Monday, July 6, 2015
From a holistic perspective, getting enough sleep is an integral part to maintaining your overall mental and physical health, and the type of bed you sleep on will play a large role in determining the quality of sleep you enjoy.
From a convenience point of view, you might be tempted to buy your mattress from an online store. However, it is imperative to try it out before making your final buying decision.This is according to Linda Breedt from Sleepmasters, who says mattresses are some of the most overlooked consumer goods on the market, and it is a tragedy, as selecting the right one can have a tremendously positive impact on your overall well-being.
Breedt says a good bed can help change your life by improving your quality of sleep, which in turn, will improve your physical looks, mood, posture, memory, concentration levels and immunity, as well as helping to relieve various aches and pains.
She says you are only halfway to making a well-informed decision once you have decided what type of mattress you want to invest in. Investing in a mattress is a considerable investment, one that should last for up to 10 years.
Most consumers only consider how a mattress is constructed as being important, but there is so much more that needs careful consideration if you are going to ensure that you get the best value-for-money.
A good bed can help change your life by improving your quality of sleep, which in turn, will improve your physical looks, mood, posture, memory, concentration levels and immunity, as well as helping to relieve various aches and pains.Breedt shares tips on how to choose the best mattress
1. Buy a mattress from a trusted brand
If you know what kind of mattress you are looking for, but you are just not sure which particular model to buy, then it is a wise decision to choose one from a trusted brand.
Breedt says familiar brands have spent decades perfecting their product offering and building up a trusted reputation in the market, and to a large extent, their long-term survival relies on them maintaining their good name.
She says this sets the tried and tested brands apart from the fly-by-nights, or those retailers who are only in the market to make a quick buck.
Investing in a trusted brand will ensure that you are investing in reliability, quality and market-leading after-sales service.
2. Try it out before you buy it
Any leading mattress brand will come with a good quality manufacturer’s warranty, which offers the consumer peace of mind that they are investing in a quality and durable product.From a convenience point of view, you might be tempted to buy your mattress from an online store. However, Breedt says it is imperative to try it out before making your final buying decision.
She says when you’re shopping for a mattress, be sure to wear comfortable clothes so that you can lie on the various beds on offer and try them out. It is advisable to lie down on each one for around 10 minutes in the position that you normally sleep in to get a true feel for the mattress.
Breedt says it is also a good idea to sit on the edge of the mattress to determine its quality. When you sit on the edge of a mattress, it should be firm and not saggy. Also, don’t shop for beds when you are tired, as they will all feel comfortable.
3. Ensure a perfect fit
Any bed manufacturer worth its salt will always recommend that you buy a complete base set, says Breedt. With a complete set, you know that the base has been purpose-designed and manufactured to suit the requirements of that particular mattress for optimum support.
However, if you are determined to buy the mattress and base separately, it is imperative that you measure each carefully to ensure a good fit, as dimensions can vary slightly between different brands.
If you know what kind of mattress you are looking for, but you are just not sure which particular model to buy, then it is a wise decision to choose one from a trusted brand.If you intend on supporting the mattress via a slatted bed base, be sure that the slats are no more than 6cm wide and not more than 4cm apart, as this will ensure sufficient ventilation, while preventing the mattress from sagging through between the slats.
4. Check the warranty
Any leading mattress brand will come with a good quality manufacturer’s warranty, which offers the consumer peace of mind that they are investing in a quality and durable product.
However, Breedt warns that the warranty should not be seen as an indicator of how long your bed should be used for before replacing it. She says a warranty is designed to protect you against defects. Each brand offers a unique warranty, so be sure to read your warranty card so that you understand the terms and conditions.
It is important to be aware that some warranties become void if the bed is soiled, certain tags are removed, you no longer have the original receipt or warranty, or if the mattress is used with a defective foundation or frame.
