Being aware of mattress myths

If getting a good night’s sleep is your dream, it may be time to invest in a new bed. With so many options out there, buying a new mattress can be confusing.

“Right now we see a lot of pillow tops,” said mattress company President Lauren Taylor. “Those are becoming a lot more popular and also foam mattresses – something that is all foam as opposed to having an inner spring.”

Consumers have many choices when it comes to purchasing a new mattress. When shopping for your next mattress, take time to consider these common myths. The first myth is that you should replace your mattress every eight years.

“There are going to be some mattresses that won’t last eight years and there are going to be some mattresses that last twice that long,” Taylor added. “It really comes down to the quality of mattress that you purchase. Typically, your body will tell you when it’s time, so if you wake up and you don’t feel like you’re getting a good quality sleep at night, sometimes it’s a matter of visiting someone’s home or going to a hotel and figuring out that you don’t sleep as well at home as you should.”

The second myth is that dust mites live in your bed. Mattress manufacturers and scientists agree dust mites love the mattress environment, but there’s still debate over how much weight they actually add to your bed. To ward off these invisible guests, regularly wash your sheets and your mattress cover.

The third mattress myth involves removing the tag.

“The warning on a mattress tag can be pretty daunting, but the truth is once you buy the mattress and you want to remove the tag, you can. Keep in mind, a lot of times that tag is necessary for the warranty to stay intact,” said Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks.

Flipping a mattress does not necessarily keep it in better condition. Most mattresses made today are one–sided and shouldn’t be flipped.

Angie’s List says a new mattress can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Consumers shouldn’t feel pressured to commit to such a large purchase on the spot. Lie down for at least ten minutes to gauge your comfort level and always ask about their return or exchange policy.