Frequently Asked Questions
 
"Bed Basics"
 
How can I tell if it's time for a new mattress?

This is a question people just don't ask enough. Even though we use our mattresses for an average of 1/3 of each day, year after year, we tend to take them for granted until it's painfully obvious they're worn out. Try asking yourself the following questions:

Did I buy my mattress more than 8 years ago? Most mattresses have a useful life between 8 and 10 years. After that, their support and comfort properties diminish.

Do I wake up feeling just as tired, if not MORE tired, than when I went to bed? You should wake up pain-free and feeling rejuvenated and ready to start the day.

Are there obvious signs of wear? These signs include sagging, depressions or body imprinting, fraying seams or worn through areas where the comfort layers, coils or foams are exposed.
 
What should I look for when shopping for a mattress?

The only way to determine which mattress is best for you is simply to try some and compare. Most importantly, your new mattress should be comfortable. Lie down on a number of different mattresses and determine which ones feel the most comfortable. The next thing to consider is support. Do the mattresses support critical areas like your back and midsection? The next thing to consider is size: give yourself ample room to stretch out and move, especially if you sleep with a partner. And finally, consider the price. Look for a great value, not just the cheapest price. A mattress's value is determined by its price coupled with its warranty. Pick a mattress that's comfortable, supports you well and is roomy enough to sleep comfortably, doesn't bust your budget and is warranted to last for at least 10 years.
 
How much can I expect a good sleep set to cost?

Sleep sets can range from as low as $300 to upwards of $5,000 depending on the brand, type and size of set you get. Generally, you can expect a good quality, queen size set to retail for around $1,000-$1,500. Remember, this is an investment in your daily health and wellbeing. Averaged over the lifetime of the mattress, you are looking at pennies a day. Not a lot when you think about how much you spend on a cup of coffee every day!
 
Is there anything I can do to make my new sleep set last longer?

There are a number of things you can do to extend the life of a sleep set. First, make sure the foundation or box spring is being properly supported by your frame; this will help keep your foundation from bowing or bending, which could affect how your mattress supports your body. Next, keep your mattress clean by using a quality, hypo-allergenic mattress pad. This helps keep your mattress dry, dust-free and helps deter mites and other allergens from embedding in the mattress cover. Vacuum your mattress frequently to remove dust and allergens. And finally, rotate and/or flip your mattress from time to time to help alleviate sagging and the potential occurrence of body impressions.
 
What are comfort layers?

Comfort layers are padding materials placed on top of the innerspring or foam core that provide cushioning and extra comfort. The number of layers and types of materials vary from model to model. They can be made of foam, cotton, wool or synthetic materials which are then wrapped by and quilted to a durable cover. Comfort layers can vary from 'zone to zone' on a particular mattress to help conform to different areas of the body.
 
What types of comfort levels are there?

American Bed Sleep Sets are available in a wide range of comfort levels, from extra firm to ultra plush pillow tops.
 
 
How long should my new sleep set last?

There are a number of factors that make this a hard question to answer directly, including the number of people using the sleep set, how many hours they sleep a night, the users' sleeping styles, the users' body types and sizes, the quality of the sleep set and the materials that are used in it. Generally, many experts suggest replacing a routinely used sleep set of average quality every 8 to 10 years with new, quality bedding in order to get the best comfort and support needed for a good night's sleep. A better crafted mattress with a warranty of up to 20 years will not need to be replaced as frequently.
 
Is there a difference between a box spring and a foundation? Do I need to replace my box spring/foundation at the same time?

Yes, there is. A box spring is a full coil unit that is designed to work directly with the mattress to enhance support. A foundation is a similar unit crafted without coils. In either case, when you purchase a new mattress you should also buy the new box spring or foundation that it is designed to work with, to insure the best support and longevity from your new sleep set.
 
What size mattress do I need?

Size DOES matter. Your mattress should give you enough room to sleep comfortably without your arms and legs hanging off the bed. If you sleep with a partner, you each need enough space to sleep and move comfortably, without being forced against each other. No matter how romantic that may seem, being in contact with your partner when sleeping can cause you to be roused or awakened every time they move or adjust position and vice versa... hardly conducive to getting a good night's sleep.

Here are some notes regarding different size mattresses:

• Twin and full-size sleep sets measure roughly 75" in length which may be too short for many adults.

• Full size (also known as 'double' mattresses) are wider than twin mattresses which gives sleepers a little extra room side to side, but, again, may be too short for taller adults or teenagers.

• Queen sets are 5 inches longer and 6 inches wider than full-sized mattresses and those extra inches make a big difference. Queen sets are typically roomy enough for two average sized adults, which makes it the most popular mattress size.

• King sets are a full 18 inches wider than a Queen set, giving a couple the most room available among standard sized mattress sets. If you have children or pets join you and your partner in bed on occasion, a King sized bed is perfect for you. Keep in mind that King sized beds can sometimes be too large for some bedrooms and can be hard to move through narrow hallways and staircases.
 
Does a mattress have to be firm to offer support?

A mattress's support is determined by it's coil system or density of the foam used in its core. Each type supports your body differently and since everyone's body is different, some people may find a firmer mattress more 'supportive' and comfortable while others don't. The best thing to do is to lie down on a number of different mattresses and determine how each one feels.
 
 
What does the manufacturer's warranty mean and who should I call with a warranty concern?

When we warranty a sleep set, it's our pledge to you that if anything goes wrong with the materials or workmanship of your new sleep set from right after you buy it up to a period of up to 20 years, we will repair or replace the mattress at our discretion. This pledge applies to normal use and does not apply if the sleep set is abused or misused. Warrantees can either be prorated or non-prorated. When a warranty is prorated, it means that as more time goes by, the compensation value you are entitled to goes down. A non-prorated warranty offers full replacement value right up to the expiration date of the warranty. Limitations and restrictions do apply, so make sure your sales associate completely explains the warranty to you. If you do need to make a warranty claim, it's best to first contact the store where you purchased the sleep set from.
 
