So, you are ready to buy a mattress. There are so many choices out there. How do you decide which one to buy? The first step is to figure out why you need a new mattress. Are you waking up with an achy back? Do you need a bigger mattress? Did you just move to town and you left the old mattress behind? Would you like something more environmentally friendly?
Before you visit a mattress store, we suggest that you think through what elements in a new mattress will be most important to you. Consider what you like or dislike about the mattress you are currently sleeping on. We believe the most important consideration is personal comfort. Personal comfort is very subjective and what’s good for one person may not necessarily be best for your body.
Think about the kind of sleeper you are – side, back or stomach. Do you like something that ‘cradles’ you, or do you like to feel like you are ‘on top’ of the surface? Memory foam vs. Latex. If you are a side sleeper, you might want to consider something with some padding on top to help with those pressure points in your hips and shoulders.
Find a store you trust. Are salespeople paid on commission? Do they seem to know their mattresses? Will they guide you to a mattress that’s just right for you, not what’s best for their bottom line?
Some tips on how to buy a mattress:
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
- Wear casual, easy on/off shoes (we do not recommend boots for mattress shopping)
- Take your heavy coats and sweaters off
- Bring a book, your phone, something to help you relax while you sample mattresses
- Listen to your body; it knows what feels good and supportive and what does not.
- Try to go shopping when you are relaxed, both mentally and physically.
- If you are in pain, it might not be the best time to try out mattresses.
- You may have heard things about memory foam or latex, but if you have never slept on that particular material, try it for yourself. See how you and your body respond. You may be surprised.
- If you can, leave your children at home. This can help you to relax more and to focus on your needs. If that is not possible, try to bring something for your children to do (book, tablet or phone, etc). Some stores, like Mattress Lot, have a children’s area, with toys and books.
- Spend as much time as you can in the bed while you are in the store. Be sure to try the mattress in the position that you sleep in. Relax and take your time. This is not the time to make a quick decision.
Things to consider:
- Ignore brand names. Focus on materials and feel and warranty. Most manufacturers buy their materials from the same suppliers
- Firmer isn’t always better. Many shoppers believe a firm mattress will solve their back problems. This isn’t always true.
- Pay attention to how your spine aligns on different types of mattresses.
- Look at the reputation of the retailer. Check out online reviews. Do their customers trust them? Do they give good customer service?
- Coil count isn’t everything. The design of the coils and materials used in the mattress will ultimately determine the comfort and longevity of the mattress.
Mattress Lot is different than most other mattress stores in that our sales people do not work on commission. Our goal is to fit the customer, you, to the right mattress for your particular needs within your budget and with the best support and comfort for you.
Enjoy!
Please check out these links, for other opinions:
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/how-to-pick-your-perfect-mattress
http://bettersleep.org/mattresses-and-more/choosing-the-best-mattress
http://greatist.com/happiness/how-pick-perfect-mattress
http://www.spine-health.com/blog/top-12-tips-buying-a-new-mattress
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/mattresses/buying-guide.htm