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Sofa Buyers Guide

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for your new sofa. Keep in mind that what is under all that beautiful new upholstery will make a difference in how comfortable and durable a sofa is in the long term. Take the time to “kick the tires” and understand what is underneath cushions before you make a decision.

Frame

A sturdy frame is essential for a comfortable, high-quality sofa. The best sofa frames are constructed from kiln-dried hardwood. Green wood can shrink, crack or warp as it dries. Kiln drying removes the moister before the craftsmen begin to shape the frame, ensuring that the sofa will maintain its shape and stability over the long term. Quality frame construction also includes glued, doweled and screwed joints. Reinforcing blocks should be attached inside the corners of the frame for extra support. Plywood and particle board constructed frames held together with staples will not stand up over time and should be avoided. If you must choose a sofa without a kiln dried frame, then opt for 11 - 13 layer plywood over 5 - 7 layer plywood for better support.

Seating Support

Eight-way hand-tied springs have long been considered the premium choice for sofa construction. In this method a craftsman hand ties each coil spring to the other springs and to the sofa frame with twine. The twine crosses the frame from front to back, from side to side, and across both diagonals, thus creating the “eight-ways”.

Other forms of spring construction can provide good quality support as well. Sinuous springs are two-dimensional “S” shaped wires that run from the front rail to the back of the seat, spaced every few inches. Support wires cross laterally and provide additional stability and support. A sinuous spring construction may be preferable in some cases. For example, a sleek modern sofa sitting low to the ground is better served by sinuous spring construction since it requires less space in the frame.

Web suspension is a form of seating support that may be used alone or with coil springs. Bands of webbing two to three inches wide cross the seat and back, and are tacked to the sofa frame to create a hammock-like platform for cushions. Webbing may be made of natural fibers such as jute, or man-made materials such a polypropylene. While web suspension alone is considered the least preferable frame suspension, there is a quality difference among web-only sofas. High quality sofas that use web support structures are built with the use of a tensioner that securely fastens the webbing to the frames and ensures the stability of the deck.

No matter the seating support choice, when you sit on the sofa it should feel stable. Too much wiggle in the seat means that the springs are not attached well. If you choose a spring sofa, the quality and the quantity of springs are the best measure of a sofa’s construction, so compare the construction specifications before you decide. Cushions

Several different materials can be used to fill the cushions of sofas, alone or in combination with other materials. Down and feathers create the softest cushions and are considered by many to be the premium choice for cushions. High-quality down cushions should include down-proof ticking under the upholstery fabric. The ticking is a tightly-woven fabric that prevents the tiny down feathers from poking through the fabric and escaping the cushion. Cushions filled with nothing other than down require a great deal of maintenance with frequent, even daily, fluffing. They also carry the highest price tag. More commonly, down is used in combination with other materials. Blendown is a mixture of down, feathers and polyester fibers. Pads of blendown are wrapped around high density foam or foam-encased springs. This creates a soft surface over the support materials.

High density polyurethane foam is the most common cushion filler. The higher the foam density, the firmer the cushion will be. Foam can be wrapped in down, synthetic-fiber (Dacron) batting, or cotton for a softer seating surface. Dacron-wrapped foam is the least expensive option, but it will have a limited lifespan.

Spring down combines the softness of down, the structure of foam and the resilience of springs. Coil springs are surrounded by high density foam edge supports, and then all is wrapped with down pads.

Fabrics

A wide variety of upholstery fabrics are available today in a variety shades and textures. But before you choose the fabric for your upholstery, take some time to think bout your lifestyle so you can choose the best option for you. You may love the nubby texture of chenille, but if you have a cat with claws, you might want to reconsider. A household with children, pets, or adults who like to eat their dinner on the sofa should look for a low-maintenance performance fabric.

Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, silk and rayon are comfortable as upholstery, but often require more maintenance than synthetic fibers. Many natural fibers can be damaged by exposure to sunlight or mildew in humid climates. Blends of natural and synthetic fibers are a great way to get a soft feel, but improve the hardiness of your sofa.

Synthetic fibers such as polyester, olefin, and nylon are strong, stain resistant options. However, olefin and nylon are susceptible to sun damage. If you choose fabrics made of these fibers you should use window coverings or low-e window coatings to prevent fading. These fibers are also apt to pill when they receive a lot of heavy use. If your natural / synthetic blend upholstery fabric contains more than 50% of these synthetic fibers, then expect it to pill. Microfiber fabrics (made of polyester or nylon) are a popular option for upholstery. They are soft to the touch and tightly woven, thus they are durable and stain resistant. Microfiber fabrics are available in a wide variety of colors.

