December 2017

Four Reasons You Should Finance New Furniture

Posted on December 29, 2017 by Shop Manager

By the standards of most American consumers, purchasing a new bedroom set or even just a new mattress is a major purchase. Knowing this, and knowing how many people in need of new furniture do not have the cash on hand to pay for things in full the day of purchase, it only makes sense that we would offer generous financing here at Ben’s. While many individuals are able to pay for their furniture over time using their personal credit card, that often comes with significant interest rates. Financing through us, though, offers convenience, simplicity, and more money left in our customers’ pockets.

When shopping for new furniture at Ben’s, whether you are shopping online or in-store, consider the following things when possibly financing a purchase:

You Can Pay for Furniture Over Time

The biggest advantage to financing a bedroom set or a new mattress is that you do not have to pay for everything up front. These purchases can amount to thousands of dollars depending on how many items you are buying, and with generous loan terms we are able to give our customers more time to make several smaller payments instead of one big one. Not everybody can take a four-digit hit to their checking account at once, but we offer flexible payment plans to spread out the financial burden.

You Won’t Have to Pay Interest

Even better news is that these financing terms often come with zero interest, which means there is no cost to the customer for spreading these payments out over time. Unlike credit cards, which tack on interest from day one, the Synchrony accounts we use here at Ben’s allow for spaced-out payments that effectively work the same way as cash.

You Don’t Have to Have Established Credit

While having good credit is ideal when financing something, at Ben’s we do not require that customers have established credit to take advantage of financing. There are some stipulations for applications with no credit, including a required down payment in-store, proof of employment, and valid state identification. This actually can be a great way to build credit for those getting started, and you get a new bedroom set and mattress in the bargain, too!

You Can Apply In-Store

In some instances, consumers need to get pre-approval for loans at banks or credit unions before even setting foot into a showroom, but that’s not how things work here at Ben’s. You can apply for financing and get approved in-store the day you’re ready to buy, making it incredibly easy to space out your payments for a big bedroom set purchase.

While getting a new bed is really exciting, figuring out how to pay for it isn’t always. Here at Ben’s, though, we make the process incredibly easy and convenient so that our customers can enjoy their new bedroom sets without stressing about how to pay for them.

How Often Should You Flip Your Mattress?

Posted on December 22, 2017December 29, 2017 by Shop Manager

For almost as long as there have been mattresses, there has been a need to flip and rotate those mattresses to ensure that they operate at peak performance and maintain their support. There is a reason that the common recommendation for buying a new mattress is every seven or eight years, and it has everything to do with how the human body leaves an impression in a mattress, regardless of how much it costs or what it is made of.

Despite all of that, the newest mattresses are often are made in such a way that they should not be flipped at all. With customized layers arranged in a very specific way to provide optimal comfort and relieve stress on pressure points, flipping a mattress would mean sleeping on a rather uncomfortable, unintended surface. Yes, things are changing, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Rotating Mattresses Has Replaced Flipping Mattresses

The only mattresses that really require flipping are innerspring mattresses that do not have a pillowtop on one side. Frankly, there are not a lot of manufacturers that sell those types of mattresses anymore, and here at Ben’s we certainly do not sell any that fall into that category. However, those that have not purchased a new mattress in the last few years may still have the old design and may still require a good old-fashioned mattress flip once every few months.

Just because most mattresses no longer require rotation, however, does not mean that people can just plop their new mattresses onto their beds and then never touch them again. These days, certain types of mattresses perform better for a longer duration if they are rotated according to an appropriate schedule.

What Mattresses Benefit From Rotation?

Rotating a mattress is not particularly challenging, but it is worth knowing whether or not owners should be devoting their time and energy to doing it. All of the mattresses at Ben’s perform better from rotation, as they all are either memory foam, innerspring, or a hybrid of the two. Certain other brands that are designed to remain stationary forever do not need the occasional 180-degree spin, but the mattresses that we sell all will.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Mattress?

The real answer to this question will depend on which specific mattress you ultimately purchase, but the general consensus is that most mattresses will perform better over time if they are rotated once every three to 12 months. We suggest Googling your mattress once you get it home to get a better sense of a schedule for it, but once you know, get into your online calendar and set reminders to make sure you are not forgetting to do it. The bed won’t fall apart if you are a couple of months late on a rotation, but why not set a schedule and stick to it?

While all the mattresses we sell here at Ben’s are comfortable right out of the bag, the occasional rotation will help preserve its longevity and ensure that your sleep stays comfortable and regenerative. As always, if you have any questions about maintenance for your specific bed, give us a call any time and we will be happy to give you all sorts of pointers to ensure you are taking the best care possible of your mattress.

