With so many mattress options out there, selecting and buying one can feel a bit overwhelming—like trying to solve an equation without knowing the question. That’s why we’ve created the following list to give you answers, so you can get the sleep you deserve.
Mattresses
Care and Upkeep
Delivery
Guarantees and Policies
Sleep Quality
Mattresses
How can I tell if I need a new mattress?
When was the last time you thought about your mattress? Many of us forget that our mattresses are the most utilized piece of furniture we own. In fact, if you sleep eight hours a night, in one year you'll rack up 3,000 hours on your mattress. After 10 years, you'll have logged 30,000 hours on the same bed. Listed below are a few hints that indicate it's time to start thinking about renewing your sleep surface.
- You bought your current mattress over five years ago.
The Better Sleep Council says the “life” of a mattress depends on several factors, such as amount of use and original quality, but in general, a mattress set that has been in use five to seven years is no longer providing you with the best comfort and support.
- You wake up feeling more tired than when you went to sleep.
Most consumers wait too long to replace their mattresses. If you don't wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated—or if you feel any pain or discomfort—you've definitely waited too long.
- The sofa feels more comfortable than your bed.
Concentrate on the feel of your mattress. Do you feel coils or bumps? Your body needs a smooth, comfortable sleep surface to get a restorative night's sleep. Your mattress should enable you to sleep through the night with minimal tossing and turning.
- Your mattress looks like it came from your grandmother.
Inspect your mattress regularly for sags and imprints. If your mattress appears uneven or worn and frayed, that’s a good indication its time to start shopping. The upholstery layers in all mattresses compress over time. For optimal performance, be sure to rotate your mattress occasionally to extend its durability and renew its comfort. If you "inherited" your mattress from a family member or friend, chances are you need to replace it now.
What’s the best way to select a mattress?
Start by thinking about your needs before you start shopping. What kind of lifestyle do you
have? Has it changed since your last mattress purchase? Think about the changes your
body has gone through and how it affects your needs for support or your comfort preferences.
Finally, think about space needs and if you have a partner, take your partner with you to
shop for a new mattress. It's important to find something to meet both your support needs
and comfort preferences.
Once you’ve identified your needs, have one of our bedding specialists walk you through the selection process and answer your questions. Our exclusive Sleep to Live® Diagnostic Testing computerized evaluation program can accurately determine your body’s specific support requirements and match you to a range of mattresses that are a custom fit for your body type—in just two minutes. The evaluation is free and the custom profile is yours to keep.
What is the difference between a mattress and a sleep system?
The mattress is the top unit that you rest your body upon and is usually foam, innerspring or hybrid.
A sleep system is the entire package of what is necessary to give a restorative, healthful sleep: the mattress and foundation, the proper pillow, and a mattress protector.
What are standard bedding dimensions and do you offer custom sizes?
Below is a list of industry-standard mattress sizes* (in inches) we carry:
| Twin |
39x75 |
| Twin Xtra Long |
39x80 |
| Full |
54x75 |
| Full Xtra Long |
54x80 |
| Queen |
60x80 |
| King |
76x80 |
| California King |
72x84 |
Any size not listed is considered a custom size. If you are interested in a custom size, ask one of our bedding specialists for details. Also, remember the mattress you choose should be longer than the tallest person sleeping in it. If you’re sharing a bed, allow yourself enough room to fold your arms behind your head without going beyond the mattress edge or touching your partner’s elbows.
* Please note that these are approximate sizes, but are designed to fit within industry-standard furniture. We suggest always measuring your bed frame and consulting with a bedding specialist to ensure your mattress fits properly.
What is the difference in Firm, Plush, Pillow-Top, etc?
Comfort levels for mattresses are usually described as Soft, Medium and Firm. Though the feel of most mattresses is purely subjective, it’s safe to say that you’ll be experiencing a mattress that has very little give to one that is soft and cushy. Here’s how to tell the difference:
Firm: A top surface which is usually quilted tightly and has materials beneath that provide a somewhat unyielding surface.
Cushion Firm: A step above Firm, it has a bit more depth to the surface feel.
Plush: Comfort materials that are layered in a way that provides a resilient return push to the sleep surface.
Pillow-Top: Comfort materials that are sewn separately into a topper that is affixed to the mattress surface, much like a pillow.
Euro-Top: The European version of the Pillow-Top. The comfort layers are sewn into a box-like version of a pillow-top. This design, along with the Pillow-Top, gives an enveloping softness to the sleep surface.
Dual Comfort: Refers to a mattress, usually Queen or King-Size, that has both a firm and
plush side, of varying levels of comfort, meant to fulfill your and your partner’s individual
sleep needs.
And for those of you who sleep with a partner who has their own idea about what feels best, there are a few bedding manufacturers that offer Dual Comfort mattresses. Each side of a Dual Comfort Queen or King-Size mattress has a plusher side and a firmer side. These manufacturers also make several different models that each has their own comfort characteristics—so you can see that the possibilities for personal comfort are almost endless.
The best way to know which comfort level works for you is to come in and test our sleep sets to find one that suits your physiological needs and pressure-relieving preference.