Pile fabrics, such as chenille, velvet and boucle, are popular for their ability to mask dirt and resist wear in high traffic areas. Cotton velvet does have problems with crushing and can show track marks. Denim and twill are great options for a casual feel that stands up to daily use.

Scale

Before you even start looking at a new sofa you should take the time to measure the room where it will be placed. You should also take the time to measure any hallways, doorways or stairs that the sofa will have to travel through to be placed in the room, especially if there are odd turns and angles along the way. The best advice is to create a floor plan to get an idea of how the sofa will work with the rest of the furnishings in the room. Take the floor plan with you when you go furniture shopping to give sales associates an idea of what you are looking for.

You should also consider how a sofa fits your body frame and those of your guests. A low-to-the-ground frame might be difficult for some individuals to stand up from. A sofa with a deep seat may leave a petite person with their feet dangling several inches above the floor. Consider the overall atmosphere of the room that the sofa will be in, and the room’s function. If you’ll sit on the sofa to watch movie marathons, then you might choose a deeply cushioned sofa that encourages lounging. If the sofa will be placed in a more formal room that is used primarily for entertaining, then a sofa that sits more upright would be the right choice.

Styling

Custom order sofas allow you to combine everything you are looking for into one perfect piece. Quality furniture retailers can help you select the right combination of styling, construction and fabric for your budget and décor. Below are terms for different sofa style elements that can help you name what you want in a sofa:

