homework, and keep your eyes on the goal -- a better night's sleep.
Copyright 2012 by Harriet Hodgson
http://www.harriethodgson.com
Harriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for 35+ years and is the author of 31 published books. Her current work focuses on grief recovery and she has written six grief resources. Her latest book is "Help! I'm Raising My Grandkids: Grandparents Adapting to Life's Surprises." Please visit her website and learn more about this busy author.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harriet_HodgsonHarriet Hodgson has been an independent journalist for 35+ years and is the author of 31 published books. Her current work focuses on grief recovery and she has written six grief resources. Her latest book is "Help! I'm Raising My Grandkids: Grandparents Adapting to Life's Surprises." Please visit her website and learn more about this busy author.
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