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Mattresses & Box Springs

Shopping and Usage Tips

When should you replace your mattress?

There's no hard-and-fast rule about this; some mattresses may last ten years or longer while others may need to be replaced sooner, especially if you have kids who use them as a trampolines.

Some signs that it might be time for a new one:

• You wake up with aches and pains or feeling tired.
• You sleep better in other people's homes or in hotels than you do in your own bed.
• Your mattress has visible signs of wear and tear, like sags or uncomfortable lumps.

Box Springs

Box springs or "foundations" are usually sold in combination with mattresses. It's recommended that you not use a new mattress on an old foundation, since this may affect the performance of the mattress as well as void your mattress's warranty.

However, foundations aren't always necessary, particularly if you have a platform bed or frame with springs. Buying less than you need saves you money and the environment's resources.

If you do opt for a foundation, choose one made from solid wood, not particleboard, which can emit formaldehyde. The most environmentally preferable choice is a foundation made from well-managed, Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests.

Prolonging Its Life

• Rotate your mattress regularly, flipping it both side-to-side and top-to-bottom. Ask the manufacturer about how often yours should be rotated.
• Don't let kids use it as a trampoline.
• Buy a bed frame with a center support.
• Allergen barriers help keep dust mites away and keep dirt and moisture out of a mattress.