From curbside grocery pickups to daily deliveries from Amazon, COVID-19 has had a heavy impact on the way we shop for almost everything, including mattresses.

So, how exactly has COVID-19 affected mattress shopping in 2020? Well, the Better Sleep Council asked people who planned to purchase or had purchased a mattress and here are some of our key findings.

Sleep on It

During COVID, shoppers are making faster decisions and are spending less time researching before making a purchase.

• In 2020, almost half of those who bought new mattresses said they spent one week or less shopping, while in 2019, only 31% spent that same amount of time shopping.
• Not only were people taking more time to make a purchase pre-COVID, but they were also doing more homework. In 2020, people researched three to four sources before making a decision, compared to seven to eight sources in 2019.

Count Stars Before Counting Sheep

The study revealed the importance of online reviews in mattress shopping research. Mary Helen Rogers, vice president for marketing and communications at the Better Sleep Council, states, “Shoppers who look at online reviews value them and find them influential – our findings reiterate this. For instance, of the 47% of mattress shoppers who read or had planned to read online reviews, 74% considered them a top factor in their final purchase decision.”

Since it can sometimes be difficult to tell which online reviews will be the most helpful to you, it’s best to use a mix of different sources to guide and influence your decisions while mattress shopping.

• Ask friends – a tried-and-true method. Our personal sense of self is derived from other people, and social psychologists have even said that the more of your identity you draw from a group, even when you’re not around that group, the more likely you are to uphold those values. Friends will give you all of the unfiltered pros and cons of their mattresses, may open your eyes to some new options you hadn’t thought of, and could sway your opinion while mattress shopping.
• Social media – What’s the conversation around the mattress you’re looking at purchasing? Social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Reddit have entire communities based on mattresses and mattress buying.
• Online mattress tools – Online tools, like our Better Bed Quizzz, are built to help you find a mattress that suits your exact needs. And the best part? They’re free.

Power Your Sleep with the Power of Research

A late 2019 Better Sleep Council study showed that people who take shopping shortcuts aren’t satisfied with their mattress purchase. They feel less informed and reported being less satisfied with their sleep quality. Shoppers who spend time researching feel more satisfied with their purchase, enjoy their shopping experience and are more likely to be satisfied with their sleep quality.

All of this means your new mattress is affecting your sleep before you even buy it. So, you should take your time to study up on what works for you. Our Better Bed Quizzz can give you a personalized summary of your mattress needs and even tips on testing a mattress in-store.

Speaking of in-store, you may feel a bit apprehensive going to a physical location to shop for a mattress, but many retailers have taken measures to ensure the shopping environment is safe during the pandemic. The Better Sleep Council always recommends trying before you buy, using the S.L.E.E.P test mentioned in our guide to choosing the best mattress.

The pressures of COVID can make it feel like there is less time to spend all around, but if our findings have taught us anything, it’s that better sleep is worth the research. Take your time on your research, use a mix of reviews and other sources for a better-informed opinion, and you can find a mattress that’s perfect for you. You can even check out our full COVID-19 Mattress Shopping Study for more information.

Source:

• https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190520-how-your-friends-change-your-habits—for-better-and-worse

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

If shopping for a new bed makes you feel like Goldilocks, with this one being too hard, and that one being too tall, you might want to consider choosing a more adjustable option.

Undercover Comfort

Thinking of bulky handrails and a sterile frame on wheels? Not so fast. No longer reserved for hospitals and elderly sleepers, modern adjustable beds are built for anyone, even those with the most discriminating of tastes, and are designed to blend seamlessly into a bedroom when flat. No one even has to know.

A Trend Lift

Believe it or not, adjustable beds are one of the latest trends in America’s pursuit of deep, restful sleep. And according to the International Sleep Products Association, adjustable beds is one of the fastest growing segments in bedding.

So, Just What Is an Adjustable Bed?

There are both adjustable frames and adjustable mattresses. And as the name suggests, they let you control settings that adjust to your comfort level. Here’s how that breaks down:

Adjustable frames: Typically, these beds have a motorized base that moves into different positions by raising or lowering the head and feet. They can also include features like built-in massagers, lighting and speakers. Some are even “smart” and come equipped with sleep monitoring tech, voice commands and more.

Adjustable mattresses: These mattresses allow you to change their support level or even their configurations to your comfort level in the moment. Some house inner air chambers or interchangeable springs and others use differently configured foam layers that may include a mix of foams, latex or gel.

Adjustable frames or bases that go under the mattress options may work off a remote control, or manually, and many king sizes are “split” so you and your partner can adjust your sides independently – no negotiating needed.

