Ask Dr. Sleep
Affordable Bedding, Inc's. knowledgeable staff is affectionately known in local circles as "Dr. Sleep" because they have helped so many people get a good night's sleep. Dr. Sleep believes that an educated customer is a wise consumer, and they enjoy answering questions about sleep and sleep products. Here are some questions frequently asked of Dr. Sleep:
Q: How do I know when I need a new mattress?
A: Generally speaking, mattresses last for about 10 years unless your twins routinely use it to practice their gymnastics. After 10 years, your mattress has probably provided about 29,200 hours of service and is probably ready to be retired. Generally speaking, if one of more of these situations apply, think about getting a new mattress:
- Your sleep is uncomfortable and interrupted, and you feel tired and groggy during the day.
- Your mattress sags or is lumpy.
- Vacations including hotel stays always provide you with a restful night's sleep.
Q: I've always heard that a firmer mattress is the best mattress one can buy, but I'm not really comfortable on a firm mattress. Should I just buy a firm mattress and get used to it?
A: The old theory was that firmer was better, but that's not really true. The best mattress for you is the one that is most comfortable for you. You shouldn't need to "break in" a mattress. If it isn't comfortable to you in the store or the first time you lie down on it, it probably isn't the right mattress for you. There have been no sleep studies done that we are aware of that show that firmer mattresses do anything to contribute to the quality of sleep.
Q: Why do mattresses cost so much?
A: When you think of how much time you spend in bed (probably 1/3 of your life!), spending money for a quality mattress is really an investment in your health. More and more research is showing that sleep quality determines affects all aspects of our waking life. While it stands to reason that we will be more effective and efficient if we are well-rested, studies are also showing that a well-rested person is also calmer during waking hours and is generally more evenly tempered. Some of the latest sleep studies are even saying that poor sleep quality contributes to obesity!
Q: Is a higher priced mattress necessarily better?
A: While the lowest priced mattresses are not good buys, there usually isn't too much that differentiates mid-range priced mattresses from their higher cost counterparts. The June 2005 issue of Consumer Reports tested two similar mattresses from the same manufacturer, one costing $700 and the other costing $1,400. Here is a summary of what they found:
- Both mattresses were sold with the same box spring.
- The more expensive mattress had 1/8" more quilt fill than the lower cost mattress (1 and 1/2" as opposed to 1 and 3/16").
- The ticking on the more expensive mattress was of a fancier grade than that on the less expensive mattress. (The more expensive fabric looked finer, but both should wear well.) In addition, the more expensive mattress had fabric that was "stretchier" than the lower priced mattress. This could make the more expensive mattress fabric wear slightly better than the less expensive mattress.
- The stitching pattern on the fabric more expensive mattress was less dense making for a softer feel than that of the lower cost mattress.
- The more expensive mattress had more than twice as deep padding as that of the lower priced mattress (4 and 1/2" as opposed to 2"). In addition, the lower priced mattress used flat polyurethane foam while the more expensive mattress used egg-crate polyurethane along with thin layers of flat and memory foam.
- There were more coils in the higher priced mattress (660 as opposed to 580).
Do all of these pluses of the higher priced mattress justify the double cost? Only you can tell by the way the two mattresses feel when you lie down on them.
Q: Do the more expensive mattress coverings contribute to the quality of sleep?
A: Logically speaking, when you cover a mattress with a pad and sheets, you won't notice any difference in the fabric coverings of the mattress. What will matter then will be the quality of your mattress pad and sheets, but that is a different issue.
Q: Does my sleep position mean anything when I am selecting a mattress? For example, I usually sleep on my stomach. Does that mean that I need a firm mattress so that I can breathe well?
A: Your sleep position does matter in the type of mattress you would find most comfortable. Generally speaking, if you sleep on your back, you will be most comfortable on a firmer mattress. If you are a stomach sleeper, you will like a softer mattress, and, if you sleep on your side, you will probably also find a softer mattress more comfortable as it allows for the "arc" of your body to be better supported.
Q: I twist and turn a lot in my sleep. Does that mean that there is something wrong with my mattress?
A: Moving while you are sleeping is normal. It's only a problem if it disrupts your sleep or that of your sleep partner. If moving around doesn't bother you, just make certain that you have a bed big enough so that your moving doesn't interrupt your partner's sleep.
Q: Why are mattresses sold only in sets (a mattress and a box spring)? Why can't I buy just what I need and want?
A: While it is generally best to buy the box spring that is made for a particular mattress, Affordably Bedding, Inc., will sell mattresses and box springs separately. These pieces will generally not have matching fabric, but that may not be a concern to you. Generally speaking, mattresses and box springs sold separately are not covered by manufacturers' guarantees.
Q: How will I know if I need a new box spring or if I can just get along with a new mattress?
A: If your current box spring doesn't creak or sag and if the springs aren't "bouncy," perhaps you can consider using your old box spring and just purchasing a new mattress.
Q: What are the most significant trends in mattresses today?
A: Here are some general trends:
- People are buying bigger beds. The queen-size is the most popular today, and king-size beds represent up to 10% of the market sold.
