When your mattress is torn up and fluffy you can tell it’s bad. But if it is in good shape, it’s difficult to say it’s old. Thousands of people fall prey to buying fake memory foam mattresses every month. So read this article to know how to spot a fake memory foam mattress or an old one, and avoid buying.
Scams regarding mattresses come in a variety of shapes and sizes. People have been known to remove damaged mattresses from skips, keep them clean, and resell them as new. This is extremely unsanitary, not to mention extremely uncomfortable.
Other times, people fabricate mattresses using fake materials, such as stating a mattress is “memory foam” when it isn’t.
Memory foam mattresses are made entirely of foam, with memory foam on the outside and different foams on the interior. These mattresses, however, are still very much memory foam mattresses. Furthermore, if they’re new, they’ll look and feel the same way.
How to Spot a Fake Memory Foam Mattress?
Scammers find an old mattress, either innerspring or inexpensive foam, insert a filler and then put it in a new cover. These counterfeit mattresses are offered as fresh by a “retailer” with no redress.
They not only do not provide the same level of comfort as a memory foam mattress, but they can also be harmful to your health. There’s no certainty that any fire safety precautions have been performed.
The mattress may emit vapors that nauseate, create headaches, or cause other side effects, depending on the chemicals employed in the original mattress or the topper. Bug infestations and other biological wastes may constitute a biohazard when substandard components are employed.
Let’s look at how to spot a fake memory foam mattress to verify if it’s genuine.
The Tags
Never forget to check the tags before you get them. They’ll be hemmed into the seams with a warning not to take the tag out and a description of the mattress’s materials. They may also provide information such as the country of origin, brand, and seller, among other things.
It’s not usually a determinant—it’s a bit easy to fake a tag—but scammers don’t always cogitate to be thorough, and the tag ends up looking poor.
Thickness
Your mattress should never be less than 8 inches thick, according to numerous makers as well as online sources. To provide comfort and stability, mattresses must incorporate a variety of materials.
The thickness of the mattress should be measured before buying any random one. Anything under the age of eight is likely to be a ruse. Indeed, many experts believe that even 8 inches are insufficient.
Memory foam Features
Memory foam mattresses are scientifically engineered to alleviate the pressure and spread weight, and the base layer is always made of high-density polyurethane foam.
Memory foam reacts to the shape of the sleeper’s body. If you like a mattress that exactly adapts to your body, gently caresses you, and provides exceptional support for the rib cage, shoulder, neck, and lumbar regions where all the other foam materials fail, this is the mattress for you.
Weight
Mattresses for doubles and up should weigh between 50 and 150 pounds, according to experts. It depends on the materials as well as the thickness of the foam, but if your mattress is unbelievably lightweight, it might not be the material it claims to be.
Figure out your mattress size in cubic feet if you want to get smart with it. Memory foam, according to many manufacturers, should weigh at least three pounds per cubic foot. It could be concerning if it weighs less.
Double Check Seller’s Information
A mattress should never be purchased from a door-to-door seller. These mattresses are almost often pre-owned or counterfeit. Check the maker and model using Google, Bing, or Yahoo Search. Confirm the contact information again. If you feel compelled, make a phone call.
Do not be embarrassed to double-check this information in front of the seller. Details on the product should be provided, and it should reflect what you look for.
Check If the Warranty is real or not
Always ask your seller for a warranty slip. Always look for positive mattress reviews on the internet or any users you know. Never forget to ask lots of smart questions about material and constructions. Non-prorated warranties are the best.
This means that during the replacement period, you won’t have to pay for anything. You should still double-check whether you need to pay for shipping and other fees. You don’t want the pro-rated warranty because it means you’ll have to pay an increasing amount of the mattress’s cost when it’s time to replace it.
This occurs regardless of the type of warranty problem you’re dealing with. Most corporations use this method to recuperate their losses at your expense. Another thing to keep an eye out for is the warranty period. Keep in mind that a guarantee that lasts a long time usually comes with a catch. It’s frequently utilized as a marketing strategy to help with mattress sales.
How to Spot a Mattress Scam and avoid it?
Retailers’ most typical scam involves exorbitant price markups when selling their wares. They do this to cover their overhead expenses and make a decent profit. The good news is that you can avoid overpaying.
Consider mattress companies that sell directly to their clients as a solution to this problem. With the widespread availability of the internet, many of these firms are now opting to conduct their operations online. This is done to keep the price low while yet providing good value for your money.
Don’t be Fooled by the Hype—Look for Real Results
The unfortunate truth is that the mattress industry makes a lot of money through hyped-up products. Most manufacturers will strive to create devices that include the most up-to-date sleep technologies. With time, they began to offer memory foam, gel memory foam, and temperature-adjustable mattresses.
Products come and go, but you should remain skeptical until you see real proof. That means you’ll have to wait for the figures to roll in before judging their quality. For example, it’s safe to believe that memory foam mattresses are excellent because many people who have tried them report that they are quite happy.
