Your singular focus when mattress shopping is to find a comfortable mattress. With all the different features and statistics, it can feel very complicated, but comfort is your priority. You might feel that too many questions are coming your way. What kind of mattress do you want – foam or innerspring? What about pillow-tops or deep mattresses? What are coils? What kind of coils should your mattress have and how many should there be? All the options can make it seem far from a simple task whenyou are looking for a mattress in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Windsor, Healdsburg, or other Sonoma County areas such as Sonoma, Bodega, or Rohnert Park. But always keep in mind that if you achieve comfort, you’ve achieved your goal.
You might feel better equipped if you start your search after reading the articles below. They can help you determine what information you want to keep and what information you can afford to discard. You’ll be able to weed through the ocean of data thrown at you. If you are the kind of person who reveals in details, then you’ll have fun drawing up comparison grids. But if you start to feel yourself drowning in the detail, don’t be afraid to just search out the most comfortable mattress.
What Does a Sonoma County Mattress Vendor Offer You?
At some point in your search, someone is bound to tell you to look for a “firm” mattress.
They’ll say that you need to get the firmest mattress possible so that you have a healthy back and good sleep. This recommendation is considered either a commonplace or a myth in mattress lore. In fact, the truth lies in making sure you understand what’s actually being suggested.
Ultimately, the firmest mattress is probably the best for you – but it has to suit your needs. That means you should not rush out to buy the hardest mattress you can find in Sonoma County, whether you are in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Windsor, or Rohnert Park. Firm is a relative term, since what one person finds firm, the next one may not. In addition, bodies differ by age, weight, medical conditions, etc. A “firm” mattress is best defined as one that offers good support for your spine and body weight. So, to rephrase, it might be better to say that you want to look for the most comfortable mattress that provides the firmest support for your own particular spine and health conditions.
So, how are you going to evaluate whether a mattress is giving proper support or not? Your spine should have the same alignment it would have if you were standing when you lie on your side on the mattress. An overly soft mattress causes your spine to curve as your body sinks. An overly hard mattress creates aches where your body comes into contact with the bed. If you find it difficult to shift positions or turn over, the mattress is too soft. Freedom of movement is important because as you sleep, you make many small adjustments that maintain your spine’s health. Now lie on your back and try to put your hand under the arch of your back. If your hand goes in easily, the bed is too hard. With a hard bed, the pressure points where your body actually rests against the bed suffer from constricted blood flow, causing you to toss and turn. These tossing and turning movements are much bigger than the small, beneficial adjustments, and these large movements disturb your sleep.
When you think about your sleeping patterns, you probably think of yourself as a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper. But we all move around a great deal during sleep. Test the mattress from all sleep positions. Make sure that from any sleep position you can move easily without getting bogged down in the mattress. Also check that from any sleep position you don’t get aches from resting on a hard mattress.
Support and comfort can be difficult to distinguish from each other when you are evaluating mattresses. The mattress’s comfort comes from the padding and other layers of the mattress. Some people prefer very soft and luxurious padding, while others prefer less. The comfort question can be framed as: does the surface provide me with sufficient padding so that I feel comfortable on the mattress? The support question can be framed as: does the internal part of the mattress allow your spine to rest in a natural position? Can you move easily? Are you free from body aches where you come into contact with the mattress? This is probably the area that is the most difficult to judge – making sure that you are not confusing an overly soft mattress with the comfort layers on top.
Probably only one question raises more confusion, and that’s how do you figure out what the huge range of prices you’ll find in Sonoma County, whether you live in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Windsor, or Rohnert Park, or Guerneville, means. Whether the mattress is foam or innerspring, prices have a very broad range. What makes them so different? How can you find the right combination of price and features? One suggested technique is to start with the less costly mattresses and keep trying increasingly expensive mattresses until you find one that you like. Once you’ve identified a mattress you like, look at other mattresses in that price range. Another technique is to decide what you are willing to spend and then ask the seller to explain what’s available in that range.