How much should I spend on a new mattress?
Remember, your bed gets the most use out of any piece of furniture in your home. Your rest—the amount and quality of your sleep—is a critical factor in your overall well-being. It affects you physically and mentally, so think of your mattress as an investment in your overall health, and buy the best mattress you can afford. Or look at it this way: you spend roughly a third of your life in bed, if you spend $1,000 on your mattress and it lasts for 10 years, you’ll be spending less than 28 cents per night to get a great night’s sleep. Now that’s value.
I want to replace my existing mattress with one just like it, how do I match it to yours?
Mattress lines usually change every 12 to 18 months. So if your mattress is more than 12-18 months old you probably will not be able to find it. However, there will most always be a similar replacement. Contact one of our bedding specialists to help you find the same feel you like.
I don't see the model I want on your site, where can I find it?
Come talk to one of our bedding specialists, who will do their best to locate what you’re looking for. As Michigan’s #1 mattress retailer, we carry thousands of name brand mattresses in-stock and ready for delivery!
Can I purchase just the mattress?
Yes. It is fine to use a mattress by itself as long as it is on a solid surface like a platform bed. We don’t recommend putting a new mattress on an old foundation. Using an old foundation with a new mattress will almost always ruin the mattress. Even if the foundation looks new, a new mattress will soon sink into the areas where an old foundation has been worn. Mattress sets wear out together, so if the mattress is worn out, so is the foundation. Putting a new mattress on an old foundation may also void your warranty.
How do I match a bed I slept on in a hotel?
Sleeping well in a hotel bed is often a sign that your present mattress set may be worn out. Some hotels will use brand-name mattresses, while others will have mattresses specially made for their chain. Come in and speak with one of our trained representatives, who will be more than happy to assist you in finding your perfect mattress.
What happens if my new mattress doesn’t feel right when I get it home?
Advanced sleep research has shown it may take several weeks for our bodies to adjust to the proper support of a new mattress. See our Total Satisfaction Guarantee for more information.
Care and Upkeep
How do I care for my mattress set?
- Give your new sleep set time to "air" upon removal from its plastic packaging. Dispose of all plastic packaging as soon as possible
- Carry your mattress flat on its side. It's easier to handle and you'll be less likely to damage the mattress
- Keep your bedding clean. We always suggest using a mattress protector when appropriate. All manufacturers of memory foam mattresses recommend using a mattress protector instead of a mattress pad
- Replace the old foundation when purchasing a new mattress. An old foundation may not provide sufficient support. It may appear that your new mattress is sagging when it is actually the foundation, which supports the mattress
- Use an appropriate frame and center support for Queen and King-Size sets. Using the proper frame will ensure that your warranty remains in effect
- Rotate your mattress occasionally to prolong the comfort and support life. Body indentations will appear in most mattresses over time and are a normal occurrence in your new mattress; they’re an indication that the upholstery layers are conforming to your body's individual contours. Rotating the mattress occasionally will increase the comfort life and reduce body impressions in your mattress
- Don't let anyone stand or jump on your mattress. It wasn't built for that type of weight distribution or abuse
- Don't allow your mattress to get wet. Some of the upholstery materials may compress. Protect it from water or other liquids
- Don't place a board between your mattress and foundation. Your sleep set is designed as an integrated system to provide you with proper support, and the foundation plays an important role
How long should my mattress last and when should I replace it?
The Better Sleep Council advises consumers to buy the highest quality bedding they can
afford, and then replace old bedding every five to seven years. If a higher end or luxury
mattress was purchased, an additional, five plus years are possible. Even so, keep in mind that our bodies will continually change physically as we age* and may require different support and conformance from our sleep surface. What worked when you bought your mattress, may
no longer meet your current needs. Do not wait until your mattress looks lumpy or saggy
to replace it.
* Every seven years our bodies undergo another cycle of change. Your body’s change may occur before the life expectancy of your mattress or sleep set expires. Doing a self inventory (like if you’re waking up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains) every few years will help you determine if it’s time to purchase a new mattress.
Should I replace my foundation when purchasing a new mattress?
Yes! A good foundation (otherwise known as a "box spring") is as important as a good mattress! Not all manufacturers use the same type of foundations. It is critical for a new mattress to get the proper support from the foundation.
Some manufacturers use a foundation that moves up and down as weight is applied to it (yielding). A yielding foundation acts much like a large shock absorber, taking a lot of the nightly wear and tear. These types of foundations increase the life of the mattress. A mattress designed for a yielding foundation that is put on a non-yielding foundation will not last as long.
Some manufacturers use a foundation that has a solid surface and does not move up and down as weight is applied to it (non-yielding). A non-yielding foundation adds stability to the sleep set which will lessen the movement transferred between partners which will provide more undisturbed sleep. A mattress designed for a non-yielding foundation that is put on a yielding foundation will sag over time and not provide the correct back support.
How should I rotate my mattress?
To help minimize body impressions, and to prolong that new bed feel year after year, mattresses should be turned occasionally throughout their life. For convenience, we've illustrated the best method. To rotate your mattress, turn it counter-clockwise a half turn.
