Hopefully the competition does not read my blog much, because they can learn a lot. Having run other successful mattress operations, I know a thing or two about how to properly present mattresses to the public. First thing you as a consumer must realize is that there are only three mattresses in the world. That's right, three. They are...

1. Firm

2. Medium

3. Soft

That's it folks, it is that simple. And there are only a couple of ways to construct a mattress: Foam over a coil, Foam over Foam. There are a few companies still putting foam over air and/or water bladders, but for the most part, when you go to any mattress store, there are only  two or three designs and three feels. Now, they likely represent about 10 brands, and every brand is going to have a cheap version, mid-priced version and a fancy, expensive version for that consumer who feels they most expensive is the best. Here is another secret: You know which one is the best? The one that meets your needs. That may or may not be the most expensive mattress. In the mattress business, price does not always mean quality, nor does it mean it will be better than another lesser priced mattress. Most times, they jack the prices up to make you feel like you are getting something better, but remember, its foam on coil or foam on foam.

Foam on Foam is how all foam mattresses are made, like Tempurpedic or Bed In A Box Brand. There is no such thing as an all memory foam mattress. All memory foam beds have a layer of memory foam and a layer of support foam. All spring beds have a spring or coil base with some type of foam padding over the coils. So, when you go to that big mattress retailer, and you see a sea of mattresses, remember, there are really only three feels and a couple of constructions. 

Another interesting thing I have learned over the years is that most major brand mattress companies will make mattresses to last 5-7 years. Work in a mattress store for any amount of time and you will quickly learn that customers get about 5-7 years out of their bed before they are back in the market. Another clue to this is looking at the Frequently Asked Questions page of a couple of competitive mattress operations here in the Bay Area...

Big Mattress Retailer web page 1.

Question: How often should I replace my mattress?

Answer: Every 5-7 years. Even if your mattress doesn't show much wear and tear, your body, lifestyle and sleep needs have probably changed.  If your mattress is 5-7 years older, so are you!  Has your weight changed, have you gotten married, developed back problems, or do you have a less active lifestyle?  That old mattress may no longer be the best fit for the person you are today. In fact in a Consumer Reports study showed that 72% of polled online subscribers found a new bed improved their sleep.

Signs that You Need a New Mattress:

• You wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains
• You had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel)
• Your mattress shows visible signs of overuse (it sags, has lumps, the interior is exposed, etc.)
• Your mattress is 5 – 7 years old