• The mattress is sagging in the center or around the edges
  
• You roll into your partner in the middle of the bed
  
• You feel the coils when lying on the mattress.
  
• There are wires or coils sticking out
  
• You hear creaks or other noises when you turn over
  
• The bed wobbles or sways when you move
  
• The mattress is comfortable in some places and positions but not in others
  
• The box spring has an uneven or sagging surface
  
• You sleep better when staying in a hotel or with friends and relatives
  
• Your mattress is too soft; doesn't support your back properly
  
• Your mattress is too hard, causing your arm or other extremity to fall asleep or tingle when sleeping on your side or stomach
  
• Your mattress is too small—you may need a wider or longer mattress for more elbow room for you and your spouse

   

The word "firm" can also be misleading. One manufacturer's "firm" may feel harder than another's "extra firm". Regardless, most orthopedic surgeons and mattress manufacturers say the most important concern when buying a mattress is not firmness, but support. The only way to determine if the support is right for you is to lie down and try out the mattress.

Twin: 38" x 75"
Full: 53" x 75"
Queen: 60" x 80"
King: 76" x 80"
California King: 72" x 84" (can be used to replace a waterbed mattress)

If you compare from store to store, shopping by model name will only lead to frustration. Manufacturers make minor modifications to their mattresses and change the name so it is difficult to compare. To be sure, ask to see a cutaway model. Check for quality upholstery padding, and heavy gauge coil springs. Ask questions and compare, feature for feature. Then you can decide if it's a real value. Pieces/ Parts

A box spring serves as the shock absorber for your mattress. A wood platform or any other foundation with no give will reduce the life and comfort of a mattress. Don't try to save money by not replacing the box spring with the mattress. An old foundation suffers from metal fatigue and will shorten the life of your mattress. A box spring is designed as a working partner with the innerspring it supports. The more wood and wire, the better—so demand heavy gauge wire springs and solidly built wooden frames.

Correct support is essential for proper rest. A good mattress will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with good standing posture. A mattress that is too hard supports only your shoulders and hips. You must feel comfortable and secure with all the heavy parts of your body well supported. And pay no attention to labels—one manufacturer's "firm" may be another's "extra firm". You be the judge and you'll usually sleep better.

Warranties may be the most misunderstood part of mattress shopping and are of little help in judging mattress quality. Most manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty on their premium models, although some last up to 30 years or a lifetime. Does this mean your mattress and box spring will last 30 years or a lifetime before it wears out? Probably not. Warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship, not the gradual loss of comfort or support. When you are shopping, focus on finding a mattress with the best support and most comfortable padding at a price you can afford, not on the length of the manufacturer's warranty.

A mattress with a thicker gauge steel that is tempered will provide all the edge support needed, so why spend extra money on something that isn't necessary? Beds wear out where they are slept on or possibly on the edge if you sit there for hours every day. When the edge is broken down, it is most likely time to replace your mattress because you are probably not getting proper support anymore.

A King size set comes standard with split box springs. Sometimes people need split box springs for a queen size, and in rare cases for a full size, in order to move it into older homes or up tight stairways. At Original Mattress Factory, we are happy to help you by manufacturing a box spring solution that will work. Split box springs offer the same support as a one-piece box spring; however, a center support is a must on your queen or full size frame when using split box springs.

We are always happy to create special or odd-size mattresses to fit antique beds, campers, boats and a variety of other uses. If you have trouble finding sheets and other bedding to fit, either buy a flat sheet for a size larger than your special mattress and tuck it in under or try JC Penney's or Lands End catalogs which offer some odd-size sheets.