Whether it’s your first mattress or your partner has finally convinced you to replace that twenty-year-old spring and coil box you’ve been sleeping on, buying a mattress should be a simple task. Once upon a time, it was. There were straightforward choices. Then mattress companies created so many different types that you now need study guides and a personal assistant just to navigate the store. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you might consider buying used to save money—but this comes with many potential pitfalls. I once saw an ad for a “like-new” mattress with a “slight urine smell” for $40. I’m sure the ad is still running.
Understanding What Matters Most in Mattress Shopping
Back support is the primary concern for almost everyone heading to the mattress store. After all, we put our backs through a myriad of challenging tasks, leading to back pain for many people between the ages of 25 and 150. Waking up repeatedly throughout the night because your hips and back feel like they’ve been subjected to medieval torture devices is a surefire way to ensure a rough start to your day. Crawling out of bed at about half your original height for the first hour is another clear indicator that your mattress might not be doing its job.
There should be a simple solution: a reasonably priced mattress that offers excellent back support and feels heavenly when you flop your weary body onto it. Of course, there is. However, since people have different comfort levels, there is no “one size fits all” mattress design. You will need to do a little “lay testing” while shopping to find the best fit.
Generally, online mattress shopping is not recommended. While many companies offer attractive delivery deals, returning a mattress that was advertised as feather-soft but feels like a rock can be a taxing headache that will have you sleeping on the couch instead. You’ll need to visit the mattress store, try out their offerings, and make a decision in person.
When you head to the mattress store to explore different styles, try to go as late in the day as possible. Buying a mattress is typically done while you’re awake, which means your body experiences different hormone levels than it does when lying down to sleep at night. This can affect your perception of comfort. A mattress that feels great at 11:00 AM might feel like a droopy sleeping bag twelve hours later when your body is ready for sleep. Even people who work third shifts experience varying hormone levels throughout their sleep schedule. By shopping later in the day and opting for a mattress that feels slightly firmer than you prefer while testing, you’re likely to be much happier with your mattress choice.
Mattress features can be very tempting. If you can afford a bed that massages you, warms you when it’s cold, elevates you, or even ties your shoelaces before you leave the house, go ahead and splurge! However, financing a mattress often means that by the time you pay it off, you could have bought enough mattresses to furnish a six-bedroom house. It’s usually best to pay in full for a mattress that provides you with the most comfort. Many adjustable, water, and heated mattresses are available for only slightly more than a regular mattress. With memory foam technology and a few enhancements, the average price can be manageable for most incomes without breaking the bank.
Regardless of how, when, or why you end up buying a mattress, make sure to read the warranty and exchange information carefully, including the fine print on the last page, which outlines what the company won’t do if you find yourself unhappy with your new bed. Protecting yourself against mattress faux pas isn’t difficult, as long as you take the time to gather all the necessary information.