attached back sofa	sofa with the back cushions attached to the body of the sofa.
box cushion	cushion with four sides connecting the top and bottom. A welt frequently runs the perimeter of the top and bottom.
box pleat	a flat double pleat made by folding under the fabric on either side of it to create an inverted pleat.
box pleat skirt	an upholstery skirt with alternating high/low folds of fabric to create a dentil pattern.
braid	a flat, woven trim used for decorative edges on upholstery to cover staples or tacks.
bullion fringe	a thick fringe composed of long, twisted loops of yarn covered in gold or silver thread.
bun feet	foot in the shape of a flattened ball, often with a slender ankle above.
button tufting	upholstery treatment in which buttons (usually fabric-covered) are sewn through the surface and tied down to create a tailored, sometimes undulating, surface.
camelback	sofa or chair style in which the back is raised in an arch in the middle, similar to a camel's hump.
chaise	a long chair for reclining. May have one arm, two arms or no arms at all.
chaise recliner	a recliner with a fully-padded extending footrest.
chaise sectional	a sectional sofa that incorporates a built-in raised footrest.
channel back	an upholstered chair or sofa back having deep vertical grooves.
Charles of London	style of arm on upholstered furniture which is low at the back and slightly raised and curved at the front. The inside of the arm is usually well padded and curves over the edge of the arm in the front, contrasting to a flatter treatment on the outside of the arm.
chenille	a soft thick fabric usually made of cotton or silk with a raised pile, that is used to make furnishings and clothes.
chesterfield	overstuffed couch or sofa with upholstered ends and no exposed wood. Back and arms are usually of one continuous curve.
chintz	printed and glazed cotton fabric, often in bright colors.
colorways	multiple variations of color combinations in which a fabric pattern is available.
couch	sofa or daybed.
cuddler	a large, frequently armless, component of a sectional that typically connects two additional components together at a corner.
damask	a light fabric, often silk, that depicts patterns, florals or other designs in the weave with a tone-on-tone or two-tone effect. Use for draperies or upholstery.
deck	the surface directly under the seat cushions on an upholstered piece of furniture.
denim	a coarse twill fabric made with cotton.
doweling	a construction technique in which wood corners are reinforced with glued dowels through the joints.
down	fine, soft feathers from the breast areas of ducks and geese; when used in seat and pillow cushions the effect is luxuriously soft.
down-proof ticking	a tightly-woven, inner lining of a cushion that prevents the migration of tiny feathers to a cushion's exterior.
dressmaker skirt	a skirt that extends from base of the cushion to the floor on upholstered furniture. Also known as a waterfall skirt.
eight-way hand-tied	construction technique used in upholstery in which individual seat springs are tied to the frame with twine running vertically, horizontally and diagonally.
fauteuil	upholstered arm chair with open sides.
gimp	a flat decorative trim or braid that conceals upholstery fastening points, such as staples or tacks.
jacquard	fabric with an intricately woven pattern. Damask and brocade are both fabrics produced on a jacquard loom.
kick-pleat skirt	a straight upholstery skirt that with smaller skirts placed behind the skirt vents at the corners and other skirt divisions. The smaller skirt may be straight or shirred.
Lawson arms	a low profile rolled arm that is of a modest scale.
loose back sofa	sofa with the same number of back cushions as seat cushions, but are not attached to the sofa body.
loveseat	a small sofa or double chair that seats two people.
micro suede	a variety of microfiber fabric that displays a distinct nap that makes it look and feel like suede leather.
microfiber	fabric made from extremely thin synthetic fibers. It is appreciated for its soft hand, durability and stain resistance.
mop head fringe	a thick fringe composed of long, twisted loops of yarn resembling the head of a mop.
nailhead trim	the decorative use of a line of tacks at fabric / leather attachment points on upholstered goods.
pile	cut loops of yarn forming surface with upright tufts. May refer to fabric or carpet. Velvet, ultra suede and corduroy are examples of fabrics with a pile.
pillow top	cushion filled with batting attached to a sofa seat or arm, ot to the top of a mattress.
pleated arm	arm of upholstered sofa, loveseat, or chair with the front plane covered by fabric continuing from the inside of the arm; the excess fabric on the front plane is pleated in a arch.
plinth base	box base for upholstered furniture, in lieu of legs.
plisspe	fabric with a puckered finish.
pub back	a soft, gathered and billowing cushions attached to the back of an upholstered sofa, chair or loveseat.
recliner	arm chair that reclines and extends a built-in foot rest.
rolled arms	arms on upholstered seating that curve outward into a rounded form, extending horizontally beyond the supporting post.
saddlebag arms	exaggerated pillow top style cushion attached to the top of the arm on an upholstered piece.
scatter back sofa	sofa with more back cushions than seat cushions.
sectional	upholstered seating consisting of two or more sections arranged together (and sometimes joined through brackets) to create a larger piece. Frequently sectionals incorporate a directional change, forming the shape (when seen from above) of an "L" or "U".
semi-attached back sofa	sofa construction in which the back cushions are attached at the top but loose at the bottom. Often, a hidden zipper in the lower portion allows access to the cushion for fluffing and the repositioning of fill materials.
settee	small sofa or loveseat with exposed, wooden legs.
sinuous spring	construction element of some upholstered furniture that uses a running s-shaped spring along the length of the deck (seat support).
skirt	fabric running along the lower perimeter of upholstered furniture, designed to hide the legs.
slipcover	a removable, fitted fabric cover for upholstered furniture.
slipper chair	a high-backed upholstered chair with short legs.
snuggler	an oversized upholstered chair. Also frequently called "a chair and a half."
T-cushion	cushion of an upholstered sofa, loveseat, or chair on which the arms are set back from the front edge; the cushion extends from the from edge of the seat to the front of the arm. The resulting outline is in the shape of a letter "T".
tête-à-tête	a small bench with an s-shaped back that crosses the seat that allows two people to sit facing each other. Also known as a courting bench.
theater seating	modular reclining chairs that can be joined at the arms, either flush, or in an arch and are designed for optimal screen viewing in a home theater.
theater sofa	a large sofa curved in an arch when viewed from above. Designed for use in a home theater, a theater sofa is intended to provide all of the individuals sitting on it a good view of the home theater screen.
three-over-three	a sofa with three back cushions and three seat cushions.
tight back	upholstery with a padded back directly over the frame of the piece, without additional back cushions.
tight seat	an upholstered piece on which the fabric covering the seat is attached directly to the frame and does not have a removable seat cushion.
toile	a white or off-white fabric printed with one color, commonly red or black, depicting classical or pastoral scenes.
topstitching	a single or double row of stitching close to the seam or edge on the outer side of the fabric.
tuxedo arms	slightly flared arms that are the same height as the back
twill	a sturdy weave of fabric that is distinguished by diagonal parallel ribs in the surface.
two-over-two	a sofa with two back cushions and two seat cushions.
wall-away recliner	a recliner that shifts the body forward as it reclines, instead of leaning the body back. Wall-away recliners require less rear clearance space and may therefore be placed closer to a wall.
waterfall back	two or more vertical layers of gathered and billowing cushions attached to the back of an upholstered sofa, chair or loveseat.
waterfall skirt	on a sofa loveseat or chair, a skirt that extends from base of the cushion to the floor. Also know as a dressmaker skirt.
webbing	the foundation, composed of interwoven strips of synthetic material, attached to the wood frame of upholstered furniture.
welt	fabric-covered cord used as a trim in the seams of upholstery or toss pillows.
wingback chair	a high-backed, upholstered easy chair with panels or wings projecting forward from the sides of the back and curving downward to meet the roll arms.

