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Browse our Frequently Asked Questions, or submit your own questions to have them answered by a mattress expert

How do I know if it's time to replace my mattress?

The odds are if you are even considering the possibility, then it is time. There are a couple indicators that we can share with you if you are on the fence.

Your Body – Your body will let you know if it’s time to get a new mattress. If you are waking up with back and/or neck pain that is a sign. If you wake up feeling tired then you are not getting enough sleep.

The age of the mattress can tell you a lot. If the mattress is over 8 years old then you should asses the condition of your mattress. There have been many advancements in technology and your mattress may simply be obsolete at this point. Even though you may be getting a good nights sleep, a new mattress can give you a great nights sleep.

Why does my new mattress feel different than the one in the store?

At Mattress Gallery Direct we are committed to providing the most factory fresh products. That means in most cases the mattress that we deliver has been made within a couple of weeks from when it is delivered. Like a new pair of shoes, a new mattress has to break in. The mattresses on the showroom have been broken in properly and is what your new mattress will feel like after some use. The more foam the mattress has, the longer the break-in period will be. My best advice is to follow the instructions given to you by the store associate you worked with.

What is Gel and why do I need it?

Gel has certainly taken the mattress industry by storm. Brands like Beautyrest, Sealy, Serta, Tempur-pedic, Novaform, Casper and Englander utilize gel in many of the models they produce. Even an old school design like the Stearns and Foster has jumped on board. One of the number one questions I am asked about gel mattresses and toppers is how do we as an industry know the benefits of gel with it being so new to the mattress world. While the gel material is new to mattresses, it is not new to other products. The shoe insole business has used gel for years for many of the same reasons it is used in many of the top brands. I’ll break it down into the two main reasons the mattress industry has adopted the technology.

The first reason for using gel in mattresses is the cooling affect it has. Many people are concerned with some of the newer foams sleeping hot. It is true that early in the memory foam mattress design the foam could trap a lot of body heat. Today’s memory foam products have engineered out the heat issues. However, the tests show that even on a temperature neutral mattress a person can still sleep hot. Studies show that the optimal temperature for your surroundings is approximately 68 degrees. Most people sleep hot with or without memory foam. The gel is put in the mattress to provide a cooling affect allowing the user to achieve an optimal sleeping temperature.

The second reason for gel is it has a pressure relieving benefit. This benefit is the main reason for its use in insoles of shoes. It performs so well with the arch of your foot and its pressure points the mattress industry believes that it can have a full body benefit.

The question remains to gel or not to gel. My advice is when purchasing a new mattress, the consumer should take advantage of the modern materials available to them. Do you have to have gel? The answer is no. My question is why not? It can turn a good mattress into a great mattress for a minimal increase in your investment. Everybody could use better pressure relief and studies show temperature can make a big difference in your quality of sleep.

What are the advantages of an adjustable base?

The adjustable base has been around for a long time. In the past it was reserved for people with major health and mobility issues. It transformed a bedroom into what looked like a hospital room. That has all changed in the last decade. Modern adjustable bases are designed to look like a regular piece of furniture and many will even fit into your existing furniture. That means anyone can benefit from a power base without any change to their current bedroom. The mattress industry has also realized the importance of the adjustable base and are designing most of their models to work on a power base. Many consumers are buying bases simply because they want to be able to read, work and watch TV more comfortably from their bed. You don’t have to suffer from a specific health issue to reap the benefits of being able to customize the head and foot of your mattress. Many health professionals agree that the only way to achieve zero gravity posture is to elevate your head and feet. The Zero Gravity posture is the most ergonomic sleeping posture for your body. The adjustable base has been proven to help with ailments including sleep apnea, acid reflux and a whole range of neck and back issues. Many bases also offer additional features like massage, memory functions and app compatibility that tracks your sleeping habits and quality. So whether you are looking for a base that simply lifts the head and feet, or a system with all the bells and whistles available, Mattress Gallery Direct has the base for you. Our associates are trained to help you find a base that fits your current mattress or a mattress base combo that will work for your health and lifestyle needs.

Why can’t I sleep?!

There are many reasons why someone might be struggling to fall asleep and stay asleep all night long. Here are some common issues that cause a lot of trouble with sleep.

Caffeine

While caffeine in moderation is not terrible, it can cause issues with your sleep cycle if consumed too close to bedtime. Experts suggest a cutoff time of 4:00 for any caffeine consumption.

Sleep APNEA

More and more people are having personal sleep studies done because of lack of healthy sleep. What many Americans have found is that they suffer from a condition called Sleep APNEA that blocks the airways while sleeping. This will in fact disrupt your sleep and may cause other severe health problems. If you think that you could have this condition you may want to visit a doctor or sleep specialist ASAP.

