Don’t Lose Sleep Over Mattress Shopping with these Tips

It’s time to buy a new mattress, but if your last mattress was a good one, it’s likely been several years since you’ve last gone mattress shopping. You may be feeling a bit out of your element and lost for what steps to take to ensure you’re getting the mattress that will last you a long time.

Well, don’t lose sleep fretting about where to start. Here are some tips on what to do when shopping for a new mattress.

Know Your Mattress Materials

You may not realize it, but there are a lot of materials that can go into a mattress to make it the exact level of comfort you’re looking for. They’re much more than fabric and springs, after all. We’ve come a long way in mattress technology over the years, to the point where we even use memory foam first developed by NASA to get a better night’s sleep.

For example, if you’re a hot sleeper prone to night sweats, there are materials that can keep you cool. Gel infused memory foam, organic New Zealand wool, and organic flax are all materials you should be looking for in your mattress. 

So when researching potential mattresses, take a look at what materials are listed and what they do. Some are hypo-allergenic, some are natural pest-deterrents so there’s no need to treat the mattress with chemicals, and some can reduce motion transfer. Think about your specific needs and make a list, then check off what materials you’d ideally like in your perfect mattress.

Consider Your Sleeping Position

The position you sleep in should be a major factor when picking out your mattress. Depending on whether you sleep on your back, side, or belly, your weight is distributed differently. With the right mattress, this distribution will lead to a great night’s sleep. With the wrong mattress, you could wake up with a sore back due to not getting the proper support your body needs.

Side sleepers frequently need softer mattresses that will mold to the shape of their body. Back sleepers normally need a firmer mattress to properly support their spine. Stomach sleepers may need a mattress that is somewhere in the middle. How you sleep will heavily influence what materials you need your new mattress made of, as those factor into how soft or firm it is.

Know What Size You Need

Don’t stress if you’re not familiar with the terminology that is used to describe and define different mattress sizes. Just grab a tape measure and measure your current mattress or bed frame.

Mattresses generally use the same measurements and size terms across the industry. For example, no matter where you go, a King size mattress will always be 76 inches by 80 inches. Once you have those numbers, look up a handy mattress guide and you’ll be able to see which size mattress you’re shopping for. 

However, you should also be sure that that’s the mattress size that suits your sleeping needs. Do you feel your mattress isn’t long enough for you to stretch out? Does it feel cramped when you and your partner sleep in the same bed? Does the bed seem to take up the majority of the space in your bedroom? Consider upgrading or downsizing your mattress size in accordance to your particular needs. Just remember that if you do this, you’ll likely need a new bed frame and bedsheets to accommodate it.

Test Out Mattresses In-Person

One of the most important things to do when shopping for a new mattress is to shop in-person. We have gotten used to a world where we can just order whatever we want online, but some things need to be tested out in-person before you buy. Mattresses are at the top of this list.

Don’t order a mattress in a box. Go to one of our showrooms and actually lay on the different mattresses that are on display. See how each one feels, compare the materials, and check for motion transfer and firmness. Don’t jump on the bed, of course, but spend at least ten minutes on each mattress to ensure you’re comfortable, roll around, and be sure to mimic the position you typically sleep in.

The biggest benefit with in-person mattress shopping is that you can talk to one of the crafters that will be making the mattress. As the mattress experts, they can advise you on what features you may not realize you’re looking for.

Remember Your Mattress is an Investment

Some people might not think they need to put much thought into the quality and longevity of their mattress. They just want something comfortable that they can sleep on. 

Generally, you use your mattress every night for 6-8 hours. Something you use so frequently and that is so vital to your sleep quality and overall health should be built to last. Cheap mattresses typically only last for a few years, after which you’ll have to toss it out and then buy a new one. If you do this more than once or twice, you could very well end up spending more money than if you’d bought a high-quality mattress that lasts 10 years.

Because of this, when deciding your mattress budget, be sure to take into account how long the mattress will last vs. how much you’ll be spending. Sticker shock is common, but if you divide the upfront cost by how many years it will last, you may find it to be overall more affordable than the “cheap” mattress.

Keep in mind that we recognize that your mattress is an investment and do our best to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. This is why we only make our hand-crafted mattresses out of high quality materials. We also offer a 90-day risk-free trial to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your mattress.

Mattress shopping can be intimidating, but the effort is more than worth it when you get a good night’s sleep. Come to one of our three showroom locations and we’ll help you find the perfect mattress for your lifestyle.