Frequently Asked Questions
* Get advice from our Sleep Specialists - we are here for you!
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions that we have encountered about the mattress selection process. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions or inquiries!

Q. How do I know if I need a new mattress?
A. The easiest way to know if you need a new mattress is to ask yourself 'How am I sleeping?' If you toss and turn, wake up in the middle of the night, or wake up with a sore back, your mattress needs replacing. Any spring mattress over 8 years old should also be replaced. Good sleep is one of the most important factors in your quality of life. Don't undermine your slumber with an old mattress.
How long your mattress will last depends on many factors. Is the mattress used nightly or it a guest room mattress? Was the mattress a top quality mattress when originally purchased? The weight and the sleep habits of the people who sleep on a mattress all factor into how long it will maintain optimum performance. People's bodies change over time, and their need for adequate comfort and support increases as they get older. That's why it's a good idea to compare the mattress and foundation you are sleeping on now to newer models at least every few years. Studies show that 87% of people who purchase a new mattress are satisfied with their choice and its impact on the quality of their sleep.
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Q. I have decided on a foam mattress, why should I buy from Yoursleepstore.com?
A. Yoursleepstore.com memory foam mattresses use comparable Visco memory cell technology as offered by Tempurpedic - but at a cost savings of up to 45%! In addition, you'll receive first-class customer service every step of the way, and prompt delivery (up to 10 days faster than Tempurpedic). We also offer free shipping in the 48 contiguous states.
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Q. How do I find a mattress on your site?
A. Our site is set up to make mattress shopping as fun and easy as possible. We provide different ways to search for a mattress, including by comfort level, type and manufacturer. Once you get a general idea of which mattress you are looking for, click on the thumbnail image for the complete details on the mattress. You can then choose that mattress and enter our design center to complete your new sleep system.
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Q. What are the different mattress sizes?
| Twin Mattress Size |
39" wide x 75" long |
| Twin Extra Long Mattress Size |
39" wide x 80" long |
| Full Mattress Size |
54" wide x 75" long |
| Full Extra Long Mattress |
54" wide x 80" long |
| Queen Mattress Size |
60" wide x 80" long |
| Queen Split Mattress |
60" wide x 80" long
Two 30" x 80" |
| King Mattress Size |
76" wide x 80" long |
| King Split Mattress |
78" wide x 80" long
Two Twin Extra Long beds together |
| California/Western King Mattress |
72" wide x 84" long |
| * Headboard, footboard (and canopy) heights are posted on each specific item page. |
Buying a too-small mattress is one of the biggest mistakes new bed-buyers make. Couples who've been sleeping on a "double" since they got married may think that's just fine, until they learn that each person has only as much sleeping space as a baby's crib! Here are size guidelines for shoppers from the Better Sleep Council:
Full beds, sometimes still called "double," are 54 inches wide, which is just 15 inches wider than a twin size (single). That leaves each partner only 27 inches of personal space, or about the width of a crib. Both twin and full sizes are approximately 75 inches long, which may be too short for some adults, especially men.
Recommendations: Full size is only enough space for a single sleeper and only if under 5 feet 5 inches tall. Parents are increasingly choosing full size over twin for teenage bedrooms, and even for younger children in order to give parents a more comfortable place to rest when reading together at tuck-in time.
Queen beds are 60 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full size mattress. These added inches can make all the difference in comfort, especially for couples, and have made the queen today's most popular mattress size. However, with 30 inches of personal space, each adult still has 9 inches less width than if they slept alone in a twin bed.
Recommendations: Queen size is a good choice for guest rooms, smaller master bedrooms and for couples who prefer close quarters. It's also a great choice for single sleepers who are also "sprawlers."
King beds are 76 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – about 18 inches wider than a queen. This is the closest a couple can come to having as much personal space (38 inches) as each would have on a twin bed. In fact, two twin extra-long beds pushed together are about the same size, an option that can offer a flexible arrangement for a guest room.