How to Choose Between a Twin and Full-Size Mattress

Posted on December 15, 2017April 3, 2018 by Shop Manager

Customers often ask us about whether or not they should purchase a king size mattress or a queen size mattress, but there is another debate in mattress sizes that exists for single sleepers. There are some key differences between a twin size mattress and a full-size mattress, and while both have their fair share of positive qualities, deciding on which one to purchase usually comes down to a matter of taste. Of course, one has to be familiar with the differences in order to to choose, which is where an exploration of these mattresses’ differences can come in handy.

The following are some things to consider when deciding between a twin and a full-size mattress:

Size

The most obvious difference between the two mattresses is the size. At 54 inches in width, a full-size mattress actually is 15 inches wider than a twin, which is 39 inches across. While that’s plenty big for a single sleeper, a full-size bed also can be amenable for more than one person if the need requires it. Two children, for example, could share a full mattress rather comfortably.

On the other hand, while 54 inches can accommodate two adults, it can be a bit of a tight fit depending on how those adults are accustomed to sleeping. Conversely, a full bed will feel more spacious for one person, especially if they have been used to sleeping in a twin.

As the larger option, a full is a little more diverse for both single and double occupancy, but twin beds are perfectly appropriate for individual sleepers of all ages, as well.

The Room

So why would anybody choose the smaller twin mattress if the full-size one is larger and more accommodating? For starters, a smaller bedroom might not have the space to fit a full-size bedroom set comfortably. In order for a full-sized bed not to dominate the floor space in a room, it really needs to be ten feet by ten feet or larger. Anything smaller than that, and a twin-size mattress will be a better fit, allowing homeowners to fit other furniture items in the room, such as a dresser, bookshelf, or writing desk.

Cost

Not only that, but twin mattresses also are more affordable. To be fair, moving up to full-sized mattress is not that much of a difference, especially considering how often these beds are used and how long people own them, but for those on a tighter budget, the lower price of the twin beds may be a deciding factor. Even the accessories for twin beds, which include sheets, comforter sets, and mattress pads, are less expensive for twin mattresses, and that also can help customers decide on a size.

The good news is that there are great twin mattresses just as there are great full-size mattresses, and both can be purchased with the same variety of softness and materials, just in different sizes. Choosing a new mattress, either shopping online or in person at one of our Ben’s locations in greater the Atlanta, GA area, is a matter of taste and need, but thankfully there are plenty of excellent options in all shapes and sizes of mattress. Visit one of our stores today for a customized comfort test and choose the mattress that is right for you.

4 Reasons You Should Always Use a Boxspring

Posted on December 12, 2017January 3, 2018 by Shop Manager

Because mattress sets are considered a major purchase for the majority of American consumers, we get a lot of questions here at Ben’s about whether the addition of box spring actually is necessary. Many people wonder whether or not they actually need the box spring for their new mattress to function properly, but the answer to this question never is a straight “yes” or a “no.” The reality lies in the gray area.

The simplest answer we can give is that the need for a box spring depends entirely on the type of mattress and the type of bed. One universal truth is that a mattress does need to lay atop a hard, flat surface, making a boxspring an ideal option. Platform beds work, too, and though not aesthetically pleasing to most, some individuals place their mattress directly on the floor.

Though box springs are not a mandatory addition to purchasing a mattress there are several reasons that make them worth the initial cost up front. Here are four reasons you should use a boxspring:

Warranties Sometimes Require Box springs

Most manufactures require that a mattress be supported by a box spring, at least if a customer is planning on filing a warranty claim at any point. It makes sense; these mattresses were designed to work at peak function in congress with these box springs, so if something goes wrong with a bed that was not being used in the manner the manufacturer intended, why would they be obligated to honor the claim?

Some Two-Sided Mattresses Need the Support

While many newer mattresses include all the built-in support a sleeper needs to be comfortable and get a good night’s rest, there are certain styles of two-sided mattresses that still require a box spring for ultimate support. If it is the type of mattress that can be flipped, it still needs a box spring, largely because support is why those box springs were invented in the first place.

The Added Height Makes Getting in and out of Bed Easier

Some people love their platform beds, but they also are quite a bit lower to the ground, which can make it harder to get in and out of bed. This may be no big deal for spring chickens, but older individuals who struggle with this daily act may prefer a box spring if only to lay down and rise up with relative ease every morning and every night.

Your Bed May Need One for Aesthetic Reasons

Finally, a raised bed flat-out looks better on most bedroom sets, filling the room a little more and making it feel more homey. A bed that is low to the floor can create a cavernous sensation in a bedroom, whereas one that sits at a more standard height atop a box spring feels more filled-in and comfortable.

Here at Ben’s, we recommend buying a new box spring with your new mattress. Most of these mattress sets were designed and tested together, meaning optimal performance comes from using these mattresses the way the manufacture intended. While they are not completely necessary in every instance, they are an ideal accessory to getting the most of your bed, and continue to be a common addition to any mattress purchase. Shop our store in person or online. Many of our sales even include boxsprings with the set!