Then realign the mattress with the foundation.
Delivery
How is delivery handled?
Please read our detailed delivery information.
What do I do with my old mattress?
Art Van Furniture will remove your old mattress upon request prior to making the delivery of your new mattress. We are committed to earth-friendly practices and will either donate your mattress (if it’s in good condition) to a local charity or dispose of it using a special shredder designed to help reduce the volume of material sent to landfills.
Guarantees and Policies
What about warranty coverage?
Warranty coverage varies. Consult your bedding specialist about the warranty coverage offered for your specific mattress.
What is your Total Satisfaction Guarantee?
Find out how we do more for you with our Total Satisfaction Guarantee.
What is your Mattress Express® Guarantee?
Mattress Express applies to next day delivery of in-stock bedding which has been paid in full. To get the full details, click here.
Sleep Quality
Why is sleep so important?
Sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Like eating right and exercising, sleeping well is essential to feeling your best during the day. It affects how you feel, your relationships, your productivity and your quality of life. While you sleep, your brain goes to work, consolidating the day's learning into memory and reenergizing the body so that it’s ready for the next day.
How does sleep work?
Waking refreshed from a sound night's sleep is natural enough for many of us, but nearly impossible for others. So, why do some people spend their nights tossing and turning, and others sleep “like a baby?” For many, it's because of the disruption of circadian rhythms—the body's internal clock. This biological clock follows the 24-hour cycle of the sun (our normal day) and is fundamental to all living organisms, influencing hormones that impact sleep, metabolic rate and temperature. When it is disrupted by changes in the sleep and wake schedule, sleep loss is the result.
During sleep, we pass through five phases, with REM (rapid eye movement) being the fifth stage. The sleep cycle begins at stage one, progresses to REM and starts all over again. During phase one, you can be awakened very easily. As you progress into the deep sleep of stages three and four, there is no eye or muscle movement. It is very difficult to wake someone in these latter stages. When you move into REM sleep (usually 70-90 minutes after you fall asleep), breathing becomes more rapid and irregular, eyes jerk rapidly and limb muscles are temporarily paralyzed. These later, deeper stages of sleep are the most restful and restorative for your body. If you wake up frequently during the night, you may get very little or no sleep in the later stages.
What role does my mattress and pillow play in affecting the quality of sleep I get?
Your mattress and pillow have the potential either to promote sleep or rob you of it. If you're tossing and turning more at night or if you're waking up feeling stiff or sore after a night's sleep, it could be a sign that your current mattress or pillow is no longer the best for you. Optimizing the level of support the spine receives during the night is paramount to getting quality sleep. Studies show that when the correct amount of support is supplied, the spine remains aligned and a person can enjoy a thorough rest period for the entire night. This is why the proper pillow is important. Your pillow is responsible for supporting your neck, cervical spine and head during sleep, keeping your body properly aligned and promoting good circulation. Choosing the right pillow helps promote restful sleep. Think about your sleeping habits: do you tend to lie on your side, back or stomach? Like mattresses, pillows offer varying comfort levels:
- Soft – A good choice for stomach sleepers, softer pillows reduce strain on the neck
and spine
- Medium – Balancing softer support with firm comfort, medium pillows work well for people who tend to sleep on their backs
- Firm – Offering supportive comfort, firm pillows are good for back and side sleepers, keeping your neck properly aligned without being too plush
A complete sleep system includes a mattress, foundation, mattress pad or protector and pillow, and choosing the proper support is a difference your whole body will feel.
What can new parents do to sleep better?
There's nothing more challenging than taking care of a new baby. The good news is, as babies grow older, they sleep for far longer periods at a time and soon will sleep through the night. In the meantime, know that erratic sleep schedules and getting up in the middle of the night will be part of your lives for the next few months. So make the most of the sleep you can get by providing you and your partner with a restful sleep environment. Sleep in a cool, dark room on a comfortable, supportive mattress. That way, you'll get the best sleep you can, even if it's for shorter periods of time. And learn to sleep when your baby does. It may be tempting to tackle chores while your baby sleeps, but a quick nap will help boost your energy. Remember, sleep is as important to you as it is to your child.
How much sleep do children need?
The amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age. Babies generally need 14-15 hours per day, while younger children can range from 10-14 hours. Adolescents and teenagers should be getting at least 8-9 hours per day. In addition to having the proper sleep system, creating a room that is comfortable, cool and quiet will go a long way in making sure your child receives a good night’s sleep.
Should a parent pass down an old mattress to a child?
If a mattress is no longer comfortable for you, it's not good enough for someone else—especially your child. As kids grow, they need supportive and comfortable bedding as well. Be sure your children have enough space to move around comfortably as they grow.
How can someone tell if they have a sleep disorder?
If you've looked at your sleep environment and your everyday routine to make sure you're not sabotaging your sleep through poor diet, lack of exercise or an erratic sleeping schedule, and you’re still not feeling rested, you should see your doctor. You may have a medical condition that interferes with getting a good night's sleep. Check out SleepBetter.org for more info.
