• How do you know it's time for a new mattress?
  • What should I keep in mind when shopping for a mattress?
  • What should I look for in a new mattress?
  • Glossary:special features

Q: How do you know it's time for a new mattress?

A: If you find that you're waking up with aches, pains or stiffness, which all mean you're not getting a good night's sleep, that should be sign number one. However, you may not even be aware that you're sleeping poorly - until you have a wonderful, restful sleep somewhere else. Another obvious indicator is a mattress that's sagging, lumpy, torn or worn.

To get the best sleep you can, you should be replacing your entire sleep set every five to seven years, whether it looks like it needs it or not. Like everything, mattresses and box springs break down over time and lose their ability to give you the comfort and support that you need. As our bodies age, we also need different kinds of support to enjoy the best possible sleep. With good rest so closely linked to good health, a quality sleep set is probably one of the best investments you can make.

Q: What should I keep in mind when shopping for a mattress?

Ask questions: If you become confused by the terminology, ask a retail sales associate. They're trained to help you understand your options.

Don't rush: You spend a third of your life in bed, so commit some time to shopping for your new mattress. A little research about the features and benefits available in your price range is an investment in the quality of your sleep for years to come.

Test drive: Try out a variety of mattresses at the store, and be sure to lie in your most frequent sleeping position. Wear comfortable clothing; you may also want to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Remember it's a set: The box spring and mattress should be purchased as together to get the best out of the mattress.

Bad frames = bad sleep: Make sure your bed frame is solid. King and queen beds should have a center support.

Q: What should I look for in a new mattress?

A: Your goal is to find a sleep set that will offer you the most comfort, support, durability, size and value for your budget.

Comfort: People used to think that beds had to be hard to be good for you. The truth is that the extra-comfortable foams and fibers used in today's premium sleep sets actually enhance mattress support.

Support: The best mattress is one that supports your spine at all points while allowing it to maintain its natural curve. The more coils and the thicker the coil wires, the greater the support.

Durability: Today's sleep sets are more durable than ever, but it's important to remember that they're just that: a set. Since it's the foundation, or box spring, that provides durability, a new mattress and foundation together provide the best performance.

Size: Considering that most people sleep better without an elbow in their ribs, you should buy the largest size mattress that your budget - and your bedroom - can afford. Mattresses come in four standard sizes: twin, full, queen and king.

Value: Shop for the best value not the lowest price (remember the old adage, "you get what you pay for?"). Make sure that your new mattress and box spring also come with a warranty that protects you against manufacturer's defects.

Glossary: special features

Tempered steel coils: Tempering the coils adds years of strength to your mattress.

Split box springs: King sized sets come standard with split box springs. If you have a sharp corner that a box spring isn't likely to get around, queen box springs can also often be ordered in a split.

Hinging: King and queen sets can be hinged so as to move through tight spaces. Once again, movers will appreciate this feature if you have tight hallways or stairs.

Low profile box springs: With mattress height increasing, your bed may require a low profile box spring for greater accessibility.

Side vents: Some mattresses have side vents, but since cloth fabrics allow air in and out, this is a feature that is not highly important.

Handles: Since most mattresses today are No Flip (i.e. they don't need to be turned over, though they should still be rotated regularly), the need for handles is not as great. However, anyone who needs to move the mattress will be thankful.

For more information about how to select the mattress that's right for you, visit the Better Sleep Council's website at bettersleep.org