What you need to know before buying a mattress

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Sleep is one of the most vital necessities for a healthy life. In fact, we spend most of our time sleeping. That said, finding the best mattress should be your number one priority. I’m sure you dread heading down to your local mattress shop because there are several options to pick from. But you don’t have to worry anymore; I have a solution for you.


Well, it’s pretty simple actually. All you need to do is pay close attention to this article and hopefully, it will make your search for a mattress a little less daunting. If you really don’t have a clue of what to look for in a mattress when you are about to buy it, then let me walk you through some of the basics. It helps to be armed with the right knowledge when buying a mattress.

  • What size mattress should I buy


When I say that you need to find the appropriate size of a mattress, that doesn’t mean you need to take the same size as the previous one you had, NO! You can easily change things up a little. It’s all about what you need to achieve in the end.


Maybe you need to buy a king-size mattress so your family can relax in the bed while watching films. Or you simply need to upgrade your previous mattress size to a bigger one. On the flip side, you can also gain quite a lot from downsizing your mattress size. Obviously, a king-size mattress has a higher cost when compared to a single or double size mattress.


All you need to do is think of your current lifestyle. Do you need a bigger or smaller mattress size? And if you are going for a smaller mattress, how will you use the extra space? These questions will help you make a better decision. But of course, you need to remember that if you reduce your mattress size, then you will also need to purchase a new bed frame to fit your new mattress.


Don’t worry if you didn’t plan for a new bed. Just keep in mind that this can offer you a great opportunity for an entire bedroom makeover.

  • Test your mattress before you buy it


Sounds crazy right? Well, if it will help you make a more sound decision, then go right ahead. I’m positive no one will stop you. You definitely need to lie down on the mattress before taking out your credit card.
Without a doubt, there’s no substitute for this step. Even if you feel embarrassed to lie down on the mattress at your local store, it will really help you get what you need. Think of it like the way you go shopping for clothes. It’s always a good idea to try before you buy.


Take a minute and roll over the mattress to get a feel of its firmness.


Additionally, if you share your mattress with your partner, it’s probably a good idea to involve them during your shopping spree. Actually, you should both try the mattress at the same time.
But with the current internet trend, it can be a bit hard to test the mattress before buying.


There’s a high possibility you are likely to buy your mattress online. It doesn’t mean that is a bad decision. All you need to do is go to brick and mortar and try out the mattress you are considering to buy. Most online stores get their items directly from the manufacturers so it’s easy to find the same brand at a local store.

  • Ask Questions


It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried the mattress at the store, the real test will be that of time. After spending a couple of nights on the mattress is when you will realize how effective it is. That being the case, a number of dealers give buyers a trial period known as a ‘Comfort trial’.


The trial period is usually around 30 to 100 days. So, if you ended up with a mattress that doesn’t have the comfort you need, then you have the chance to return it to the seller. However, you need to be careful. That’s because most stores will charge a restocking fee when you choose this option. Regardless, the trial period is very important when it comes to buying mattresses online. Just bare in mind, always keep the original packing as otherwise, the retailer won’t accept the mattress back.

  • Compare your mattress with that of a friend


Have you ever tried testing a mattress in a store? If yes, I’m sure you can remember how fast your heart was racing. Also, the mattress wasn’t ‘broken in’ yet. Therefore, as much as trying out a mattress at the store is a good idea, it might not be 100% effective.


That said, you can easily try out different models at a friend’s place. Also, if you enjoyed your sleep at a certain hotel, then ensure you ask the model of the mattress they use. With that information, you will be able to buy a mattress that will be comfortable and can last longer.

  • After-Sale Service


The biggest problem that most buyers go through is typically after the sale of the mattress. It doesn’t matter how much you invested in the mattress or the delivery cost; if you did your math right, then every penny was worth it.
As I said earlier, it’s crucial to concentrate on the return policy of the item. Every store has a different return policy. Equally, you should also concentrate on the warranty. A friend of mine had a hard time returning his mattress to the store after the first few months. In just under two months, the mattresses started having large holes where they slept.
In the end, they were lucky enough to get a new mattress from the store but that was after quite a bit of hassle. Returning your mattress isn’t always possible. More importantly, if the mattress starts sagging, it might not be covered by the warranty. And also in some cases, even if you have a warranty, you might not necessarily get your entire money back.