- Mattresses are thicker (some up to 20"), but since most of the padding is in the "pillow top," most mattresses no longer have to be flipped. It is still suggested, however, that they be rotated from head to foot to even out wear.
- Even though most mattresses no longer need to be flipped, they still last at least as long as older mattresses due to the use of more foam, including "memory foam," that tends to pack down less than the older polyester fibers.
- Stain resistance has greatly improved.
- New mattress flammability standards and regulations are being implemented in some areas
Q: With coil count, does the "more is better" philosophy apply?
A: It does, but just up to a point. The number of coils is actually less important than the gauge of the wire used in the coils.
Q: Why should I buy from you?
A: Not all mattresses are created equal. We specialize in customer education. We will help you select the perfect mattress set for you. No high pressure. We sell the premium brands for less. Most of our customers report they saved hundreds.
Q: How do I know you sell 1st quality products?
A: All of our products are 1st Quality. We are authorized dealers for all of the products we sell. We do not sell any 2nd quality used or refurbished products. All of our products come with Full manufactures warranties.
Q: How can I purchase a mattress from you?
A: Call 828-545-9998 and have a mattress delivered right to your home anywhere in the continental U.S.
Q: I've noticed that a lot of bedding has thick pillow tops and I see a lot of thicker mattresses today. Will this mattress show body impressions?
A: Most better quality bedding today is designed to give a higher level of comfort. One of the primary reasons that it's so comfortable is that it has luxurious layers of padding to actually conform to your body, caressing and cradling you while you sleep. So if you start to see some slight conformity, that's good. It's not a structural defect, it's a normal occurrence in the performance of better quality bedding today. You should be able to equalize these body impressions by rotating your mattress on a bi monthly basis.
Q: Doesn't the warranty tell you how long bedding should last?
A: No! The warranty is there to protect you against product defect, not against the gradual loss of comfort and support. The chances that your bedding will go to pieces before the warranty expires are very slim. In fact, it may remain intact for many years thereafter. The most important factor for you is not how long the bedding lasts, but how long it's comfortable enough for you to sleep on. No warranty can legitimately assure the identical comfort and support at the end of a warranty period as the set had when it was new--everything eventually wears out. Your sleeping needs will change as you get older. Don't be misled in choosing a set of bedding, if all the salesperson has to talk about is a warranty.
Q: I only need a mattress, why buy a box spring?
A: Is your set now sagging in the middle or too soft on the edge? Do you feel any soft spots? If you do, it's probably because the box spring is not doing a proper job. The box spring does most of the work and is the one of the most important parts of the set. It supports you and the mattress. The mattress conforms to the box spring and is the comfort layer in a total support system. It's the box spring that actually distributes the weight to help keep your body level and must work with the mattress to allow proper spinal alignment. Not all box springs are created equal. We strongly recommend that you consider buying a complete set of bedding. However we can sell you just the mattress, if you feel it will meet your needs.
Q: I'm confused--How much should I pay for a good mattress?
A: Mattress sets are very much like cars--You can purchase a Cadillac or a Hyundai. We have a variety of mattress sets from which to choose. I'm quite certain that we will have something to fit your budget, but quality is usually reflected by price. The quality of your sleep and the way that you feel the next day is greatly affected by the quality of your mattress set you sleep on.
Q: If a mattress sags, doesn't that mean that it's defective and should be replaced under warranty?
A: Like it or not, all beds sag after time. Manufacturers say that a bed may compress up to 1 and 1/2" before it is considered defective.
Q: What amenities can I expect Affordable Bedding, Inc., to provide if I make a major purchase?
A: With excellent customer service as our goal, Affordable Bedding, Inc., is able to offer free local delivery and set up on mattress set purchases over $299.99. During special promotions, bed frames may also be provided free or at our cost. Affordable Bedding, Inc.'s local delivery service also takes away your old mattresses and box springs. If we deliver locally two pieces, we will take away two pieces. (Some companies only bring the old pieces to the curb, and then you have to figure out what to do with them.)
Q: If I get a bed home and don't like it, can I return it?
A: If you have purchased a bed that isn't right for you, we wouldn't want you to keep it. We want you to have a bed with which you are absolutely satisfied. If you find that you have a problem with a bed you have purchased at Affordable Bedding, Inc., just let us know, and we will work with you to find the right fit for you.
Q: What do you do with returned beds?
A: Beds that are returned are generally returned for a good reason. While defective beds are few and far between, defective beds returned to Affordable Bedding, Inc., are sent back to the manufacturers.
Q: I know it sounds logical that I should lie down on different beds in the store, but I feel self-conscious doing that. Does a store test really matter?
A: You might feel self-conscious lying down on different beds in a store, but do so anyhow. Your store test of just 15 minutes can help you select the mattress that is right for you. Don't forget to try out the different mattresses in your preferred sleep positions (even if you feel self-conscious about doing so!). You are making a major purchase, and you want to buy the best product to meet your needs.
Come and visit us or call to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. 828-545-9998