With so many mattress options on the market these days, purchasing a new one can present a challenge. It seems the moment you start looking, a whole host of questions arise, and you realize there is more to this process than you thought. These are all commom questions mattress shoppers consider:

• Do I need a box spring?
• Are all innersprings created equal?
• Does coil count matter?
• Should I buy a mattress that's two-sided or one-sided?
• Latex or memory foam? What's the difference?
• Should I be concerned about chemicals in my mattress?
• Which foams off-gas?
• How long should I expect it to last?
• What do I do if it doesn't work?
• Is firmer better?
• Is all latex foam the same?
• Is a platform better?
• How much money should I actually spend on a mattress?

Start With the Basics

Having a basic understanding of mattress performance will put you in position to find the mattress that's right for you. Following is an explanation of the key factors affecting mattress performance quality and comfort.

Support and Contour

For some, a firm mattress is appropriate. Others need a softer, gentler feel. Both ends of the spectrum are necessary because support needs vary from person to person. Regardless of where your needs fall on the spectrum, you need support. That means that the surface must contour correctly, following the shape of the sleeper in all positions. The mattress must also be stable, providing correct orthopedic support. The goal is to design firm mattresses that aren't hard and soft mattresses that don't sag.

When you lie on a mattress on your side, your knees should be supported at the same level as your midline. This position allows you to relax and feel stable without compression in your shoulder. The sensation of rolling forward or your hip being pushed up indicates a lack of support in the hip, torso and legs. This means that you need a softer mattress or a more elastic design. Look for a mattress with enough flexibility to facilitate correct alignment. It's crucial for musculoskeletal health, comfort, and deep breathing.

European Sleep Works achieves support and contour in our sleep systems by using dense, natural latex cushioning and organic stretch cotton covers that create elasticity. We use German and Swedish pocketed coils designed for maximum contour and balance. These components provide the best of both worlds—gentle contour and stability.

Comfort

When you lie down to sleep, you need to feel comfortable on your mattress. This means that the mattress not only has to be appropriate orthopedically, but it also should feel "right" to the individual. You want to like the way a bed feels, and that gets into very subjective territory.

One way we help customers find comfort is by offering a range of mattress designs. Each design has its own dynamic, from buoyant to dense, plush to plain. Within each design, we offer a range of firmness options, so you get the dynamic and the firmness that feels comfortable. Our sales associates can help guide you to an option that's comfortable and provides the support you need.

Adjustability

European Sleep Works mattresses are designed to pair with our adjustable, flexible slat system. The slat system evenly distributes your weight and creates zones of lift and give where you need it—at your shoulders, hips, lower back, and knees. The slats bend and rotate to contour fully to your body, reducing pressure. Each side adjusts separately, allowing us to create individualized support.

Pressure Relief

The less a mattress contours when you lie on it, the more contact pressure there is between your body and the bed. Too much pressure against your shoulders and hips can rob your body of much-needed rest.

Poor support, stiff or low-quality materials, and bad design can lead to excessive contact pressure. Beware of an overly cushioned mattress (especially attached pillow top beds) that hides a stiff, unyielding, or unstable surface underneath. Memory foams can be glued to regular, stiff polyurethane foams and only hide the hardness below for a short while. Stiff cover fabrics can produce surface tension and interfere with the mattress internal contour action.

When you test a mattress, make sure you push your elbow or knee deeply into the surface. If you find an abrupt stop or harder surface below the cushioning, this could indicate a possible comfort, support or durability problem.

We use stretch-cotton mattress covers, elastic natural latex foam, and independent coils to create a surface that dramatically reduces pressure. Our adjustable slat system yields at weight-bearing points, providing greater pressure relief and contour. This all adds up to lower contact pressure and deeper, more restorative sleep.

