No other piece of furniture in your home gets as much use as your sleep set or is as crucial for good sleep. That's why it's so important to find the right mattress for you. Before you start shopping, prepare by learning the basics. You can also ask your Mattress Warehouse representative about any mattress terminology you might not understand.

Mattress Construction

A mattress is made of three basic elements:

1. The foundation acts as a giant shock absorber, taking the normal wear and tear of nightly use. Foundations also lend added support, durability and, in the case of adjustable beds, flexibility.
2. The mattress core construction varies with the type of mattress. Whether the mattress is made of springs, air, foam, or water, this middle "core" provides support for the sleeper.
3. The upholstery layers wrapped around the core provide surface comfort. A variety of foams and fibers are used to improve cushioning properties and enhance the support of the mattress core.

Sleep Set Advances

Because of technological advances and medical developments, today's mattress sets are not the same as those made 10 years ago. Industry research and development has improved mattress and foundation engineering to provide optimum comfort and support. A new sleep set that incorporates these advances can lead to a better night's sleep. Mattress Warehouse carries mattresses with all the latest advances in sleep technology.

Now that you are aware of the ins and outs of the sleep set of your dreams, it's time now to know the six shopping musts for a mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the standard dimensions of beds?

A: Beds come in five sizes: Twin: 39" x 75" long (80" extra long) Full (or Double): 54" x 75" long (80" extra long) Queen: 60" x 80" long Olympic Queen: 66" x 80" long King: 76" x 80" long or 72" x 80" long

Here are their dimensionsBe sure you get a bed that is large enough to accommodate the space you need, especially if you share your bed. A king really does the trick if you like a bed with lots of room to spread out. Remember, Mattress Warehouse carries odd sizes!

Q: What are the differences between a foundation and a box spring?

A: A foundation is basically a hard platform that rests beneath the mattress. A box spring is a coil unit that provides more resiliency and works with the mattress. Either way, when you buy a new mattress you should also buy a new foundation or box spring.

Q: Why should I buy a new box spring or foundation at the same time I buy a mattress?

A: If you think your mattress needs replacing, chances are the box spring or foundation is worn in much the same way as your mattress. A foundation or box spring absorbs as much as half of the total weight of the sleep set; they act as giant shock absorbers and take a lot of the wear and tear of nightly use. Remember, the components of a sleep set are designed to work together as a team.

Q: What are the significance of coils?

A: Coils provide the essence of the support you feel in a mattress. Coils can also be found in box springs as well. Remember that coil count isn't necessarily the most important aspect in a coil unit. Coil concentration and construction play even bigger roles.

Q: What are comfort layers?

A: Padding is the material on top of the mattress that provides extra cushioning. Latex provides extra resiliency and comfort and lasts as long as the mattress itself.

Q: What should I look for in a bed?

A: First of all, you should only buy a bed that you have personally tried out in the showroom. Don't buy a bed if you haven't tested it first.

• Feel for comfort. A mattress doesn't have to feel hard to be good for you. You'll sleep best in a bed that offers you superior comfort and good support. Test out the mattress you are thinking about purchasing in any Mattress Warehouse showroom!
• Buy big. Look for a sleep set that gives you enough room for easy, free movement.
• Get a set. Matching mattresses and box springs or foundations are designed to work together to enhance comfort and support.
• Get the most for your money. Shop for the best value, not the lowest price. "Bargain bedding" isn't anything if it doesn't last long. A third of your life is spent sleeping, so it goes without saying that a bed is one of your most important furniture investments. Mattress Warehouse guarantees the lowest price!

Q: How do I shop for a new mattress?

A: The best way to shop is to actually lie on the sleep sets in a Mattress Warehouse showroom. Like test driving a car, experiencing a product demonstration is the only way to know for sure if it's right for you. Look for a sleep set that supports your body without sagging, feels comfortable, has a warranty (just in case), and has enough space for you and your sleeping partner (if you have one). You should also buy a matching sleep set (mattress and foundation) and consider value over price alone.

Q: How can I tell when my mattress is "used up?"

A: Your body should tell you when it's time for a new one - but are you paying attention? If you regularly wake up feeling stiff and sore or if you aren't sleeping as well as you did a year ago, it may be time to replace what you're sleeping on. At least twice a year, check for visible signs of wear and tear and ask yourself if you’re sleeping better or worse than you did a year ago and if a new mattress might improve your sleep. This regular sleep check-up will help ensure your mattress is still doing its job.

Q: Recently I went mattress shopping, and found that there are so many choices. What should I look for in a new mattress?

A: Four keys to keep in mind are support, comfort, space and matching sets. The mattress that's right for you will keep your spine in proper alignment - how your spine is when it’s in good standing posture - supporting your body and cradling it along its curves. The right mattress will also be comfortable for your body. Keep in mind that your comfort preferences are likely to change as you age. Make sure the mattress provides enough space for easy, free movement. Couples should sleep in a queen or king-size mattress. And keep in mind that a mattress and foundation are designed to work together. Buy them as a set and get the most out of your investment in yourself.

Q: I like to be a smart shopper. What should I do to prepare for buying a new mattress?

A: You need to understand your needs before you start shopping. We recommend that you think about your lifestyle. How has it changed since you last bought a mattress and how might these changes affect your purchase? And what about your body? Has it changed and how has this affected your needs for support or your comfort preferences? Finally, think about space needs and if you have a partner, take your partner with you to shop for a new mattress. It’s important to find something to meet both your support needs and comfort preferences.

Armed with this information, go to a mattress retailer you trust, like Mattress Warehouse, where representatives will answer your questions with information. Then, go to that retailer and take a "rest test" to compare the feel of different mattresses by lying down on them. You will quickly find some mattresses you like and others that do not meet your personal comfort preferences and support needs. Through this process of elimination, you can determine which mattresses you like best.

Q: What is the best way to try a mattress? I feel so silly laying down on them in the store.

A: You don’t think twice about test driving a car, and you shouldn’t think twice about "rest testing" a mattress. Lie down on the mattress for several minutes and assess how well it provides support and how comfortable it is for you. The only way to tell if a mattress is right for you is to lie down on it. Don’t be embarrassed, think about all the restful night's sleep the right mattress will help provide! And how great you’ll feel during the day.