Mattress Buying Guide

Is it time to say goodnight to your bed permanently?  Maybe your bed bows in the middle, is the source of restless nights, or perhaps you’ve flipped the mattress more times than you can count.

Buying a new mattress is one of the most important decisions you make.  After all, the average person spends more than a whopping 30% of their lives in bed — shouldn’t it be in one that provides you with a great night’s sleep?

This guide is meant to help you along the way, let you know what questions to ask, what to look for and what to avoid.

BUY DOUBLE-SIDED

Buying a double-sided mattress is the key to keeping your beds structure.  You want one that can be flipped.  Some mattress companies have stopped production of double-sided mattresses, simply because they last too long.  You might be told that double-sided mattresses aren’t being made anymore, or that a “new technology” has made mattress-flipping obsolete.  Not true.

BUY FROM A TRUSTWORTHY COMPANY

Ask the company if they get commission for selling certain beds, as the motivation to sell is about their own financial gain, and not about finding the mattress you need.  Ask what materials their beds are comprised of, and how it stacks up against what their competitors use.  Companies should be able to tell you exactly what is in their beds.  If they do not disclose this, it’s time to go.

LOOK FOR QUALITY

When spending upwards of $1,000 on a new queen set (mattress, foundation, frame and delivery); it should be made from natural materials like cotton, wool or latex.  Ask if they use convoluted foam (like egg crates) in their beds, and how many layers are used.  The more layers of foam, the more likely it is for a mattress to hammock.

TAKE YOUR TIME

A mattress is the most important piece of furniture you buy.  Take your time finding the mattress that meets your needs.  When testing out beds, remember to wear clothing you would feel comfortable lying down in.  Test beds in your natural sleeping positions.  Sales staff should give you 15-20 minutes per bed to help you decide on the best bed for you.  Never feel rushed or pressured to buy on the spot.

SHOP BY FEEL, NOT THE DEAL

Buy a bed because it offers you a great night’s sleep, not because it’s on sale.  Mattress companies often have fake sales to make their store more alluring to customers.  These so-called “bargains” aren’t worth the savings if you wind up with a less than quality bed that really doesn’t fit your needs.  If you want to be sure you are saving, buy directly from the manufacturer.