With all of the available choices out there, buying a new mattress takes as much research and comparison shopping as buying a computer, life insurance, or even a car. Just as with those other products, a good mattress is one that will provide many years of service, so making the right purchasing decision is critical. You can improve your odds of selecting the best latex or memory foam mattress for your needs and budget by avoiding these common myths as you shop.
Myth: The more expensive a mattress is, the better the quality.
Truth: While manufacturers try to justify high prices by saying, “You get what you pay for,” that isn’t necessarily the case with mattresses in the age of online shopping. With the rise of specialty stores like FoamFactory.com, it’s now possible to buy a latex or memory foam mattresses for a fraction of the cost you’d find in a mattress showroom without sacrificing quality, comfort, or durability.
Myth: Firm mattresses always provide the best support.
Truth: The amount of support a mattress provides is such a subjective criterion that it’s impossible to designate any particular type as best. Some people prefer a very firm mattress with practically no give at all, while others sleep better with a memory foam mattress that provides more body contouring and cradling. Your height and bodyweight also play a role in how to select the proper density of your memory foam mattress, so be sure to take those factors into consideration when shopping.
Myth: You can just flip an old mattress over instead of buying a new one.
Truth: While this may have been true once upon a time, today’s mattresses aren’t always manufactured symmetrically. Rather, the side that’s meant to be slept upon has different layers of memory foam, cushioning, batting, or gel than the underside, and when flipped will not yield the same amount of comfort or support. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a new mattress.
Myth: Latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses offer the same sleep experience.
Truth: Sleepers will notice significant differences in the feel of these two types of mattresses. Generally speaking, latex mattresses provide consistent support for the whole body, while memory foam mattresses provide contoured support at the shoulders, hips, knees, and other pressure points. In addition, whereas latex mattresses are aerated to help dissipate body heat, memory foam mattresses further shape and contour themselves in response to body heat.
Myth: You don’t need to replace your old mattress until visible signs of sagging appear.
Truth: Visible sagging isn’t the only clue that your mattress has reached the end of its usefulness. Other telltale indications include lumps, exposed coils, presence of mold or mildew, and age. Also, if toss and turn more frequently during the night or wake up still feeling tired, then it’s probably time for a new mattress.
