**Shopping for a Mattress 2007**
You spend more time on your bed than on any other piece of furniture, and rely on it for comfort and well being. This is why it is so important to make sure you’re sleeping on the right mattress. Your body should tell you when it’s time for a new mattress – but are you paying attention?
*** The best way to know if it’s time for you to replace your mattress is to evaluate your personal comfort level and consider changes in your lifestyle or body. For example, age can affect your need for extra comfort in a mattress.
*** If you regularly wake up feeling stiff and sore, or if you aren’t sleeping as well as you did a year ago, it might be time to visit your local retail store to compare the comfort and support levels of new mattresses to what you’re currently sleeping on.
*** Be sure to check your mattress twice a year (spring and fall time changes are a good reminder) and ask yourself the following specific questions:
- Are you sleeping worse than you did a year ago?
- Are you waking up with back pain or feeling stiff and sore?
- Have you had your best night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed?
Things to remember when shopping for a mattress:
Take a Partner: It is important to select a sleep set that meets both of your support needs and comfort preferences. Also, couples should sleep on a queen or king size mattress to ensure sufficient space.
Comfort and Support are Key: A mattress that has the right support will keep your spine in the same alignment as good standing posture. Also, a mattress that is too hard may put your shoulders and hips to sleep. You’ll sleep best when your bed helps you feel cradled in comfort, cozy and secure.
Opt for the Sleep Set: A mattress and foundation are designed to work together, so always buy a new mattress with the matching foundation.
Remember the SLEEP Test:
- Select a mattress
- Lie down in your sleep position
- Evaluate the level of comfort and support
- Educate yourself about each selection
- Partners should try each mattress together