To make it even harder to make one-on-one price comparisons, stores like to offer “exclusive” mattresses. Manufacturers aid and abet stores in this effort. To bolster the appearance of exclusivity, a mattress has one name at one store and another name at another store. Despite the differing names, the mattresses share the same exact features. This makes it difficult to use the name to compare mattresses across stores. You can usually the same brand at a similar price point and use that to make a comparison. You can also compare by writing down specifications and matching them against the next mattress
Now let’s take a look at some mattress types.
Inside the Innerspring Mattresses of Sonoma County
Innersprings combine a core made up of springs or coils with layers of filling. The topmost layer of filling has a special name – padding. The entire mattress is covered in ticking, which is the name for the outer-most covering. As the mattress terms start to flow and the mattress construction is deconstructed, you might start to feel the overwhelmed feeling creeping up on you. Remember that you are looking for what is comfortable for you. A bed’s comfort level comes from a combination of all its components, not any single component. So, if you want to compare detail by detail, you can note down all the specifications. But don’t focus so closely on specifications that you end up making a certain wire gauge or spring type the ultimate factor in your decision.
The springs give the user support, and their construction helps determine how resilient and durable the mattress is. There are five things about springs that you can take into account when you are looking for a mattress in Sonoma County, whether you are in Petaluma, Windsor, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, or Rohnert Park, or in the smaller cities of Cloverdale, Guerneville, or Sebastopol. These five attributes are the spring type, number of springs, number of turns, wire gauge, and spring distribution.
The four types of innerspring coils are:
- The hourglass spring was the first used in innerspring beds. They consist of springs that are joined together at the top and bottom. An hourglass spring will get firmer as it is compressed over time. The hourglass spring often appears in less expensive mattresses.
- A pocket-spring mattress takes the independent spring function to its ultimate – each spring is set into its own fabric pocket, and since the springs are not connected – except by the mattress covering, the springs are free to react independently.
- A continuous coil system occurs when one piece of wire is used to create all the coils. Continuous coils are also joined at the top and bottom into a single unit. With a continuous coil system, manufacturers say that they can put even more coils into the mattress, which they say will increase support and decrease mattress motion. If you are looking for a continuous coil system, the number of coils is not relevant.
- Open-ended coils differ from hourglass or continuous coils in that the top and bottom of each coil is free to move on their own. Because of this, the body of the coil offers support, while the top or bottom can move to offer better comfort. The coils in an open-ended coil system tend to have more turns than continuous coil or hourglass springs; this means they need more wire and hence tend to cost more.
Beds with lots of coils tend to cost more than beds with fewer coils, but don’t be lured into splurging based purely on the advertising – there’s no proof that more coils make a better mattress. Instead, see how the mattress feels to you. If you like the way it feels, then the cost may be worth it to you. In a continuous coil innerspring, the number of coils is not relevant at all. One consumer agency recommends that there be at least 450 coils in a king size mattress, 375 in a queen size mattress, and 300 in a double mattress.
Spring distribution raises similar considerations, since it may or may not be worth the cost. Some manufacturers put more springs in the middle of the bed for supporting the heaviest parts of the body. Some manufactures place extra springs or spring structures on the edge of the mattress. The edge is one part of the mattress where you might actually want more springs. If you sit on the edge of the bed often, do make sure that the bed has good side support – you don’t want your springs failing from the edge. However, aside from ensuring good edge support, there’s no evidence that spring distribution will make a difference to you – it’s all in whether or not you find the mattress comfortable.
The “turns” or “active turns” are the bends in the springs. More turns make a softer bed. Durability also improves because there is more wire to share the weight. As for the wire itself, wire quality is determined either by gauge or by thickness – which are unfortunately opposites. When you measure by thickness, usually in millimeters, the result is intuitive – the larger the measurement, the stronger and thicker the wire, and the higher the quality. For example, a 16mm wire is stronger and thicker than a 13mm wire. When using gauge to determine wire quality, more durable wire comes in lower gauges. For example, a 16-gauge wire is weaker and thinner than a 13-gauge wire and hence of lower quality.
