Bedding Basics

COMFORT.

Gone are the days when a mattress had to be stiff-as-a-board to be good for you. And it's interesting to note that recent studies suggest that a medium-firm mattress is more likely to improve back pain than a firm mattress. You'll sleep best when your bed helps you feel cradled in comfort. Today's top quality mattress/foundation ensembles are built for just that - superior comfort. Luxurious new cushioning materials and extra-plush surface treatments create more of a plush, comfortable feel. Additionally, it is normal for some body impressions to appear in the first few weeks of sleeping on such mattresses.

FOUNDATION.

A good foundation is as important as a good mattress. Don't put a new mattress on an old foundation. When you select the mattress, purchase its companion foundation, the two are designed to work together to provide maximum comfort. In fact, buying the mattress without its matching foundation may affect the terms of the warranty.

SUPPORT.

Correct support is the essential ingredient for a healthy body. A good mattress and foundation will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with good standing posture. Pay special attention to your shoulders, hips, and lower back the heaviest parts. If there is not enough support, you may develop back pain, or if the mattress is too hard, you may experience uncomfort due to excess pressure. Don't rely on product labels to tell you which mattress will give you the right support. One manufacturer's "firm" may feel harder than another's "extra firm". The only way to find out if the support is right is to lie down and give it a try.

DURABILITY.

The quality of the materials and how the mattress has been constructed determine how long a mattress and foundation will provide comfort and support. The warranty is there to protect you from product defects, not against the gradual loss of comfort and support. Keep in mind that while a sleep set may still be usable after many years, it's probably not giving you the same amount of support that it did when it was new.