Your old mattress is sagging, tired, or maybe even coming apart at the seams. You’ve come to the conclusion that it’s definitely time to replace your old bed with a new one, and perhaps you’ve already begun your search. If so, you know that there are tons of memory foam mattresses to choose from, and the options can be dizzying. While there’s no such thing as the perfect mattress for everyone, the best memory foam mattresses have a few things in common. Use these tips to make your search for a new memory foam mattress easier and more effective.
Check out the trial period.
Whether you’re thinking about buying your new mattress online or from a brick and mortar store, take a look at the trial period while you’re checking out the price tag. A quick lie-down on a mattress (perhaps with an eager salesperson hovering nearby) isn’t enough to tell you how your body will respond after a night, a week, or a month. It takes time to adjust to a new mattress, and leading companies are well aware of this fact. Trial periods range from about 30 days to an entire year.
Read reviews.
The best way to find the best memory foam mattress for your unique needs is to spend a few minutes checking reviews. You can find out what people have to say about the mattress you’re considering, learn about any known manufacturing issues, find out how other consumers liked the company’s customer service, and much more. This doesn’t take long, yet it’s an excellent way to come up with a shortlist of mattresses that are likely candidates for your budget, sleep position, desired temperature and comfort level, and other important factors.
Check to see if there’s a warranty.
While the newest memory foam mattresses are typically less expensive than their predecessors, this is still an important purchase. And, let’s face it – getting rid of an old mattress can be a real pain. You have spent years lying on your old mattress and have developed a habit to it. And so you wonder how to get rid of your old mattress when your comfort depends on it? Again,you want to love your new mattress, and you want it to last! So, take a few minutes to see what kind of warranty the manufacturer has to offer. Most reliable companies stand behind their products, and a few top memory foam mattress manufacturers offer impressive “forever” warranties that cover workmanship and materials for as long as the mattress is with its original owner. It’s no fun to read the fin print, but this is one time when you want to know exactly what you’re getting into.
Look for the CertiPUR-US® Label.
Some cheap memory foam mattresses are notorious for their stinky, chemical-laden foams. Other companies manage to offer reasonable prices while doing better by their customers while protecting the environment. That’s where CertiPUR-US® comes in. This program certifies memory foams that are made without CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals, and that are free from harmful heavy metals including lead and mercury. To qualify for the Certi-PUR-US® label, foams must be manufactured without any harmful PBDEs, TCEP, or TDCPP flame retardants. These materials must also be free of phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they must be manufactured without formaldehyde. Additionally, they must pass testing for volatile organic compound emissions (VOCs) to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
It’s usually very easy to find this certification, as most mattress companies that carry it are proud to let potential customers know that their products have been given the stamp of approval. If you’re shopping online, you’ll probably see the CertiPUR-US® certification stamp somewhere in the product images and/or description.
If you like, you can go a step further by looking for an organic mattress. Unfortunately, people with latex allergies may have difficulty finding an organic memory foam mattress, since many brands contain latex.
Consider Practical Aspects
The more you shop, the more you’ll find to consider and compare. For example, do you want a thinner memory foam mattress that accommodates standard fitted sheets, or would you prefer a thicker mattress that takes dep pocket fitted sheets? Here are a few other considerations to keep in mind.
- Do you tend to feel hot when you sleep? If so, you probably want a memory foam mattress with cooling technology built right in. Be sure to conduct a little extra research if this is important to you, since not all cooling memory foam mattresses are rated the same.
- Is a washable cover essential, or just nice to have? Some companies offer them, while others don’t. While it’s always a good idea to use a quality mattress protector, washable covers add convenience and go toward keeping your bed fresh and clean.
- What kind of bed frame or base do you prefer? Some memory foam mattresses offer compatibility with all kinds of frames and bases, including adjustable beds. Others come with more specific requirements. This might not be a big deal if you’re also in the market for a new bed frame, but it’s definitely important if you plan to keep the one you have now.
- Is there an extra fee for delivery? Can the company help you get rid of your old mattress? Many companies offer free or low-cost delivery. A few take it a step further with white-glove delivery services, complete with set-up. Sometimes mattress removal is included.
Now that you’re armed with these tips, it’s time to start shopping! Remember to read reviews before you get started, so you can easily determine which companies offer the features, pricing, and comfort level you need.