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When you purchase wood furniture, no matter the function, there are several quality indicators to look for. The type of wood, the finish and the construction should be scrutinized when looking for a quality piece. We also have helpful checklists for buying Beds and Bedroom Storage, Dining Sets and Occasional / Accent Furniture, and Entertainment Centers. These guides will help you understand differences in quality construction and help you find furniture that will withstand the wear and tear of modern life.

Wood Source

There are two primary categories of natural wood used in furniture construction: hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (the ones that loose their leaves in autumn) such as maple, walnut, mahogany and oak Softwoods come from coniferous (also known as evergreen) trees and include species such as pine, cedar and redwood. Both varieties are used for furniture construction with hardwoods valued for their strength and durability, and softwoods for their easy tooling and shaping.

Engineered wood is any variety of wood fibers, particles, or veneers adhered together with a bonding agent. Furniture bearing the description “All-Wood” is frequently composed of engineered wood products. Engineered woods are less prone to warping due to variations in humidity, and in some cases, offer a stronger substructure. Engineered wood may also be viewed as an environment-friendly since it uses of lumber that might normally go to waste.

Veneers are a time-honored technique of furniture construction and should not be considered a sign of inferior construction or materials. Veneers have been used in furniture construction since the ancient Egyptian era as a decorative effect. Veneers can be used to create intricate patterns on the surface of furniture with grain matching or with marquetry and intarsia inlays. Veneers are often made from highly-valued woods like mahogany and walnut, or exotics woods like tiger wood and maple burl. Veneers are applied to both solid wood and engineered wood substructures.

Laminates are constructed by the adhesion of a paper product, printed to look like wood grain or other appealing pattern, to an engineered wood substructure and then sealed with a protective finish. Laminate products have gained popularity in the flooring industry as a low-maintenance, and low cost, alternative to hardwood flooring.

Finish

Stains are used to alter the natural color of the wood. Furniture with a “cherry finish” is not necessarily made with cherry wood; more likely, another hardwood was used for the construction and then stained to look like cherry wood. Stains have been used on furniture for centuries as dictated by home décor trends. Stains consist of thin pigments that are absorbed into the grain of the wood. A wax, oil, polyurethane, shellac or lacquer finish is applied over a stain to protect the wood surface.

Distressing is a finishing technique that artificially creates a weathered look. Sanding, punctures, or gouges on the wood surface help to create the effect.

Antiqued finishes employ distressing as well as stains to simulate the aged patina of an antique.

Painted finishes can be solid and even, or antiqued and distressed. Natural flaws in wood, such as knots, can absorb paint finishes differently; therefore, solid paint treatments can difficult to create, and thus may be more costly. Distressed painted finishes often have sanded edges and corners that allow the natural wood color and grain to show through.

A number of different products may be used to protect a wood surface. Wax, oils (linseed oil or tung oil), polyurethane, shellac, and lacquer all bring unique a character to the wood as they protect it. Whatever material is used in the finishing process, the final product should be smooth to the touch. A hand-rubbed finish is “rubbed-out” or buffed with abrasives or cloths after application of the finishing materials. It leads to a smoother, more refined final surface.

Construction and Components

High quality wood furniture will feature construction techniques and components that increase functionality and lengthen lifespan.

Levelers or adjustable floor glides are components on the feet that may be adjusted up or down so that the piece doesn’t wobble. This is important feature since leveling ensures the proper alignment of doors and drawers.

Corner blocks reinforce the corners of case goods and drawers to improve strength and stability. Corner blocks are not seen from the outside, but bolt to both sides of interior corners.

Dust panels are thin sheets of wood between drawers in the body of a chest or desk. They help to keep clothing or other materials in the drawers clean by preventing the infiltration of dust. They also add to the structural integrity of the piece, making it stronger and sturdier.

Back panels are the generally unseen backs of case goods that are placed against the wall. Quality case goods have back panels attached with screws to help ensure the lateral stability.

