Is it time for a new mattress?

If you’re asking, you’re likely overdue for a new mattress. Experts at the Better Sleep Council (www.bettersleep.org) suggest buying a new mattress every seven years. They suggest “you evaluate the condition of your mattress for comfort and support twice a year when you adjust your clocks for seasonal time changes.  You’re already thinking about gaining or losing sleep, so use this to jog your memory.”

“These are the signs that you may need a new mattress and foundation:

• You wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains
• You realize you got a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as at a hotel)
• Your mattress shows visible signs of overuse (it sags, has visible tearing, ripping, holes, staining or damage)
• You are usually tired despite getting a full night’s sleep
• Your mattress is seven years old or older”

(https://bettersleep.org/mattress-education/replacing-a-mattress/)

How to Begin Your Search?

You should begin by doing some preliminary research via word of mouth (friends and family recommendations), researching online, reading reviews and so on. Then, you’ll really have to go out and do some actual physical testing of mattresses to know what you like.

When you go to a retail store; you’ll be asked a few preliminary questions:

• Are you looking for a mattress for yourself personally or for another room in the home?
• What is your sleep position? Do you sleep on your back, your side, your stomach or a bit of each position? These are industry guidelines according to your sleep position preference:
• Back sleepers … usually find a medium firm mattress most favourable. What does this mean? Look for: zoned pocket coils because they provide ergonomic support for the center third of your body (which is where your body needs it most), then look for some memory foam layers that may include either: latex, gel foam and/or traditional memory foam for added comfort.
• Side sleepers … usually find a plusher mattress most favourable. Look for the same attributes listed above but consider a pillow-top style for added softness.
• Stomach sleepers … usually find a firmer mattress most favourable. Again, look for: zoned pocket coils that provides ergonomic support for the center third of your body (where your body needs it most), then there should be some memory foam layers that may include; latex, gel foam and traditional memory foam for added comfort.
• Advise the sales associate of any health issues or concerns so they can address them during the accessing process.
• Have a budget in mind, with a ‘low and high’ amount your comfortable with?
• You’ll be asked about your size preference are you looking for: King, Queen, Double or Twin?
• Do you want or need an adjustable bed? Adjustable bed bases have become more popular and so the prices have also come down quite a bit, so don’t count the option out just yet.

Once the sales associate has all the answer to these questions, they’ll be able to steer you toward the most suitable options for you and your budget.

Now Comes the Fun Part

You really must take your time ‘testing-driving’ several mattresses. A good sales associate will allow you time to properly access each mattress.

1. Lay down in your normal sleep position for at least 5 to 10 minutes, then turn to on the other side, then on your back or stomach). Don’t be afraid to ask for a pillow; also try to wear comfortable clothing when shopping. If you sleep with someone, try to bring your partner along as well – it will make the process easier.
2. Be mindful of what your feeling; the support, firmness and how the mattress conforms to your body and that you feel your getting the proper alignment for your spine.
3. Consider sizing up (if your space allows) for additional sleep space for you and your partner.

Enjoy the process, take your time; this is an important decision and an investment in health. On average we sleep a third of our lives, be sure the sleep you get is restorative, relaxing and refuels your body.

Sleep Well!

Written By: The Springwall Family