11 Steps To Choosing The Right Mattresses

December 7th, 2017 | Updated on February 1st, 2023

You spend a third of your life in bed, which means it’s vital that you also spend plenty of time choosing the right one. The wrong bed can lead to sore muscles, bad backs and lack of sleep. A better night’s sleep in a better bed can all add up to a better you, so check out our 11 steps to choosing the right bed for your home and your needs.

It seems you can’t watch the evening news or pass by a strip mall without someone trying to sell you a mattress. The seemingly limitless options for choosing a mattress can be overwhelming.

This is even more true if you experience back or neck pain—choosing the right or wrong mattress can make the difference between spending the day feeling good or in pain.

1. Research online before going shopping.

A good mattress is a great contributor to the amount of restful sleep you take every night. Although there are many factors on which your good night’s sleep depends, like – stress level, health, and comfort etc., choosing a right mattress is a critical factor in healthy sleeping which can never be ignored. Therefore, it is essential to choose your mattress wisely. Try these two helpful resources that provide information but don’t sell mattresses:

Spine-health’s Sleep Health Center
The Better Sleep website

2. Don’t just look at it, lie on it

It’s essential that you always try a bed before buying it. We’re all different and one bed isn’t made for everybody. People’s requirements for support will differ depending on their weight and build, so you need to be really comfortable with your decision.

3. Talk to your doctor.

If you have a health condition, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about what he or she recommends. Keep in mind that doctors are not mattress experts, but they know your medical condition and symptoms and will probably have some good advice from that point of view.

4. Know Your Size

You don’t have to buy the same size mattress which you consider replacing. Maybe you bought a king size mattress years ago when your kids were small and everyone used to share the fun on the same bed. But, the kids are grown up now and you can save a lot of space in your bedroom by getting a queen mattress. Do think about your current requirements before heading out for shopping, maybe it’s time to re-design your bedroom.

5. Try Out & Compare the Mattresses as well as the Brands

The best way to decide on something is to always compare. You cannot choose the right one if you will not check on what all is available. Go to a specialized mattress store like Cloud Mattress at Urban Ladder and try out every type brand which you like and then make your decision. You can also do some research online before going to a shop to save some of your time, but a physical touch is always better.

6. Take the mattress for a test drive.

When shopping for a mattress, try to lie on the mattress in the store for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t feel self-conscious or let the salesperson hurry you along. It’s a big purchase, and if you don’t try it for at least 10 minutes you’re not going to get a real feel for it. Couples should test out the mattress together.

7. Pillow tops aren’t for everyone.

Very light-weight people don’t need big thick pillow top mattresses because they don’t weigh enough to compress the foam to even touch the underlying coils/support system. On the flip side, larger/heavier people tend to feel more comfortable with a little extra cushion between them and the coils.

8. Beds and mattresses should work together

Never buy a bed without at least thinking about the mattress. Spring mattresses are ideal for spring beds, while slat beds are more likely to be teamed up with foam mattresses. Where possible you should buy a new bed and a new mattress at the same time, because a new mattress on an old bed won’t last as long as it would on a new one.

9. You get what you pay for

The best Mattresses for you isn’t always the most expensive one, but it’s probably not the cheapest one either. A cheap bed might look OK, but it won’t give you the support you need for a good night’s sleep. Be aware that a lower price might also reduce your comfort. It’s a good idea to look at product reviews online before purchasing as that way you can see what other people think of the item you’re buying.

10. Check out all the options and variations.

Give yourself a comfort test if the salesperson doesn’t offer you one. Ask to try a firm, a plush, and a pillow top in the same brand quality and price point. Lie on each one for 10 to 15 minutes. When you find the most comfortable type of mattress, ask to see more of that kind.

11. Shop at a store that specializes in mattresses.

The salespeople at a mattress specialty store usually have more training on the whole subject of sleep. Try to find a store that carries several major brands, such as Sealy, Serta, Simmons, and Tempurpedic.

So, go ahead and buy the best mattress for yourself to get the sleep of your dreams.