Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
When you buy a new mattress you need to put some thought into the purchase. This is due to the fact that quality mattresses are expensive and that they play a very large role in your life. Your mattress will affect your sleep and how you feel when awake. After all, a comfortable and supportive mattress will help you get a good night’s sleep which will help your function physically and mentally during the day. Check out Sleep Firm if you’re planning on upgrading your old mattress.
If you are in the market for a new mattress, you need to look at certain points. There are also some tips that will help you find the right mattress.
In This Post:
Know Your Size
You do not have to stick to the same mattress size as the one you are replacing. You might have bought a king mattress when your whole family used to pile into the bed over the weekend or to share with your large dog. However, your children may now be older or you have a corgi now instead of a Great Dane. At this time, you will be able to get more space back when you downgrade your mattress to a queen or full mattress.
You might be moving out on your own and you will want something a bit bigger than your own twin mattress. Before you head out to buy a mattress, you need to think about our lifestyle. A tulo mattress could be a good option. Of course, if you are going to change your mattress size, you will also need a new bed frame or headboard. This could be the best time to redo your whole bedroom.
Always Try Before You Buy
While it can be awkward, you do need to try out the mattress before you hand over your credit card for the purchase. There is no substitute for this, so take the time to stretch out on the mattress, curl in your favorite position and roll from side to side. You should also sit up on the mattress and sit on the edge to feel the overall firmness. If you share your bed with someone, they will also need to try out the mattress preferably at the same time as you.
When you are trying out mattresses, you should spend around 10 minutes or more per mattress. If you are thinking of buying the mattress online, you should first go to a physical store and try the model you want first.
Ask About Trial Periods And Returns
Even with trying the mattress in the store, the real test comes when you need to spend the entire night sleeping on the mattress. This is why many mattress dealers will offer you a comfort trial period. This period will generally be 30 days which gives you a good window to return the mattress if it turns out to be less comfortable than you expect.
However, you do need to be aware that stores could charge a restock fee if you do return the mattress. While this might be the case, having this trial period is important particularly if you are going to be buying the mattress online.
How Firm Do You Like Your Bed?
There is no actual standardized measurement for the firmness of the mattress. This means that the firm mattress from one manufacturer could be the same as another manufacturer’s extra firm mattress. This means that you should be using these terms as a guideline, not an absolute. This is another reason why you need to take the time to test the mattress.
You should also never assume that you need to have an extra firm mattress if you have a bad back. You should also never assume that soft mattresses will be more comfortable. Most people actually sleep the best on a mattress that is in the middle, but that is closer to firm than soft.
Yes Or Not To The Pillow Top?
Pillow top mattresses have become very popular, but the fluffy comfort added to the mattress does come at a cost and will not always be necessary. It is important to remember that the pillow top will generally go flat long before you need to replace the mattress. If you are very light, a pillow top might stop you from being able to correctly engage the support offered by the mattress and this will leave you aching in the morning. It is better to consider getting a standard mattress and adding a mattress topper if you need to.
Know Your Options
There are a lot of different kinds of mattresses on the market, but there are 3 common types. These are the traditional innerspring, memory foam and the hybrids that are a combination the other two. Adjustable air mattresses are also popular, but not as common.
Each of these mattress types will have their pros and cons. It is recommended that you get to know what these are before you head out to the mattress store. It is important to note that innerspring mattresses are the most common and generally the cheapest.
These mattresses will offer you good support and will have a wider range of firmness options. On the other hand, they are also not the most durable and will need to be replaced more often.
Memory foam mattresses will be more expensive, but they are ideal for cushioning sore muscles and joints. The problem is that they can be hot and will not always be the most romance-friendly.
Hybrid mattresses will have springs with a memory foam overlay. These mattresses can offer the best of both worlds, but if you buy a poor quality hybrid mattress you will be getting the worst of both.
Air mattresses will allow you to customize the firmness depending on what you need. Your partner will also be able to adjust the mattress to their needs. Of course, you will be paying for this convenience making these mattresses expensive choices.
Skimp On The Foundation
If you have a platform bed, you will not actually need a foundation. However, if you do not have a bed frame and do not want to have your mattress on the floor, you are going to need a foundation to lift it up. The point is that you do not actually need to spend a lot of money on this.
If your old foundation is still in good condition, you will be able to use it when you buy a mattress of the same size. If you are going to be buying a new foundation, you should ask to substitute the one that is generally sold with your mattress for a lower-priced model.
Should You Buy Online?
Some people feel that buying a mattress online is risky, but it is actually becoming more popular. There are many reasons for this from not having to deal with the pressurizing salespeople to the wide range that is available and the access you get to luxury brands. Of course, this does not mean that there are no downsides to this.
The primary downside is that you cannot try the mattress before you purchase it unless you can find the exact same model in a physical store. Returns are also generally a hassle and you will have to get rid of your old mattress yourself. There are also no salespeople that you can ask for advice or negotiate the price with. If you are going to buy online, you need to do your research and choose a reputable site with a good returns policy.
Have A Generous Budget
A good mattress will not be cheap, but the benefits that come from this will be priceless. Of course, you should never go far beyond what you can afford, you should splurge a little. After all, you are going to be spending around a third of your time on the mattress.
