7 questions to ask before buying a new mattress

Buying a new mattresswhile exciting (me, sleep!), it is historically underwhelming and expensive. First you have to choose a retailer, of which there are hundreds, and then you have to choose a mattress, of which there are thousands. Even with the increase online bed in a box sellers and sweeping changes in the mattress buying gamefinding the best mattress it can involve some seriously difficult decision making. I mean, you’re wasting an eye one third of his life in his bedand a good mattress is not a small investment.

Asking yourself a few key questions can make the ordeal a little easier – answer these seven before you make your final decision.

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1. What size mattress do I need?

First and foremost, start your mattress shopping journey with size. How big is your bedroom? You wouldn’t go out and buy a California king mattress if your room can only accommodate a full size bed.

Also, consider your own height. Maybe your room can only fit a double mattress, but your feet are stuck at the end. In that case, look for a double extra-long mattress.

When choosing a size for your new mattress, consider width and length (especially length if you’re tall).

Here’s how mattress sizes stack up:

• twin: 39×74 inches (99.06×187.96 cm)
• Double long: 39×80 inches (99.06×203.2 cm)
• Double/Full: 54×74 inches (137.16×187.96 cm)
• queen: 60×80 inches (152.4×203.2 cm)
• king: 76×80 inches (193.04×203.2 cm)
• california king: 72×84 inches (182.88×213.36 cm)

2. How firm or soft is my mattress?

Another basic but important question. Do you like a firm mattress, a soft mattress, or something in between? This is perhaps the most important question of them all, because it doesn’t matter whether you buy the most expensive, the fanciest bed made of the highest quality materials: if it’s too firm or too soft for you, you won’t
to sleep
good.

In the context of this question, you’ll want to consider the different types of mattresses: memory foam, gel-infused foam, latex, innerspring, individually wrapped coils, adjustable, pillow-top, and hybrid.

If you’re shopping for your mattress online, it can be difficult to determine whether the firmness or softness is right for your body. Fortunately, you can try it mattresses from Purple, Leesa, Nectar and more in real life before purchasing.

3. What do I dislike about my current mattress?

I assume you want a new mattress, at least in part, because there are things you don’t like about your existing mattress. Obviously, you won’t be looking for a new mattress with the same old qualities, so think about what you don’t like about your existing mattress and what you’d like to avoid in a new mattress. Make a list (a physical one, so you remember it while you’re shopping) and bring it to the store or keep it handy while browsing online.

4. What do I like about my current mattress?

Even if your current mattress is many years old and basically has the imprints of your body on it, there may still be features that you like. Or maybe you remember what you originally liked about it. Again, make a physical list of these qualities and keep it handy when shopping for a new mattress.

5. Do I need to accommodate a sleeping partner?

Having a partner in bed will most likely influence your final decision. For example, you’ll probably want a bigger bed than you might need for yourself, and you might prefer an adjustable mattress that can accommodate the preferences of both sleepers.

6. How much can I afford to spend on a mattress?

A necessary evil kind of question. Of course we’d all love to spend a few thousand on a a super cool smart bed that promises to improve your entire lifebut unfortunately that’s not always an option.

Before you start your mattress search, determine your budget. Be sure to set a low (something you’d be more than willing to pay for) and a high (something that looks a little uncomfortable, but definitely doable for a real mattress).

7. How do I return a mattress I hate?

Despite hours of research and trips to mattress stores, you may still end up with a mattress you don’t like. Mattress returns aren’t always possible, but don’t just assume they aren’t. Many online mattress sellers they offer returns (though you may have to shell out handling and shipping fees), and some simple retailers offer convenience guarantees that you can (and should!) take advantage of.

To ensure minimal hassle, make sure you save the receipt and keep the mattress intact. Don’t remove the manufacturer’s label – it’s the big one with all the information about the mattress and the one that says constipation is a possible consequence of removal!

You may also want to use a mattress protector if you think there’s a chance you’ll return the mattress, as warranties and guarantees don’t usually cover a soiled mattress. If you have pets or children, your mattress can get dirty sooner than you think, so take care of it.

You can also choose a brand that offers free trial periods, during which you can use the mattress for a few weeks (usually around 100 days) to see if you like it. Purple, Nectar and Laila are some such brands.