How To Buy A Mattress You Will Love

Buying a mattress is about as much fun as shopping for a bathing suit. (Reference lost on all men – “whattttt? I look super cool in these Bermuda shorts.”) But it doesn’t have to be a total chore. It can be actually like a little field trip!

How To Buy A Mattress You Will Love

Why is having a good mattress important you might ask? A proper mattress is more than just a nice piece of bedroom furniture. It is one of the most important health decisions you can make. Many people do not relate their degree of quality sleep directly to the quality of their life. But quality or lack of quality sleep will have that much impact.  Let me give an example.

Meet Joe. Joe is proud. He is proud of the fact he can joke with all the guys at the office that he gets by on just four hours sleep. “Ya, I really don’t need more than that.” What Joe isn’t telling the guys is that he is having trouble falling asleep (it usually takes up to two hours) and that he wakes up early (because his back hurts). For a while, Joe is simply annoyed because he is tired, but then some things start to happen. Joe starts to put on weight (lack of quality sleep issue.) His wife notices he is starting to snore (creating even less quality sleep.) He then notes that he has had two colds in a month (decreased immunity due to lack of sleep.) He missed a deadline at work because he forgot about it (short term memory loss with sleep deprivation) and his kids have mentioned that he is grouchy (goes without saying). Joe visits his doctor, and after taking a lab test, the doctor notes that Joe’s cholesterol and blood pressure are up (lack of restorative sleep and subsequent weight gain are likely contributors.) Joe is sad.

Joe needs to go out and buy a good mattress.

Want to just watch the video of this post? 

So, how does Joe find the Mattress he should buy? Is there a manual? No, but there is a great blog post. (yes, this one.) We are goin’ on a field trip my little poodles. Follow the field trip execution steps below, and you will be sleeping soundly in just a few nights.

Before we begin, we need to ask a question.  How old is your mattress? If your answer has more than two numbers in it, your mattress needs to be replaced. The last mattress I bought, the expert there told me that recommendations are now to replace your mattress every seven years. Wow. Gone are the 30-year warranties (gross) that my mother used to brag about. So, you now know you need a new mattress. What should you look for?

[Tweet “How do you know what to look for in a new mattress? “]

Before we begin our little adventure, there is a subject regarding mattresses that is worth discussing, quality and source of materials. I have heard (that means I cannot find the reference) that 80-90 percent of mattresses are doused in fire retardant and other chemicals. The materials used to construct the mattress may also have toxicity issues but today is not a dissection of what criteria you need to consider if a natural mattress is what you are looking for. Here are some links to give you the knowledge you need for that decision.

1. Your Mattress Is Full Of Chemicals. 
2. Organic Mattresses and How To Pick The Healthiest Bed
3. Natural Guide For Mattresses

Now for the field trip.

Pick a day that you can dedicate a few hours to shopping. If you have a “sleep number” type store near you, start there because they do a great job with their spiel. They teach you about pressure points and even lay you down on this infra-red thingy to show you where you need more support. They typically have four levels of mattresses. Only look at the top two. I feel like the lower models are not worth the money and are not that comfortable. The top two are great.

From there go to a reputable mattress store. I want you to try the Tempurpedic mattress. Be cautious. There is a lot to like about these mattresses, but they do sleep warm. Even with the new “cooling chambers” the report is still that they sleep a little warm. I loved our except for that fact.

The second mattress you will find by saying this “Dear sir/madam, please show me to your best selling brand. I want one down from the firmest model” This is a good starting point. Remember that a mattress is going to break in. Most people buy a little too soft thinking what they feel initially is how it is going to feel three months from now. Not likely. Also, having a firmer bed is, in fact, better support.

Feel free to ask about their most natural models as well and give them a try. I also recommend looking at The Intellibed. I have not tried their mattresses but have heard good reviews. 

Once you have narrowed your choice down to two, please do the following. Get your iPod and earbuds and a good book. Take twenty minutes to lie on each of your top two choices. I know this seems like you might get kicked out of the store but they are used to people doing this. A bed is a big expenditure, and you want to be sure you select well. That being said, if the store you are considering buying from does not have a return policy (typically 90 days exchange), run. Do not buy from a store that will not let you road test their mattresses!

Wondering about how to buy a pillow? Check out my post/video on sleep posture and pillows. 

Still, can’t sleep? Check out these links on how to greatly improve your sleep.

1. Sleep Impacting Posture And The One You Always Want To Avoid
2. GO TO SLEEP! Seven Techniques For The Anxious Mind
3. Here Is Why You Are Sleeping Like Crap
4. Seven Supplements To Kick Your Insomnia

INTELLIBED

BAMBOO SHEETS

PILLOW

I BET AFTER SLEEPING WELL YOU WANT TO WORKOUT! HERE IS HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN STAIRS CIRCUIT IN NO TIME AND FOR FREE!