With a 10 year warranty, there’s a high chance you are entitled to only a small portion of your money after using the item for two to ten years. These are prorated warranties. Therefore, most salesmen will tell you that the mattress has a ten-year warranty but neglects to inform you of the fact that it’s prorated.


Also, other stores will try to sell you a mattress cover at a very high price. The mattress cover isn’t such a bad idea. It will actually help protect your mattress. But, the best thing is, you need to buy the mattress cover somewhere else. You’d be surprised to find that the mattress cover will cost half the price in another store. So, ensure you do your research well.

  • Do you like it hot or cold?


One of the most crucial parts of a mattress is whether you need it to be warm or cool. You must realize that not all mattresses in the market allow free air circulation in them. And as a result, these mattresses will generally be warmer than usual.


So if you live in a hot climate, then you need to look for a mattress that allows free air circulation. That is if you don’t want to end up sweating all through the night. On the other hand, if you live in a cold climate, then a mattress that can keep heat inside is the best choice for you. Latex foam mattresses can be a good choice since they trap heat inside, hence keeping you warm throughout the night.

  • What is your sleeping position


One of the main reasons for buying a mattress is to have a comfortable sleeping time. So, it begs the question; how do you sleep? Or better yet, do you sleep on your stomach, on the side or on your back? There are different types of mattresses for specific sleeping style. Therefore, you need to take into consideration your sleeping position so to get the best mattress for you.
To be more specific, if you are a side sleeper, then you need a mattress that’s soft. This mattress should also be able to conform to the shape of your body. That means, your shoulders and hips should sink inside the mattress so that you don’t put too much pressure on them.


The best mattresses for someone who sleeps on the side should be medium or soft. Otherwise, if you go for a hard mattress, then you might risk harming your body. On the other hand, if you sleep on your stomach, then you should consider buying a mattress that’s medium firm.


That will allow your ribs to have the chance to release the pressure in them. At the same time, the mattress will be stiff enough so your body will not sink inside and put too much stress on your spine. Back sleepers should go for a mattress that has a medium-firm stiffness. This type of mattress will be able to support their lower back. Ensure that your mattress isn’t too stiff.

  • Do you have any (known) health/sleeping conditions?


Your health should be your number priority when choosing the right mattress. I’m sure you are wondering how a mattress and your health are related. Actually, your health has a lot to do with your mattress. Let me elaborate…


Having the right mattress is very important especially if you have spinal problems, joint pains, or any other medical condition. That’s because, with the right mattress, you will be able to correct your posture hence relieving the pain in those tense joints.


More importantly, if you have any health problems that is connected to your joints or posture, then it’s vital for you to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will help you decide which mattress is best for you. Our current generation has a lot of posture problems that can be easily rectified by finding the right mattress.

  • Your Lifestyle


Personally, I’m a die-hard fan of rock climbing. So, after my expeditions, all I can think of is a good shower and sleep. That helps a lot with muscle recovery. Therefore, a mattress that easily supports key areas such as the neck, hips, and shoulders is always a good choice for me.
If you love sports, then you can consider buying a memory foam mattress since it will easily take the shape of your entire body. Memory foam mattresses ensure that you get an equal and even body support. Take time and visit your doctor so you can get the best recommendation.

  • Who will use the bed


When you are going to buy a mattress, you need to pay close attention to who will sleep on it. If it’s only you, then that will be a fairly straight forward decision. However, if you sleep with your partner on the same bed, then it’s best to bring them along, find out their sleeping position.
You need to have a clear idea of who will sleep on the bed so you can make a wise decision. Also, you will have to consider their preferences in terms of color and firmness when making this decision. But of course, there will be some sacrifices especially if the bed is not for one person so that it can accommodate the other party.

Before you go

You need to understand that a good mattress is not cheap. That’s because you will wake up with a positive mood and good health which are both priceless. However, always remember not to go overboard when buying a mattress. Try to buy a mattress that’s within your limits. After all, a good mattress will do you no good if you can no longer afford your rent.
This is the one time in your life that it actually pays to spend a little more. You will spend roughly half of your time in bed. Therefore, you better make those hours count. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to find that comfy mattress for you.