Making a mattress to support the body, account for heat, comfort, movement and emissions can be a tricky way to earn a living. Seems an impossible task for a mattress maker, and an equally daunting task for the mattress shopper. Designing and building with all of those factors in mind is tricky because the slightest change of layers, material types, amount of materials and other factors can drastically affect the consumer's experience.

One thing we can't control is the way the mattress is used once it leaves the factory. We can suggest, urge, direct and encourage, but not every customer is going to use the mattress in the prescribed way. This can lead to the mattress, designed to be cool, comfortable and supportive, not performing at its optimum level.

Here is a comprehensive list of ways you can make that brand new, supportive mattress, work for at its top level.

1. What Is Your New Mattress On? What you set your mattress on has as much to do with the support of your new mattress as the mattress itself. This is true for all mattresses. The mistakes customers will often make is setting their new mattress on a base which negates the support or the air flow. For example, IKEA makes several models of beds with bowed slats which are flexible. While there are a good amount of slats, these slats bow down with weight, effectively letting the middle of the mattress sag. I have seen several instances of customers complaining their new mattress did not feel the same as the one they tried in the store. Asking them to place the mattress directly on the floor for a night demonstrated just how much a supportive base makes a difference when they find the mattress all of a sudden felt supportive. Same can be said for older, flexible box springs. These foundations actually have a heavy gauge metal spring system designed to give a little with the mattress. However, many mattress, such as the The Love Bed, are designed to be placed on a non-yielding, non-flexible base. If you require a box spring type foundation, a rigid, breathable box spring foundation like the Simple Life Foundation will give the mattress the proper support your mattress needs. In an attempt to provide proper support, some customers will add a piece of plywood underneath the mattress. The unfortunate side effect of this is cutting off air flow under the mattress. This can lead to the mattress sleeping hot and even the potential of developing mold under the mattress. Lastly, some customers will misunderstand the slatted base requirement and mistake the 3 slats designed to hold a box spring and place their mattress on these 3 slats. The proper slatted support system consists of strong, non-flexible slats with a strong center support which touches the floor. The slats should be no more than 4" apart.                                                                        Sample of flexible slats, these are BAD!

2. Did You Use Your Old Pillows With Your New Mattress? Your new mattress is probably a lot more supportive than your old mattress. In fact, putting your old pillows on a new mattress is like putting your old tires on your brand new car. If your body has been used to your old, broken down mattress, your old pillow will likely leave your neck either too low or too high, contributing to upper back and neck pain. And this often gets attributed to the new mattress when in fact upgrading to a properly supportive and adjustable pillow, such as The Easy Breather Pillow, can augment your new mattress sleep experience.

3. Give Your New Mattress A Chance With A Proper Adjustment Period. Trust me, it's the last thing you want to hear when you are waking up on that new mattress with soreness. However, it is very common to find a new mattress takes 30-60 days to become comfortable. Why? The easiest way to think of it is similar to that first day skiing for the season, or the day after that first day back out running; you feel soreness in muscles you didn't know you had. If you have been sleeping on a mattress for years, especially if it is old and has lost its support, your body is going to feel new pains as the body is forced back into new and proper supportive positions. I cannot tell you how many times in my many years in the business I have heard from customers in the first week with comfort complaints only to find they adjusted just a week or so later. 
4. If You Can't Stand The Heat, Don't Get Out Of The Bed. Some people sleep hotter than others, and there are other posts here that talk about the reasons why some people will sleep hot. However, I have seen mattresses returned for heat only to find there were other factors involved. Are your sheets really thick or made of microfiber? Is your comforter filled with down and feathers? Is your mattress on a non-breathable base? Do you have too many covers? These are all factors which can lead to customers finding themselves feeling the heat. While there are many new materials which tout their cooling ability, the best way to make a mattress is to allow for air flow. Heat rises and in its place air should be able to be drawn from around and under your body. Beds made with flat layers of foam which are glued together have a hard time drawing air to cool the body. And some mattresses claim to use foams that draw heat down into the bed, while others claim the fabrics keep the body cool. Heat rises and does not get drawn down into the foam. Nothing like good air flow will cure your heating issues usually.
5. Love That Mattress Pad Your Grandma Gave You? Many customer have a favorite mattress pad or topper they used on their old bed and carry that over to their new mattress. The unfortunate reality is these can drastically change the feel and/or the air flow of the mattress and lead to discomfort. Ask the manufacturer of your mattress what they recommend you use to protect the mattress and ditch the pad.
6. Mattress Protector Or Pad? A mattress pad or protector, while recommended, can actually affect the feel of your new bed. Make sure you try your new bed with and without the protector, pad or heating pad you have.

Shopping for a new mattress can be daunting. Do your research, and consider the above factors after the purchase to ensure you have the best night sleep ever.