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Questions

If your question is not included, please submit it and Sealy will revert with the answer as soon as possible. Sealy also endeavour to update this FAQ list periodically.

1.   How can I tell if I need a new mattress?
2.   How long should my bedding last?
3.   Can I compare my old bedding to bedding available today?
4.   How do I compare today's bedding?
5.   What are the dimensions of traditional bedding?
6.   Should I replace my foundation when purchasing a new mattress?
7.   How much should I spend on a new sleep set?
8.   How do I shop for a mattress?
9.   What type of mattress should I buy for my child?
10.   What should I do with my old bedding?
11.   Can my children use my old mattress?
12.   Does a mattress need to be hard in order to be good for me?
13.   How do I make sure I get adequate support in a sleep system?
14.   How do I carry my mattress?
15.   How and why do I rotate my bedding?
16.   How do I maintain consistent comfort feel throughout the life of my bedding?
17.   How do I avoid body impressions in my mattress?
18.   How do I care for my mattress?
19.   How do I clean my mattress?
20.   Why are there so many different quilting designs?
21.   Why are some of today's beds so thick? My sheets don't fit!
22.   Whom should I call with a warranty concern?


Answers

1. How can I tell if I need a new mattress?

Trust your body! If you're waking up to little aches and pains (some that might last all day), it's generally a good indicator that your body isn't getting the proper rest and support that it needs throughout the night. Try our Bed Check List to determine if you need a new mattress.
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2. How long should my bedding last?
The Better Sleep Council advises consumers to buy the highest quality bedding they can afford, and then replace old bedding every 8-10 years. After this many years, even the best bedding may no longer provide the best comfort and support. Remember, you bed is probably the most used piece of furniture in your home!
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3. Can I compare my old bedding to bedding available today?
No, the design and manufacturing of bedding has changed dramatically -- even over the last 10 years! Innerspring technology has improved, new upholstery materials are being used every day and comfort choices have been expanded to give consumers a greater selection!
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4. How do I compare today's bedding?
Compare by the "comfort feel and support" of the bedding. Find one that you like, then see what levels of comfort and support you can get for the same amount of money in another store. Don't forget to compare store services and delivery as well! We encourage you to compare brands also. There is a reason Sealy is the industry leader -- we strive to be innovators and set the standard. Only Sealy Posturepedic Sleep Systems contain the patented Sense & Respond System with Sensory Arm feature that responds with increasing support as body weight is applied. The fully sprung foundation also improves mattress support and lengthens its life. And only Sealy Posturepedic is designed in co-operation with American Orthopaedic Surgeons. · Shop at the Sealy Posturepedic franchised dealer that offers you the widest range of Sealy Posturepedics at competitive prices · Value is when you like what you get for what you've paid. (Low quality bedding at cheap prices is not value)
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5. What are the dimensions of traditional bedding?
King: 1830 mm
Queen: 1520mm
Double: 1370mm
Three Quarter: 1070mm
Single/Twin: 915mm
Standard length is 1880mm
(selected models available in 2000mm length at no extra cost).
(Sizes are as specified by SABS with a 10mm tolerance either way.)
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6. Should I replace my foundation when purchasing a new mattress?
A good fully sprung foundation is as important as a good mattress! It acts much like a large shock absorber, taking a lot of the nightly wear and tear. And it contributes to your comfort and support. Don't put a new mattress on an old foundation. When you select the mattress, purchase its companion sprung foundation -- the two are designed to work best together. Sealy engineers invented "foundation support" in the 1970's, which sets the standard for today's bedding. Don't put a mattress on a 'firm' or 'hard-top' base - it slashes mattress life and substantially reduces comfort.
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7. How much should I spend on a new sleep set?
You spend more time on your bed than on any other piece of furniture in your home, and the best assurance of good performance is to buy the highest quality sleep set you can afford!
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8. How do I shop for a mattress?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you can easily remove for lying down. Take you time! You can't judge support and comfort by sitting on an edge or lying down for just a few seconds. Lie on the bed the way you would sleep, and if you sleep with a partner, take them with you to decide if you'll be fighting for space. Don't be shy! Shop at a store that you know and trust and buy a brand you know and trust -- and read as much information about the bed available. Remember, buy the best bed that you can afford -- you can always find "bargain bedding", but it's no bargain if you can't get a good night's sleep!
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9. What type of mattress should I buy for my child?
Children need the same amount of support and comfort as adults do, so don't be lured into a "bargain" -- buy the best you can afford!
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10. What should I do with my old bedding?
Most bedding retail stores include disposal of old bedding as a value-added store service -- ask about this type of service before you purchase!
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11. Can my children use my old mattress?
Mattresses typically have a comfort life of 8 - 10 years. It's not recommended for anyone to sleep on a mattress older than 10 years. It will be no more comfortable or supportive for your children than it was for you.
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12. Does a mattress need to be hard in order to be good for me?
No! With today's technology, the support that your body needs comes from the quality and design of the innerspring coil unit and foundation. One manufacturer's "Firm" may actually feel much harder than another's "Extra Firm"! Don't be fooled by the labels manufacturers put on their mattresses. A sleep set that provides correct support is better than a hard mattress. Sealy Posturepedic offers the correct support regardless of comfort level or price.
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13. How do I make sure I get adequate support in a sleep system?
A good mattress and fully sprung foundation will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same shape as a person with a good standing posture. Sealy Posturepedic Sleep Systems contain the patented Sense and Respond Support System with Sensory Arm feature that responds with increasing support as body weight is applied. Essential to lasting support is a good fully sprung foundation.
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14. How do I carry my mattress?
Carry your mattress flat on its side. It's easier to handle and less likely to get damaged. Don't carry your mattress using the handles. Use handles only to position your mattress on its foundation. Don't bend your mattress under any circumstances. Such treatment may damage the innerspring unit. Flex rather than bend the mattress when going through doorways, and don't bend the corners when putting on fitted sheets.
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15. How and why do I rotate my bedding?