The filling surrounding the springs in less expensive mattresses might include coconut fibers, reclaimed cotton, or cheap foam. These fillings tend to break into lumps or pockets and lose their ability to bounce back, reducing the mattress’s comfort over time. In more expensive mattresses, fillings might include silk, cashmere, latex, premium foams, and goosedown. While the higher-end fillings often last longer than the lower-end ones, they don’t increase durability exponentially. When you buy them, you are really paying for the comfort they supply. Hand-tufting also appears more often in more expensive mattresses. Using this technique, each layer is stitched into place individually and by hand to prevent shifting. Similarly, the material used for the ticking, or outer-most cover of the mattress, will vary by price point. One consumer publication claims that when the outer-most layer of the mattress is quilted into a larger pattern, the mattress feels softer, while a smaller quilt pattern makes the mattress feel firmer.
Some manufacturers offer pillow top mattresses, in which a separate cushioned pad is sewn onto the mattress surface. You may not want a pillow top, since consumers complain that pillow tops can wear out well before the mattress does, leaving you with a lumpy top that can’t be detached from a perfectly decent mattress. Instead of buying a pillow top, consider using a mattress pad. An alternate solution, mattress pads tend to cost less than the markup for a pillow top and can be replaced easily.
Your bed’s foundation should be part of the search when you are shopping for a mattress in Sonoma County, whether you are looking in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Windsor, Glen Ellen, Cloverdale, or in Salmon Creek or Rohnert Park. Box springs are most often used with innersprings, though you can also use a slat system. A box spring is a wooden structure or frame that may include springs of its own. It helps support the mattress’s load. The box spring is usually covered in fabric to match the mattress’s cover. When you buy your mattress, check the warranty to see if the manufacturer requires you to buy a box spring at the same time to maintain that warranty. When a same-time purchase is not required, some people continue using the box spring they already have. Expert recommendations vary, but some believe that if the box spring is in good condition, it’s ok to reuse it. It can be difficult to tell exactly how well your box spring has held up when there are no outer signs of wear, so you might want to purchase a new box spring at the same time to protect your mattress’s lifespan.
A slatted base often lasts for the life of the bed, giving it more durability than a box spring. You can use an innerspring with a slat system, most frequently with fixed slat bases. A fixed slat base has the slats attached to the sides of the bed frame. The slats are held rigidly in place and do not move. Flexible slat bases, in which the slats can rotate a bit, are more likely to be used with foam mattresses. Slats allow better air circulation than a box spring, which can help if you are worried about mildew. If you do have fixed slats, make sure they are close enough to give the mattress proper support.
What Foam Mattresses are Available in Sonoma County?
Most shoppers today are looking for latex foam or memory foam mattresses. Memory foam mattresses consist of viscoelastic, a uniquely structured polyurethane. When you are shopping for a memory foam mattress in Sonoma County, whether in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Windsor, Rohnert Park or Sebastopol, keep in mind that viscoelastic is temperature sensitive. The mattress may be harder in cold weather and softer in warm weather. When you lie down, it may take as long as 15 minutes to warm up before conforming to your shape. Memory foam mattresses tend to retain heat because they cradle the body so closely. This extra heat may not be welcome unless it’s cool out. You should also make sure the mattress allows you to move easily. Some users compare the feel of memory foam to wet sand. On the other hand, bed ridden patients may benefit from the way memory foam reduces pressure on pressure points. If you are really interested in getting a memory foam mattress, don’t let one bad experience stop you. Try a mattress from a different manufacturer. You may really dislike one manufacturer’s memory foam, but fall in love with a memory foam mattress from another manufacturer. Some memory foam users embrace it immediately, while some users never get accustomed to it.
When you are looking at memory foam mattresses, you may be statistics including resilience and tensile strength. Manufacturers also provide measures of compressibility, known as the indentation load deflection. They offer statistics on how dense the mattress is in pounds per square foot. Again, it’s less important to focus on every statistic and more important to focus on how comfortable you find the mattress experience.
One draw back of memory foam mattresses is that they are known to off-gas. This means they emit smells, and it can take a while until the smells are no longer perceptible. It’s also worth noting that you make small body adjustments during sleep, so you may want to consider how much you benefit from the memory foam “remembering” your shape.
Latex Foam Mattress Options in Sonoma County
There are both natural and synthetic latexes used in mattress production, so if you are looking for natural products, be sure to check which is being used. To create any latex, natural or synthetic, manufacturers employ different processes. The most commonly used latex right now is Dunlop, but manufacturers also offer Talalay latex, a lighter and softer substance than the Dunlop latex. Talalay latex mattresses tend to cost more than Dunlop. There is no proof that Talalay lasts longer or provides more comfort than the Dunlop fabrication. Lighter mattresses might be easier for some people to handle.
