The mattress
1. Comfort. Mattresses don't have to be
as hard as a board to be good for you, though some people
may prefer a firmer feel. Today, mattresses are built with
luxurious new cushioning materials and surface treatments.
While these mattresses may feel more plush, the core provides
necessary support for your body.
2. Support. A quality mattress and foundation
gently supports your body at all points and keep your spine
in the same position as good standing posture. When selecting
a mattress, keep in mind that your body should be able to
relax, with your spine supported in its natural curve.
3. Space. Select a mattress that gives
you enough room for free, easy movement, especially if you're
sleeping with a partner. Couples should select a queen-
or king-size mattress to ensure that both individuals have
enough space to feel comfortable.
4. Durability. Durability refers to how
long support and comfort will continue. Like all products,
a mattress and foundation gradually wear out. Eventually,
you won't receive the same support and comfort as you did
when the sleep set was new. That's why you should reevaluate
your set regularly – twice a year.
Don't look to the warranty to tell you how long to keep
your sleep set. The warranty protects you against product
defects and workmanship mistakes, not gradual loss of comfort
and support.
5. Matching Sleep Sets. Matching mattresses
and foundations are engineered to work together. Mismatching
sets, putting a new mattress on an old foundation, or adding
a board between the mattress and foundation, can impede
comfort and reduce the useful life of the mattress.
6. Value. Buy only quality products made
with all new materials. Shopping for the best value –
not the lowest price – is a healthy investment in
your quality of life.
