
Mattress shopping can seem as intimidating as car shopping these days. We get it – a mattress is a big investment!
At Happsy, we believe that an informed sleeper is a happy sleeper. Understanding what's true about your mattress – and what's not – is just one step toward getting better sleep. From the true lifespan of a mattress to claims about ideal firmness, we're here to help debunk the common mattress myths that may be keeping you from your best night's rest.
Myth: Removing the law tag is against the law
Contrary to popular belief, removing the law tag from a mattress is not illegal. The law tag, often misconstrued as a legal requirement, is actually meant for consumer information purposes to provide details about the mattress contents and manufacturing. Removing it doesn't violate any law.
While manufacturers may discourage removing the tag, it doesn't carry any legal repercussions. It's akin to removing a clothing tag after purchase – it's your property, and you have the right to remove it if you wish. So, rest assured, you're not breaking the law by removing that pesky tag from your mattress


Myth: You should replace your mattress every eight years
The notion that every mattress needs to be replaced every eight years is a widespread myth perpetuated by the conventional mattress industry to encourage more frequent mattress shopping. In reality, the lifespan of a mattress varies greatly depending on factors such as:
- Quality
- Usage
- Materials
- Maintenance
While some mattresses may indeed need to be replaced after eight years, many high-quality, organic models like Happsy’s can last much longer with proper care. Instead of adhering strictly to a timeline, it's better to assess your mattress based on its condition and your comfort level. Signs such as sagging, lumps or aches and pains in the morning indicate that you should replace your mattress regardless of the number of years you've owned it.
Myth: You should flip your mattress regularly
Flipping your mattress regularly is an outdated belief and is not always necessary or beneficial. While it used to be recommended for older mattresses to ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan, modern mattresses are often designed with specific layers and structures that make flipping unnecessary or even detrimental.
Many newer mattresses have distinct comfort layers and support cores that are designed to be used in a specific orientation. Flipping them can disrupt these layers, leading to discomfort and potentially damage to the mattress. Instead, manufacturers often recommend rotating the mattress every few months to promote even wear.
Myth: "Bed-in-a-box" mattresses are lower quality
At Happsy – where you'll find the first ever GOTS certified organic bed-in-a-box – this is something we’ve proven is merely a myth. Today, many bed-in-a-box brands offer high-quality mattresses that rival traditional options in terms of durability, comfort and support. (But ours is still the best. Just saying.)
The direct-to-consumer model employed by many bed-in-a-box companies eliminates the costs associated with middlemen and retail overhead, allowing them to invest more in the quality of their products without inflating prices.
Above all, the convenience of delivery and hassle-free setup make bed-in-a-box mattress shopping a popular choice for many consumers seeking both quality and convenience on demand.


Myth: A new mattress will feel just right – right away
While a new mattress might initially seem comfortable in a showroom or upon first use, it typically takes time for your body to adjust to a new sleeping surface. All mattresses have break-in periods during which they conform to your body shape and sleeping habits. (That’s why we offer risk-free 120-night sleep trials at Happsy!)
Factors such as mattress type, firmness level and individual preferences all play a role in how long it takes to adjust. So, expecting immediate comfort from a new mattress might set unrealistic expectations. Patience and allowing for an adjustment period are key.


Myth: You can't clean a mattress
The myth that you can't clean a mattress is simply untrue. Not only *can* you clean your mattress – you SHOULD clean it! Without regular cleaning, contaminants like dust mites, sweat, skin cells, pet dander and more can build up in your mattress over time and lead to discomfort, allergic reactions and all-around worse sleep.
While mattresses may not be as easy to clean as, say, throwing them in the washing machine, there are several effective methods for keeping them fresh and hygienic. Vacuuming the mattress regularly can help remove dust, dead skin cells and other debris, and using EWG VERIFIED® upholstery cleaners or spot cleaners designed for mattresses can target stains and spills.
So, while it may take a bit more effort than cleaning your sheets, it's definitely possible to maintain a clean and comfortable mattress. Check out our complete mattress care guide to learn more.
Myth: Hot sleepers need a cooling mattress
Ah, the cooling mattress – this is one of the biggest mattress myths of them all! If you think you’re a hot sleeper, the problem might be your mattress itself. Polyurethane foam, including the ever popular memory foam, is a petroleum-based, porous mattress material that traps heat and restricts airflow, making you feel hot and sweaty. (It’s also highly flammable, which means it’s loaded up with off-gassing chemical flame retardants you do not want to get into bed with each night.)
Conventional mattress brands advertise “cooling” gels or beads to help you better regulate your temperature at night. But treating a problem caused by chemicals by adding more chemicals sounds a lot like replacing one problem with another to us.
Instead of a cooling mattress, opt for a mattress that won’t make you hot and sweaty in the first place! At Happsy, we start with breathable, GOTS certified organic cotton, add in moisture-wicking, GOTS certified organic wool and swap heat-trapping memory foam with GOTS approved latex for your coolest, comfiest sleep.
Myth: If your back hurts, get a firm mattress
Proper support is crucial for spinal alignment and overall comfort, but the ideal mattress firmness varies for each individual. Studies have shown that a medium-firm mattress tends to be more effective in reducing back pain compared to a firm mattress. In fact, a firm mattress can actually create pressure points rather than relieve them, leading to discomfort and exacerbating existing back issues.
Other factors such as sleeping position, weight distribution and personal preference play significant roles in determining the right mattress for back health. Therefore, blanket statements suggesting that a firm mattress is universally beneficial for back pain should be approached with caution.
Sleep is a personal matter, and everyone is different! (Hint, hint – we offer our Happsy mattress in two firmnesses with the option to add on a topper for a totally personalized sleep set-up.)


Myth: Coil mattresses aren't as comfortable
While coil mattresses of the past may have had reputation issues due to poor design or materials, modern coil mattresses have evolved significantly to redeem themselves. Innovations like individually wrapped coils and layers of cushioning mean these mattresses offer personalized support and superior comfort. The coils provide targeted support by contouring to the body's shape, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.
We hope you feel more empowered and informed as a consumer navigating the mattress market. No matter where you are in your mattress shopping journey, at Happsy, we’re always here to help. Get more mattress shopping tips here.