15. The easiest way to turn a mattress - using 2 people, to prevent personal injury - is to swivel the mattress through 90 degrees. Grasping the tape edge on the ends of the mattress, flip it over and swivel 90 degrees again to complete positioning. Remember, a good mattress only needs turning over every second month. A full 180-degree rotation is all that is required every other month.

Warning: do not attempt to turn the mattress by yourself. This may cause personal injury or damage to your mattress. When delivered, set up your mattress with the label at the foot end.

Following the full rotation cycle illustrated above will ensure that your mattress is rotated properly. Complete the rotation cycle every two weeks during your first three months of ownership. Continue this process once every month for the life of your sleep set.
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16. How do I maintain consistent comfort feel throughout the life of my bedding?
The consistent rotation of your bedding is the single most important thing you can do to ensure the comfortable lifetime of your bedding. For instructions on how to properly rotate your bedding, please refer to answer # 15 of this FAQ list.
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17. How do I avoid body impressions in my mattress?
Body indentations, up to ±3cm, are a perfectly normal occurrence in your Sealy mattress and indicate that the multiple upholstery layers (usually natural cotton fibres) are settling and conforming to your own bodies individual contours. The turning sequence shown in answer #15, will minimize natural settlement, as it's own mass will help compress the fibres evenly.
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18. How do I care for my mattress?
Keep your mattress clean. We suggest using a mattress protector, especially if children use the bed. Don't allow your mattress to get wet. Protect it from water or other liquids.
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19. How do I clean my mattress?
Keeping your bedding clean is simple with the use of a mattress protector. Vacuuming is the only recommended cleaning method. If you must clean a stain, use a mild dry cleaning agent and apply lightly! Don't use soap - it could damage some of the comfort and upholstery materials. Sealy cannot be held responsible for damage to your mattress from soap and other cleaning agents.
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20. Why are there so many different quilting designs?
The quilting design on a mattress cover helps determine the firmness or plushness of the sleep surface. If a quilting design is small and close, the bed will tend to feel firmer; if the design is large and spread out, the bed will usually feel plusher. Remember, when you purchase a Sealy Posturepedic Sleep Set, you get the correct support regardless of comfort level or price.
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21. Why are some of today's beds so thick?
My sheets don't fit! Today's mattresses are manufactured with much more padding upholstery and comfort layers than in days gone by! Many consumers prefer the plush and ultra-plush comfort that these thick mattresses provide. You can find 'High Profile' sheets that fit in almost any specialist linen store today. However, Sealy also makes many models that are not as thick as the new high-profile mattresses.
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22. Whom should I call with a warranty concern?
Please contact the retail store where you made your purchase - they'll be glad to help you! However, if the store has closed, or if you have moved, phone our toll-free helpline number 0800-016-335. Our friendly consultants will be happy to assist you. If you have any questions that remain unanswered, please submit a question to our experts at sealyinfo@bgsp.co.za.
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