The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a Mattress

Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few relish. The range of prices, features, and stores can make your head spin. It doesn't have to be this difficult. Bearing a few things in mind while you try and find that perfect place to sleep can ease that big purchase tension.

1. Don't limit your mattress search to innerspring mattresses.
Innersprings mattresses have long been the standard and for that reason many people are inclined to shop accordingly. Recently that trend has been changing as more and more people are realizing the benefits of getting-edge sleep systems. Latex and memory foam beds are superior to innersprings in comfort, support, and price.

2. Explore what will best suit your needs.
It is easy to be swept up in advertising and form opinions about products without ever having tried them or done any further research. This is one of the biggest mistakes to be made when shopping for a mattress. Being dead set on having a memory foam bed can blind you to the possibility that latex, with its antimicrobial properties and breathability may be a better mattress for you. You may find that memory foam is what you needed, but it is important to keep your mind open.

3. Don't be sidetracked by trends or gimmicks.
Though it may seem like fun to change the firmness of your bed every night through products like air beds, it is not worth losing the support your body needs. Find a mattress that is customizable but continues to offer support. For example, it is easy to customize latex mattresses to any firmness level without losing support, even for couples.

4. Know the difference between firmness and support.
It is a common misconception that firmer is better. This theory has been debunked. As it turns out the human body does in fact have curves. The best mattress for you will relieve pressure points while supporting your body.

5. Don't buy more than you need.
Many mattress sellers will try and sell you a whole new mattress set even if you already have a perfectly good box spring. If your box spring isn't broken don't replace it. In the case of a platform bed, which provides more under bed storage, a box spring is unnecessary.

6. Know what the exchange policy is.
Being stuck on an uncomfortable mattress that cost you a fortune is a miserable experience. Many retailers have exchange policies extending up to a month to ensure that you know the mattress you buy is the mattress you want. Know what the store's policy is before thinking about buying.

7. Take into account the importance of a good night's sleep.
A lot of people undervalue the time they spend in bed. A cheap innerspring mattress will not relieve pressure points near as well as memory foam or latex, which means more tossing and turning, and less deep restful sleep.

8. Don't be too attached to brand names.
Name brand products are often very high quality. However, many smaller scale manufacturers and retailers generate comparable and often superior products at a fraction of the price.

9. Take into consideration the longevity of the mattress.
Mattress lifespan is important to consider because it affects the cost of the mattress relative to time. A good latex mattress will remain a premium sleeping surface for twice as long as any innerspring mattress. Be sure to ask about warranties on any mattress you are considering.

10. Be sure to know the features and benefits.
Knowing the features and benefits is the only way to decide which mattress is going to work best for you. To the uninformed eye a cover is a cover. To someone in the know, a cover is an amazing feature. Some covers are antimicrobial to reduce the number of allergens in the sleeping area. Some breathe better than others allowing excess moisture to be rapidly dissipated. Still others stretch to form to your body. Remember that there are important considerations when choosing a mattress cover.

With these tips in hand, it's easier to focus on the ultimate goal of achieving a comfortable, restful sleep. Inquire into new technologies and investigate as many different options as possible using the internet before you walk into a store. Use these points to form your own list of preferences and questions and take your business to someone who listens to your questions and answers them honestly. The most powerful ally for any consumer, after all, is preparation!

Ben Hermsen, a latex mattress and foam cushion engineer, is a manager for FoamSource.com where he champions the benefits of latex mattresses, toppers and pillows for both individual health and also the preservation of our natural environment. For more information on ordering latex mattresses, click here.

These smart upgrades and fixes won't cost you a lot of money, but they could help you clinch a deal if you're trying to sell

You told us your 2009 resolutions, from replacing electrical outlets to overhauling landscaping. We help you get the job done

One look at the dilapidated 1926 foursquare—smack in the middle of beach-condo country—sealed the deal for this couple.

A from-scratch kitchen with every convenience and finely crafted woodwork is a natural fit for a Craftsman-style home

Fancy fireplace fronts. The Victorians used them to improve the look of their hearths in the off-season, but you can put them to work today to upgrade your interior rooms year-round

Ever wonder what's inside those beautiful city rowhouses? Here's a glimpse of a century-old Renaissance Revival—TOH TV's new project—filled with well-preserved details

Buried by a blizzard? Follow our tips for digging out

The seller of my new home had all the rooms freshly painted. Now we are noticing cracks where trim meets wall and wall meets ceiling. These cracks were not present when we closed. Why did this happen and how do we fix?