Mattresses today are built with high-tech components and designed to provide the superior support and comfort your body needs to relax and rest. Relieving pressure points, controlling temperature fluctuations and minimizing partner disturbance are just a few of things your mattress should be working hard at while you sleep.<\/p>\n
Understanding what\u2019s inside a mattress begins with learning the lingo<\/h2>\n
Let\u2019s start with some basic mattress vocabulary you\u2019ll encounter.![\"The](\"https:\/\/restonic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/nightstand-whats-on-it-719x1024.jpg\")
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- Box spring or foundation.<\/strong>\u00a0Traditional mattresses sit on these and they can be stationary or an adjustable base<\/a>. But if you prefer a platform bed, you won\u2019t need any of these as your platform doubles as your foundation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Coils.<\/strong>\u00a0In an innerspring mattress, steel springs provide support when you lie on your mattress. Continuous coils are less expensive than individually pocketed coils \u2013 and they excel at making sure you don\u2019t feel movement every time your partner rolls over. The number of coils also varies \u2013 the more coils, the higher the price, generally. As well thicker, more supportive coils will also increase the price.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Foam.<\/strong>\u00a0There are many different types of foam, including: memory foam<\/a>, latex<\/a> and convoluted foam. Each type of foam offers a different comfort proposition so knowing what makes them unique will help you find the right one for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Firmness.<\/strong>\u00a0Mattress support<\/a> refers to how well a mattress maintains an equally level surface for the lighter (head, hands and feet) and heavier (hips and torso) pressure points<\/a> of your body. A very soft mattress may be supportive but fail to maintain equilibrium long term.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Pillow-top, plush-top or euro-top mattress.<\/strong>\u00a0Each term refers to the upper comfort level of your mattress. Pillow-top mattresses tend to be thicker and puffier looking while plush top may look and feel firmer. Euro-top mattresses are cushioned like a pillow-top but more tailored in their look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you\u2019re curious about more (sometimes confusing) mattress terms, please visit our mattress glossary<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Hybrid mattresses \u2013 the newest type of mattress on the market<\/h2>\n
The more you learn about modern mattress technology, the more you\u2019ll understand that you don\u2019t have to choose between innerspring or foam. The term hybrid mattress refers to the process of combining different components that will result in a similar but more improved product. Think of a hybrid car, powered by a combustion and electric engine. The improved result is less gas and energy efficient \u2013 not to mention good for your wallet.<\/p>\n
Hybrid mattresses<\/a> begin with a base coil system (pocketed or innerspring coil) with varying combinations of memory foam, latex and\/or gel on top to create more resilient comfort layers. These diverse layers work together to provide significantly improved pressure point relief during sleep, which reduces tossing and turning. The spring base gives the hybrid its bounciness (good for your joints) and contouring support (good for your back). Some mattress experts feel that hybrid mattresses<\/a> reduce the chance of body impressions because the construction materials support each other in ways we\u2019ve never seen before.<\/p>\n
Support, comfort and conformability \u2013 putting the mattress magic together!<\/h2>\n
Your mattress has one job \u2013 ensure you get a good night\u2019s sleep. And to do that job, it needs to be supportive to your unique body shape and size. A herculean task if you think about different we all are and how we all see support and comfort so uniquely.<\/p>\n
A supportive mattress<\/a> allows your muscles to relax, which improves healthy blood circulation and reduces tossing and turning \u2013 and delivers the promise of a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s where conformability comes into play. Conformability describes how a mattress molds to the unique curves of your body. A mattress with good conformability<\/a> attends to heavier and lighter areas equally, which relieves pressure point pain and protects your back and sensitive joints from pain.<\/p>\n
A mattress that lacks conformability forces your body into an unnaturally flat position. Your body is in alignment when your spine is (mostly) straight when lying on your side. When you lie on your back, your spine naturally forms an \u201cS\u201d shape.<\/p>\n
By now, you\u2019re probably wondering how anyone can buy a new mattress with all of these different focus points \u2013 from what\u2019s inside the mattress to how it affects your body. And that\u2019s where understanding how to shop for a mattress<\/a> becomes important. Hint: it requires a LOT of testing.<\/p>\n
How to shop for a new mattress<\/h2>\n
In a research study sponsored by Restonic and published in Furniture Today, consumers say they\u2019re plugged into learning about the construction of a mattress during the purchase process. \u201cThe best part about shopping is the variety of types, sizes and comfort levels,\u201d said a 39 year-year-old shopper. Of the 750 consumers surveyed, 78% were very concerned with comfort, 65% with firmness\/support and 53% with the construction of their mattress. The research also showed 8 out of 10 consumers enjoyed lying on the mattress before purchasing.<\/p>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/restonic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/18-How-to-Buy-a-Mattress-1024x1024.jpg\")
