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While beds are often bought in mattress/blox spring sets, this isn't always necessary: a mattress, which is susceptible to staining, wear, tearing, and weakening (or bowing), may not outlast its paired box spring. In such a case, there's no need to buy a new set - just buy a new mattress!

With any luck (and minding the following six tips), your new mattress will last longer than your previous one, while remaining just as comfortable and supportive.

1) Comfort.

You'll have to test out mattresses before you buy. Don't worry about taking too much time or burdening salespeople by asking to bounce a little bit on the display mattresses - that's what they're there for! Remember, you'll be spending a third of your time stretched out on this baby for the next decade or more, which works out to more than three whole years. Investigate different mattresses to find out how hard or soft a mattress needs to be to feel comfortable for you. And don't be afraid to try out the very positions you use while sleeping.

2) Size.

If your mattress is going to be placed on a pre-existing frame or box spring, take good measurements: height, width, and length. Write them down, and bring them (as well as your tape measure) shopping with you. You don't want to end up with a mattress that hangs off the ends of its support, nor a mattress that doesn't fill its alotted space, nor one that sits high enough to make you feel like a two-year-old when climbing into bed each night.

3) Price.

You must determine your price range, and try not to go over in your search. Set your price range after researching to determine what kinds of prices you can expect. Indulging in extra features may lead you to waste money on gimmicks, so once you set your price limit, stick to it.

4) Quality.

A higher-quality mattress with a known name brand is sure to be more expensive, but it will also last longer. More expensive mattresses will show good quality by having many layers of comfort padding, which prolongs the life of the mattress. Investigate cross-section diagrams and advertisements if you want something high-quality and durable for your extra money. Research brand names, as well, and visit different stores.

5) Construction.

It's important to look at how the bed is made to know whether it fits your physical and financial needs. More coils, inside the mattress, equate to firmer support, as does the guage of the spring coils: heavy guage translates to firmer support. To ensure your mattress will keep its shape for a long time, you'll want one with many wires connecting the coils. Finally, pay attention to upholstery - thicker upholstery gives a softer feeling.

6) Services

Inquire, when speaking with store staff, about delivery services, deals, and discounts. How are you going to get your new mattress home? What kind of warranties are offered, and for how much? How about guarantees? Find a knowledgeable salesperson and pick his or her brain for all the information you'll need to get from purchase to home, and from there, to a replacement, in case you end up needing one.

During your hunting expedition through the furniture store jungle, be sure to take advantage of the help of staff at every turn. The native staff aren't only able to give information, but can give advice and recommendations based on their knowledge. Salespeople - especially friendly ones - are not a resource to pass up!

Learn more about this author, Currie Jean.
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