**For consumers on the west coast, there is also the "California King," which is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long – 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a regular king.
Recommendations: King size is the best choice for couples that want maximum personal sleeping space. It's also the best bet to accommodate that time on Sunday morning when children may pop into bed – or if the pets in your house have mattress privileges! However, size can be a problem. Even with a "split box spring" – two twin-size foundations to support it – to make a king set more manageable, it may be too big for some bedrooms or too bulky to navigate through some corridors, doors and stairwells. It's a good idea to break out the tape measure if there is any doubt.
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. What kind of mattress will provide the level of comfort I'm looking for?
A. When choosing a mattress, it is especially important to identify your personal comfort preference. After all, however many features a mattress may have, you won't get a restful night's sleep if you're uncomfortable! Take a moment to make your selection according to the descriptions below:
- Firm - If you prefer a mattress without much give, a firm mattress is probably your best option. Firm mattresses have a layer of cushioning but are not as soft as other models. Though mattress firmness does not directly correlate to support, many people with back problems elect to sleep on a firm mattress, stating that the firmer padding prevents their back from sinking into an uncomfortable position.
- Plush - Offering a level of comfort directly in the middle of the spectrum, a plush mattress is a good choice for someone who does not have a distinct comfort preference or who characterizes themselves as a "stomach sleeper". Decidedly softer than a firm mattress but less cushioned than a pillow top or euro top model, a plush model is the perfect compromise if your mattress firmness preferences differ from your partner's.
- Pillow Top - If you have ever added a mattress pad to your mattress to make it softer, a pillow top model may be exactly what you're looking for. Pillow top mattresses incorporate a gusseted pad attached to the top of the mattress for a distinct featherbed feel.
- Euro Top - A euro top model incorporates an extra layer of cushioning at the top of the mattress. Unlike a pillow top mattress, the cushioning on a euro top mattress is actually sewn into the mattress. Sleepers with painful joints may enjoy the gentle cushioning of a euro top mattress.
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Q. How do I find a mattress exactly like my old one?
A. What do you do when the perfect mattress doesn't provide the same support that it once did? You try to find the same one, or the closest thing to it. Mattress lines are always evolving and tend to change every year or two. This means it might be hard to find the exact same mattress. However, by determining your preferred comfort level, you can find one that feels just like it.
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Q. I slept on a mattress I loved in a hotel, can I purchase the same mattress for my home?
A. Certain mattresses are specifically made for and only sold to hotel industry. This is because - in general - hotel mattresses have to be flipped often because of staining, and are supported by a boxspring with coils (sort of like a second mattress). A quick call to the hotel will establish the company that manufactures the mattresses used by the hotel, and from there you can generally find almost the exact equivalent mattress, adjusted for home use. So contact us now, and we'll research it for you! Once you get a new mattress from us, close your eyes - it will feel like you're on vacation!
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Q. How can I get a Queen or King size foundation up a narrow staircase?
A. Sometimes Queen and King foundations can provide a significant challenge when trying to ascend a narrow staircase. Fortunately, there is no need to bang up your wall trying to squeeze it through. Some of our manufacturers offer a "split foundation," which involves two smaller foundations instead of one large one. It is a good idea to call us if you are interested in this type of foundation.
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Q. Are all of your mattresses new?
A. YES!! All of our mattresses go straight from the factory directly to you. We do not sell any used or reconditioned mattresses or box springs. You can rest assured that you are getting a quality mattress that is committed to your comfort, and brand new!
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Q. Do you offer any warranties?
A. All of the products listed on our site are in brand-new condition and backed by a full manufacturer's warranty.
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Q. Do you collect sales tax?
A. A huge benefit of buying online is that we do not charge sales tax on delivery anywhere in the United States, except for Florida where our corporate office is located.
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Q. Is it a bad idea to order a mattress without foundations?
A. Sometimes it is fine to order just a mattress, assuming that your foundations are still ingreat condition. Chances are, however, if your mattress needs to be replaced, so do your foundations. You wouldn't build a brand new house on a crumbling foundation, would you? A new mattress will eventually sink into the worn areas of the foundation, removing the comfort from your night's sleep.
A mattress and foundation are engineered to work together as a set, and the foundation takes a lot of the nightly wear and tear and contributes to the bed's overall comfort and support. Putting a new mattress on an old foundation, pairing it with a foundation it wasn't designed to work with or adding a board between the mattress and foundation will impede comfort and reduce the useful life of your new mattress.
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Q. What is the difference between King and California King size mattresses?
A. Both of these sizes are big enough for an entire royal family, but they have slightly different dimensions. Regular King, or Eastern King mattresses, are a little wider than California Kings, and not as long. The Eastern King is the more popular of the two, but the further West you go, the more prevalent the California Kings will be. See our mattress size chart here.
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Q. How do I clean my mattress?
A. The best way to clean your mattress is to cover it so it doesn't get dirty in the first place! Putting a mattress pad or mattress protector under your sheets is definitely a good idea. If your mattress does get a little dirty, we recommend using a vacuum to get the dirt out. For stains, apply a conservative amount of mild soap and cold water. Just don't soak the mattress or foundation, as mildew can become an unwelcome guest.
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Q. What is your return policy?
A. On most of our products, you may return your purchase for any reason within 30 days of receipt for an exchange or a refund of the purchase price, excluding shipping and handling costs and re-stocking fees. Click here to view our full return policy.
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Q. What is the best type of bed for my bad back?
A. When it comes to a medical condition, we always recommend consulting a physician before purchasing a mattress. Everyone's body works differently, so it is best to get advice from those who are most knowledgeable about your body. Our wide range of comfort scales can generally accommodate your specific needs.
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Q. What are the differences in bed types?
A. INNERSPRING. The most widely purchased type of bedding uses the support of tempered steel coils in a variety of configurations. Layers of upholstery provide insulation and cushioning between your body and the spring unit. The result of this basic approach, and we do NOT carry any innerspring mattresses.
FOAM. Solid foam mattresses also offer a wide choice of "feels". They can be made of a solid core or of several layers of different types of foam laminated together. Advanced technology in polyurethane foams, refinements to traditional latex foams and the new viscoelastic foams have added to the choice of comfort, support and performance.
FOUNDATION. A good foundation (box spring) is as important as a good mattress. Don't put a new mattress on an old foundation. When you select the mattress, purchase its companion foundation—the two are designed to work best together. In fact, buying the mattress without its matching foundation may affect the terms of the warranty.
Don't Forget The Pillow. Just as your bed should provide good support for your body, your pillow should give you the right cushioning to position your head and neck properly. It should hold your head in the same relation to your shoulders and spine as if you were standing with correct upright posture. If you sleep on your side, you may want a fairly firm pillow to give your head and neck extra support. If you sleep on your back, try a medium-firm pillow to cradle your head with more "give". And if you sleep on your stomach (although some physicians caution against this position), choose a soft pillow to lessen the strain on your neck.
Other Choices
AIR MATTRESSES . Airbeds are now designed to look like the familiar mattress/foundation combination, with an air-filled core providing the support instead of an innerspring unit or foam core. These designs also offer a range of feels and typically are adjustable to suit individual sleepers' needs.
FUTONS. Futons are a popular alternative for those who need a sofa by day and a mattress by night. The mattresses must be very flexible, so they are typically made of cotton, synthetic fibers and foam in various combinations. The futon is designed to support sitting as well as sleeping.
ADJUSTABLE BEDS. Electrically adjustable beds allow sleepers to adjust the head and foot of the bed to the most comfortable position. The mattress and foundation must be specially built for the flexing motion and can be innerspring, foam or a combination. Since the flexing causes extra wear on the mattress, quality construction is very important. Mattresses not built for this purpose should not be used with an adjustable bed frame.
