Buying a New Mattress

The following article is a reprint of something I'd initially published on my WebMD Sleep Disorders blog in September.

Consumer Reports to the rescue. I am always pleased when they come out with new reviews (in all areas), especially in sleep products. The focus this past month was the mattress, that big rectangle you end up paying thousands for that you continue to ask yourself why!!

In truth I have started to work with some of these companies and I have learned a bit, just like Consumer Reports.

1. Sales, Sales, Sales: wait for them. If you pay full price, I have some land in Tucson to sell you. There are always potential big discounts on mattresses, so wait it out.
2. Names do not mean a thing. Sure, the brands can have some significant differences, but within the brand you can find the exact same mattress in one store and another with a different name, so buyer beware. Seriously, there are some significant differences between brands.
3. Do you get what you pay for? According to CR, of the brands they tested, there was no one brand that was preferred over another. But be careful; cheaper is not better. Many of the less expensive ones are made of less expensive materials, and in some padding is so thin that you can feel the springs.
4. Today’s mattresses are usually padded only on one side, so flipping them is not needed -- but rotating is necessary. Also be careful of the padding since it can make some up to or over 20 inches thick.  Sheets must be “deep pockets” to accommodate for this.
5. Increases in technology are helping.  We see now that there are real stain resistance mattresses.  Simmons has one that has Teflon in it -- you can zip it off and put it in the washer!

Bottom line: In 7 years your mattress with double in weight due to sweat, dust mites and oil from your skin (YUCK).  Get a new one every 5-7 years and you should be in good shape. 

Special Buying tips:
•    Lie on it for 15 minutes in every position to see if it is comfortable
•    Check for a 30-day money back guarantee (it usually does not include the delivery fee).
•    Make sure to get a mattress which supports you -- not too firm and not too soft.
•    Remember you and your bedpartner may need different things -- one size may not fit all!!

Comments

[Jenna]

Great info Dr. Breus! Our team caught your show on PBS last Tuesday and we have referenced your site on our blog. Specifically the point that you made about your mattress doubling it's weight in 7 years!

-The Hard To Find Sheets Team