Dovetails are a sturdy construction technique, usually employed in drawer construction, consisting of interlocking tenons of wood. English dovetails consist of interlocking fan-shaped wedges. French dovetails are constructed with one long grove, which is narrower at the surface and wider at the depth, into which slides an interlocking end of a board. Given two chests of similar scale, drawers constructed with French dovetails will offer less storage capacity that drawers constructed with English dovetails because of the required overhang of wood on the front panel.

Drawer glides allow you to effortlessly move a drawer in and out of its station. They can be made of wood, metal, or nylon, or combinations of these materials. Glides can be side mounted or bottom mounted, depending on the case construction. For example, side mounted glides are more likely to be found on drawers with French dovetails. Wood is a strong material for drawer glides since it expands and contracts with changes in humidity, just like the rest of the piece. Glides in office furniture such as desks, file cabinets and computer armoires are important toe the functionality of the piece. Metal compound glides in office furniture allow for the full extension of drawers. They are usually side mounted and may incorporate ball bearings or nylon roller wheels. This is useful for accessing file drawers.

Stops, made of nylon or wood, prevent drawers from being pulled out too far or from falling out when fully extended.

For information on specific categories of wood furniture, see the articles and checklists below.

Few furniture purchases have an impact on the quality of your life that mattresses do. A mattress can be a signficiant investment that has a noticable effect on how you feel each day, so it pays to do your homework. With a dizzying array of choices it’s hard to know where to start. This guide will explain the options so you will know what to look for when you are shopping.

You don’t think twice about test driving a car, so you shouldn’t think twice about “sleep testing” a mattress. Don’t be embarrassed! (Okay, ladies wear comfortable pants instead of skirts while shopping.) Lie down on the mattress for several minutes and assess how well it provides support and how comfortable it is. Lie in the position you normally sleep in. If you share a bed, both of you should lie down together. The only way to tell if a mattress is right for you is to lie down on it!

Is soft good for your back?

As with most things whatever is most comfortable for you is what’s best, as long as the substructure provides enough support. If you like soft mattresses then get one that has good support under plush padding. Sleeping, or rather being unable to sleep, on too hard a mattress will do more harm than good. Keep in mind that if you are moving from a firm mattress to a softer mattress, or visa versa, your body will take some time to adjust to the new surface.It helps to know that when you have a firm mattress you are sleeping “on” it; with a soft mattress you are sleeping “in” it as the padding will gently cradle your body.

Anatomy of a mattress

Mattresses now come in several different varieties. What’s underneath is relevant to how comfortable a mattress is and how long it will last.

Conventional Inner Spring: How many springs and what gauge of wire?

The number of coils in a mattress ranges from 300-800. Normally heavier gauge coils will provide firmer support with fewer coils. The thickest gauge normally available is 12.5 while the thinner gauges are in the 14-15.5 range. When you have thinner coils it is important to have more coils in the mattress since the coils give so easily. To get the best quality choose a name brand mattress from a reputable store and rely on the in-store sleep specialists.

Edge Support: The edge of the mattress can be one of the fist places where it will show wear since it receives the most concentrated compression as you get into and out of bed. There several types of edge support that are used to reinforce and support mattresses over its lifetime. The first is a foam perimeter which encircles the mattress body with three to four inches high density foam. Some manufacturers space their coils closer together at the edge for added support. Spacer clips are another option, and are used on the perimeter of traditional inner spring mattresses to keep the coils from collapsing over time.

Convoluted Foam: Convoluted foam often overlays springs in an innerspring mattress. It resembles the bottom of an egg crate with peaks and valleys between two and three inches tall. This layer of foam is good for relieving muscle tension as the peaks and valleys have a gentle massaging effect.

Specialty bedding

"Specialty bedding" simply refers to a bedding type other than the conventional steel inner-spring mattress. Below we've defined several variations of specialty bedding for you.

Enclosed Coil: Enclosed coils are wire springs that are individually wrapped in fabric and sewn to adjoining coils. This means that when you roll over there is very little transfer of movement or bouncing.

Visco-Elastic Memory Foam: Originally developed by NASA to compensate for the G forces astronauts endure during takeoff, visco-elastic foam is a very popular choice for mattresses. Memory foam conforms to your body in response to body heat but returns to its original shape as you move. This property helps to reduce the pressure points on the body as you sleep, which makes it the favorite of many. Memory foam mattresses can be used with a simple mattress cover, or they may incorporate additional layers of fiber and other support materials. Some retailers even offer the combination of memory foam and enclosed coils in the same mattress.
Latex: Latex mattresses resist compression, leading to longer mattress life spans. They provide strong support for your back helping to maintain alignment and reduce pressure points. Latex mattresses can be used with a simple mattress cover, or they may incorporate additional layers with different configurations of latex foam or fiber and other support materials. When combined with a fiber-fill pillow top, latex mattresses can provide luxuriously soft comfort and firm support.