When you visit a mattress store \u2013 and we recommend you visit a few before making your final decision \u2013 plan to spend time testing out mattresses. Some people like to take their pillow from home so that each mattress they lie is being judged based on the same criteria \u2013 not a different pillow on each one. Whether you bring your own pillow or use the store\u2019s pillow, pay attention to how well the mattresses you\u2019re testing conforms to your shape as well.<\/p>\nYou\u2019ll have a better buying experience when you set your own pace and guidelines. The Better Sleep Council uses the acronym\u00a0S.L.E.E.P.<\/a>\u00a0to outline the best way to test a mattress:<\/p>\n
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- Select a mattress<\/li>\n
- Lie down in your typical sleep position<\/li>\n
- Evaluated the level of comfort and support<\/li>\n
- Educate yourself about each selection<\/li>\n
- Partners should test beds together<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Instead of focusing on what you should do when you\u2019re shopping for a new mattress, let\u2019s look first and what you shouldn\u2019t do.<\/p>\n
Mattress shopping don\u2019ts \u2013 a comprehensive list<\/h2>\n
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- Don\u2019t just follow friends & family advice. <\/strong>\u201cEveryone has their opinions on the best or worst mattresses,\u201d says Caitlin Hoff, health and safety investigator,\u00a0ConsumerSafety.org<\/a>, \u201cbut not everyone is built the same way or even sleeps in the same position.\u201d Consider all the advice but pay more attention to your body type and sleeping habits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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- Don\u2019t let price be your only guide<\/strong>.\u00a0Supportive, comfortable mattresses made from high-quality, durable materials aren\u2019t cheap. \u201cWith an overwhelming number of options on the market, it can be easy to pick a cheap mattress and just move on,\u201d says Hoff. \u201cBut remember that you\u2019ll spend roughly one-third of your time sleeping on your mattress. An investment in a supportive mattress<\/a> that meets your needs is an investment in a decade of\u00a0restful nights<\/a>.\u201d That\u2019s something that really is truly priceless.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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- Don\u2019t go mattress shopping by yourself<\/strong>. \u201cA huge mistake that people make when\u00a0mattress shopping<\/a>is leaving their partner at home,\u201d explains Hoff. \u201cJust because a mattress is good for one person does not mean it will be good for both.\u201d Go shopping together so you can gauge each other\u2019s reaction to each one you test.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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- Don\u2019t skip the mattress testing<\/strong>.\u00a0Your new mattress will be part of your life for 8-10 years so take time to lie down on it in\u00a0different sleeping positions<\/a>. While it may feel awkward to spread out on the display beds with other buyers milling about, a good night\u2019s sleep is well worth any perceived embarrassment. To boost your confidence in your choice of mattress<\/a>, ask about a possible trial period to test out the mattress. Spending a few nights sleeping on it is the best barometer of its suitability for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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- Don\u2019t skip the crucial details<\/strong>. \u201cA mattress is a major life purchase,\u201d Hoff points out. \u201cIt affects your mental and physical health so if you take home a mattress and find that it does not meet your needs, you should return it.\u201d Most mattress companies will have a trial period when a mattress can be returned, but many also have a \u201creturn fee.\u201d Know the return policy before you buy.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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- Don\u2019t skimp on doing your homework<\/strong>. Make sure you understand the components that make up your chosen mattress, including density, type of foam and coil count. What\u2019s inside your mattress will the comfort life of your new mattress. Stick to the facts and forget the marketing jargon to help guide you to the\u00a0perfect mattress<\/a> for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Don\u2019t underestimate the importance of your personal comfort preference<\/strong>. Somewhere in between firm and soft is your ideal mattress, but most people tend to gravitate toward one end of the spectrum or other. There\u2019s a belief that a firmer mattress is better for your back but that\u2019s not necessarily true. Some mattress with softer pillow tops can ease pain by reducing the amount of pressure of problematic areas.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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- Don\u2019t rush<\/strong>. You wouldn\u2019t buy the first car you test drive, right? Spend time researching mattress basics and visit a mattress showroom to kick off your quest for the best mattress<\/a>. You\u2019ll have a chance to see what your options are and\u00a0talk to sales reps<\/a>, who can be a wealth of information. A good sales person will ask you about how your sleep habits, your preferences and the budget you have in mind. Ask plenty of questions and take their advice into consideration.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Rest well & wake up ready to go!<\/h2>\n
Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:<\/p>\n
- Don\u2019t rush<\/strong>. You wouldn\u2019t buy the first car you test drive, right? Spend time researching mattress basics and visit a mattress showroom to kick off your quest for the best mattress<\/a>. You\u2019ll have a chance to see what your options are and\u00a0talk to sales reps<\/a>, who can be a wealth of information. A good sales person will ask you about how your sleep habits, your preferences and the budget you have in mind. Ask plenty of questions and take their advice into consideration.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Don\u2019t underestimate the importance of your personal comfort preference<\/strong>. Somewhere in between firm and soft is your ideal mattress, but most people tend to gravitate toward one end of the spectrum or other. There\u2019s a belief that a firmer mattress is better for your back but that\u2019s not necessarily true. Some mattress with softer pillow tops can ease pain by reducing the amount of pressure of problematic areas.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Don\u2019t skimp on doing your homework<\/strong>. Make sure you understand the components that make up your chosen mattress, including density, type of foam and coil count. What\u2019s inside your mattress will the comfort life of your new mattress. Stick to the facts and forget the marketing jargon to help guide you to the\u00a0perfect mattress<\/a> for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Don\u2019t skip the crucial details<\/strong>. \u201cA mattress is a major life purchase,\u201d Hoff points out. \u201cIt affects your mental and physical health so if you take home a mattress and find that it does not meet your needs, you should return it.\u201d Most mattress companies will have a trial period when a mattress can be returned, but many also have a \u201creturn fee.\u201d Know the return policy before you buy.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Don\u2019t skip the mattress testing<\/strong>.\u00a0Your new mattress will be part of your life for 8-10 years so take time to lie down on it in\u00a0different sleeping positions<\/a>. While it may feel awkward to spread out on the display beds with other buyers milling about, a good night\u2019s sleep is well worth any perceived embarrassment. To boost your confidence in your choice of mattress<\/a>, ask about a possible trial period to test out the mattress. Spending a few nights sleeping on it is the best barometer of its suitability for you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Don\u2019t go mattress shopping by yourself<\/strong>. \u201cA huge mistake that people make when\u00a0mattress shopping<\/a>is leaving their partner at home,\u201d explains Hoff. \u201cJust because a mattress is good for one person does not mean it will be good for both.\u201d Go shopping together so you can gauge each other\u2019s reaction to each one you test.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Don\u2019t let price be your only guide<\/strong>.\u00a0Supportive, comfortable mattresses made from high-quality, durable materials aren\u2019t cheap. \u201cWith an overwhelming number of options on the market, it can be easy to pick a cheap mattress and just move on,\u201d says Hoff. \u201cBut remember that you\u2019ll spend roughly one-third of your time sleeping on your mattress. An investment in a supportive mattress<\/a> that meets your needs is an investment in a decade of\u00a0restful nights<\/a>.\u201d That\u2019s something that really is truly priceless.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Don\u2019t just follow friends & family advice. <\/strong>\u201cEveryone has their opinions on the best or worst mattresses,\u201d says Caitlin Hoff, health and safety investigator,\u00a0ConsumerSafety.org<\/a>, \u201cbut not everyone is built the same way or even sleeps in the same position.\u201d Consider all the advice but pay more attention to your body type and sleeping habits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- Pillow-top, plush-top or euro-top mattress.<\/strong>\u00a0Each term refers to the upper comfort level of your mattress. Pillow-top mattresses tend to be thicker and puffier looking while plush top may look and feel firmer. Euro-top mattresses are cushioned like a pillow-top but more tailored in their look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Firmness.<\/strong>\u00a0Mattress support<\/a> refers to how well a mattress maintains an equally level surface for the lighter (head, hands and feet) and heavier (hips and torso) pressure points<\/a> of your body. A very soft mattress may be supportive but fail to maintain equilibrium long term.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Foam.<\/strong>\u00a0There are many different types of foam, including: memory foam<\/a>, latex<\/a> and convoluted foam. Each type of foam offers a different comfort proposition so knowing what makes them unique will help you find the right one for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Coils.<\/strong>\u00a0In an innerspring mattress, steel springs provide support when you lie on your mattress. Continuous coils are less expensive than individually pocketed coils \u2013 and they excel at making sure you don\u2019t feel movement every time your partner rolls over. The number of coils also varies \u2013 the more coils, the higher the price, generally. As well thicker, more supportive coils will also increase the price.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/restonic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/00-RESTONIC-WEB-BANNER.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"