Debunking the Mattress Myths & Gimmicks
By now, you should know the importance of a good night’s sleep. Investing in a good mattress plays a vital role in getting quality shut-eye. However, buying the right mattress is not an easy feat, we admit that! This is made complicated with so many mattress brands and options out there.
In the age of the Internet, information has become increasingly accessible at our fingertips. So, how do we separate facts from fiction especially when it comes to misleading sales claims and marketing tactics?
Here, we break down some of the most common myths and advertising gimmicks in the mattress market so you don’t have to:
#1 Myth – One mattress to rule them all
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Like it or not, there isn’t a ‘one type fits all’ mattress. Mattress-in-a-box has grown in popularity in recent years due to the rapid rise of online shopping and the convenience it provides. However, this type of mattress often only comes in one type – foam only; they do come in various sizes but they certainly don’t offer different types of feels.
Additionally, many online mattress sellers don’t make their own beds. That said, the mattresses are mass-produced to be sold as standard mattresses for everyone. What works for one, doesn’t mean it will work for another. Therefore, it is better to find a mattress that is ideal for you. Read our guide on ‘What is A ‘Good’ Mattress?’.
#2 Myth – You don’t need to try before buying
A continuation from the above. Not everyone feels the same on the same mattress because people come from all shapes, sizes, and heights. Reviews may serve as guides, but you should test out the mattress for yourself and also feel it in person to see how it suits you. This is because what is deemed as soft or firm to one may feel otherwise to another. Do not leave your decision to what the others say. Do your own research and peruse the mattress yourself before swiping your credit card.
Slumberland has 18 Mattress Galleries nationwide. Visit our gallery to explore and find your dream mattress now.
Note: During Covid-19 pandemic, mattresses at our Mattress Gallery nationwide are sanitized daily and after every customer contact, to ensure the safety of our staffs and customers.
#3 Myth – You must replace your mattress every 8 years
In general, an average mattress in the market would last about 5 to 8 years. However, mattresses today are made to last longer with proper care and maintenance. How long your mattress lasts also depends on the quality of the mattress you purchase.
Instead of sticking to the 8-year rule, you can tell if your mattress is still serving its purpose by listening to your body. Are you waking up with new pains or don’t feel like you are getting a good sleep at night? Do you find yourself having trouble sleeping, tossing and turning to find the right position? Or you discover new dips in your mattress? These are some of the more concrete references that it’s time to get a new mattress.
#4 Myth – Your mattress weighs 2 times heavier after 7 or 8 years because of dust mites
This can’t be real, can it? Fortunately, this is just a sales pitch to gross people out into getting a new mattress. It is not true that your mattress doubles in weight because of build-up from dust mites and their waste.
While your mattress weight may not double, but dust mites living in the mattress is true. A typical used mattress houses approximately 100,000 to 10 million dust mites. Dust mites like warm, moist environments and feed on our dead skin cells. They can also be found in bedroom carpeting and your sofa!
Dust mite problems can be a nuisance if you have allergies or asthma. Some of the symptoms from dust mite allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy, red or watery eyes, cough and so on.
You can take measures to control dust mite infestation. Studies have recommended some effective measures such as reducing the temperature and humidity of the room, washing your bed sheets and pillow cases in very hot water at least every two weeks, steam cleaning surfaces that are too big for the washing machine, and using an air purifier to remove dust levels in the air. It is also recommended that you get an anti-dust mite mattress protector to help prevent the accumulation of our dead skin cells on the mattress surface.
#5 Myth – Firm mattress is the best for those with back problems
Not true. An overly firm mattress can result in more aches and pains on the pressure points. However, that’s also not the reason for you to go for a soft mattress as it will cause your body to suffer misalignment without proper support. The ideal mattress is one that contours with your body, gives you the right firmness for a good comfort, and offers support based on individual needs like sleeping positions, weight, etc.
The British Chiropractic Association affirmed that ‘there is no one solution that suits all” when it comes to getting a mattress for back issues. Back problems vary from individuals to individuals.
#6 Myth – Because the guy on TV
Just because you saw it on the TV or on social media, doesn’t mean it is absolutely true. There are many instances where the mattresses being used to perform tests in advertisements are not the exact same model as the ones on sales. Therefore, it is always good to do your own research before paying for what you see on the advertisement.
Advertisement or review should only be used as a reference point. This is because reviews are subjective to individual preference. No matter what the advertisement or review says, it is still advisable for you to peruse and test out the mattress in store.
You need time to get accustomed to your new mattress as it usually changes within one month to contour to your body. Look out for retailers who provide a sleep trial period so you get ample time and flexibility to adjust to a new bed.
#7 Myth – All latex mattresses are natural
Many mattress retailers claim that their mattresses are eco-friendly and healthier options compared to traditional beds. However, not all latex is made from natural material. In fact, many latex mattresses are made from synthetic latex – a mixture of natural latex with filler; they are marketed as natural latex as long as they contain a certain percentage of natural latex.
Therefore, if natural benefits and environmental elements are important to you, make sure you go for a mattress that uses 100% natural latex.
There are many components involved in ensuring a good night’s sleep. Your environment, body temperature, pressure points support and even the types of the mattress can influence whether you get quality sleep or not. If you sleep hot, you may wake up often during the night, if you don’t get good support, you may wake up with muscle aches. It is important to differentiate myths from facts when buying a new mattress so that your money is worth spent in getting the mattress that is just right for you. Be wary of sales claims and advertising gimmicks. Keep a clear mind and always be diligent to cross-check information.
