The 13 P's

Winston Churchill called mattress shopping [or maybe it was Soviet Russia] "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." Yes, mattresses are confusing, but we can help. Here's how you can help too:

1. Past:

   What thickness of mattress are you using now? 6", 8", 10", 12", or 16"?
   What kind? Wire, Foam, Latex, Memory, Futon, Air, Water, Other?
   How firm is it? Extra Firm? Firm? Medium? Soft? Plush?
   How old is it?
   What mattress did you use before, and how did you like it?
   What size do you need now? Twin, Full/Double, Queen, or King?

2. Particulars:

   What's depressing [or flattened] about your current mattress?

3. Plans:

   How long will you be in Boston? Will you take your mattress with you?

4. Performance:

   How long do you need your new mattress to last?

5. Position:

   What position[s] do you sleep in? On your back? Side? Stomach?

6. Personal:

   Any back or circulation complaints, hip osteo-arthritis, acid-reflux, etc.?

7. Prominence:

   How tall are you? Queen mattresses [80"] give tall people 5" more length than a Full/Double [75"], & 6" more in width too. For a 6'2"person, a Full/Double offers only 1" leeway; a Queen offers a 6'2" person 6X more [6"] leeway to stretch out.

8. Platform & Peak:

   How high up do you want to sleep? Remember the formula: Deck Height + Mattress Height = Sleeping Height

9. Portal Problems:

   Will a queen-size boxspring and spring sofabed fit up the stairs? Boston and Cambridge are notorious for tight staircases and tiny doorways.

10. Personality:

    Are you a "Green" [layered cotton, wool & latex] or "hi-tech" [hi density & visco foam] person? Or a "never-switch-from-springs" type?

11. Partner:

    It's very smart to ask your partner to participate.

12. Pocketbook:

    Will your pocketbook be comfortable too? Remember the difference between "cost per year" and "original price". A $1,000 mattress that's only comfortable for 2 years actually costs you $500 per year. An $1,200 mattress that stays comfortable for 20 years costs you only $60 per year. The second mattress is NOT more expensive. It's 80% less expensive, and better too.

13. Pillow:

    Don't forget a good pillow. It is as important as the mattress.