How to Shop for A New Mattress

2 children lying on bed

Shopping for a mattress can be daunting. From materials and marketing jargon, it can be easy to become confused during this process.

Online shopping provides convenience and access to an abundance of options. But some things should be kept in mind before making a purchase; here are a few guidelines to help you shop smart.

Size

When purchasing a mattress, size should be one of the primary factors considered. A suitable mattress must fit both its user’s body and room it will occupy; many factors impact this choice, such as an individual’s height and weight as well as whether or not a partner will share the bed.

Selecting the proper mattress size is key for ensuring people receive restful restful restful rest. Too small of a mattress may make people feel cramped and uncomfortable while too large may take up too much room in a bedroom making it hard to move around in bed.

Mattresses should fit comfortably for their users’ frames and builds; taller people may require longer mattresses than shorter ones, while heavier individuals may prefer something with a firmer support base. It is also essential that users can easily get into and out of bed; too high or low mattresses could make getting out difficult or moving around difficult.

Last but not least, the mattress should fit in well with other furnishings in the room. If there’s a headboard and footboard present, take careful measurements with a tape measure to make sure that they can accommodate a mattress comfortably. Likewise, experiment with different bases like wooden slats or central supports until finding one that best meets your needs.

Once all these factors have been taken into account, a final decision on which mattress to buy must be made. An excellent way of making this choice is finding one with a free trial period; this gives people an opportunity to try the mattress in their home before making their purchase decision and can help avoid making mistakes that are both expensive and frustrating to correct.

Materials

Mattresses come in all sorts of materials, from foam and innerspring mattresses to latex and hybrid options. Each has their own benefits, as well as drawbacks. When shopping for a new bed, make sure to research each mattress type’s specs and features to find one that best matches your sleep style.

Foam mattresses feature various layers with differing densities and firmness levels. When selecting models with CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foams, look out for ones without formaldehyde, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP flame retardants, ozone depleters or any other harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. This will provide you with safer beds while simultaneously decreasing VOC emissions for improved indoor air quality.

When shopping for a foam mattress, opt for one with built-in cooling to prevent overheating. For something even more eco-friendly and sustainable, natural latex may be better; its material comes from rubber trees and comes in both synthetic and organic variants; for the latter option that meets Global Organic Textile Standards is best.

Before purchasing, make sure the manufacturer offers an extended warranty to cover any manufacturing-related defects. Most companies have return policies lasting from 100-365 days; read carefully as warranties tend only cover issues like sagging and indentation rather than wear-and-tear or changes to your sleep patterns.

Mattress companies typically offer various discounts and sales throughout the year, but March through May is often considered the optimal time to shop as many firms release new products in June and need to clear old inventory out before rolling out new models in July. Don’t be intimidated by haggling; experts estimate that mattress prices can be reduced by as much as 50%!

When shopping online for mattresses, be sure to request an estimated delivery and set-up estimate based on your zip code – this can give an idea of shipping and handling costs. Furthermore, look for a return policy which allows for up to one month of trial using the mattress in your home before purchasing and offers free pick-up of old mattresses for recycling or donation.

Firmness

Firmness should be one of the primary considerations when purchasing a mattress, and back sleepers may prefer medium-to-firm mattresses with enough contouring and support to meet their individual preferences. Mattresses come in various firmness levels that may provide adequate support and alignment of spinal alignment; the ideal mattress for them usually depends on personal preferences and sleep position – for example back sleepers tend to prefer medium-firm options that balance contouring with support.

Mattress feel can also be affected by its materials and construction. A thick comfort system made up of more conforming materials usually gives off a softer feeling while thinner layers with less malleable material create firmer surfaces. Furthermore, core type has an impactful influence on its feel as well as how well it supports the body.

Some retailers and mattress companies provide trial periods, allowing you to try the product for up to 100 nights at home before making your decision. Trial periods give you more of an experience than just laying down briefly in store; it allows you to properly experience each mattress. Be sure to inquire about restocking or exchange fees which may apply when returning the mattress for exchange or restocking.

Check if the mattress manufacturer offers warranties and what they cover; typically these last at least 10 years and cover manufacturer defects as well as structural issues with their mattresses. Some manufacturers even provide extended warranties to cover a mattress even after its original owner passes on.

Keep an eye out for discounts or bundle deals while shopping, particularly at seasonal sales or holiday promotions such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July Labor Day and Black Friday when retailers often offer significant savings on mattresses – but be wary as many may come with restrictions or require advance purchase! Likewise it’s smart to compare prices online before making your final decision; online stores tend to provide greater variety as well as reduced overhead costs for retailers which could mean better pricing!

Warranty

Mattress warranties typically cover the lifecycle of the bed, however you should check which specific terms and conditions apply. Some brands only provide limited warranty coverage while others include comprehensive protection to cover repairs or replacements for as long as ownership continues. Furthermore, it’s advisable to confirm if your mattress falls under any manufacturer defect warranties as this can protect against costly repair bills in the future.

While many assume a higher price tag means a better mattress, that isn’t always true. There are often mattresses which provide excellent pressure relief to suit your sleep style and body type at an affordable price point. Be sure to find one backed by an extensive warranty with high customer reviews to protect your investment and find out which brands have high customer satisfaction ratings to ensure a successful experience!

Many online mattress companies provide trial periods for their products, so you can take your time evaluating one at home before making a final decision. This can help alleviate stress of returning it and save on shipping fees; if purchasing in physical store ask about return policies as some brands compress and roll their mattresses for easy delivery; some brands even provide white glove delivery for an additional charge which could prove especially helpful if lifting heavy boxes is an issue for you.

Notable that some mattresses require specific bases or frames to ensure proper support, consult with a sales associate on this matter to determine which is appropriate – cheap bases could damage or cause uneven support of the mattress, while it’s also wise to ensure it works with existing frames or foundations.

Make sure to keep an eye out for seasonal discounts and sales; May is often the month when mattress companies unveil new models, leading to significant discounts, especially on top-rated mattresses.