Shopping Tips
Choosing the right sleep set is a decision only you can make. The best solution for one person may not be the solution for someone else. Here are some tips for selecting the proper sleep set for you.
PREPARE TO SHOP
This is the one decision you need to make lying down! Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can remove easily. If you’re going to share this bed, bring your partner along and “test drive” a variety of mattresses together.
DISCARD OLD NOTIONS ABOUT “FIRM”
Ten or fifteen years ago, conventional thinking suggested a mattress had to be as hard as a board to be good for you. Now we know that a too-hard mattress may sabotage sleep by creating uncomfortable pressure at the shoulders and hips. Today’s mattresses are much more “sleeper friendly,” combining comfort with deep-down support.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATTRESS FOR THE WAY YOU SLEEP
When you’re mattress shopping, consider your unique sleep style. Pressure relief is essential for stomach sleepers. Too much pressure on the abdomen and chest can lead to general discomfort and improper spine alignment. Look for a firmer mattress that supports your body weight while offering cushioning.
Side sleepers tend to experience pressure points at the hips and shoulders. A softer memory foam or hybrid mattress with contouring can be a good option, as each offers the ideal balance of support and pressure relief to maintain alignment and prevent neck pain.
Back sleepers typically benefit from a medium-firm mattress that provides even support along the spine. A firmer surface, such as an innerspring mattress, ensures the body remains supported and the spine stays in a neutral position, preventing lower back pain.
For hot sleepers, a mattress that offers proper airflow and cooling technology can make a world of difference. If you and your partner have different sleep preferences, an adjustable mattress offers a solution. Being able to adjust each side of the mattress independently ensures that you’re both properly supported and comfortable. Motion isolation is another feature to look for, as it helps reduce disturbances.
GET THE WHOLE STORY
Study all the available literature. Once you make a decision, you should ask for any special care information prepared by the manufacturer or by the store itself. Ask all your mattress questions to an in-store specialist at either our Fargo or Sioux Falls locations.
Don’t be fooled by Pretty Fabrics
Most mass-produced mattresses are filled with low-grade polyurethane foam, then covered with attractive fabrics to give the appearance of quality.
It’s what’s on the inside that counts!
ABOUT THE GUARANTEE
The guarantee is there to protect you against product defects, not against the gradual loss of comfort and support. Although a sleep set may be usable after 15 years, it may no longer be providing the comfort and support your body needs.
BIGGER IS BETTER
If you sleep with someone else, don’t settle for anything smaller than a queen; consider a king if you’re tall or like lots of extra space (we all turn between 20-40 times a night).
BUY A MATCHING SET
Don’t make the mistake of putting a new mattress on an old box spring. A mattress and box spring are designed to work together as a sleep set. The box spring acts like a giant shock absorber, taking a lot of the nightly wear and tear, and contributes to the bed’s overall comfort and support.
INVEST IN THE BEST
When you consider that you’ll be spending three of the next ten years in bed, it makes sense to invest in the best-quality sleep set your budget will allow. Averaged over its projected lifespan, even the most expensive bed costs less per day than a cup of coffee!
Source: The Better Sleep Council