8 Mattress Shopping Tips: How to Choose the Right Mattress

Choosing the right mattress is an important step in getting your best night of rest. Quality sleep is imperative to a long and healthy life.

With so many options to purchase a bed these days, it can be challenging to decide how the best way to shop is for your needs. In this guide we will cover how to shop for a mattress.

How to Shop for a Mattress: 8 Considerations

When shopping for a mattress there are many factors to consider. Considering the following topics will help you land your perfect match.

1. Sleep and Health Needs:

Everyone has different needs when it comes to sleep. Health concerns, body type, and sleeping habits need to be considered when choosing a mattress.

• Sleep Position: Consider how you sleep. Knowing your preferred sleeping position (back, side, stomach, or combination) will be important when testing and choosing your mattress
• Health Concerns: Issues such as back pain, injuries, sleep apnea, arthritis, or allergies are examples of health concerns that should influence your mattress choice.
• Body Type: Larger frames typically need firmer support while smaller frames typically need softer support. Our bodies change over the years too, so what may have worked years ago needs updating now.

2. Different Types of Mattresses

There are a variety of types of mattresses, and it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each and how that will work best with your needs. This can help eliminate whole categories, making coming to a sound decision quicker and more efficient.

Innerspring Mattress

Affordable and classic support. This is a great choice for people who do not have many health concerns and are on a budget.

Memory Foam Mattress:

Wide variety of feels and quality with more contouring and pressure relief. Memory foam mattresses are great for couples with different sleep needs, since the bed will conform to each person individually, and provide more motion isolation than an innerspring option.

Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress:

All the benefits of a memory foam mattress but with the addition of gel. These mattresses tend to hold up better than introductory memory foam mattresses over time and offer the added benefit of cooling from the gel.

Latex Mattress

Durable and environmentally friendly. Latex mattresses are made from natural products (sap from the rubber tree) and are extremely durable. These are often more expensive mattresses but are a great option for those with chronic pain as they are superior at delivery support and pressure relief for many years.

Hybrid Mattress

Classic support from an innerspring, with contouring pressure relief from the memory foam. A hybrid mattress is a great choice for all types of sleepers as it delivers the best features from both an innerspring (durability) and memory foam (comfort). If you have any mobility issues, these are easier to move in than an all-foam mattress.

Adjustable Mattress

Customizable options, using air or foam support that can be added/removed. These are a great choice for couples with very different needs and are a way to ‘future proof’ your mattress. While there is a higher upfront cost, since our bodies change over the years, having a mattress that can change with you can save you money over time.

3. Mattress Firmness Levels

While there are subtleties within firmness categories, mattresses are often broken down into 3 firmness levels; Soft, Medium, and Firm. Considering your health and sleep concerns, preference for feel is just as important

• Soft: Great choice for smaller people, side sleepers, sufferers from chronic hip or shoulder pain, or anyone who prefers a soft feel.
• Medium: Versatile option for combination sleepers, couples who want to compromise on needs, and for guest rooms to appease almost everyone.
• Firm: Ideal option for back and stomach sleepers, larger framed people, and those with back pain.

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4. The Right Mattress Size

A mattress should be an infrequent purchase. Considering your needs now and in the future can set you up to get the longest life from your mattress as possible.

• Twin: Best choice for children or single sleepers with limited space.
• Twin XL: Extra length is great for adults or teens, who are taller, but still have limited space. Common in dorm rooms and long-term care facilities.
• Full: Good option for older kids, teens, or single sleepers who want more space but still have limited room.
• Queen: Ideal for couples, or single sleepers who want more space. Most common size and fits most bedrooms
• King: Spacious option for couples offering ample space to spread out.
• California King: The longest mattress option, this is great for tall individuals. Four inches narrower than a regular King.

5. Try Before You Buy

Where you buy your mattress is important. Make sure you have the chance to lay down and test the mattress and be sure you are offered a trial period to return or exchange.

• In-Store testing: It can seem easier to buy a mattress online, but it is strongly recommended to go in person and spend at least 10-15 minutes on each mattress to make the most informed decision.
• Sleep Trials: Even when we take our time deciding, we can still make the wrong decision. Be sure the retailer you are purchasing from offers a sleep trial. Most companies will offer a 90–120 day period where you can return or exchange the mattress for something of a different feel. These are rarely used by customers, but knowing it is an option on an expensive purchase is important.

6. Check for Warranties and Returns

Almost all mattresses come with some sort of Warranty. It is important to consider how long the warranty is, what it covers, and how to use it before deciding on a mattress.

