Don’t Make Shopping for a New Mattress a Chore: A How-To Guide

Purchasing a brand-new mattress involves similarly-high stakes to buying a brand-new house. Both are costly investments that significantly impact your well-being. Ironically, the process of shopping for a mattress can cause homeowners to lose sleep if you don’t follow the necessary steps. 

If you’re hoping to get back on the right path and find the mattress of your dreams, you should avoid taking this process lightly. After all, you spend a substantial amount of time in your bedroom (eight hours, to be exact), so throwing away hours of precious rest should be out of the question.

That said, the first thing that you should take into consideration is the fact that there are wrong and right ways to shop for a mattress. Debunk the myth that sleepers can rely on the luck of the draw to find the mattress tailored to their unique sleep style and firmness preferences. 

It’s best to explore your options to make the process run as seamlessly as possible. Figure out what feels right and what’s proven to relieve some of the aches and pains you struggle with on a nightly basis. If testing the waters by rolling around on a mattress in public isn’t for you, there are many different customer-friendly options available today. 

For instance, many websites and large retailers aim to make virtual shopping experience possible. Whether shopping online or visiting an in-person furniture showroom, you should always be wary of salespeople who try to hike up your budget to cover the cost of unnecessary bells and whistles. For those sleepers nervous about embarking on their mattress-shopping journey, follow this step-by-step guide, and answer the following questions as they appear. 

Memory foam vs. latex: the pros and cons

First and foremost, you’ll need to decide between memory foam and latex models. For your reference, a memory foam mattress can cost about $200 more on average. However, you might not want to let this higher price point discourage you from considering a memory foam bed. 

If you suffer from chronic pain, circulation issues, or digestive issues, rest assured that there are state-of-the-art bed models, like those from My UpBed, that can alleviate pesky heartburn and promote optimal blood flow. 

For those sleepers who suffer from joint pain, you can manage the symptoms related to a chronic condition with a well-reviewed memory foam mattress. Depending on your condition’s severity, you may want to check in with your doctor to get their opinion on the mattress best suited to your health conditions.

One con that may thwart some mattress shoppers, particularly couples, is memory foam mattresses’ tendency to trap and retain heat and are often viewed as non “romance-friendly” mattress models. If late-night cuddle sessions are a top priority, you should strongly consider a latex mattress.

Budget accordingly

As with any major purchase, it is crucial to prepare a budget before venturing out to the nearest furniture showroom. Always look for good deals and steer clear of overpriced mattresses. 

First things first, the average price of a mattress is as follows (relative to type). You may have heard about the new memory foam mattresses. On average, these models tend to run along the lines of $1,200. A traditional spring mattress, by comparison, is about $200 cheaper. 

New materials, more advanced technology, and higher demand all factor into this general price disparity. But don’t worry. You can easily score great deals with the right research and savings-oriented mindset.

In addition to the obvious solution of waiting for an official sale, always remember that bargaining is an option. Mattresses, more than most other commercial products, have a considerable mark-up. Like cars, their prices are often contingent on the merchant’s sales pitch, giving you (the customer) extra wiggle room to haggle with these sales representatives. If you opt for this option, it’s your responsibility to do your due diligence and familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of the different models of interest. 

Factor in your ideal sleep position

While our ideal sleep style isn’t often something that we think very much about in our daily lives, pinpointing your preferred sleeping position can be vital in finding the mattress that fits your needs. 

Start by asking yourself if you’re a side sleeper or a back sleeper. Some mattresses have features that may favor one group of sleepers over others. It is also essential to factor in how your partner sleeps. Do they toss and turn throughout the night? If so, you might need a mattress that absorbs the shock of restless sleepers while ensuring you remain undisturbed from the moment your head hits the pillow.

Determine your preferred firmness level

Manufacturers rigorously test mattresses before releasing them onto the market. These manufacturers and talented researchers also utilize sophisticated equipment to test and measure a mattress’s firmness as it undergoes nightly wear and tear, helping to gauge a product’s longevity. With these testing strategies, developers can determine what materials work best to provide users with a good night’s sleep for years to come.

Decide between in-person vs. online purchasing methods

While you may be someone known to shop online exclusively, consider this an excellent opportunity to rethink that approach. While online shopping is often more convenient, less intimidating, and sometimes even cost-efficient, it does come with its fair share of downsides, as well. 

For example, sleepers might want to test a mattress before buying it. Imagine helping delivery men finagle your brand-new, heavy mattress up the stairs just to discover that you wake up in agony the next morning. 

Review the return policy and warranty provisions

Speaking of potentially unpleasant experiences, another critical point to consider when buying a new mattress is whether or not it comes with a warranty. Beyond identifying whether the warranty exists, you should study the exact stipulations listed in it, including relevant expiration dates, whether or not a specific reason for return is needed, etc. 

In conclusion

Mattresses can take up a lot of space. Ultimately, a well-planned purchase can improve the livability of your bedroom instead of diminishing it. Next up: Choosing a Mattress if your a little larger that life