When it comes to getting quality rest, there are many factors that influence your sleep, like how relaxed you are before bed, what your diet or lifestyle is like, and more. However, what about mattresses? With the right mattress, you can sleep soundly without much difficulty. Unfortunately, if you have the wrong mattress—or even one that is too old—you can experience aches, pains, and restless nights.
In this article, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of shopping for the right mattress. We’ll explore how you can select your mattress, the mistakes you should avoid when you shop, and some things to look out for when you shop. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to mattress shopping to find the best product for you, then you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get into understanding what mattress you may need.
Before You Shop, Determine What Mattress You Need
A lot like a pair of shoes, your mattress should fit your lifestyle and support you in the way that you need to be supported. If you have a mattress that is too soft and you suffer from back pain, it might actually contribute to the problem. Additionally, you may find that a mattress feels great on your back, but as a side sleeper, you can’t get quality rest.
Before you even step foot in one of the mattress stores, be sure you understand what you’re looking for. If you are a side, back, or even stomach sleeper, you should shop for specific mattresses. For those who suffer from back pain, you might do well with a mattress that is soft, medium-firm, or even extra-firm, according to one study in the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology.
By taking note of any allergies, common aches and pains that you experience, and your preferred sleeping position, you can determine what kind of mattress you need and what firmness level you require. Now, let’s examine some of the common mistakes you should avoid when you mattress shop!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mattress Shopping
As you might expect, there are many mistakes that you should avoid when mattress shopping. For example, with any shopping trip, getting stuck on things like the brand name, appearance, and price can leave you with the wrong product. Let’s explore five common mistakes you should avoid as you shop for your next mattress.
- Focusing Only on the Price: When you go shopping for clothes, you don’t just look at the price but also the quality of the clothing. In the same respect, you should look at multiple factors but keep your budget in mind as you search for the right fit.
- Not Testing the Mattress: How will you know if the mattress is right for you if you don’t test it? Even with infants, testing the mattress to find the right firmness is vital for their posture and health.
- Ignoring the Materials: Just like clothes shopping, you need to mind the material of your mattress, especially for your health. For many younger and middle-aged citizens, memory foam and latex mattresses work, while elderly populations benefit from firmer mattresses, like memory foam and coir mattresses.
- Failing to Consider the Size: The size of your mattress is critical to your decision, as you can’t buy a product that is too small or too large for your bed frame. You should also find a mattress that suits your body size. For example, if you are younger and still growing, you might want a queen or a twin, but those who are taller might benefit from a king-size bed, especially if they share a room with their spouse.
- Forgetting About Return Policies and Warranties: Before you even walk over to the counter to purchase your new mattress, you should understand the policies for returns and warranties. You don’t want to buy a mattress that fails to have any protection, but you’ll also want to make sure you understand the terms you’ll need to follow once you sign on the dotted line and take your new mattress home.
By understanding these common mistakes, you can shop effectively and get the right mattress for your health. However, let’s also explore some dos for successful mattress shopping, many of which will help you score the best deal and the most appropriate mattress for beneficial sleep.
Five Things to Do to Enjoy Successful Mattress Shopping
We have talked a bit about the mistakes people make, but what things should you do in order to come home with the right mattress? Here are five tips we have for you to ensure you walk out with the right product:
- Do Your Research: You should not go into a mattress store without conducting some research beforehand. You can look up the brands, mattress types, and reviews of each product so you have a good idea of what you might purchase and what is the best option.
- Visit Multiple Stores: Just like you shouldn’t accept the first price when bartering with others, don’t settle for the first store you find. Feel free to visit numerous stores before you make your ultimate decision while also finding where you can get the best price.
- Take Your Time: It can feel like you’re in a rush to get a mattress, and, in some cases, you might be. Yet, if you can, take your time and really think critically about your decision. After all, your mattress is meant to last you years!
- Ask Questions: Shopping for a mattress can feel a lot like shopping for a car. You’ll want to know all that you can about the mattress before you commit, so come with your questions. The store associates can help you understand each mattress to make a clear decision.
- Consider the Base for Your Mattress: If you have a box spring or need a new one, it is essential to remember this while you’re shopping. In some cases, you might be able to find a hybrid mattress, which can provide you with long-term cost savings potential even despite the upfront costs.
As long as you remember these tips, you’ll have a smooth and effective shopping trip and find the perfect product so you can enjoy quality rest.
What Mattress Will You Purchase Next?
When you’re preparing to buy your next mattress, keep in mind these common mistakes and the tips that we have provided. Not only will they help you find the right mattress for your rest, but they can even save you a lot of money! To learn more about how to improve your rest and optimize your sleep health, visit our website today to read more articles from our experts.
