For some, the decision to buy a mattress is a major issue. Most mattresses only last a decade or so, making them something that needs to be replaced every so often. However, the cost of most mattresses can be somewhat prohibitive, or at least appear so. It is possible to plan ahead for the cost of replacing a mattress and to do so with little stress.
It is important to know when your mattress needs to be replaced, and how to plan ahead for it.
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Replacing the Mattress
For most people, a twin or queen size mattress is the ideal size. Most beds are in that range, and they make for a perfect size bed. It is comfortable without being too much. This also allows it to fit into apartments and homes without taking up too much space, allowing for plenty of room for the bed and other furniture. For those looking for a mattress that is comfortable and allows the most space for living, a queen-sized mattress is probably as good as it gets.
The easiest way is to put a little bit aside every month. The idea here is to price mattresses and then divide by years. The math is not as hard as it looks. For example, let us start with a mattress that costs about $1500, with a life expectancy of ten years. That means that you need to save $150 per year or about $12.50 per month
. See how much easier it is to figure out how to save that $12.50 rather than $150? For the price of about two coffees a month, you can easily save up the amount you need to replace the mattress after a good decade of service. Of course, should you decide on a different mattress than you currently have, just adjust the math. This allows you to adjust the amount you need to save easily. Obviously, if you have multiple mattresses, do the math for each one and save the total.
Shopping for a Mattress
When you are shopping for a mattress, keep in mind your needs. Size is an obvious issue. Make sure that the mattress is the right size for the frame. Also, keep in mind that you need to allow for your comfort level. Different people have different levels of comfort, and others need to allow for therapeutic reasons. If you like it soft or hard, make sure that the mattress matches that. If you need a mattress to help relieve back pain or neck pain, make sure that you allow for that as well. You will be spending a lot of time on the mattress, so looking at an uncomfortable mattress is a bad idea.
For those looking for some real fun, take advantage of your phone’s software, especially the spreadsheet. While you are shopping, keep track of the locations, brands, and prices of the mattresses you like. You can even have a column set up to compute how much you need to save each month in order to afford the mattress.
You do not want to settle on one mattress. After all, the one that you really, really want may not be available when you are ready for it. This is where having the information on the other mattresses will come in handy. Take notes and be flexible, and you should do well.
When You Need to Eliminate the Mattress
Eventually, the mattress is going to fail you. While it is good to keep in mind the advantages of a good mattress, it helps to know when to get rid of it as well. This is usually when the mattress is starting to give out, such as when it is not as springy as it usually is or just is not as comfortable as it used to be.
You may also need to eliminate a mattress where the springs are starting to come through the lining, or even if it just does not fit the bed frame you are purchasing. For some, especially parents, this can be when the bed is just too stained.
Whatever your reason, you will want to make sure that you are ready to replace the mattress. With a little preparation, you will be ready for when that day comes.
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Magdalena
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