When you shop in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Salmon Creek, or Windsor, or in smaller areas like Cloverdale, or Cotati for a latex mattress, consider looking for one with soft outer layer surrounding a firm core. This combination blends comfort and support. Latex mattresses are known to resist mold and dust mites. This resistance makes latex a good choice for asthmatics and allergy sufferers – as long as the allergy is not to latex itself. Latex mattresses don’t spread motion as much as an innerspring, making them good for partners. In contrast to memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses do not fluctuate with heat and cold, so you won’t end up with a firmer mattress in cold weather and a softer mattress in the hot weather. The bed won’t need time to soften after you climb in. A latex foam mattress doesn’t give you the hot, enveloped feeling that memory foam sometimes causes because latex breathes better. When you look at a cross-section of a latex mattress, look for perforations that measure at least one centimeter in diameter. If there are larger holes, they will provide even better airflow to help keep your mattress cool and less susceptible to mold. If you are interested, you can find completely biodegradable latex mattresses.
Finding Air Mattresses to Rest on in Sonoma County
Don’t get deceived by the air bed as you search for an air mattress in Sonoma County, whether you are in Santa Rosa, Guerneville, Petaluma, Windsor, Sonoma, or Rohnert Park. An air bed is something that replaces an entire bed including the frame and mattress and support system. Air beds are often deployed for visitors or camping. Health professionals warn that an air bed does not provide sufficient support for long term use. An air mattress is more substantial – and costs more – than an air bed. The air mattress is like other mattresses and must be used with a foundation or base and fits into a complete bed system. Its air pockets can be blown up to different degrees of firmness. The air mattress is often advertised as the solution for couples who have a difficult time agreeing on the same mattress. Some users find that if you inflate the air mattresses to the same level, the bed works well. But if you inflate the air pockets to different levels, the beds might be uncomfortable, especially when there is divider of foam or some other material between the two air pockets.
Maintaining Your Mattress’s Health in Sonoma County
Savvy shoppers in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Salmon Creek, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, or Sebastopol use routine maintenance to prolong the life of their mattresses. You can foster even wear by rotating and flipping your mattress. All mattresses need rotating. One manufacturer advises consumers to rotate the mattress every two weeks for the first three months, then to rotate it once every two or three months. Some mattresses are designed to be single-sided and should not be flipped. For example, a pillow-top mattress has only one sleeping surface. Dual-sided or double-sided mattresses should be flipped regularly so they wear evenly
Taking care of your mattress will keep it supportive and comfortable. The mattress handles are for shifting the mattress on the bed frame – they are not strong enough for you to use to carry the mattress. When you carry the mattress, don’t bend or fold it. Use a mattress protector to keep the mattress clean and prevent stains. You can find special allergy-resistant protectors for allergy sufferers. Clean the mattress with a vacuum cleaner. Keep the mattress dry. If it does get wet, put it in the sun or use a hairdryer to dry it. If you sit on the edge of the bed often, for example, to put on shoes, try to vary the sitting pattern. Do not use a worn out or sagging base – whether box spring or slats – with a new mattress.
Your warranty can serve as a good guide to when you should replace the mattress. A standard recommendation from manufacturers is to replace a mattress every 10 to 13 years, while some push for a shorter span of 7 to 8 years. You are the best judge, since you know if your mattress has craters or valleys or sagging. The mattress industry is making a push to get people to replace mattresses more often, and the move can seem aggressive. On the other hand, consumers sometimes don’t pay attention to the signals from their mattresses. An out-of-shape mattress can cause back pain, poor sleep through tossing or turning, and undue pressure on certain parts of the body. This pressure can force other parts of body to contort to compensate. In general, you’ll be aware of when you need a new mattress and acting on it will get you improved sleep quality.
Mattress resale is legal and regulated in California. A re-sold mattress in California must carry a label indicating it has been sanitized. Do not buy it without this label. The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BHFTI), part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, regulates how mattresses must be sanitized before being resold.
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