As you know from the previous newsletter, May is better sleep month. In keeping with that theme I'm giving some tips on how to select a new mattress that is right for you. If you have a mattress five years old or older it may be time to get a new one. A new mattress can lead to significant improvement in back pain, spinal stiffness, sleep quality and sleep comfort! You should at minimum evaluate, and if necessary replace, you mattress and/or box springs every five to seven years.
The method by which you can evaluate your current mattress and select a new one is the E.A.S.E. method. This stands for Evaluate, Arm, Shop, and Ensure.
Evaluate
Determine if you need a new mattress. Is your mattress five to seven years old? Does it show visible signs of wear? Do you wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains? Do you sleep better in a bed other than your own (such as a hotel)? If the answer to any of these is yes it may be time to get a new mattress.
Arm
Gather as much information as possible to make a good purchase. Go to www. bettersleep.org to learn what to look for in a new mattress and what options are out there. Also, comb your newspaper and internet sites to gather information about price. Most mattress retailers will bargain with you.
Shop
Find the mattress that you find most comfortable. Test drive the mattress in the store, trying several different models. It should provide plenty of support from head to toe, with the low back, shoulders and hips areas of critical importance. If it is for you and a partner get at least a queen size mattress. Be sure to shop for the best comfort and support. Cheaper mattresses may seem like a good deal, but if they do not provide proper comfort and support you'll be miserable and/or need to replace it anyway.
Ensure
Take care of your mattress to get the longest quality life out of it. Match the box spring to the mattress, as they are designed to work together. Rotate your mattress periodically (every spring and fall) to minimize impressions over time.
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1 comment:
Picking out a new mattress is such frustrating work! I recently bought a new memory foam mattress and what I thought would be a simple 2 hour shop turned into a full-day event!
Good luck to any future buyers!
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