Click here to receive a FREE COPY of  the National Sleep Foundation's Award Winning newsletter, sleepmatters®, or download other informative brochures about sleep.

The following information is adapted from The Better Sleep Guide, a free brochure from by the Better Sleep Council's "Consumer Information Series."

Buying A Mattress

Are you tossing and turning night after night? Are you not getting the deep, restful sleep you need because you can't seem to get comfortable? If so, then it may be time to buy a new sleep set. Remember, the average person spends roughly 1/3 of their life sleeping. So getting a quality sleep set is one of the most important investments you can make.

Find the Right Mattress For You

No other piece of furniture in your home gets as much use as your sleep set or is as crucial for good sleep. That’s why it’s important to find the right mattress for you. Before you start shopping, prepare by learning the basics.

Mattress comfort is a matter of personal preference. To find the one that best suits you, go to a local mattress retailer and compare the comfort and support of new sleep sets in the store with your old sleep set at home. Try several different ones. Take off your shoes and lie down on the mattress. If you sleep with a partner, be sure both of you try out the new mattresses. It's important to decide on a sleep set that meets both of your needs. 

Mattress construction

A mattress is made of three basic elements:

Foundation - The foundation acts as a giant shock absorber, taking the normal wear and tear of nightly use. Foundations also lend added support, durability and, in the case of adjustable beds, flexibility.

Mattress core - The core construction varies with the type of mattress. Whether the mattress is made of springs, air, foam or water, the middle "core" provides support for the sleeper.

Upholstery layers - The upholstery layers wrap around the core to provide surface comfort. A variety of foams and fibers are used to improve cushioning properties and enhance the support of the mattress core.

Sleep set advances

Because of technological advances and medical developments, today’s mattress sets are not the same as those made 10 years ago. Industry research and development has improved mattress and foundation engineering to provide optimum comfort and support. A new sleep set that incorporates these advances can lead to a better night’s sleep.

Information For Your Protection

Know what you’re buying - A mattress made with all new materials is better for your sleep and health. Some mattresses are made with previously used materials. To ensure that you purchase a sleep set made with all new materials, know what the law requires in your state.

Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia and Detroit have laws requiring mattress manufacturers to identify mattresses constructed with new materials.

Nineteen states have laws requiring manufacturers to identify used mattresses designed for resale. Although the cover may look new, a used sleep set won’t offer you the same support and comfort as a new one.

Be aware that 19 states do not require the identification of materials used in mattress construction. To ensure that you’re buying a product made with new materials, consult your retailer.

Safety Information - Remember to keep matches, lighters and other ignitables out of children’s reach. Kids, mattresses and fire are a bad match.

Don’t store old mattresses in your house — in the garage, basement or attic — because they could pose fire safety hazards.

Six important points to keep in mind while shopping for a mattress:

Support - A quality mattress and foundation will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same body position as good standing posture. When selecting a mattress, keep in mind that your body should be able to relax, with your spine supported in it's natural curve. Otherwise, your muscles work all night and you can wake up feeling stiff and sore.

Comfort - Mattresses don’t have to be hard as a board to be good for you, though some people may prefer a firmer feel. Today, mattresses are built with luxurious new cushioning materials and surface treatments, creating a plusher feel. While these mattresses may feel more plush, the core provides the needed support for your body.

Durability and warranty - Durability refers to how long support and comfort will continue. Like all products, a mattress and foundation gradually wear out. Eventually, you won’t receive the same support and comfort as you did when the sleep set was new. That’s why you should reevaluate your sleep set regularly — twice a year.

Don’t look to the warranty to tell you how long to keep your sleep set. The warranty protects you against product defects and workmanship mistakes, not gradual loss of comfort and support.

Space - Select a mattress that gives you enough room for easy, free movement, especially if you’re sleeping with a partner. Couples should select a queen or king-size mattress to ensure both individuals have enough space to feel comfortable.

Matching Sleep Sets - Matching mattresses and foundations are engineered to work together. Mismatching sets, putting a new mattress on an old foundation or adding a board between the mattress and foundation can impede comfort and reduce the useful life of the mattress.

Value - Buy quality products made with all new materials. Shopping for the best value, not the lowest price, is a healthy investment in your quality of life.