How to Shop for a Mattress Class

Learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision on your next mattress purchase.

After hearing customer after customer say that they rather shop for a used car than shop for a new mattress, we knew we had to do something to help.

We decided to launch the “How to Shop for a Mattress Class” in 2009. Happy to report we’ve helped thousands of shoppers over the years. Our free, informative class is offered every Saturday morning in our Seattle showroom. We welcome any and all to join us for an hour of insightful tips that will save you time (and money)!

Each class is an overview of how mattresses are made, commonly used materials, and what you should expect from your next purchase. When our informative session concludes, you’re free to browse our showroom, pop over to our Clearance Outlet, or visit our competitors. We promise this to be an all content, no selling experience. Reserve a spot.

10 Tips to Buy The Best Mattress Ever

Tap into these helpful tips and be well on your way to finding the best sleep possible.

1

Make a plan

Make a checklist before you set out to shop. Ask yourself these questions; how long do you need a new mattress to last? Is it for occasional guest use or for your own nightly use? What’s your budget? Do you have wiggle room on cost? Once you have your checklist, go ahead and schedule yourself ample time to shop, preferably without distractions.

2

Choose a store

Ask family and friends for recommendations of where they’ve shopped and been happy with their purchase. Then check out Yelp and Google Reviews. Look for themes. If you see multiple reviews mention the same positive and/or negative feedback, you can be pretty confident it’s a trend you should pay attention to. 

3

Buy a 2-sided mattress

With a 2-sided mattress you can flip and rotate it, which evens out it’s wear. Regular mattress flipping and rotation can extend its life span up to 3 times longer than a single sided mattress ‘can’t flip’ mattress. One sided mattresses develop dips and valleys that can’t be flattened out, hence their accelerated breakdown. We strongly suggest you invest in a 2-sided mattress which will stay comfortable longer and save you money in the long run.

4

Learn about materials

Mattress manufacturers will often come up with dreamy-sounding names like CloudRest, DrowsyLuxe, or Sleep Affinity, to conceal chemical compounds in their mattresses ‘proprietary’ comfort layers. The reality is, if it’s not made in nature, it’s made in a lab. If you can tolerate some off-gassing and low durability, then maybe memory foam or gel foam is for you. But if you want a long-lasting, durable mattress that stays comfortable and is good for your body and the planet, look for plant-based fibers like cotton, wool, and botanical latex.

5

Decide on surface feel

From Plush to Extra Firm and everything in between, there’s a surface feel that makes sense for your body type, physical condition, and preferred sleep position(s). When buying a new mattress, try going just one degree plusher or firmer than your current mattress. This’ll give your body an easy but appreciable adjustment. We always recommend gradual changes to your sleep surface.

6

Try out compositions

Do you like the feel of a bed with pocketed coil springs, or do you prefer a fiber only mattress? How about a hybrid (a mix of both)? Every mattress composition has a different surface feel and only you know what feels best to you. This can take time, so you try each one out. Be open minded to test-resting something new, and if you don’t like it more, than you can opt to stay with your tried-and-true!

7

Test rest

Never buy a mattress you haven’t laid on for at least 10-25 minutes. A mattress can look and sound great in an advertisement but until you’ve test-rested it, you won’t really know if it’s the right one for you. Aim for at least 10 minutes, 20 if possible. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and lie in the various position(s) you normally sleep. Don’t forget to bring your partner too! It’s important that both you and your partner are happy with the surface feel of your new mattress.

8

Box or no box?

In the old days, we called these ‘box springs,’ but really (if they’re made well), they’re just a platform box constructed of wood with sturdy wooden slats running across the width. A box can add height as well as a flat support system underneath your mattress. Know your bed frame; classic platform beds don’t typically require boxes because the frame provides all the foundation you need. Do you have a squeaky bed? It’s probably just time to replace your box! 

9

Understand warranty & store policies

Most manufacturers’ warranties only cover material defects. However, mattress failure due to material defects is very hard to prove. That’s why it’s important to get a clear understanding on what the store’s return and exchange policies are before you make your purchase. Many stores offer a comfort exchange option, where within a certain time period, you can swap your new mattress for a different model for a minimal fee. To prevent unwanted surprises, be sure to ask your salesperson about all associated fees before making a change.

10

Give it 28+ sleeps

Give it time. Just like breaking a habit, it takes the body up to 30 consecutive days of sleep to adjust to the surface feel of a new mattress. If you’re nearing the end of your comfort exchange period and still can’t seem to get comfortable sleep, then you should contact your mattress retailer as soon as possible to discuss what your options are. If you purchased a mattress from us, please refer to our 90 Day Comfort Exchange Policy.

Preparing for Your Shopping Experience

What’s Inside Your Mattress

Commonly Asked Questions

Conclusion

Over 80 mattress models on display

Stop by our Seattle flagship showroom, open 7 days a week. Our sleep specialists are always available to answer questions and offer guidance as you shop for a new mattress and home furnishings.

Mattress brands on display include: