Men's Guide to Mattress Shopping

First things first.  Do you need a new mattress?

This is the big question.  Make sure your bed is causing your sleepless nights.  The chances are if some of these signs apply to you, it's time to start shopping:

• You often wake with stiffness, numbness and aches.

• Your bed has not aged well. It sags or has lumps that you can feel and see when you change the sheets.

• You often think to yourself: "I need a good night sleep, I better sleep on the futon or couch tonight .."

• Your feet hang off of the twin size hand-me-down mattress you received from your grandma.

• On the same subject, your girlfriend complains that your twin size hand-me-down mattress is not a comfortable for the two of you.  

The importance of sleep

We are a business that sells mattresses, but underestimating the importance of sleep is a problem all too common in America.  In today's caffeine-driven work environment, good sleep can help reduce stress levels, increase productivity and keep you healthy. To get better sleep, perhaps you need a new bed or just better sleep habits.  See the back of this guide for some better sleep tips.

If you decided to go shopping, here's a tutorial.

Lesson One: Know thy mattress.

You will learn quickly when you go shopping that there are a wide range of mattresses to choose from. A little homework to keep you up to speed will make it easier to find a good mattress for you. 

Traditional innerspring mattress - A mattress set with the traditional system typically using coils or metal springs with layered upholstery on top. When shopping you hear the term "Coil Count." Typically, a higher number, the more support you get, but "support value" depends very much on the design of coils and layers of padding used in conjunction with them.

Wrapped coil spring mattress - A mattress set with a system of springs that have an advanced functionality. Individual springs are wrapped in a cloth cover.  Each coil or spring moves independently conforming to the body.  Since these springs move individually, if your significant other moves or turns, it does not disturb your sleep cycle, resulting in longer a duration and frequency of deeper sleep (3rd and 4th part of the sleep cycle)

Latex and memory foam mattresses - Made of materials to alleviate and provide support to the natural alignment of the body. Memory foam may be temperature sensitive.  It softens with your body as it warms up, alleviate points of pressure, like your shoulders and hips.  Latex foam offers durability and contouring that is available in several different comfort options.

Hybrid Mattress - Layers of memory foam and/or latex on a system of internal springs to provide a more traditional feel with technologically advanced comfort materials.  These beds give you great comfort and support with a more traditional feel.  If you're not sure you want to buy an all-foam mattress, it is a good option.

Select your comfort.  Firm? soft? Or very soft? 

It has long been said by men, typically hard-boiled with calloused hands, that the only mattress that you need is a firm one. But fortunately, that kind of thinking is changing. Today, plush and pillow top mattresses are selling well as men understand that a soft mattress does not diminish their ability to change a flat tire. But in the end the decision is yours. Some like the solid feel of a firm mattress while others prefer to sink into bed with a pillow top. Do yourself a favor and spend a few minutes on each to see what feels best.

Be prepared. Shopping Tips - 

Mattress prices - Different stores rarely have the same exact model name, making it difficult to directly compare prices.  To get a better deal, take note of the construction of a model of your choice, including the types of foams, the number of springs, etc.  Take your time.  You spend several more hours in bed than on the couch.  So be happy with your choice.

Scour the newspapers. They are filled with advertisements and flyers that offer good deals. You can save $2 on a bucket of chicken and see what shops have a large mattress sale. So it's a win-win.

When you consider the size, think in the long term. If you are single and bathe regularly, consider the possibility that you may have to share a bed in the future.

In store, test for real.  This brings us to the point of taking your time. However you're used to sleeping, lie down in this way for several minutes. Politely tell the sales guy to disappear while you relax.

Bad back? There are a lot of mattresses that can help. Search for models designed specifically for people with a back pain. They help keep the spine aligned during sleep.

Be a policy geek. When it comes to returns, trial periods, shipping and removal, all stores are different. Be sure to ask about these details. It can affect where you buy.

Yes, buy a box spring. Like meat and cheese, a mattress and foundation are the perfect couple. As only a mattress can reduce the comfort and support you get. Moreover, it can shorten the life of the bed and possibly affect the warranty.

And remember guys: assert yourself. If you're with a partner, make sure you get a mattress that you like also.  According a recent study, 38% of men said they are dissatisfied with mattress selected by their significant others. So do not go with a bed because you want to come home and watch a football game, get it done right.

Sleep tips for the average Joe -

Set the mood. Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool and clean.

Sleep requires preparation. We may sound like your mother, but don't work, pay bills, or video games after 9pm. Your brain needs time to slow down.

The late news is not relaxing. Do not watch TV in your room. Again, this is about your brain slowing down for sleep

Get in a routine.  Establish a regular sleep schedule and do not sleep in.  Instead, take power naps during the weekend.

Caffeine keeps your mind awake.  Try not to drink beverages containing caffeine after 2pm