Beds & Bedding
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to rotate my mattress?
A: Yes, rotating a mattress will reduce the rate at which indentations and sagging occurs.
Q: How do I rotate my mattress?
A: There are several possible methods, but this is one of the easiest: Rotate the mattress clockwise ¼ turn, raise it on its side with the top facing the headboard, and lower it on the opposite side. Finish with another counter-clockwise ¼ turn.
Q: How often should I rotate my mattress?
A: A mattress should ideally be rotated once a month.
Q: What size of bed should I get?
A: While there is no definitive answer, get the biggest size your bedroom and budget allows.
Q: How long does a mattress last?
A: On average, a mattress will last 8-10 years before needing to be replaced.
Q: How can I tell if I need a new mattress?
A: First there are physical indicators: there are visible sags and "valleys", the bed creaks, coils can be felt/are visible and there are rip and tears in the mattress surface or seams. Then there are body symptoms: back, joint and muscle pain, not feeling refreshed following a night's sleep, feeling tired/drowsy throughout the day and poor concentration.
Q: What's the difference between latex foam and memory foam?
A: Latex is natural and memory foam is synthetic; memory foam is temperature sensitive, while latex foam is not; lastly memory foam is denser (heavier) than latex foam.
Q: What is the difference between a comforter and a duvet?
A: A comforter is constructed using many types of filling and ticking materials (cotton, polyester, wool, satin, velvet, etc); a duvet is primarily filled with down or feathers with a ticking of 100% cotton.
Q: Do I need a foundation for my bed?
A: A foundation is not a necessity; platform beds and futons don't use them. However, many mattresses are designed to work in tandem with a foundation to absorb and evenly distribute body weight. With many mattresses, its comfort, support and durability is enhanced by the use of its foundation counterpart.
Q: What is the most important feature in a mattress: comfort, support or firmness?
A: Although all are important, support has the most impact on comfort and firmness. A mattress of poor support leads to improper distribution and stability of body weight. As a result the correct resistance is not applied (firmness) and the body can not achieve its ideal alignment, causing discomfort.
