How to buy a mattress

Waking up tired with back pain or feeling stiff and achy all over may be a sign of old age - but it may also be the mattress and not the person that is over the hill. Telltale signs that an aging mattress needs to be replaced include: lumps or sagging, creaking when the sleeper moves around, and springs sticking out. Since buying a new mattress today is an investment in rest and well-being and it could be with you for the next 10 years (or longer), shopping should be given the same time and care that would be devoted to buying a car or choosing a child-care provider. Mattress prices range from only a few hundred dollars to several thousand, but on a budget of $600 to $800 you can expect to find a good selection of quality mattresses from which to choose.

Knowing your options

Memory foam is made by adding a blend of chemicals to ordinary polyurethane foam. Both Montreal naturopath Joanna Lynn and kinesiologist Judith Richardson recommend memory foam mattresses, as they provide firm support without cutting off circulation. Memory foam is well suited to side sleepers who might otherwise toss and turn due to reduced blood flow. This is a particularly good choice for anyone who suffers from circulatory problems or reduced mobility. The foam retains body heat, creating a sort of natural heating pad that can provide extra relief from chronic pain. You can expect to spend upward of $1,000 for a double mattress made of memory foam, but some vendors discount prices to around $700. It should be noted that changes in manufacturing processes have created a more durable memory foam that will last 10 to 20 years.

The innerspring mattress became popular in the 1930s and it is still the first choice of many consumers today. Steel coils inside the mattress are wired together and a layer of padding separates them from the upholstery cover; pocket coil mattresses have individually wrapped inner coils. You may believe it best to select a firm innerspring mattress, but medical research published in "The Lancet" found that sufferers of chronic back pain fared better sleeping on a medium-firm mattress. The best way to shop for an innerspring mattress is to decide on a budget and look for the most comfortable mattress in that price range. Prices for innerspring mattresses vary quite a bit, from around $100 to more than $1,000 for a double, depending on options selected.

Latex mattresses are made by vulcanizing natural rubber. They offer many of the same benefits as memory foam, but have a significantly longer life expectancy. Latex is a good option if you like foam but find it to be too warm. Like memory foam, latex tends to be anti-microbial and hypo-allergenic. Prices are higher than other mattress types, but you should take into account the greater durability of latex mattresses. A double mattress that sells for $1,500 to $3,000 can last up to 20 or 30 years.

Many associate air mattresses with camping, or with setting up a makeshift bed in the living room for guests. Air mattresses have been used for some time in hospital settings because they provide firm support without reducing circulation. They can help to heal injuries, reduce chronic pain, prevent bed sores, and eliminate tossing and turning that can contribute to sleep disorders. "Many back and sleep specialists recommend adjustable beds," Lynn says, referring to newer air mattresses that allow the user to change firmness settings. Some adjustable air mattresses have separate controls for each half of the bed, allowing partners to customize mattress firmness for differing personal needs. This style of air mattress will cost at least $600, and once assembled looks no different from an innerspring mattress.

A pillow-top mattress has an extra layer of comfort. This is one of the options available with most innerspring mattresses, and it will add to the cost of the mattress. Thickness is less important than the density of the pillow-top layer. In fact, many concerns over pillow-top layers involve the use of foam, cotton or wool that is not dense enough and will wear away before the rest of the mattress needs replacing. Another issue is using a pillow-top mattress pad to extend the life of a mattress that is too old and not providing adequate support. Either of these situations can create or exacerbate pain, especially backache.

Testing before you buy

Once the choices are narrowed down, head to the showroom to test mattresses for comfort. Lynn recommends lying on a mattress for at least 20 minutes. It is best to try back-, left- and right-side positions, paying particular attention to lower-back support and comfort at the shoulders and hips. When two people share the bed, both people need to try out the mattress together. Some consumers have switched from one type of mattress to another after a particularly comfortable night's sleep while traveling. Staying at a hotel that uses memory foam, latex or adjustable air mattresses is a good way to enjoy a more complete trial. There are also manufacturers who offer 30- or even 90-day free trial periods.

Understanding mattress warranties

In addition to trial periods, most manufacturers offer mattress warranties designed to protect consumers against manufacturing defects - but not from wear and tear. They don't guarantee comfort, nor should a longer warranty be taken as an indicator of a better mattress. As a consumer, you should also be aware that many mattress warranties are prorated. If a mattress has a 10-year limited warranty and must be replaced at five years because of a defect, you will likely have to pay about half the cost of the replacement model.

Caring for your mattress

Proper care of your mattress will help you maintain a valid warranty and extend the life of your mattress. Mattresses with a pillow-top layer on only one side may be rotated, for example, but should not be flipped. Some mattresses will require airing when the bedding is changed. In order to enjoy all the benefits of a mattress, it is important to purchase a complete sleep set and to never use a new mattress without a foundation or with an old box spring. Ask about care when buying, or look on the manufacturer's website. One-third of each day for the next decade or more will be spent sleeping on your carefully selected new mattress once it arrives. It is worth pampering the mattress a bit to ensure many nights of pampered sleep.

Sources:

"History of the mattress." Abe Feller Fine Mattresses

Francisco M Kovacs PhD et al,"Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain." The Lancet

Joanna Lynn, ND, CHN, CSNC. Interview

"Mattress warranty guide." Best Bed Guide

"Memory foam 101" web site

"Memory foam mattress purchase." How to Buy a Mattress

Judith Richardson, Kinesiologist. Interview

"What about latex?" Sleep Doctor Mattress

"Why choose self-adjusting technology?" Natural Form