You spend more time on your bed than any other piece of furniture inside your home. A good night’s sleep is key to maintaining and improving your overall health. That’s why it’s also crucial to get a mattress that will provide you with the utmost support and relaxation. Given that it’s a sizable investment, which can cost you hundreds to a few thousand dollars, the purchase deserves thorough thought beforehand.
A question that usually arises when buying a mattress is, “should you try a mattress before you buy it?” The answer to that is outright – YES. Like how you check clothes and shoes before swiping your card, you should also do the same to ensure that the matter will fit your preference and desired comfort levels.
If you aren’t sure how to do so, continue reading below as we’ve listed some tips on how you should try your mattress, helping you complete this important shopping exercise more smoothly and get you the perfect mattress for your bed.
Do proper research.
Beginning a shopping journey without ample background knowledge can spell disaster. So, before you do, try to study the different types of mattresses first and their pros and cons to help you gauge which one you really need.
For instance, innerspring mattresses utilize coils, allowing them to give a traditional bounce and are more breathable and cooler than foam beds. Latex mattresses are naturally soft and resilient. Meanwhile, memory foam mattresses contour the body to fully support all its curves. There are also the air and hybrid mattresses, each of which has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
Apart from knowing the type of mattress you want, you should also measure your space, too! You won’t like ending up purchasing a California king and end up forcing it in an area meant for a queen-size bed. Having this information will surely save you time.
Go to a mattress store.
While you have the perk of ordering online, it’s still advisable to visit a mattress store’s showroom. Most shops will allow customers to lie down on the mattresses so try and test them for a few minutes each.
With that, you can see and feel the mattresses and compare one option to another in real-time. Don’t be self-conscious. Be mindful that it’s an important and sizable purchase, so take it easy and take your time.
Another advantage of buying in-store in-store is that you get to talk to the experts and ask questions as you try the mattresses. They will help you find a mattress that will suit your budget, preferences, space, and other requirements. Giving you some valuable insights before purchasing one.
Test your sleep style.
One of the factors you should consider when testing a mattress is your sleep style. If you’re a side sleeper, it’s best to have a family member or shop assistant help you out. Lie on your side, in whatever position you usually sleep in. Look for a mattress that will have your spine as straight as it can be.
If you’re a back sleeper instead, you can test the mattress by lying on your back and sliding your hand under the small curve on your lower back. It should be somewhat challenging, but it should still be manageable. If you can’t slide your hand, the mattress is most likely too soft. If it slides smoothly, then it’s too firm. Find a mattress that lies in between.
Being a stomach sleeper entails the hardest test, as you need to carefully evaluate your body. Lie down in your usual sleeping position and try to feel if your shoulders are cramping, your spine is misaligned, or the mattress is drooping down under your belly, chest, hips, and knees. If you experience all that, you’d be better off finding a new mattress.
Find generous trial periods and lenient return policies.
While testing mattresses at stores is helpful, often, it isn’t enough to actually ascertain if it’s the right mattress for you. Your genuine assessment after spending a whole day or night, a week, or even an entire month sleeping on it.
Fortunately, most dealers offer a “comfort trial” period ranging from a month to 3 months. That is plenty of time before setting it as a done purchase and deciding if the mattress you picked is what you’ve hoped for or return it if you find it otherwise.
Be wary, however, that return policies may vary between companies, with charging a restocking fee. So, be sure to understand all the details, read the fine print, and ask any necessary questions to avoid any surprising charge after giving your mattress an honest try.
Sleep on and feel the mattress.
Sitting on it, touching it, or lying down on it won’t give you the true feel of your new mattress. As mentioned, you need to sleep on it to find if the mattress is supportive and comfortable in all the right spots. After a good night’s sleep or over a certain period, you’ll know soon whether the mattress is right for you.
Takeaway
From reducing aches and pains, improving sleep quality, to decreasing stress levels, finding the perfect mattress provides lots of other benefits, apart from the comfort and support it offers. So, make sure to try your mattress before finally buying it. After all, you deserve a bed that will give you the topmost perks and the best bang for your buck.