Flexible Benefits

Enjoy reading or a cup of chamomile tea before you catch those 40 winks? With an adjustable frame, the touch of a button essentially transforms your bed into your favorite recliner. Looking for that weightless feel? Elevating both feet and head for the “zero gravity” effect can be enormously relaxing. And some experts believe adjustable options can help with a host of health issues, like snoring, or swollen legs and feet. Some beds even offer lumbar support. For those who have trouble getting in and out, there’s nothing like a bed that moves up and down.

Ready to Make the Move?

There are a lot of options and pricepoints to choose from; adjustable models can range from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars. You’ll want to make sure you find the one that’s “just right.” Before you take the plunge, make sure the mattress you have or the one you are buying is compatible with an adjustable foundation. If you’re not sure, ask a customer service team member. Some mattresses are designed to go specifically with a paired boxspring. So, do your homework or check your warranty to see if that impacts your buying choice.

At the end of the day, you want a bed that gives you a lift. And it could be that an adjustable bed or mattress does just the trick.

Sources:

• https://sleepsavvymagazine.com/ispa-report-motion-base-sales-are-on-the-rise/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/mattresses/adjustable-bed-frame/
• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/a28449532/best-adjustable-bed-mattresses/
• https://www.bustle.com/p/the-8-best-sheets-for-adjustable-beds-17933989

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911

There is no expiration date for your bed. It’s not going to suddenly become useless one day like a shattered dish or a dead car battery. Mattresses wear down gradually over time – so slowly that you might not realize when they’re past their prime. One question to ask yourself is, when is the right time to find a new mattress? Here are a few things to consider.

A New Mattress Can Mean a Whole New You

If you’re doing your best to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep each night but can’t seem to get the rest you need, you might be a prime candidate for a mattress upgrade.

A 2009 Oklahoma State University experiment found that switching to a new mattress from one that was 5+ years old immediately improved sleep quality and reduced minor back discomfort. It gets better. They also found that sleep quality continued to improve in the four weeks following the switch.

Most of Us Wait Three Years Too Long (or more)

While there is no hard and fast rule about how long a mattress lasts, it’s suggested that most have a life span of around 7 years. But our research finds that people tend to consistently keep their mattresses for 10 years on average. That’s 730+ nights dealing with a worn-out sleep system.

Can you even remember what year it was when you bought your current mattress? Like in so many aspects of life, time goes by so quickly. You’ve probably been sleeping on the same mattress a lot longer than you think.

You’re Not So Young Anymore, Either

It’s not just the age of your mattress that matters. Around the time we hit the big 4-0, our bodies become more sensitive to pressure. That means sleeping on a lumpy, bumpy or sagging mattress when you’re older is more likely to lead to tossing and turning throughout the night. In other words, you might need to consider the state of your mattress more frequently as you age.

(BTW: Age isn’t the only barometer you should consider. Think about other changes that happen to you over time, like weight gain/loss or physical health issues, that can change your mattress needs.)

How to Tell Your Mattress Has Gone Too Many Miles

Think of your old mattress like a well-worn running shoe. It probably feels good when you put the shoe on because, over time, it has stretched and molded to perfectly fit your foot. But the cushioning is compressed from repeated use. It doesn’t offer all the support it once had. The material is worn in certain places. Plus, it’s been soaked in sweat over and over again. All the same things happen to your mattress.

Signs like these can tell you you’re ready for a mattress upgrade:

• You feel like you sleep better in hotels or even on the sofa
• You regularly wake up with stiffness, numbness or aches
• You can feel lumps, notice sagging or see tears in the fabric
• The box spring underneath your mattress squeaks or groans whenever you move
• You recently added or changed your bed partner and you haven’t gotten good sleep since – which could mean you need a new mattress, a larger mattress or both
• You’re sneezing and sniffling more often at night. (Mattresses trap a lot of allergens over time.)

Time to Find the Perfect Upgrade

There are a lot of mattress choices out there and it’s important to know that they’re not one size fits all. But shopping for a new bed system doesn’t have to be so confusing. Read our tips for choosing a mattress and take the Better Bed Quizzz to help set the priorities that are most important to you. Soon you’ll be sleeping on the mattress of your dreams.

Sources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697581/
• https://bedtimesmagazine.com/2008/04/better-sleep-council-consumer-research-findings-on-mattresses-and-sleep/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2007/12/q-a-how-often-should-i-buy-a-new-mattress/index.htm
• https://www.healthline.com/health/when-to-change-mattress#how-you-know

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.