Mattress Myths and Bedding Bewilderment

The average American will spend about 750 hours a year in their car. This same individual will spend nearly 3000 hours a year in their bed, and over a lifetime, about 25 years. So why is it that we will drive from dealer to dealer, test drive every model on the lot, go home and think about it, drive back to the dealer, test drive the car again and then start haggling about the price, often taking days or weeks to complete the purchase? But when it comes to buying a mattress, more often than not, we flop down on the first reasonably priced mattress for a few seconds, listen to the sales pitch, look at our significant other and say “I guess it’s comfortable,” pull out our credit card and make the purchase.

If we compare the two purchases side-by-side they really are quite similar in nature. When buying a bed or a car, we look for: comfort, reliability, longevity and craftsmanship. We as consumers have been trained on how to purchase cars, but often, consumers feel a bit overwhelmed when buying a bed. Do not feel like you are alone.

Consumer Reports says it receives more inquiries about mattresses than any product other than cars. What is it about this non-technical product that causes such confusion? And what should you know before you buy your next one?

Over the almost forty years that we have been in business, my staff and I have fielded thousands of questions from people who are overwhelmed with the bed-buying experience. I think the industry makes it harder than it has to be, so I took a bit of time to debunk some of the more common mattress myths.

Myth 1: When buying a bed, look for a mattress with the highest coil count.
As long as a mattress has a coil count of at least 312, it should provide a sufficient level of comfort. As consumers, we are trained to think that more is always better, but when it comes to coil count that is not true.

Myth 2: Adjustable beds are much more expensive than a flat bed.
If you were considering an adjustable bed but thought it would be too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised. These days the price of an adjustable bed is very comparable to high-end flat beds, as well as the newer luxury sleep systems. As you evaluate beds, make sure to keep all your options open before making a purchase.

Myth 3: Mattresses made out of memory-foam are more comfortable than traditional inner-spring mattresses.
Comfort is in the back of the sleeper. Just because your neighbors love their new memory-foam mattress does not mean you will. While some people find them very comfortable, others compare them to sleeping on wet sand. Only you can determine if it is comfortable to you.

Myth 4: All mattress manufacturers meet federal safety regulations.
Before you purchase a new mattress, find out if it complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CSPC) new Mattress Open Flame Standard regulation. The standard went into effect on July 1, 2007 to limit the intensity of a mattress fire in an effort to reduce future injuries and deaths. The CPSC estimates that the new government safety standard could eliminate up to 75 percent of the 330 deaths and 1,680 injuries that occur annually from mattress fires. Compliance is mandatory but not every mattress manufacturer will make the grade.

Myth 5: An adjustable bed is primarily for people with health problems.
While some people buy adjustable beds looking for relief from the symptoms of illness or injury, there are many others who are simply looking for a good night’s sleep. If you lead an active lifestyle and are looking for a quality, comfortable bed, an adjustable bed may be exactly what you’re looking for.

When it comes to buying the right bed, the only thing that matters is how it feels to you. Forget the fancy advertising campaigns and the salesperson’s high pressure sales pitch. The best person to tell you the right bed for you…is you. After all, 25 years is long time not to be as comfortable as you can be.