Buying a new mattress can be overwhelming and costly. But walk into a mattress store, and you’ll find various options, trial periods, money-back guarantees, and even lower markups than in the past. Still, it’s better to be well informed. Here are the top mattress-buying tips you should know.
Measure first
Measure the dimensions of your current mattress and use the measurements when you’re out checking for new options. A comfortable bedroom needs at least three feet of space on two sides of the mattress. Remember to measure the doorway and the hallways of your home because you don’t want the new mattress to get stuck in the hall.
Research
Mattresses are available in a variety of styles – soft, firm, orthopedic, pillow-top, box spring, innerspring, foam, hybrid, and more. Research the pros as well as the cons of each to narrow down your options and not feel overwhelmed at the store.
Test
You want a comfortable mattress as you’ll spend hours on it every night. Lie down for ten to 15 minutes on each mattress you’re considering buying. Spend most of the time in the position you usually sleep in, like on your side, your stomach, or your back. Eliminate any mattresses that make you feel uncomfortable or sore.
Bargain
Mattresses always have big markups, especially at smaller shops. Do your research online and come prepared to haggle for a good deal. Many big mattress chains list the lower possible price but don’t hold back from bargaining for a good deal.
Trial
Ask the store for a 30-day trial period because even if a mattress feels good in the store, you may not feel comfortable after sleeping on it all night. If you’re uncomfortable on the mattress a few weeks after testing, you should be able to return it for no extra charge. So, remember to check out restocking or exchange terms. Some manufacturers offer comfort guarantees that let you return or exchange mattresses within a certain amount of time.
Warranty
Make sure that your bed has a long warranty. Some are even ten years long. Check what is covered, too, as most only cover manufacturing errors that are noticeable a few months post-purchase.