How to buy a bed

How to buy a bed
How to buy a bed

Tips from Marc Dozeman, owner of Buis Mattress

Purchasing a new bed is a big investment from both financial and health standpoints. We spend a third of our lives asleep, and that’s why it’s so important to select the right mattress.

On average, mattresses last about seven to eight years, and with so many new styles and brands out there, it can be hard knowing which one to purchase. Marc Dozeman, owner of Buis Mattress in Holland, shared a few tips on finding the perfect bed.

Marc Dozeman
Marc Dozeman, owner of Buis Mattress
Photo: Urban St./David Hoekman

When to buy

The best time to buy a mattress is when your mattress is no longer providing a good night’s sleep. If you wake up sore, it’s time to buy a mattress. Your worn-down mattress isn’t going to get better with age.

How to buy

People ask me all the time what makes a great mattress; it’s really pretty simple. No. 1, you have to like the way it supports and feels. And No. 2, how long is it going to maintain that feel? That’s it. The first part is pretty simple; the second part is trying to get information about the components in a mattress that will affect durability.

This is the hard part. Most floor associates don’t know about the amount of wire going into an innerspring and they don’t know the densities of the foam. They just say, “It has a warranty.” Warranties cover manufacturing defects, not customer comfort and the normal breaking down of a mattress.

The best thing a person can do is find out what goes into a mattress. Unapologetically, I say, “Come see us first.” There are very few people who can or will explain what goes into a mattress. Once you get the basic information, you can go out and ask specific questions.

what to buyWhat to buy

Foam: It’s very important to get the density of the base foam. In my opinion, it should be no less than 2.8 pounds of density. Anything less should be considered a guest bed or short-term mattress. The lack of motion transfer is a plus, but you tend to feel where you sleep quicker.

Pocket coil: Innerspring will vary greatly in construction; more wire means a longer-lasting mattress. Lack of motion transfer also is a plus, and it’s good for pressure point issues. Pocket coil tends to break down faster than traditional innerspring mattresses.

Helical-tied innerspring: This probably has the widest range of quality, from low to high. The longer the wire, gauge of wire and coil count, the better. It offers the best support and durability in the better innersprings. But the con? It will transfer motion between individuals. 

Buis Mattress
440 S. Waverly Road
Holland
616-396-6257
buismattress.net