This is why, before you purchase a mattress, you should spend some time looking for actual reviews and ratings. This will assist you in determining the level of comfort provided by a new product. If you’re swayed by the marketing, you can end up with a mattress that you don’t like.
Verify the Reliability of the Reviews
One of the simplest ways to determine product quality is to look for online reviews. However, it’s critical to avoid being duped by retailers who just display their finest evaluations while concealing the rest. The worst-case scenario is a seller who bolsters their reputation by posting deceiving reviews.
That’s why it’s crucial to be cautious when dealing with merchants who only have favorable feedback. Make a point of reading their reviews critically. Check to see whether the people who have reviewed the mattress have the same concerns as you to see if this product will assist you in becoming more comfortable.
In general, you should browse about 10-15 reviews to get an idea of whether the mattress is right for you. Take a closer look at the rating distribution to see if a website cherry selects its reviews. If the seller only has excellent reviews and 4-5 star ratings, you may not have the complete picture.
Ask for a Cash-Back Guarantee
A one-year money-back guarantee is frequently offered by the most trustworthy mattress retailers. Only a few companies do this, so look for ones that provide at least a 90-day trial period. The reason for this is that you won’t know if it works until you test it in your own home.
People often take months to acclimate to their new mattresses, so a month-long money-back guarantee isn’t enough. It’s also crucial to stay away from companies that simply give comfort returns or store credit. It’s a common trap to assure that no matter whatever option you choose, you’ll end up buying from the same company.
You should inquire directly about your retailer’s refund policy. Because words can be confusing at times, it’s critical to understand the true meaning of these terms. Keep in mind that a comfort guarantee is not the same as a money-back guarantee.
Another trend is that traditional retail establishments are less likely to provide a legitimate money-back guarantee. Regardless, you must make certain that all fees associated with returning the mattress are reimbursed under the money-back guarantee period. It’s also crucial to check if the vendors honor their money-back guarantees.
Perform Your Homework
It’s easier to avoid being swept away by the excitement if you’re well-informed. It’s more challenging now when you have so many options other than traditional innerspring beds. If you want to obtain the best value, you should look into specialty mattresses.
When looking for a bed, you should look for a mattress with a basic “core” that you are comfortable with. It makes no difference if it’s made of springs, foam, latex, or air. All of these options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, but starting with the most standard models will help you figure out what works best for you.
If nothing else works, a high-density foam or latex foam mattress may be an option. After that, you can progress to memory foam, gradually increasing the level of difficulty. That way, you’ll have a better sense of what makes you feel more at ease.
This aims to remove all of the extra costs associated with superfluous features. That way, you’ll obtain the correct quantity of comfort layers, which will make a difference in your sleeping experience. If you go in blind, the sales speak and jargon will most likely overwhelm you, and you’ll end up buying an expensive mattress with unnecessary extras.
Memory foam mattress buying guide
You would feel that all memory foam is the same at first glimpse, but there are several different varieties of memory foam, each with its own set of benefits.
Types
Foam Density
High-density, medium-density, and low-density memory foam mattresses are available. High-density foam is the most sturdy, while medium-density foam provides the best motion absorption, making it a wonderful choice for couples who share a bed. Because low-density foam is easier to break in than higher-density foam, your body may adapt to the memory foam of a low-density mattress more quickly.
When assessing density levels, the weight of the foam is a helpful guideline. Medium-density foam, for example, typically weighs 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot, whereas high-density foam can weigh up to 10 pounds per cubic foot.
Thickness
The thickness of memory foam mattresses varies from 6 to 14 inches. Thick mattresses are generally softer than thin mattresses. Picking a lighter choice, on the other hand, will not detract from the inherent comfort of a memory foam mattress.
The basic support structure is the foundation foam, and each subsequent level provides greater softness. It’s also interesting to note that adding a memory foam mattress topper to your mattress can help boost its overall thickness and coziness.
Size
Even though memory foam mattresses are classified as specialized mattresses, they are available in all regular mattress sizes, making them easy to match with your existing bed frame. You’ll find the perfect memory foam mattress to fit your needs, whether you have a space-saving single bed or a luxury California king. If you’re starting from scratch and aren’t sure which mattress size is best for you, seek advice from a professional.
Budget
You’re essentially getting a good night’s sleep when you purchase a mattress. That is why it is never a bad idea to invest in a good mattress. Thankfully, not all memory foam mattresses are prohibitively expensive. The cost of a memory foam mattress varies depending on its thickness, size, and foam type, but it can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Final Words
When it comes to getting the most out of the money you would have spent on a mattress, you need to stay away from the cons. The very least you can do is examine a retailer’s or manufacturer’s repute by reading mattress insider reviews. Avoid falling into one or more of the pitfalls set up by unscrupulous salespeople if you go in naïve.
