JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If getting a good night's sleep is your dream – it may be time to invest in a new bed. Foam, innerspring, two-sided, one-sided, pillow top, adjustable – you have a lot of choices.
"If you're like me, buying a new mattress might be on your to-do list this year," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. But remember this is a big purchase. A new mattress can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars."
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When shopping for your next mattress, take time to consider these common myths. Angie's List asked highly rated mattress companies about what to look for when buying.
Myth: Replace every eight
Fact: Mattresses often need to be replaced when they no longer fit your needs, not on a specific timeline. But if you're not sleeping well on a regular basis, can't get comfortable or see excessive wear in the mattress, it's time for a new one.
Invisible guests: Dust mites live in your bed
Fact: Mattress manufacturers and scientists agree that these microscopic creatures live everywhere and love the mattress environment, but the debate continues over how much weight they can add to a bed. Regularly washing — a waterproof, breathable mattress cover in addition to your sheets can ward off invisible infestations and help relieve allergies and asthma.
Myth: Removing a tag means time in the slammer
Fact: Taking the label off won't get you jail time, but retailers recommend leaving it on because most return policies and warranties require the tag to remain on the mattress or box springs in case of return. The tags disclose whether a mattress is new or used and the materials used to make it, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC recommends looking for the tag before taking a mattress home or before delivery people leave your house to make sure you're getting what you paid for. Retailers say to keep the tag attached to avoid pitfalls in case of returns or warranty claims.
Myth: Flipping a mattress keeps it in better condition
Fact: Rotating and flipping only make sense if you sleep on a two-sided mattress that's made with materials on both sides of the inner coils. The majority of mattresses manufactured today are one-sided and shouldn't be flipped.