Air and Water Chamber Beds: These are different from most mattresses because rather than using coils or springs they use pockets of air or water that can be inflated or deflated at will. This allows for two people to have different mattress firmness in one bed. The air or water chambers are surrounded by high density foam for support and structural integrity.

Zoned Mattresses: Zoned mattresses vary the kind of support they provide from the head of the bed to the foot of the bed. The variations can be made with different coil counts, foam structures, or combinations of support materials. The result is that different parts of your body get the appropriate support. There can be anywhere from three to seven different zones in a zoned mattress.

Adjustable Beds: The term adjustable bed refers to a mattress over a foundation that incorporates motors that allow the user to raise and lower the foot and head of the bed. Adjustable beds offer benefits to people with certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea or acid reflux disease, but they are also useful for those who like to watch TV or read in bed. King size adjustable beds usually consist of two twin units side-by-side and require separate fitted sheets. Adjustable beds can often be used with traditional headboards and footboards to better integrate them with traditional decors.

To top it off

Several terms are used to categorize a mattress’ support. The precise terms may vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but here is a brief list of the terms and their general definitions.

Extra Firm: A mattress with a very firm feel and strong support with little comfort padding.

Firm: A mattress with a firm feel and strong support with a small amount comfort padding.

Plush: A mattress with a softer feel and some comfort padding over a base with strong support.

Pillow Top: A mattress with a cushion of additional material attached to the mattress top. This material may be fiber, foam, latex, visco memory foam or an additional layer of coils. This means that rather than flipping your mattress periodically, it is rotated. Pillow top mattress can be further categorized by construction techniques and how the top is attached to the mattress.

Euro Top: Euro top mattresses use a box cushion construction and have less separation between the top and the mattress.

Summit Top: Summit top mattresses employ a gusseted, knife edge construction and are attached with a more distinctive separation between the top and the mattress.

Contour Top: Similar to the summit top, contour tops employ a gusseted, knife edge construction and are attached with a distinct separation between the top and the mattress. What differentiates a contour top is the use of a zoned fill (foam of different densities for specific areas of the body) in the mattress top.

Other considerations

Low Profile Foundations: Many manufactures today sell low profile foundations; these have come into existence to help with the increasing height of many mattresses. It allows the bed to have a good foundation while being closer to the floor. If you are using an existing bed frame with head and foot boards you should measure to see how much space you have available for your new mattress and foundation.

Split Foundations: A split foundation consists of two separate box springs that are designed to be used in pairs under one mattress. Split foundations are common with king-size mattresses, but they are available for queen sizes as well. A split foundation is particularly useful for older homes or smaller spaces where a traditional foundation cannot be easily maneuvered through a doorway, hallway or stairwell.

Deep Pocket Linens: Today many new mattresses are thicker with more cushioning and support than older models. This means you may need to purchase deep pocket linens when you buy a new mattress. Be sure to measure your new mattress before you buy new sheets: deep pocket sheets can range from 16 to 30 inches deep.

**Tip: It’s important to buy a new foundation when buying a new mattress. If you don’t then the wear and tear on the new mattress will be higher because the old foundation won’t be a match with your new mattress.

Mattress Pads: Mattress pads not only add an extra layer of softness, they protect the mattress from stains as well as regular wear and tear. Keep in mind that if a mattress becomes stained or soiled, it voids the warranty since health regulations prevent it from being serviced. Regular washing of the mattress pads can also help reduce the buildup of dust mites, which many people are allergic to.

After your purchase: As with most purchases there are steps you can take to help increase the lifespan of your mattress. These include: avoiding moisture or extreme temperature variation (both of which can damage a mattress), using a proper foundation, preventing contaminates from soaking into the mattress, avoiding bending the mattress when moving it, and keeping kids from jumping on it. Some retailers offer warranty programs, like Protection First, to help ensure the long life of your investment.

Interesting Fact: According to a recent study at Wesleyan University, the scent of lavender can actually help you sleep better. The lavender increased slow-wave sleep, which is the stage where the heartbeat slows and muscles relax, and it may also be a factor in memory consolidation. Subjects that participated in this study also said they felt more energized the next day. Suggested use: Put a few drops on a tissue and put it under your pillow at bedtime.

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