Finding the Best Mattress for You

Don’t let buying a mattress exhaust or frustrate you. There are a lot of different products to choose from, so be prepared by determining what your priorities are in advance and then shop accordingly. The process for picking a mattress is the same for everyone. However, priorities vary with individuals. Find the right size with support and comfort that is good for you.

Support
There is no perfect answer for everyone. Correct support is the essential ingredient for a healthy body. A good mattress and box spring will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with good standing posture. When trying mattresses, pay special attention to your shoulders, hips, and lower back, the heaviest parts of your body. If there is inadequate support, you can develop back pain. However, if a mattress is too rigid, you can experience uncomfortable pressure.

Be cautious of the word firm. Don’t rely on product labels to tell you which mattress will give you the right support. One manufacturer’s “firm” may feel harder than another’s “extra firm”. The word “firm” has become an advertising adjective. Orthopedic surgeons and mattress manufacturers say the most important concern when buying a mattress is not firmness, but support.

Comfort
Gone are the days when a mattress had to be as hard as a board to be good for you. A mattress that is too hard may only succeed in putting your shoulders and hips to sleep. You will sleep best when your bed helps you feel comfortable, cozy and secure.

Today’s top quality mattress and box spring sets are built with luxurious cushioning materials to create a plusher, softer feel. Support, durability, and price increase as you move up to premium products; however, comfort is an individual issue.

Durability
People want to know how long a mattress set will last. The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) says a good bed will last 8 – 10 years with normal nightly use. Most people will keep a good bed longer. A good bed is determined by the quality of the materials used and how it is put together. However, the weight of the person or persons who use the bed and the proper and timely turning of a mattress will affect its life. Children jumping on a bed will also reduce the mattress life.

Alternately rotating and flipping your mattress on a periodic basis can help minimize body impressions. While a mattress is brand new, slight “body impressions” may form, especially on extra plush mattress surfaces. A body impression is the natural nesting and conforming that occurs as the cushioning materials contour to the sleeper.

Size
Cramped quarters can turn sleeping into a nightly wrestling match. A healthy sleeper moves anywhere from 40 to 60 times per night. It is important to choose a size that will allow sufficient freedom of motion while you sleep and will help you relax while getting to sleep.

	If you sleep with a partner, we strongly recommend a queen or king size. Both are wider and longer than the standard double or full size bed.
	Box springs are slightly smaller than the mattress. This is normal. Both units are equal in size, but the additional layers of upholstery in a mattress tend to cause this slight size differential.

Price
At The Original Mattress Factory, we offer our lowest prices every day – clearly marked for customers. We never have sales, so you’re never pressured to buy on any given day. You buy when you’re ready and you always receive our best price.

To shop effectively, first find a mattress that feels good to you, and then find out exactly what is inside so that you can compare similar features.