Mattress shopping can be challenging and time consuming. No matter how much research or showroom time is dedicated to bed selection, it can still take weeks or months before knowing whether you picked the ideal one has arrived at home.
Considerations should be given when purchasing the perfect mattress. Here are 10 questions to pose before making your purchase:
1. What is my budget?
An important step when buying a mattress is understanding your budget. Do not spend more than you can afford; avoid overspending by creating a realistic spending plan.
Assume the costs associated with foundations and box springs will quickly add up; their prices can even vary by size (California King accessories are often more costly).
Be sure to inquire about discounts and promotions when shopping in-person; this may enable you to negotiate down the price or add items like fancy pillows at no additional charge. Many online retailers also provide free shipping, saving you money on delivery fees. Inquire also about their return policy; some stores offer trial periods while others have more stringent rules regarding returns – it would be wise if any are dissatisfactory with what was purchased and request a full refund if possible.
2. How many people will be sleeping in the bed?
An investment in quality mattress is vital to both physical and mental wellbeing. It helps maintain spinal alignment as recommended by chiropractors, relieve pressure that causes backache, improve mood and cognitive functions and boost sleep quality.
The ideal mattress for you should take into account your sleep habits and preferences, while being wary of distorted research that relies on self-reported data alone and disregards body size differences as well as how people change over time.
When shopping for two, consider whether twin or full-size mattresses would best fit the space available to you. Bear in mind that heavier people may find the mattress firmer than advertised; fortunately, both online and brick-and-mortar retailers often provide generous sleep trials or free shipping and returns options; in CR’s survey of mattress shoppers online shoppers were just as happy as those shopping in stores!
3. What sleeping position will I be using?
Your preferred sleeping position and any aches or pains that may occur throughout the night should both be taken into consideration when selecting a mattress. Back sleepers require support to keep their spine aligned and reduce pain; thus requiring a firm mattress; while side sleepers might prefer something soft with contoured surface.
Your body weight can have a direct impact on how a mattress feels; certain mattresses are specifically designed to evenly distribute weight distribution to avoid pressure points and sagging over time.
Mattress bases should also be an integral component of your purchase decision when shopping for hybrid or memory foam mattresses, with divan bases to slatted boards available to choose from. In order to find your ideal base combination for your mattress purchase, test out several bases together first before making your choice.
4. What materials are used in the mattress?
Some mattress buyers may be concerned with what’s inside their mattress; these individuals may prefer natural and organic options that are free from fiberglass and chemicals. Other consumers may be searching for something that can dissipate heat quickly.
Many mattresses are constructed using a cotton/polyester blend for durability and strength, with some mattresses including layers of insulation or softness such as batting. Wool can also be used to regulate temperature regulation while providing additional padding.
Many mattresses feature a layer of either latex (Dunlop or Talalay) or poly-foam foam to add comfort and support, as well as an additional coiled support layer made of steel coils to reduce motion transfer between partners during sleep and prevent them from feeling their partner tossing and turning during the night. These features make these beds suitable for couples sharing sleeping arrangements or roommates sharing rooms who wish to sleep together without feeling each other’s movements during the night.
5. What type of support do I need?
Sleep can have a powerful, revitalizing impact that’s crucial to overall health and well-being, but purchasing the ideal mattress is an investment worth making – therefore, it is vital that you fully assess your personal requirements prior to going showroom shopping.
The website tuftandneedle.com can assist in finding that perfect balance of mattress firmness that won’t bend your spine and doesn’t cause hip pain, while natural fibre mattresses (rather than foam or heat-retaining man-made options) may help avoid future sagging issues.
Make sure your chosen retailer provides generous trial periods or return policies, so if the bed doesn’t suit you it can be tried for several weeks without incurring a loss in money if it doesn’t suit. Also look out for warranties covering issues like sagging and other problems.
6. Is the bed adjustable if I need different support in the future?
Finding the ideal mattress can help you feel rejuvenated and refreshed when waking up, yet finding one may prove challenging. There are various factors that must be considered, such as sleeping position, body type and personal preferences regarding materials used.
If you suffer from back or neck pain, make sure you select a mattress which provides proper spinal alignment. Consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist regarding which mattress would best fit with your medical history and personal requirements.
Many online retailers provide a sleep trial period, which allows customers to return a mattress if it doesn’t suit them perfectly. Be sure to ask about their return policies prior to making a purchase – doing so could save both time and money in the long run!
7. Do I need a box spring?
As with anything, your choice of mattress and frame are key when determining the necessity of a box spring. Some manufacturers require it for warranty coverage purposes, while you won’t require one with platform bases or bed frames with strong slatted wood foundation built-in.
Most mattresses don’t need a box spring for proper support, and going without one may save money. However, older innerspring and hybrid mattresses may become unstable without it and sink or develop a sag that impacts comfort levels.
Alternately, you could use a flat foundation or plywood slab as an alternative means of supporting your mattress; however, these alternatives tend to feel less stable than box springs and wear out over time – plus, they lack that bouncy feel of traditional box springs.
8. What are the terms of the warranty?
When purchasing a mattress, it is crucial that you understand its warranty terms. Most warranties cover manufacturing defects for one year; some offer longer coverage. Your mattress sales representative can explain any complex legal language in the warranty to ensure that you fully comprehend what coverage exists.
Purchase of a mattress can be seen as an investment; however, many retailers provide financing options and delivery services for you to get what you want sooner and enjoy it hassle free. Consult the mattress sales rep about financing and delivery options so you can start enjoying your new bed as soon as possible!
9. Do I want a mattress protector?
Mattresses are major investments, and it is wise to protect it from accidents and stains as part of its value. A mattress protector will prevent spills, odors and other messiness from ruining its beauty or nullifying any warranties on it.
Search for a protector that allows air flow. Waterproof styles may repel liquids effectively, but they may obstruct air circulation and make your bed hotter than it needs to be.
Fitted sheet-style mattress protectors are among the most widely used. They fit over the mattress like a fitted sheet and cover all four sides, providing excellent protection from sweat, liquids, and dust mites. Zippered protectors that fully encase a mattress offer greater protection; however they’re harder to take apart for cleaning purposes. Reviews will help you decide which style best meets your needs; or an educated sales representative can take all factors into consideration and provide recommendations when shopping in-store.
10. What is the return policy of the retailer?
Mattresses are an investment and you should ensure you will be completely satisfied with your purchase. Look for retailers with generous sleep trial periods and return policies before making your selection.
As part of your research, ask about the lifespan and testing capabilities of mattresses on various bases like spring or slat bases to get an idea of their performance in your own environment.
If your mattress will take several weeks to arrive, get in contact with someone for status updates on its arrival. Knowing who to call in case something goes wrong with it can reduce stress and uncertainty; also inquire as to the retailer’s warranty coverage beyond sleep trial period and inquire whether this includes indentions and sagging as possible problems.