• Warranty Terms: Ask or look for details on the warranty. Is the coverage a full replacement, or do they attempt repair first? Is the warranty valid for all the years it says, or does a prorated replacement start halfway through? What type of things can void a warranty (staining, not using the same brand foundation, etc.)
• Return Policies: If you are granted a warranty replacement, how easy is it to get rid of the defective one? Ask if this is something you must return yourself or will the corporation you purchased from come and pick it up? Shipping and delivery costs are often not covered under the warranty, so expect to pay something if a warranty replacement is granted.

7. Read Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings can be very helpful when narrowing down what types, brands, and retailers to purchase from. Be sure to compare a few reliable sources.

• Check Customer Reviews: See what others say about the mattress. If you are set on a specific brand/model, read a variety of customer reviews on that product. Ideally from more sources than just their own website.
• Look for consistent feedback: Pay attention to common praises and complaints. If you already know you sleep hot and read a variety of reviews saying the mattress you are interested in sleeps warm, then that is probably not the bed for you. If a company receives many reviews of good customer service (even for help with returns/reselection and warranty concerns) that is likely a company you can trust to purchase from.
• Use Reliable Sources: Google, yelp, reddit, and other public review sites are usually your best choice for unbiased reviews. It is always a great idea to ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family to share their experiences as well!
• Compare Ratings: Make sure to read the reviews of both 5 star and 1 star to get a good grasp on the experiences people have had.
• Consider Your Needs: If a few reviews mention the bed not being great for couples, but you are a single sleeper, then you do not need to consider that review as that feedback does not suit your needs. Similarly, if you know you are buying something for a short-term need, reading reviews that say it “only lasted 5 years” may be just fine for you.

8. Budget Factors

Even after considering all the other factors above, budget is still going to be the largest factor in which brands, sizes, and mattresses you should consider.

• Set a Budget: After some preliminary research you should see mattresses come in a wide range of prices. Decide on a budget that works for you, but consider you may have to compromise on some things to find a great mattress at your budget.
• Compare Prices: If you believe you have found the right mattress, it is always a good idea to shop the competition to see if other stores are offering the same bed at a lower price. (Ask if the store has a price match guarantee as well!)
• Look for Sales: Pay attention to special offers and discounts. Floor models can be a way to save extra, and there are often savings events around major holidays.
• Consider Financing: Most stores have a few low to no interest financing plans. This is a great opportunity to spend more to get everything you want, broken up into manageable payments.

What to Look for in a Mattress

When shopping for a mattress you want to focus on the features that would benefit your sleep style, so you get the best sleep possible.

• Motion Isolation: Mattresses that feature motion isolation are beneficial as they reduce motion transfer in a mattress.
• Pressure Relief: If you are having back/shoulder pain Pressure Relief features can help you sleep better and longer.
• Edge Support: A supportive mattress will have a sturdier edge-support, so you don’t sink down when sitting or sleeping near the edge of the bed.
• Temperature Control: Temperature Control features in mattresses help reduce the chance of getting too warm by wicking moisture and body heat away, which can disturb your sleep.
• Durability: When shopping for a mattress, be sure to account for longevity, higher quality mattresses will typically last longer due to better materials used in their construction.
• Body Support: Finding a mattress that supports your body is important for spinal alignment and other health benefits, consider your sleep positions and find a model that benefits your sleep style the best.
• Comfort and Cushioning: The cushioning of your mattress helps with regulating surface pressure and makes for a more comfortable sleep, try out some models and see what feels the best.
• Material Quality:
  The type of materials your mattress is made of directly impacts the comfort, temperature and longevity of the mattress.
• Hypoallergenic Properties: Hypoallergenic mattresses are designed to repel allergens and microorganisms like dust, pollen, bed bugs, and dust mites. They can be safe for people with allergies and asthma.
• Adjustable Base Compatibility: Most mattresses nowadays are Adjustable Base friendly, but when shopping be sure to check their compatibility so you can increase your sleep benefits.

Buying a Mattress Online vs In-Store

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying a mattress online or in a store.

Online Shopping

• Pros: Variety, readable information, infographics.
• Cons: Not able to test out the model to see if it’s the best fit.

 In-Store Shopping:

• Pros: Knowledgeable Mattress Experts to answer all questions, the ability to test out the mattress in-person.
• Cons: Accessibility; we understand not all people can go into store locations.

Find Your Perfect Mattress at BedMart

Shop at BedMart for a family-owned, locally operated experience with over 30 years of expertise. Enjoy personalized sleep solutions, exceptional service, and innovative mattress technology.

BedMart supports its community and offers a 120-night Comfort Guarantee, free next-day delivery, and special financing. Try our SmartMatch Sleep Quiz online or come in to a BedMart near you to get the full SmartMatch diagnostic experience!

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