What’s Inside a Mattress?

Posted on December 7, 2017January 3, 2018 by Double Up Digital

Most customers are solely concerned about whether or not their mattresses are comfortable, seldom do any give consideration to exactly why they are comfortable. The truth is that mattresses can be built from a number of materials in many different ways to make up a sleeping surface for every type and shape of human body.

The following is a look at what materials make up a mattress, and hopefully this information will help Ben’s customers find the right mattresses for them, regardless of whether they shop online or come visit us in person at our store.

The Most Common Mattress Materials

There are a handful of materials that are most common in mattresses, including:

Steel Coils

Many mattresses feature some type of steel coil, which either can be arranged in an open manner or individually wrapped or “pocketed.” They are the primary source of support in many types of beds.

Foam

The other main option is foam, which adheres to the contours of the body and sometimes regulates the temperature of the mattress. There are several types of foam used in today’s mattresses, including memory foam, gel memory foam, polyurethane foam, and others.

Polyester Batting

Some pillowtop mattresses use this polyester “fluff” to add some body to the top part of the mattress.

Cotton

There are several different ways that this popular material can be used in a mattress, ranging from interior uses to the exterior covering.

What’s Inside an Innerspring Mattress?

As mentioned above, there are two types of innerspring mattresses: one that individually pockets every spring, and one that lays the springs out in a more open manner. These typically are wrapped in some sort of cotton blend on the outside for general comfort, while the coils themselves are used for support. One thing to note is that more coils does not necessarily mean a more comfortable bed. More coils does mean a reduction in motion transfer, though, which can be nice for those that share a bed with a spouse or partner.

What’s Inside a Foam Mattress?

The insides of a foam mattress typically are constructed of layers of foam, with the top layer being the one meant to provide the majority of the support. There are all kinds of different types of foam ranging from hard to soft, but the layers of foam all work together to make sleepers comfortable and relieve stress on major pressure points. Unlike innerspring mattresses, which require extra materials to hold all the coils together, foam mattresses really just need an outside layer of material primarily for aesthetic purposes.

What’s Inside a Hybrid Mattress?

Hybrid mattresses have become increasingly popular, combining an innerspring base for support and a layer or two of foam on top to create that body-conforming feeling for sleepers and help regulate temperature. High-density foam encasements enclose the mattress to support the edges.

Ben’s carries a wide variety of different mattress types and brands. Choosing the right mattress can feel like a huge decision sometimes, but we provide custom sleep tests to help you choose the mattress that is the best fit for you. Shop online or visit a store location today.

What Are Box Springs For?

Posted on December 2, 2017January 3, 2018 by Shop Manager

Did you know that the saying “Sleep tight” comes from an era long before the invention of modern mattresses? Once upon a time, people actually slept on a bed suspended on ropes that would loosen over the course of an evening. Every night before going back to bed, these people would have to pull the ropes tight to ensure the best possible support for sleeping.

The invention of the box spring completely changed all that, to the point that today we hardly can imagine falling asleep without the added support that a box spring provides. Here at Ben’s, we carry a wide variety of excellent box springs, and while some people try to justify sleeping on a mattress without the extra support, the truth is that using those box springs is how the mattress manufacturers intended that we sleep.

Basic Uses for a Box Spring

Put as simply as possible, there are three reasons why someone would require a box spring:

Support

First and foremost, a box spring’s purpose is to create a flat and solid structure for the actual mattress to rest on top of. The very first box springs were just wire frames, without the wood and cloth, but today the makeup of a box spring depends a lot on what type of mattress a person purchases. For example, wood frames are more appropriate for memory foam, while standard box springs tend to work better with innerspring mattresses.

Longevity

Another reason why box springs are essential is that they can help preserve the longevity of the mattress itself. Without that support, certain mattresses can sag and wear out more quickly than they would have otherwise. Most manufacturers will not honor warranties on mattresses that are not used in conjunction with a box spring for that very reason, so for the benefit of the long-term use of the mattress, a box spring really can help.

Ease of Use

Box springs also make it easier to get in and out of bed by allowing sleepers to slide easily into their sheets because the box spring allows the actual mattress to lie at an ideal height. We even sell box springs of different heights here at Ben’s, meaning ease of use really is just a matter of finding the perfect height for a mattress et.

Choosing a Box Spring

With so much diversity in the types of box springs currently for sale, choosing the right one comes down to a couple of factors. For starters, finding the right height is important for the aforementioned reasons, but it also is best to buy the box spring that was designed to accompany whatever mattress you are interested in purchasing. They were designed and tested together, so for optimal support and comfort, buying the two mattresses as a set often is the best course of action.

Of course, if customers in the Atlanta, GA area need any help settling on which box spring to buy, we always are ready and eager to help here at Ben’s. We certainly have a diverse inventory from which to choose, so picking a winner really is just a matter of stopping in any time and giving them a try!