Think Outside the (Mattress) Box
We all know that staying physically healthy is key to enjoying the best quality of life. And nobody enjoys tossing and turning, waking up tired and exhausted, or suffering aches and pains from sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress that is past its prime.
You know why quality sleep is important. You know when it's time to toss your mattress. But if you're in the market for a bed refresh, you might be wondering: what about those trendy new mattresses-in-a-box that have been popping up? Can they really be as good as the ads say?
At Baer's, we believe some things should remain reliable, like the mattress you trust your well-being to. When buying a mattress, it’s time to think outside the box.
How to Choose a Mattress
Traditionally when you start testing out mattresses, chances are you lie down on a few of them to check them out, and compare the comfort of several in a showroom. You can take 15-20 minutes to let your body relax on each, giving yourself enough time to really assess what material and firmness level truly feels comfortable for you.
As you begin shopping for a new mattress, there are a few things you need to consider.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position will make a difference when choosing the best mattress for you. If the mattress you select does not support how you sleep, you’ll wake up painful and achy.
Side Sleepers
When you sleep on your side, your shoulder and hips take a lot of pressure, so you’ll need a mattress that relieves pressure at these critical points as it cushions your body. Many side sleepers find pillow-top or memory foam mattresses the best choice for comfortable sleep.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, a soft mattress won’t support your spine enough to keep it aligned. Firmer foam or hybrid mattresses are your best bet for quality sleep.
Stomach Sleepers
The ideal mattress for people who sleep on their stomachs is a firm foam or hybrid mattress that supports your spine so that you can wake up without stiffness and pain.
If you change positions frequently, choose a medium-firm mattress that gives you a blend of support and comfort.
Do You Have Pain?
If you regularly wake up feeling achy in your neck or lower back, your mattress isn’t giving you the support you need. A medium foam mattress can give your muscles and joints the support they need. This can help relieve any pain you have and reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep.
Can a Mattress-in-a-Box Meet Your Needs?
It may be tempting to order a mattress online and have it delivered right to your door. But are you really getting value when you do this? Ask yourself these questions before you commit to the online mattress trend.
- Is it important to you to be able to comparison shop to find the best product for your budget?
- Does the mattress come in different firmness options to suit your sleeping style?
- Will foam materials alone provide enough support to you and your partner?
- Where will you put your existing mattress during the in-home trial period?
- Are you willing to pay extra for having the mattress set up for you, if you need assistance?
- Do you have another place to sleep while potential odors from shipping dissipate?
- If the mattress isn't right for you, how many nights did you postpone a good night's sleep?
- If the mattress isn't right for you, how easily can you have it repackaged and returned?
Another thing to keep in mind is the relatively new technology being used to deliver these "dream" mattresses. The odors associated with boxed mattresses may come from the breakdown of volatile organic compounds in foam during shipping, according to ConsumerReports.org.
“More research is needed to determine whether or not there are any chronic health risks from long-term exposure to VOCs in mattresses,” says Don Huber, the website’s director of product safety.
If you're looking to get a restful night's sleep sooner than later, we recommend the tried-and-true method of mattress shopping: visit a high-quality mattress store and consult with a professional trained to help you select the best mattress for you.
Shop High-Quality Mattresses at Baer’s Furniture
Not sure which mattress is right for you? Stop by the Baer’s Furniture store nearest you and speak with a sleep expert to find your perfect match. Meanwhile, here is a breakdown of some of the high-quality mattress brands you’ll find at Baer’s.
No matter if you deal with daily aches and pains or have decided that it’s time to make getting better sleep a priority, with a Beautyrest mattress, you can experience restful nights, and feel fully awake all day. You’ll find a wide variety of mattresses to choose from, including pillow tops and various comfort foams that give you the support you need. From BlackICE™ Hybrid Technology to T3 Pocketed Coil? Technology, you’ll stay cool and comfortable all night long.
In addition, the Beautyrest Cayman series is made with SEAQAUL™, a sustainable fabric made from upcycled plastic recovered from the ocean.
The iComfort hybrid mattress incorporates Serta’s most advanced sleep system. If you want the comfort of memory foam without the heat that can come with it, this mattress is for you. Designed from the inside out, with Serta’s most advanced technologies, this mattress delivers cooling comfort and support to give you your best sleep ever. The adjustable base lets you optimize for reading or watching TV in bed (although turning off your screen 20 minutes before you sleep is recommended).
Unique among mattresses, Kingsdown has been handcrafting the world’s smartest luxury mattresses since 1904. Their craftsmanship is rivaled only by their commitment to sleep quality and sleep health. Backed by research, data collection, and meticulous testing, you’ll feel the Kingsdown difference in the quality of your sleep and the quality of your life.
Trusted Sleep Has Staying Power
Simmons, Serta, and Kingsdown, among other brands, have nearly a century (or more!) of history helping people sleep more soundly and have more restful days. While the future remains to be seen, the verdict is still out on whether a mattress-in-a-box is really a one-size-fits-all sleep solution.
If you have doubts about whether an online mattress is a good fit for you, head on down to a mattress showroom and get testing all the beds you can lay your head on!