With so many mattress options to choose from, finding the perfect fit can feel like an overwhelming and stressful task. Answers to questions like
- “Are you a back, side, or stomach sleeper?”
- “Do you suffer from lower back or neck problems?”
- “Do you feel heaty at night?”
…are some important key points to look out for when buying a mattress to ensure that you are getting the best night’s sleep.
In this definitive guide to buying a mattress, the above questions will be refined a bit more – consolidating into 10 expert tips that cover 4 important factors
- Mattress Size
- Firmness
- Quality
- Price.
Read on to find out how to choose a mattress for a smooth and hassle-free buying process!
1. Identify your sleeping habits and seek professional advice
Some mattresses have been carefully designed to mold to your body’s natural curves whilst others have been created to be a one-size-fits-all solution. In reality, this may not always be the ideal solution for your sleeping experience. Make sure you identify your sleeping habits, sleeping position, hours spent at rest on the bed, back, side, or stomach sleeper, etc, before considering one of these options.
If you’re unsure exactly how your back is best situated on a mattress, reach out to your local physio/ortho or primary care physician to have a proper back and neck assessment. Their expertise can best support you in understanding what mattress will benefit you and reduce your risk of back pain. This would be a good starting point in your mattress selection journey.
2. Consider a diagnostic system to match your body to the right mattress
If you opt for visiting mattress stores in person, some include diagnostic systems that help take the confusion out of picking the right mattress — especially when most mattress stores have dozens of options to choose from.
A diagnostics system is essentially a computer system with sensors that runs over the body’s measurements. The system utilizes this data and determines your correct levels of postural support. Instead of trying dozens of mattresses, one of the mattress sales assistants or sleep specialists can select the mattress(es) that are best aligned with your data. This process will essentially show you through real-time data how to buy the best mattress for you. The system can even show you whether your ideal mattress firmness is soft, medium-firm, or firm.
3. Conduct thorough research on what’s out there on the market
As mentioned in points 1 and 2 above, each body has its own idiosyncrasies that would not be suited to any and all kinds of mattresses. Doing due diligence and research can prevent you from purchasing a mattress that is marketed as “perfect” for all body types and sleepers and having bad nights of sleep. Do not rush this process and take your time; ensuring that you are eliminating your options and testing out the mattresses in person, as you go.
4. Learn about different mattress materials
It can feel confusing when you hear different terminology about your mattress material and why certain types are preferred over others. There are more than 15 types of mattress materials available in the market. Still, the fundamental and more commonly known materials you would find at your local bed and mattress store include innerspring, memory foam, latex, hybrid, polyfoam, water, and adjustable. You can read our other articles on various mattress materials on our website.
5. Read customer reviews
Today’s method of finding out what’s worth your buck is via online reviews. Once you have identified which mattress you’re looking to purchase, make sure you check the online reviews. Browsing through online reviews provides a level of credibility to the product or service. If you can see how the product has worked for other sleep-ridden or back pain sufferers like yourself, it can ensure a sense of security and safety, knowing that what you are purchasing, has worked for others, and ideally, could work for you too.
6. Visit stores in person
Pictures and online reviews can only tell you so much. But by visiting brick-and-mortar stores, you can actually touch, see and experience whether the mattress you saw online is exactly what you envisioned. Things to look for when buying a mattress in person are firmness, quality, and durability. Is it too much for what you wanted or not firm enough? Is the quality up to your standards? Test sleep is always encouraged, especially if it’s a costly purchase.
7. Opt for a trusted brand
The more a brand is recognized for its innovative approaches to products, customer service, and reputation, the more likely you are to purchase from said brand. Brands carry value when they’re reputable and have created a name for themselves in the marketplace. Of course, it doesn’t mean you should only purchase from popular mattress brands. However, it does ease your purchasing decision and experience by knowing you’ve selected a trusted brand that has built a following and reputation for having some of the best mattresses in the market.
8. Take your time
Don’t feel rushed when making your purchase, it takes time for you to decide on which mattress you will spend 1/3 of your day sleeping on. Don’t judge a mattress based on what you read on the site; head down to the shop to feel the product. Ensure that the mattress you are getting will give you the support that you need and meets your comfort level. Investing in a good mattress will save you time in the long run as your body attains good quality sleep and lesser spinal issues.
Consider these factors when purchasing your next mattress.
9. Read the finer print
Another thing to look for when buying a mattress is the finer print. Always check if your mattress comes with a warranty. Ideally, it would be great to find a brand that provides you with several years of warranty or even a lifetime warranty. A mattress warranty should cover defects that the customer did not cause. You should also ask what is not included in the warranty, so you’re fully aware of all the finer details.
10. Shop with comfort in mind and enjoy your new mattress
Mattresses are present to solve your problems of poor sleep, and back or neck pain and are also a place to rest, dream and snooze away in peace. Ensure that you shop with comfort in mind and don’t forget to enjoy the experience! By following our guide, you’ll be able to confidently shop and purchase your dream mattress.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and purchase a mattress, look no further than our range of ergonomic mattresses with our first-class mattress material and a 10-year warranty. We hope you enjoy a peaceful slumber, and if you have any questions about our SwissAire ergonomic mattresses or need help on how to buy the best mattress for you, contact our team today.