How do I clean my mattress?

Even when using a mattress pad, it is necessary to clean your mattress from time to time. Vacuuming is the recommended way to clean your mattress. If the mattress is soiled, use a mild soap and cold water. Apply lightly and do not saturate the mattress. NEVER use dry cleaning fluid or other harsh chemical cleaning agents. Allow the mattress to dry completely before covering with a mattress pad and sheets.
 
What should I do with my old mattress?

Most bedding retailers will offer a haul away service for your old sleep set when you purchase a new sleep set. Ask your retailer about this service. If haul away service is not available from your retailer, contact your local waste management department, local landfill or transfer station and ask what their policy is for the disposal of old bedding. Please follow local regulations and do not dispose of your old sleep set improperly or attempt to burn it.
 
What kind of sheets do I need for today's thicker mattresses?

Sleep sets of today are made with thicker comfort layers and more padding than the mattresses of yesterday, especially pillow top, plush or super plush models. These may require special deep-pocketed sheets which can usually be found in most major retail stores. Look for specially marked sheets designed to fit mattresses up to 21 inches deep. Many online retailers now sell deep-pocketed sheets as well.
 
What makes your mattresses eco-friendly?

American Bed is committed to helping preserve our fragile planet by using eco-friendly materials when producing all of our products. We use additive-free, natural fiber textiles from quickly renewable resources, like bamboo, cotton and wool when design allows. We also use soy-based and other bio-based foams and natural latex to significantly reduce the amount of petroleum we use in our mattresses. And our foundations feature woods from readily renewable forests.
 
How do I fit a king size mattress through narrow spaces?

For ease of movement, king-size box springs/foundations come in two pieces for easier transportation and movement through narrow or restrictive spaces. And most king and queen size mattresses can be bent up to 15 degrees to move around corners, without damaging the innerspring or foam cores.
 
What type of mattress is best for a child?

Children need the same support and comfort as you do in order to get healthful, restorative sleep and proper back support for their growing bodies. They require the same type of mattress that you would buy for yourself. A sagging, uncomfortable sleep set is bad for you, and certainly no better for your children.
 
 
 
 
"Foam or innerspring?"
 
What are the major differences between foam and innerspring type mattresses?

Whether you choose an American Bed mattress with an advanced innerspring core or one with a foam core, all American Bed's sleep systems provide proper support for healthier, more restful sleep. Each type of mattress however, has a slightly different feel. To determine which type of sleep system is the most comfortable for you and your partner, we recommend that you lie down on different models during the shopping process.
 
What type of foam mattresses does American Bed offer?

American Bed Sleep Products offer three different foam sleep sets featuring eco-friendly, soy-based visco and/or pure, natural latex: The Nature's Finest Latex Collection; The Viscopedic Memory Foam Collection; and our groundbreaking latex/visco combination product, the Synergy Fusion Foam Collection.
 
 
What are the benefits of American Bed's latex mattresses?

Maximum Comfort

Latex mattresses offer maximum comfort and excellent body support. Latex foam contains countless minuscule air bubbles that react like thousands of microscopic points of support for the whole body.

Excellent Pressure Distribution

Latex affords optimal distribution. This provides a better blood circulation and offers an awakening without pain or stiffness in muscles and joints.

Hygienic and Healthy

Latex is by nature antibacterial, antifungal and anti-house dust mites. The natural ventilation, in combination with extra ventilation channels, ensure a constant and active air ventilation.
 
 
Sleeping on foam seems like it would be hot and eventually sticky. Is it?

Not at all. Foam's open cell structure allows it to breathe and disperse body heat very effectively. And American Bed's specially designed breathable cotton mattress-covers also help to control body heat by drawing moisture away from your body.
 
What is motion transfer?

When a sleeper's movements cause a mattress to move and shift, this is called motion transfer. Motion transfer between partners can interrupt normal sleep. Innerspring coil mattresses tend to have a higher motion transfer rate than foam mattresses. Individually pocketed coil systems can help reduce motion transfer. Natural latex and Visco memory foam mattresses virtually eliminate motion transfer, creating a more uninterrupted sleeping environment.
 
 
             
 
"About American Bed"
 
How long has American Bed been in business?

American Bed Sleep Products have been a producer of quality mattresses and foundations since it was founded by Max American Bed of New York in 1894. In 2002 American Bed was purchased by England, Inc. a division of La-Z-Boy. In 2005, a group of American Bed licensees collectively purchased the company and are the current owners.
 
Is American Bed an American company?

Yes, American Bed is an American-owned company. Our headquarters are located in Olive Branch, Mississippi and production is done in modern facilities nationwide using state-of-the-art equipment, processes, materials and techniques.
 
 
Has American Bed adopted 'Green' business practices?

American Bed practices eco-friendly and environmentally-considerate manufacturing processes. Our factories are energy efficient, recycle as much as possible and our production procedures have been designed to eliminate as much waste as possible and utilize cleaner energy sources.

We're pursuing the use of more earth-friendly packaging alternatives and bio-fuel powered delivery vehicles in the near future. American Bed is committed to making a difference in the world we share.
 
 
Where can I find your products?

The complete line of American Bed Sleep Products can be found in most major mattress and furniture retailers throughout North America. Email info@American Bed.com
 
Is American Bed Sleep Products an equal opportunity employer?

Yes, American Bed is an EOE/Affirmative action employer. Employment opportunities can be found at the following page on our website: career opportunities.