Mattress Facts

The expression "sleep tight" comes from the 16th and 17th centuries when mattresses were placed on top of ropes that needed regular tightening. Get familiar with the elements of a comfortable bed.

1. Innerspring.

Quality tip: You can't judge the quality of a mattress solely on the number of coils it contains.

2. Foam.

Solid foam mattresses offer a wide choice of "feels". Advanced technology in polyurethane foams, refinements to traditional latex foams and the new viscoelastic foams have added to the choice of comfort, support and performance.

3. Foundation.

A good foundation is as important as a good mattress. Don't put a new mattress on an old foundation.

4. The Pillow.

If you sleep on your side, you may want a fairly firm pillow to give your head and neck extra support.

5. Airbeds.

Airbeds are now designed to look like the familiar mattress/box spring combination, with an air-filled core providing the support instead of an innerspring unit.

6. Futons.

The futon is designed to support sitting as well as sleeping.

7. Adjustable beds.

Electrically adjustable beds allow sleepers to adjust the head and foot of the bed to the most comfortable position. Since the flexing causes extra wear on the mattress, quality construction is very important. Mattresses not built for this purpose should not be used with an adjustable bed frame.

8. Waterbeds.

The newest waterbed designs are built to look like the familiar mattress, with a water-filled core providing the support and layers of upholstery for insulation and surface comfort.

Mattress Shopping

In most communities, there is an abundance of shopping choices – from furniture stores to sleep specialty shops to department stores – so you'll be able to find a store where you'll feel you're getting the right information and the right attention.

If you're a shopper who likes to compare values from store to store, you should be aware that comparison shopping by model name might lead to frustration. Don't forget to compare store services such as delivery, financing and removal of old bedding as well.

When comparing, remember that a "bargain" mattress and foundation are no bargain when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.

What to look for when buying a mattress:

1. Comfort.

A too-hard mattress may only succeed in putting your shoulders and hips to sleep. You'll sleep best when your bed helps you feel cradled in comfort, cozy and secure. Today's top quality mattress are built for superior comfort.

2. Support.

Correct support is the essential ingredient for a healthy body. If there's too little support, you can develop back pain. But if the mattress is too hard for you, you can experience uncomfortable pressure.

3. A word about "firm".

Don't rely on product labels to tell you which mattress will give you the right support.

4. Durability.

It's the quality of the materials used and how they're put together that determine how long a mattress and foundation will provide the comfort and support you bought them for.

5. Space.

Cramped quarters can turn sleeping into a nightly wrestling match. You need freedom of motion while you sleep and to help you relax while getting to sleep. If you sleep with a partner, be sure to select queen size.