There are few common (and untrue) beliefs that come along with mattress shopping. Mattress Firm gathered up our own dirty dozen mattress myths and debunked them here on The Daily Doze!

1. Bigger means better.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not always the case. When it comes to buying a new mattress, increased bed space doesn’t necessarily translate to more comfort. If you’re downsizing and looking for more space, a full mattress or twin mattress could be perfect for your space. Sharing your bed with another? It may be best to purchase a queen mattress or king mattress.

2. Mattresses last up to 20 years.

Mattresses should be replaced WAY sooner. Considering the amount of dead skin cells and other things that accumulate, it’s not a good idea to hold on to a bed for more than 8 years.

3. You can’t clean a mattress.

Mattresses can be cleaned, depending on the type of mattress. Mattress Firm suggests using a vacuum regularly to suck the dust and dirt out of your mattress. But, the best way to keep your bed clean is to purchase a mattress topper from Mattress Firm to be used as a safeguard for your bed from stains and liquids.

4. Mattresses are expensive.

Sleep is a fundamental part of our lives, so it’s important to make a good mattress investment to ensure quality sleep. Mattress Firm offers great prices as well as financing options, there’s no need to sacrifice sleep comfort for savings.

5. Mattresses can’t be returned after being purchased.

Your mattress should come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and Mattress Firm also has a return policy to guarantee your satisfaction with your new mattress. No one wants to deal with warranty issues and most of the sleep accessories and products offered at Mattress Firm are covered. You can read more about our Love Your Mattress Guarantee here.

6. Firm mattresses are the best.

This is not always true; many types of mattresses can give a good night’s sleep. Your sleep preferences should determine what type of mattress is best for you. Keep health concerns in mind too when choosing firm or soft. If you are not sure, Mattress Firm employees can help you choose the perfect Mattress Firm mattress for your best night’s sleep.

7. Higher thread count = better sheets.

When it comes to bed sheets, it’s more important to consider quality over quantity. Even with a lower thread count, the best sheets are made from the best material. Thread count refers to the amount of fabric per square inch and a good rule of thumb is to stay above 200. Popular sheet options include Cotton, Percale, Satin, and Sateen.

8. You should flip your mattress.

Rest assured, flipping your bed is no longer necessary for the upkeep of your mattress. Mattress Firm knows people used flipping their mattresses to prompt even wear on their bed but many newer mattress varieties have single-sided padding and no longer require flipping for maximum comfort and longevity.

9. You don’t need to try your bed before buying it.

Buying a new mattress without trying it out is not recommended. Testing your mattress is an important step in the mattress-buying process to make sure you are getting exactly what you want. Mattress Firm wants to help you find the perfect mattress for you, so we encourage you to take each mattress for a test drive in-store to see if it’s the right fit for you.

10. Mattress springs are a thing of the past!

Not true! Some popular options such as innersprings and hybrids can provide a high level of comfort and make for a great night’s sleep.

11. Your sleep position doesn’t matter.

The way you sleep matters! Your sleep position has the power to negatively impact your health. From back pain to allergies, the way you’re sleeping each night could hurt you more than you may realize.

12. My mattress makes me sweat.

While your mattress could be a factor, your sleeping environment could be the main cause of your temperature troubles. Reevaluate everything from your sheets to your pillows to help you sleep cooler during the warmer months. To sleep even easier, consider a new Mattress Firm mattress with cooling technology.

When it comes to mattress shopping, it’s important to think about your specific sleep needs as the top priority. The right bed will be one that provides the most support and value to you. Visit any of our Mattress Firm locations to find your perfect match and start sleeping easier and better, tonight.