Mattress Buying Guide: Top 10 Shopping Tips

Have you finally decided to put a new mattress at the top of your shopping list? Congratulations – you are taking the first step towards better sleep!

Shopping for a new mattress doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or confusing experience. Our mattress buying guide tips will help you become a mattress shopping expert so you can shop smarter – and find a new mattress that’s the right match for you.

1. Find Your Mattress Motivation.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 93% of Americans say a comfortable mattress is important for a good night’s sleep. Your mattress is one of the most – if not the most- important piece of furniture you will buy because it will directly impact your quality of sleep and, therefore, your quality of life. Embracing this will help you feel motivated to shop for a new mattress – and shop smarter.

Do you share a bed with a significant other?

75% of participants in a recent study done by Serta reported having fewer relationship issues because they were feeling well rested and less likely to pick a fight after sleeping on a new mattress. Is that enough Mattress Motivation for you?

2. Do Your Research.

Chances are, it’s been many years since you shopped for a new mattress. Just like cell phones and computers, the features used in today’s mattresses are newer – and better – than the features used 10 years ago. Trusted mattress manufacturers and retailers offer their own mattress buying guides on their websites to help you navigate through the mattress types available today, including memory foam and hybrid mattresses, as well as mattresses that are compatible with an adjustable foundation. A little bit of mattress education will go a long way in helping you understand your options and selecting the right mattress.

3. Know Your Unique Comfort Preference.

When it comes to comfort, one size doesn’t fit all. Instead of letting the many mattress options available today overwhelm you, make a list of what you and your partner like and don’t like when it comes to mattress comfort. Talk with the sales associate at your local mattress store about your comfort preferences so he or she can direct you to the mattress models that will work best for you. You’ll find that with a little effort, the options are no longer overwhelming.

Do you prefer online guidance before you shop? Some manufacturer and retailer websites have helpful tools, like a mattress selector quiz, that will gauge your comfort needs and recommend 2-3 specific mattress models for you.

4. Remember that Size Matters.

A little more room to stretch can go a long way when it comes to sleep comfort. While your full size mattress may seem like a perfectly snug fit for you and your partner, upgrading your mattress size to a queen or king mattress can be a game-changer. Plus, many couples prefer a larger mattress if they have pets that find their way onto the “human bed” in the middle of the night!

If you are shopping for a new mattress for your child, remember that a new mattress can stay with him or her through their teenage years. Their growing bodies also need room to stretch, so consider upgrading their mattress size to a full or queen mattress.

Find out which mattress size is right for you.

5. Shop with a Trusted Retailer

Once you have done your research, identified your comfort preference and narrowed down your options, it’s time to visit your preferred local retailer to try out different mattresses in person. If you don’t have a preferred local retailerplace in mind based on your past shopping experiences, you can find authorized retailers from manufacturer websites and then seek reviews from your friends, family members or online peer reviews. It’s important to know the retailer’s store policies around mattress returns and exchanges as manufacturer warranties only cover product defects (not comfort preferences). Many retailers offer a trial period where you can return or exchange the mattress after a set amount of time. Make sure you have all of this important information before you make your mattress purchase.

6. Take Your Time

A new mattress is an investment in your sleep quality and wellbeing. So, don’t rush the shopping process. Take your time laying on various models in your usual sleep position and have your partner do the same. Don’t feel intimidated by the salesperson; he or she is there to help you have a comfortable shopping experience, so you can ask them for privacy while you try the models if that works better for you. Remember, you are going to sleep on this mattress for several years, so don’t be timid about asking questions along the way.

7. Consider an Adjustable Foundation

Today’s adjustable foundations are designed to add customizable comfort and support to your mattress experience. These aren’t the hospital beds of the past; rather, these advanced foundations are the perfect solution for those who use their mattress for activities other than sleep such as watching television, getting caught up on emails or just lounging after a long day. Some adjustable foundation models have advanced features such as built-in massage technology and adjustable lumbar support. If you haven’t experienced the benefits of an adjustable mattress set, ask your local mattress retailer to show you what’s available so you can try it for yourself. It will cost more than a standard foundation, but it’s a worthwhile investment for those if you’re looking for optimal comfort and support in the bedroom.

8. Don’t Forget to Accessorize.

Old, worn out pillows and bedding can ruin the joy of a new mattress. Don’t let this happen to you! If you are truly ready to invest in better sleep, then you should consider upgrading your pillows and bedding when you purchase your new mattress. There are a variety of new and advanced pillows available today, including memory foam pillows with different models designed for every sleep position. Also, look for new quality bed sheets made from breathable materials that will help regulate your body temperature while you sleep. Finally, protect the investment you are making in your new mattress with a quality, liquid-resistant mattress protector. Keeping your mattress free from spills and stains not only keeps it healthier over time, it prevents the foams and fibers from sagging and compressing which can impact your sleep comfort and your warranty.

9. Know What to Expect.

Once the mattress is delivered and set up in your home, it’s time to enjoy your new investment. While you should start sleeping comfortably on the first night, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to a brand new mattress. First, your new mattress has not been exposed to weight and wear like the model you tried at your local store. While the difference should not be significant, your new mattress may feel slightly firmer at first. Second, some bodies need several nights to adjust to a new mattress. This is especially true for those who slept on their previous mattress for many years. Not everyone experiences an adjustment period, and those who do typically adjust to the new mattress after several nights of sleep.

10. Take Care of Your Investment

If you took our advice in Tip #8, you purchased a new mattress protector with your new mattress. This is the first, and most important, step in taking care of your mattress so you can enjoy it for years to come. There are other simple ways to keep your mattress in great shape over time. First, if you have to move the mattress from one room to another, avoid bending the mattress which can cause damage not covered by the warranty. Second, don’t let the kids jump on the mattress – no matter how much fun it may be. Not only can this damage what’s inside the mattress, it’s a danger that can be avoided. Third, while rotating the mattress isn’t required, it can help even out normal wear over time. Finally, regular vacuuming of the mattress can help keep it free from dust and allergens.

You will spend 1/3 of your life in your mattress, so you owe it to yourself to spend the time and effort needed to find your perfect match. Our mattress buying guide tips will help you identify what type of mattress comfort and size is right for you. With this knowledge, you will have the confidence needed to make the right selection and sleep better for years to come.