WATERBEDS. The newest waterbed designs are also built to look like the familiar mattress/foundation, with a water-filled core providing the support and layers of upholstery for insulation and surface comfort. Quality construction is especially critical when water is involved, so look for assurance that the vinyl and seaming are designed for maximum durability.
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Q. How do I care for my new mattress?
A. Consider your new mattress and foundation as "sleep equipment" that needs to be cared for in order to assure the best hygiene and performance. It's important to follow mattress care instructions from the maker of your mattress as products vary greatly. However in general it's important to know about the following:
- Proper installation Make sure your new mattress and foundation are properly installed in your home. Improper installation can damage your new sleep set. If you choose to transport and install on your own, ask the store personnel to give you some tips to help you avoid problems.
- Use a protective pad. A good quality, washable mattress pad or mattress protector (and one for the foundation, too, if you like) is a must to keep your set fresh and free from stains.
- Let it breathe. If you detect a slight "new product" odor, leave the mattress and foundation uncovered and well ventilated for a few hours. A breath of fresh air should do the trick!
- Give it good support. Use a sturdy bed frame. If it's a queen or king size set, make sure your frame has the adequate center support that will prevent bowing or breakage.
- Don't dry clean. The chemicals in dry cleaning agents/spot removers may be harmful to the fabric or underlying materials. Vacuuming is the only recommended cleaning method. But if you're determined to tackle a stain, use mild soap with cold water and apply lightly. Do not ever soak a mattress or foundation.
- Don't remove the tag. Contrary to popular belief, it's not illegal to remove the law tag, but the information on the label will serve as a means of identification should you have a warranty claim.
- It's not a trampoline. Don't let the kids jump on your sleep set. Their rough-housing could do damage to the interior construction, as well as to themselves!
- No boards, please. Never put a board between the mattress and foundation. It may enhance the sense of support for a while, but it will only make the problem worse over time. When any bed in your home has reached the "board stage", get rid of it.
- Out with the old. Now that you've treated yourself to a new sleep set, arrange to have your old bed removed and disposed of. Don't give it to the kids, relatives, guests or neighbors. If it wasn't good enough for you, it isn't good enough for anyone else. Throw it out!
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Q. How do I get rid of my old mattress?
A. Old beds turn up in the oddest places – in the bottom of lakes, by the side of the road, in the classified ads of the newspaper. Clearly, people don't know what to do with old mattresses! It estimated that nearly 70% of old beds stay in circulation, handed down like heirlooms to children and other family members. This is especially harmful for children, whose active, developing bodies require the support of a good quality mattress. If the bed is no longer good enough for you, it's not good enough for anybody else; throw it out. Here are two ways to get rid of an old sleep set:
Call your local municipality, sanitation department or garbage collector. They usually have provisions for picking up larger items, but you may need to make arrangements in advance.
If you find the condition of the old mattress embarrassing, do as many others do and send it off with an old, fitted sheet to serve as cover-up!
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Q. How much should I spend on a new mattress?
A. Mattress prices range from $99.00 to $6,500.00. We recommend you buy the best quality mattress you can afford. Keep in mind the average person spends one-third of their life in bed. A bed is one of the best investments a person can make. When you divide the cost of a quality mattress over its 10 year life, that is only pennies per night.
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Q. How long should my bedding last?
A. According to the Better Sleep Council, you should replace your mattress every 8-10 years. However, there are a few things you can do to add life to your new mattress. Buy a mattress with tempered coils and precompressed upholstery layers. A high quality mattress pad will keep the cover form dry-rotting prematurely. Turn your mattress so the layers of padding will settle evenly.
Remember, if you have any questions about your mattress purchase, don't hesitate to call! Our friendly sleep specialists will walk you through the decision process and help you find exactly what you need. Contact us if you have any questions whatsoever. We promise to get back to you promptly!
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