The process of replacing your mattress can be an exhausting one. For quite some time, you have to navigate tens of websites and stores, see hundreds of mattress brands and sizes, and debate between different attributes – do you choose spring mattresses, foam types, or go for some other type? How much money should you even spend on a mattress? All these questions, some which might go unanswered, leave you feeling like you should just sleep on your sofa and forget about everything.
Instead of that frustration though, you can follow the tips we will outline below for the next time you go shopping for one.
Learn about the variety of mattress materials
Before you even spend your hard earned money on a mattress, make sure you know the common mattress types and their construction. They are also rated using their firmness as a basis – for example, you will not need a mattress that is too soft if your primary need is back support.
These mattress types are:
- Latex – these are among the most bouncy and offer great responsiveness to your movements. They also tend to sleep cooler.
- Innerspring – these use coils in the mattress frame, which allows them to offer very strong support (they are among the strongest mattresses) and a traditional bouncing feel. However, they are not as bouncy as latex mattresses.
- Air mattress – these use an air pump that inflates the mattress to the firmness levels you want. The usual arrangement is that every side of your bed will have its own air chamber, especially if the mattress is accommodating two sleepers that have different preferences.
- Memory foam – these are meant to contour to your body, which makes them great for people struggling with pressure at different parts of their spine. Some users also report that the material sleeps warm as well.
- Hybrid – these combine latex and memory foam layers on top of innersprings, which makes them offer a combination of support and softness.
Ask for some advice from your doctor
If you are struggling with a neck, spinal, or back condition, make sure to talk to your physical therapist or doctor to see what they can recommend for you. The main aim is to ensure the lower back and neck is in a neutral position when you are lying on the mattress, and this will promote proper spinal alignment. Even though your doctor is not a mattress expert, they can give you some advice while keeping your condition in mind.
Test out mattresses yourself in stores
When shopping for mattresses, don’t be in a rush – instead, give yourself plenty of time to test what you see. Take off your shoes and lie down on different mattresses for at least 10 minutes, and do not worry about self-consciousness; after all, this is a very important purchase you are making.
Keep in mind that firm mattresses are not always the best
Before purchasing a firm or hard mattress, always think twice about it. This is because research shows that firm mattresses are not always the best in all cases; if you have back pain, for instance, you will need a medium firm mattress instead of a firm one. There is always a difference between firm feel and firm support, and you want to choose a mattress that gives a comfortable feel with firm support, according to your preferences.
Beware of marketing gimmicks
You might see that the seller claims the mattress is ‘medically approved’ or ‘orthopedic’ and think the mattress is great for you. However, there are no medical organizations that approve the quality of mattresses or certify them to carry the labels you see. That does not mean all mattresses are bad, because some may have the orthopedic-friendly aspects, but always remember that no medical group certifies these claims.
Look for return policies, warranty and generous trial periods
Numerous manufacturers will have a trial period, where you can return the mattress for free within a certain time if you are unhappy with the product. Ensure you understand all the terms and conditions.
You should also check if the mattress has a warranty – usually, the best mattresses will have a non-prorated or replacement warranty for 10 years.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a mattress is a significant personal investment that affects your sleep quality, so you owe it to yourself to get the best one you can afford. Keep your bed in mind as well, such as buying a mattress that fits in your Overstock furniture.
