Buying Guide

We would like to make your experience shopping for furniture enjoyable, rewarding, and successful. We realize that purchasing furniture can be quite a daunting task without receiving the necessary help and information. In order to make your experience easier, we offer a furniture buying guide to give you the information you need on all of our products, from Bedrooms to Patio furniture, and everywhere in between. Search through our offerings and learn more about each category of furniture it pays to keep some basic facts in mind before you begin shopping for furniture.

Mattress/Memory foam

There are basically three common types of mattresses used today: spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses and inflatable mattresses. Each type has its own benefits. A mattress pad is a less expensive way to add comfort to your bed than purchasing a whole new mattress. With that said, if your mattress is lumpy or saggy, a mattress topper probably won't make much difference. If it is good, though, you have many different choices in material, price, and comfort. Whatever you get, just make sure you purchase the right size for your bed frame.

Mattress sizes
Several factors affect the size of mattress you'll need. First and foremost, you need one that matches the size of the bed. If you have an adjustable bed frame that could fit several mattress sizes, consider the size of the person or people who will be sleeping on it. King mattresses (California and standard) are the largest, followed by queen mattresses, full mattresses and twin mattresses. The dimensions of each size are as follows:

California king mattress: 72 inches wide x 84 inches long
King mattress: 76 inches wide x 80 inches long
Queen mattress: 60 inches wide x 80 inches long
Full mattress: 54 inches wide x 75 inches long
Twin mattress: 39 inches wide x 75 inches long (80 inches for extra long twin mattresses)

Spring mattresses
A traditional spring mattress consists of tempered steel springs covered with layers of upholstery. You need to pay special attention to the spring count and the quality of the upholstery surrounding the springs. The upholstery both insulates and cushions so you don't feel all those springs. A pillow top provides an extra layer of cushion. However, a pillow-top mattress cannot be flipped over periodically to prevent sagging.

A higher coil count means the springs will have a smaller diameter and probably won't be quite as stiff. However, you will get more even support, especially for those curvy areas that can develop pressure points.

Most mattress sets (mattress and box springs foundation) are designed to work together. That means a new mattress on old box springs probably won't be as comfortable as it could be. So when you buy a new spring mattress, think seriously about purchasing the whole mattress set.

Memory foam
Developed by NASA to reduce the g-forces astronauts feel during liftoff, visco-elastic memory foam softens when it comes in contact with heat. It conforms to your shape, giving even, uniform support to your whole body. A memory foam bed eliminates some of the aches and pains caused on your more sensitive areas by regular spring mattresses.

Memory foam is often used in medical applications, and for that reason, the first memory foam available to consumers was quite pricey. The cost of memory foam has come down in recent years, however, giving everyone the opportunity to have a good night's rest. You don't have to buy a whole new mattress in order to enjoy the benefits of memory foam, either. You can also purchase memory foam mattress toppers, memory foam pillows, memory foam lounge bags and more.

While there are many memory foam products available, not all memory foam is created equal. There are variations in density, durability and firmness -- all important qualities when it comes to how comfortable and long-lasting memory foam can be.

Memory foam mattresses soften when they come in contact with heat. That means they mold to the shape of your body when you lay down, evenly distributing your weight. Memory foam mattresses eliminate sensitive pressure points that can develop with other mattresses, helping you sleep comfortably.

Memory foam mattresses: When buying a memory foam mattress, it is important to pay attention to the memory foam's density. A higher density rating means a firmer, more durable mattress, so if you don't like it firm, get a lower density. Overall, Visco-elastic memory foam mattresses are heavier than spring ones, but they don't collect as much dust. A memory foam mattress does not need to sit on box springs. It only needs a flat, stable foundation. Usually a sheet or two of plywood on several cross supports is all you need.

Memory foam mattress toppers: Just like with memory foam mattresses, it is important to pay attention to the density of memory foam mattress toppers. A topper's thickness is also important. A thicker pad will provide more molding support but may limit the firmness of the mattress underneath.

What if my memory foam changes colors?
Memory foam will go through some discoloration when exposed to direct natural light. This will not affect its performance. Keep your memory foam mattress or mattress topper away from direct sunlight to avoid discoloration.

Memory foam density
The first thing to know about memory foam products is they vary in density. This is measured in pounds, with higher numbers meaning greater density. A 4-pound density means that each cubic foot of that memory foam weighs 4 pounds. While this measurement varies among manufacturers, you'll probably be safe with any memory foam product ranging from 3 to 6 lbs. If you want something a little firmer, go with the 5- or 6-pound density mattress. If you like your bed a little softer, go with the 3-pound memory foam. Just be aware that a lower density mattress probably won't hold up as well under years of use.
Remember, the measurement of density does not describe the total weight of the memory foam. Because of its density, a memory foam mattress will typically weigh more than a spring mattress of the same size.

Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are available for all bed sizes. If you have a bed partner, a memory foam mattress is great because one person's movements usually don't affect the other person. Memory foam mattresses absorb the movement, instead of bouncing or rocking like spring mattresses.

Most memory foam mattresses contain multiple layers of foam, each with a different density, so the mattress can appropriately respond to movement and body shape. Generally, a 2- or 3-layer mattress is ideal. Some companies produce mattresses with more layers, but you probably won't notice any added comfort. Additionally, more layers means more seams in the memory foam, reducing mattress durability.

For those who sleep on their side, a softer, 3- or 4-lb. memory foam mattress is what you want. This less dense memory foam will conform better to your natural shape by allowing your hips and shoulders to sink deeper. Back sleepers will probably want firmer memory foam, a 4.5- to 6-pound density. You'll get the firmness that allows you to lie flat with even support for all areas.

Memory foam pillows
When most people think of memory foam pillows, they think of contour pillows. Contour pillows are so-called because the memory foam is molded in a particular shape, thicker on the top and bottom edges. This special shape is designed to keep your head in a more natural position, so your spine stays properly aligned.
You can also purchase other memory foam pillows that are shaped like traditional pillows. It won't be "fluffy," but a memory foam pillow won't require any fluffing or rearranging during the night like a down pillow would. Your head and neck will get the support they need all night long. As with mattresses, remember to note the density of the memory foam, so you get the appropriate firmness.

Memory foam mattress toppers
If your current mattress is still quite firm and in relatively good condition, you might enjoy a memory foam mattress topper. You can choose from a variety of thicknesses and densities. Just remember, if your mattress sags, the memory foam mattress pad probably won't be very effective. Any support you do get from the memory foam will probably be offset by the sagging mattress.

How long will a memory foam mattress last?
A memory foam mattress should stay firm and supportive for many years, generally a few years longer than a comparable spring mattress. If you want to prolong the life of your memory foam mattress, make sure you purchase one that comes with a removable fabric cover. A cover will protect the memory foam and it can be washed, if needed. That's a lot easier than cleaning the memory foam itself. If you feel like the cover limits the thermal responsiveness of the memory foam, just remove it.

Does memory foam get too hot while you sleep?
Most people have no problem with this. If it is an issue, it probably has more to do with the thermostat than the mattress! Memory foam isn't like regular insulating foam; it has an open cell structure which, for the most part, allows heat to move out and away from your body. Some warmth is retained, but this helps you save money in the winter time by allowing you to turn down the furnace. If you tend to be a "hot sleeper," look for a memory foam mattress that has a ventilation system. Another big factor here is your bedding. Check out Efurnitureusa.com's sheet sets and blankets to find the right bedding for every season--that's good advice whether you have a memory foam mattress or another kind!

Will memory foam get softer with time?
Memory foam mattresses do soften a little over the years, but they don't sag and lose support as a spring mattress would. Generally, firmer memory foam mattresses retain their supportive values better than less dense ones. If your memory foam mattress is several years old and appears to be losing some of its firmness, you could give it a few more years of use with a new memory foam mattress topper.

What about the box spring?
Memory foam mattresses don't need box springs. In fact, a flexible box spring under a memory foam mattress may be detrimental to your comfort. Memory foam mattresses do need some type of flat, stable foundation. To adapt your current bed, lay one or two sheets of plywood over a few cross planks that span the frame. A platform bed is ideal for memory foam, and you'll save lots of money on beautiful, quality platform beds at Efurnitureusa.com.

Inflatable mattresses
Air beds also come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Today's air beds are usually designed to mimic spring mattresses, with air providing the support. Many even have pillow tops for added comfort. Air mattresses are great if you want something that will let you sleep comfortably and can be easily transported or stored away. And an inflatable mattress lets you adjust the firmness when you feel like it.

One of the most important things to pay attention to when it comes to purchasing an air bed is its construction. Heavy duty vinyl is important; you don't want to poke a hole in your inflatable bed in the middle of the night. Also, if you are planning on using the mattress with an actual bed frame, make sure the air pump won't get in the way.

Featherbeds
Featherbeds are essentially down mattress pads, and a quality one provides softness and insulation that is difficult to imitate. The most important features of any featherbed are its type of down, its thread count, and the design it employs to keep the down in place. Goose down is the best, especially Hungarian goose down. And a baffle-box design helps the down stay in place while keeping its fullest loft.

How can I tell if its time for a new mattress?
If your mattress is visibly sagging in the middle, it is past time for a new mattress. Also, pay attention to your body. If you are in pain after sleeping or can't sleep as well as you used to, there is a good chance your mattress is to blame. Rotating and flipping your mattress helps prolong its life and prevent sagging.

Is a latex mattress different from a memory foam mattress?
Yes, latex and memory foam are different, though they have many of the same characteristics. Latex does not react to heat like memory foam, which means it is more resilient and pushes back against your body. Some memory foam mattresses actually have a little latex mixed in to add a bit of resilience.