SPECIAL SECTION
FURNITURE
The right mattress for the best sleep
Rest assured
BY ROSIE WOLF WILLIAMS
A GOOD NIGHT’S sleep is never a waste of time.
And one of the essential ingredients to restful
sleep is picking the right mattress. Oklahoma
State University researchers found that study
participants slept better and had fewer aches and
pains when they slept on a new mattress, regardless of their age, weight or body mass index.
Andrew Long, vice president, channel mar-
keting (Beautyrest) at Serta Simmons Bedding,
a Costco supplier, recommends replacing your
mattress every eight to 10 years. “If your mat-
tress is more than eight years old and you are
having a hard time getting out of bed in the
morning, this is a telltale sign that it is time to
replace it,” he says. “Test out mattresses of sim-
ilar comfort levels from your existing manufac-
turer; if there is a noticeable difference, it is
time to make a change.”
The industry has probably changed since
you bought your last mattress, but Long says
that there are really only five basic types:
• Innerspring mattresses are the traditional
type of mattress, typically incorporating a system
of open coils or metal springs between padding.
•Encased spring mattresses are innerspring beds whose springs are individually
wrapped in fabric, allowing each spring to
adjust independently to the body. The more
springs, the more support and comfort.
• Memory foam mattresses are made of viscoelastic polyurethane and conform to the body
to reduce pressure points and provide proper
support to the body.
• Hybrid mattresses contain two technolo-
gies, typically memory foam for comfort and
encased springs for back support.
• Air mattresses use air chambers as their
primary support. Some models can be inflated
or deflated to change the bed’s firmness.
The choices in firm or soft, pillow-top or
plush mattresses are overwhelming for the
buyer, but Long says the bells and whistles are
really a matter of personal preference. “Focus on
support and comfort,” he says. “Remember, you
can’t get one without the other. If you suffer from
back problems caused by a poor mattress, spinal
alignment and support may be the key. Research
the difference that the latest bedding technology
offers before you buy.”
Lee Neyland, brand manager at Tempur
Sealy International, a Costco supplier, says
that consumers should begin by researching
manufacturers with a solid history of using
quality foams and coils. Sleep style can be a fac-
tor in whether you prefer an innerspring or a
foam mattress.
If you change positions often during the
night and want a mattress that holds you up for
more ease of movement, you may prefer an
innerspring mattress, says Neyland, a Costco
member. If you like the feel of a mattress that
conforms to your body and hugs you, thereby naturally relieving pressure points, you may want to
consider a high-quality foam bed. “Not all foam
beds are made from the same quality materials,
so it’s a good idea to do research and stick with a
known and trusted brand,” he says. C
Rosie Wolf Williams ( alwaysrosie.com) is a
freelance writer based in Vermont.
MOISTURE, PERSPIRATION
and oils could affect the
density or spring of the mattress material, shortening
the comfort life of the mattress. A cover can help your
mattress last longer.
The Environmental
Protection Agency suggests
using a protective cover on
both the mattress and the
box spring to help prevent
bedbug infestation. Check
regularly for holes or tears.
Lee Neyland, brand manager at Tempur Sealy, advises
using a mattress cover to
protect your mattress from
bed-wetting, liquid spills,
stains and abuse that could
void its warranty.
Mattress protectors
should be washed regularly
to reduce the buildup of dust
mites, allergens, perspiration
and/or body odor.—RWW
COSTCOCONNECTION
Costco members will ;nd a
seasonal selection of mattresses, bed frames, mattress
covers, bedding and more in
Costco warehouses, and
year-round on Costco.com.
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