If we’re living healthfully, we spend around a third of our time sleeping. In consideration of as much, let’s start by taking a moment of quiet contemplative gratitude for the existence of mattresses.
…Thank you.
Actually, it’s probably in one’s best interest to be as savvy as possible about a product that will provide (and require) thousands of cumulative hours of use—in (collaborative) service to keeping your brain and body operational. Right?
A mattress is a major investment, in multiple (major) senses, so it’s imperative to be informed buyers when the time comes. Unfortunately, a lot of mattress misinformation out there.
Read along below as we attempt to quash some of that, separating mattress fact from mattress fiction—and maybe everyone sleeps a little better tonight for the effort.
The 7-10 Year Rule
Myth: The vaunted Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7-10 years.
Reality: The lifespan of a mattress can vary widely, depending on several factors, including (e.g.) body size, sleep habits, regular rotation and other care/maintenance efforts. Instead of relying solely on a fixed timeline, pay attention to how you feel when you wake up. If you begin consistently noticing signs of unwelcome changes in the restfulness of a night’s sleep, it may be time to consider whether your mattress is, so to speak, on its last legs.
Comfort and Support
Myth: All mattresses basically offer the same level of support and comfortability.
Reality: To ensure restorative sleep (and minimize or prevent pain!), it’s crucial to find a mattress that suitably conforms to your body’s shape while also providing adequate support. Soft mattresses may feel extra comfy, but can lack a certainty uniformity of support—to your detriment. (Consider the featherbed…) “Medium-firm” mattresses tend to strike the right balance between comfort and support, naturally relieving pressure points for most body-types and engendering higher quality sleep overall.
Understanding Mattress Warranties
Myth: Mattress warranties indicate the life expectancy of your purchase. -It konks out before that?—one replacement mattress, comin’ right up.
Reality: Mattress warranties primarily cover defects in workmanship and materials. While warranties vary slightly among manufacturers, they typically don’t “guarantee” a mattress as having any sort of lifespan wherein its warranty indicates catchall coverage. It’s essential to carefully read the warranty’s terms and conditions, where you might learn (e.g.) that transportation costs for repairs or replacements are often not covered—and any number of similar such “details.” Be aware as well that when a mattress is replaced, a new warranty isn’t usually issued along with it.
Adjusting to a New Mattress
Myth: It takes only a few nights to adjust to a new mattress.
Reality: Most people require at least a month for their bodies to fully adapt to a new sleep surface. Considering the significant amount of time we spend in bed, it’s understandable that our muscles and joints retain a memory of the most comfortable spots on the mattress. While a “comfort guarantee” from a retailer might provide some peace of mind, it’s thorough research, testing, and comparison-shopping that’ll ensure an ideal choice, even if a protracted adjustment period is ultimately needed.
Movement and Pressure Point Relief
Myth: Restless movements during sleep are unavoidable and unrelated to mattress quality.
Reality: We naturally move during sleep to alleviate pressure points and reduce stress on our backs and joints. A supportive mattress can help reduce nighttime movements by providing pressure point relief, allowing for deeper, more restful REM sleep. -Which we very much want you to have!
A GOOD NIGHT OF REST WITH MATTRESS PEDDLERS
When doing your research on Mattress Peddlers, you’ll find we match up to top-quality mattress company criteria, and even go beyond it! We’ve been a family-owned business providing quality mattresses and furniture throughout Delaware and even beyond since 1994. We love working closely with our customers to figure out their needs and also offer free shipping throughout Lewes, Millsboro, Rehoboth Beach, Harbeson, and the surrounding areas of Delaware.