Motion Control

A properly designed mattress should not bounce or roll to the center when you or your partner change position or get in or out of bed. Test a mattress in the showroom with two people. Have someone get in and out and change position to see how much motion you feel—there should be minimal. If the motion is noticeable, it could be due to the mattress design, the foundation layer (such as a box spring), or the bed frame it is sitting on. It's important to sort out the source of the problem.

To prevent motion transfer, we take all components of our mattresses into consideration—the cover, quilting, cushioning, coils, base material, and foundation. All are designed with elasticity, density, and stability to provide the strength and nuance necessary to isolate motion. It's also imperative that a mattress and its foundation rest on strong, center-supported, level bed frame.

Heat and Humidity

Synthetics are hot. Mattresses made of polyesters, polyurethanes, memory foams, and any vapor barriers such as vinyl or plastic (air beds) inhibit the movement of moisture away from the body, creating the perfect humidity storm. Comforters and blankets made from synthetics (and down) also do a poor job at keeping the humidity low under the covers. Moisture trapped in a mattress can also pose a health concern. Mold, mildew, dust-mites and bacteria are all moisture dependent. A dry mattress and well-ventilated sleep environment are the cornerstones of a healthy bedroom.

Materials like cotton and wool, which naturally keep humidity levels low, can dramatically improve the quality of sleep and the cleanliness of the mattress. Natural latex has superior airflow compared to polyurethane or memory foams. Latex is also anti-bacterial and mold and mildew resistant. We cover our mattresses with 100% organic cotton and quilted wool on all sides. These fabrics facilitate the maximum wicking and vapor transport, which in turn ensures dry, restful sleep and a healthy mattress.

Eco-Health

Many of the materials used in modern mattresses contain known or suspected toxins. Polyurethane foams, including memory foam; polyester batting and fabrics; adhesives and fire retardants are just some of the materials that cause concern. Even mattresses marketed as "green" or "organic" can contain problematic materials. To ensure you are choosing a truly healthy mattress, it pays to ask questions about the materials used in a mattress design.

• Get a full breakdown of all materials used.
• In a latex mattress, ask if it is 100% natural and thoroughly washed.
• Ask how fire retardancy requirements are met.

European Sleep Works has all materials certified infant-safe by Oeko-Tex, a German company that tests materials for ecological health. We use only 100% natural washed latex, unbleached organic cotton covers, and ultra-clean Merino and Plein-aire wool. All of our components are certified toxin-free and contain no chemical fire retardants.

Value and a Guarantee

A well-made mattress should perform for approximately 10 years and wear gradually over time. Avoid manufacturers who claim 15 or 20 years of durability to support a higher price. These claims hold true only for extremely firm mattresses, which are typically not beneficial to your body's ergonomic needs.

At European Sleep Works we strive to build a durable mattress that is fairly priced. We use high-quality materials that wear well over time. Because we manufacture our own products, we're able to keep prices lower than most people expect. We also back up your investment with a solid 10-year warranty.

What if I don't like my new mattress?

You've done your homework, tested mattresses and made a selection. But how do you know for sure? The truth is you may not know until you've slept in it for several weeks. Mattress firmness should be exchangeable, and if it just doesn't work for you, returnable. Make sure you know what the retailer offers before you buy.

At European Sleep Works, we know investing in a mattress is a big decision—it can cause considerable anxiety and stress. We also know that even the most carefully selected product may not work out. That's why we offer exchanges in firmness and if the product is ultimately unsatisfactory, a full refund.

Sleep Accessories

Your mattress isn't the only thing that affects how well you sleep. Your pillow, sheets, comforter, and blankets all contribute to your sleep quality. Every component counts. That's why we use the term "'sleep system."

We supplement thoughtfully designed mattresses with exceptional, all-natural bedding products and our patented Oxygen Pillow.

Attention to Detail

Our non-commissioned sales associates are available to help. We ask questions about your sleep habits, health concerns, and mattress preferences so that we can guide you to the appropriate options. Our goal is to make shopping for your mattress a pleasant, informative, satisfying, and successful experience.