HELOISE Choose mattress for make-ability, comfort

Dear Heloise: Last year, we bought a big-name mattress plus the box spring. I've hated it ever since! When we went shopping, we tried out all the mattresses in the store and felt that this one was the one we wanted.
My hint to everyone: Before you buy any mattress, besides trying it out for comfort, try to lift the mattress as though you are putting on the sheets.
Changing the sheets has become the most hated day of the week. I'm almost in tears because of the pain caused by the heaviness of the mattress.
I suggest to all (especially the elderly) who are in the market for a new mattress: Make sure the one you select will be one you can easily handle. R. Mellon, via e-mail
This can be a problem, especially with the pillow-top or plusher mattresses. And you didn't mention how many people it takes to routinely rotate a mattress for even wear.
Also, when buying a new, thicker mattress, you will need to buy new, deep-pocket bed linens, too! Heloise
Dear Heloise: In our days of antibiotics and miracle medicines, we forget how easily infections can be transmitted. I never realized it, but toenail fungus can be caught from used shoes. So, if you have toenail fungus, please don't give your used shoes away, even to charity. Elizabeth from Minnesota
Elizabeth, anywhere it is warm, dark and moist, fungus can harbor (e.g., athlete's foot, toenail fungus, etc.), but according to a podiatrist we contacted, before you donate shoes, spray the insides with a disinfectant spray, and this will take care of any fungus factor.
So, no matter where you get used shoes, before wearing, spray them well with a disinfectant spray! Heloise
Dear Heloise: When my husband and I go on a trip to the coast, we usually rent a kitchenette because it is more convenient for us. Instead of using its dishes, pots, etc., I usually take some extras from home -- a skillet and a few other things, including plastic plates and cups, regular silverware and steak knives. This sure makes it easier, because we know they are clean, and they're all the items we need. Martha, San Antonio
Dear Heloise: Since I've been hospitalized several times recently, I've come up with a very handy hint. I now keep a medium-size cosmetic bag packed with small items, including nail clippers, pen, paper, cotton-tip swabs, small tubes of hand lotion and shampoo, toothbrush, tissues, etc. This might sound like a lot, but the money it saves is worth it -- all these would be costly if bought from the hospital. Pat H., Little Rock, Ark.
Dear Heloise: When sewing on buttons, I always think of using nylon thread or dental floss. But fishing line does wonders for sewing on buttons, and it is much stronger. Carol S. in Kansas
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate