With most products, it’s clear when it is time to be replaced. If it is broken, worn out or
torn, you know its time for a new one. However, realizing that it is time for a new mattress and boxsprings isn’t always so obvious. Like an old chair or worn pair of shoes, your mattress can still feel comfortable long after it no longer can provide the proper support and comfort. Because sleep is so critical to our ability to function and feel our best, it is important to evaluate your sleep set on a regular basis.

 

 

• 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)
• Your mattress shows visible signs of overuse (it sags, has lumps,
  the interior is exposed, etc.)
• Your mattress is 5 – 7 years old

 

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. There's more to mattresses than just coil counts! Here's some definitions that might help you make decisions regarding your sleep products:

 

 

 

Innerspring. The most widely purchased type of bedding uses the support of tempered steel coils in a variety of configurations. Layers of upholstery provide insulation and cushioning between your body and the spring unit. The result of this basic approach, coupled with state-of-the-art technology, is a full range of comfort choices.

Foam. Solid foam mattresses also offer a wide choice of "feels." They can be made of a solid core or of several layers of different types of foam laminated together. Advanced technology in polyurethane foams, refinements to traditional latex and the new visco-elastic ("memory") foams have added to the choice of comfort, support and performance.

Visco- Elastic (Memory) Foam. Visco-elastic, or memory foam, is five times denser than regular foam and temperature sensitive, this foam is made of thousands of tiny cells which mold to any shape and revert back to their original form. Visco-Elastic foam is also highly resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew, and dust mites.

Airbeds. Airbeds are now designed to look like the familiar mattress/boxspring combination, with an air-filled core providing the support instead of an innerspring unit or foam core. These designs also offer a range of feels and typically are adjustable to suit individual sleeper's needs.

Futons. Futons are a popular alternative for those who need a sofa by day and a mattress by night. The mattresses must be very flexible, so they are typically made of cotton, synthetic fibers and foam in various combinations. The futon is designed to support sitting as well as sleeping.

Adjustable Beds. Electrically adjustable beds allow sleepers to adjust the head and foot of the bed to the most comfortable position. The mattress and foundation must be specially built for the flexing motion and can be innerspring, foam or a combination. Since the flexing causes extra wear on the mattress, quality construction is very important. Mattresses not built for this purpose should not be used with an adjustable bed frame.

Foundation. A good foundation (also called boxsprings) is as important as a good mattress. The foundation takes a lot of the nightly wear and tear and contributes to the bed's overall comfort and support. Never put a new mattress on an old foundation. When you select your new mattress, buy its companion foundation – the two are designed to work best together. In fact, buying the mattress without its matching foundation may affect the terms of the warranty.

 

Deciding between a queen or king size mattress really boils down to personal choice. A queen bed is 60 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long, perfect for couples who prefer close quarters. King beds are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, the best choice for couples that want maximum personal sleeping space. Both twin and full sizes are approximately 75 inches long, which may be too short for some adults, especially men.

 

Full bed recommendations:  A full size bed is only enough space for a single sleeper and only if the person is shorter than 5 feet 5 inches tall. Parents are increasingly choosing full size over twin for teenage bedrooms. Parents are even making this choice for younger children to give themselves a more comfortable place to rest when reading together at tuck-in time.

 

Queen bed recommendations: Queen size is a good choice for guest rooms, smaller master bedrooms and for couples who prefer close quarters. It's also a great choice for single sleepers who are also "sprawlers."

King bed recommendations: King size is the best choice for couples that want maximum personal sleeping space. It's also the best bet to accommodate that time on Sunday morning when children may pop into bed – or if the pets in your house have mattress privileges! However, size can present a problem. Even with a "split boxspring" – two twin-size foundations to support it – to make a king set more manageable, it may be too big for some bedrooms or too bulky to navigate through some corridors, doors and stairwells. It's a good idea to break out the tape measure to check your room dimensions if there is any doubt.

 

Mattress Dimensions Twin 39" Wide x 75" Long Twin Extra-Long 39" Wide x 80" Long Full 54" Wide x 75" Long Full Extra-Long 54" Wide x 80" Long Queen 60" Wide x 80" Long Queen Split Two - 30" Wide x 80" Long King (California King) 72" Wide x 84" Long King Split Two - Twin Extra Long Beds Eastern King 76" Wide x 80" Long