Sleep City Mattress Centers Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s better, a firm or soft mattress?
A: "It depends on your body type and how you sleep. If everybody slept on their backs, they would need firm mattresses. But if you’re a side sleeper, a firm surface doesn’t give you pressure relief. Your weight is concentrated in a few areas, and that leads to a restless night. Different people need different levels of support and pressure relief."
Q: How often should I purchase a new mattress?
A: "You should replace your mattress every five to seven years. You may need to replace it more often if your mattress shows visible signs of wear and tear, or if there have been changes to your body or lifestyle. Weight gain, back aches and stiffness could mean your mattress is no longer providing the proper support to fit your needs."
Q: Do I need to replace my box spring?
A: "Box springs wear out just like mattresses. The box spring bears the weight of the mattress; the people sleeping on it; and the pillows, sheets and blankets. It should be replaced when you replace your mattress."
Q: How often should I rotate or flip my mattress?
A: "Most modern mattresses are one-sided. They’re less expensive, but since they’re not designed to be flipped, all the wear and tear goes on one side, and body impressions become more of an issue. For the first year, you should rotate the mattress every three months. After the first year, you should rotate it once every six months."
Q: How do I protect my mattress?
A: "The best way is to use a waterproof mattress cover. People perspire as they sleep, losing about six ounces of water each night. If you don’t have some kind of mattress protection, that water is absorbed by the mattress and breaks down the foam and padding over time."