Alcohol

If you are accustomed to having a little night cap before you retire, you might reconsider. Studies have shown that while alcohol can aid in helping you fall asleep, it has very negative effects on staying asleep. It can interrupt your whole REM sleep cycle. Just like the coffee, you should consider refraining from alcohol use too close to bedtime.

Too Much Blue Light

Believe it or not, your very own smart phone might be disrupting your sleep. TV also has the same effect. The mind stimulation is bad enough. But the light from these devices can disrupt your circadian rhythm. Winding down is vital to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Do yourself a big favor and put the smartphone and TV to bed. Pun intended. You will do much better to just relax and let the natural process take place.

Old Worn Out Mattress

You knew it was coming. How could we discuss sleep inhibitors without mentioning a key component in getting the best sleep of your life? Your worn out, crusty old mattress could be the only thing standing between you and that heavenly sleep experience you are after. Working in this industry for many years has been an interesting experience. I have seen the simple act of purchasing a new quality sleep system change thousands of lives. That is the type of thing that will get you excited to get up in the morning and start the day. I have found that when a person realizes that a mattress is not a want but rather a Need Indeed, they start to take the process of selecting the right one seriously. If you have no idea where to even start, I will list below what I have found to be the absolute best quality mattress companies.

Tempur-Pedic, Sealy Posturepedic, Stearns and Foster, Jamison Marriott Mattress, Wellsville Malouf, Hastens mattress, Vi Spring, E.S. Kluft, Duxianna, Easman, and Magniflex. (Some of these are not available in the U.S)

The best way to start is to find a local mattress store and speak with a sleep consultant. If you are in the Nashville area I suggest us, Mattress Gallery Direct. We service Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Antioch, Manchester, Woodbury, Franklin, Brentwood, Coolsprings, Greenhills, Thompson Station, Spring Hill, Columbia and several others in Middle Tennessee.

Why does it matter if a salesperson works on commission or not?

First off, working on commission is not a bad thing. However, we feel that the most expensive mattress isn’t always the right model for every customer. In a commission-based atmosphere the salesman may be compelled to point the customer in the direction of a model that is not right for them simply because they make more money. At Mattress Gallery Direct we want our associates to focus only on the needs of the customer and not be distracted by their own financial needs. We promise that you will be given an honest assessment of your needs and only shown products that will address the issues you share with us. If you need a pillow top you will see our best selection of pillow tops. The same goes for firm, plush, cushion firm and all foam latex and gel memory foam. We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with the philosophy of putting our customers needs first.

What is a reasonable price for a new mattress?

That is a great question. The answer is a little bit tricky though, because there really is no one-size-fits-all mattress. The price of a mattress usually has to do with the features involved in the manufacturing of that product. As a rule of thumb, you might want to stay away from the cheapest options for obvious reasons. The cheaper the product, the less likely it will be of adequate quality. However, this by no means suggests you should buy the most expensive option either. Mattress Gallery Direct has 5 local mattress stores in Murfreesboro, Franklin, & Smyrna TN with a wide range of brands at different price points. We have certified bedding specialist that have had extensive training to help you select the perfect mattress. You can choose from Tempur-pedic, Sealy Posturepedic, Stearns & Foster, Capital Bedding, Jamison Custom Resort mattresses, and Englander Resort collection, just to name a few. Don’t forget to download your Free Mattress Guide and Free Pillow Offer. Thanks for considering Mattress Gallery Direct Mattress stores in Franklin TN. Murfreesboro TN. and Smyrna TN.

Do I have to buy a new box spring with a new mattress?

The answer is no. You do not have to buy a box spring. The better question to ask is should I buy a new box spring with my new mattress. That question is not as cut and dry. First you should assess if your bed requires one. Many modern furniture designs are built in a platform style that does not require a box spring. If your furniture requires a box spring then it is best to get a matching box spring. Most manufacturers do not warranty their products on another brands box. They also will not warranty a mattress that has been placed on an old box spring. If your current mattress needs to be replaced then your current box spring is just as old and has just as much wear.

What is the difference in a Mattress Pad and a Mattress Protector?

There is a huge difference between these two products. There is also a lot of confusion about it too.

Mattress Protectors:

A mattress protector is used to keep the mattress sanitary. Many of the modern protectors are Water Proof, Hypoallergenic and Anti-Microbial. The best part is that new technology has greatly improved the breathability. Another benefit is that a protector will not change the feel of the mattress.

Mattress Pads:

Mattress pads are usually water proof. They will also add a padding layer that can greatly change the feel of the mattress. If you have spent time and money on a mattress that you love the feel of a mattress pad will alter the firmness of the mattress by making it softer.

At Mattress Gallery Direct we recommend a Protector over the Pad because we want the mattress you choose in the store to feel the same in your home. A Mattress Pad will change the comfort of the mattress.

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