When it comes to picking out a mattress, you don’t want to make any mistakes. It’s a long-term investment, so you don’t want to make one that’s not right for your sleeping habits. We sat down with Rick Maynard, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Corporate Communications at Tempur Sealy International, to get the scoop on how to avoid common mistakes that could cost you money in the end.
1. ACT LIKE YOU’RE AT HOME
Although buying a new mattress is no stroll in the park, there are a few tidbits of information that can help you get the best possible sleeper. The most important is that you do your homework and know what you’re doing. This will help you avoid some of the pitfalls of online shopping and ensure that you make a smooth transition to your dream bed. Lastly, it’s worth taking the time to read the fine print.
2. TRY OUT A VARIETY OF MATTRESSES
Whether you’re shopping in person or online, it’s essential to try out a variety of mattresses. This will help you decide what mattress type is best suited to your needs, including your sleep position and body type. It also helps you determine the right pressure relief and comfort level that will keep you comfortable throughout the night.
Many retailers will offer a trial period and refund policy that you can take advantage of. These policies typically run at least 90 days and allow you to try out a product without worrying about returning it later.
You should also look for a manufacturer’s warranty that protects you against any defects in the mattress over a longer period of time. Unlike trials, warranties will cover damages like sagging and indents that can occur over the course of normal use.
Finally, you should look for a mattress that fits your budget. This will give you more confidence that you’re getting the best value for your money. If you find a cheaper mattress elsewhere, most stores will match it.
There are many mattress sales happening all year long. These include Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Presidents Day deals. These discounts can make it possible to find a great deal on a quality mattress that you will love for years to come. Plus, there are so many brands to choose from that you can be sure you will find something within your price range.
3. PREPARE TO SPEND SOME TIME TESTING MATTRESSES OUT
If you’re shopping for a new mattress, it’s critical to spend some time testing it out before buying. The last thing you want is to buy a mattress that won’t be comfortable for you or your sleep partner.
This doesn’t have to be a stressful process, though. It’s a simple matter of taking a few minutes out of your day to lie down on several different mattresses and see which one feels the most like home.
You may also want to have a friend or a loved one come with you when you test out the mattresses to help you get a better sense of which ones are most comfortable for you. They can take pictures of your spine and offer perspective, so that you can determine what works best for your body type and spinal alignment.
As you’re laying on the mattresses, make sure you’re wearing clothes that are comfortable and conforming. You’ll want to stretch out and feel the difference in the weight distribution, so lightweight, conforming fabrics are ideal.
You’ll also want to try a variety of positions, since each position can affect the way a mattress supports your body and sleeps you. You might want to try a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, and back sleeper to see which one you prefer.
4. ACT LIKE YOU’RE READY TO BUY
The best part about shopping for a new mattress is that you can often get one at a great price. Before you go waltzing into your local discount retailer, make sure you have a solid budget in hand. The last thing you want to do is be surprised by a sticker shock when you go to try and unpack your new bed. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to negotiate a better deal for yourself.
5. LOOK FOR GENEROUS TRIAL PERIODS AND RETURN POLICIES
Most online mattress brands offer generous trial periods – which means you can try out your new bed for a certain amount of time before you buy it. If you’re not happy with your new mattress, it’s easy to return it for a refund.
This type of policy is ideal if you’re looking for a mattress that’s highly rated or has been around for a long time, as it will give you enough time to test out different brands and find the one you’re most comfortable with. However, this type of policy isn’t always available for all companies, so make sure you check out their policies before buying a mattress.
The second most generous type of mattress trial policy is a full refund, which ensures you get your money back if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. It’s also the most convenient as it allows you to simply exchange your bed for a new one.
These types of policies are usually found with some large retailers and can be a little more complicated than others. You may have to pay for a courier to pick up the mattress, or you could need to schedule a pickup with the physical store retailer.
Some companies also have generous return policies that allow you to donate your old bed. It’s worth checking this out before you purchase a mattress, as it can be an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and help those in need.
6. IF YOU DON’T LIKE WHAT YOU’VE PICKED, DON’T BE AFRAID TO RETURN IT
One of the most daunting tasks when it comes to purchasing a mattress is trying to figure out exactly what you want. With so many brands, models and gimmicks on the market, it can be overwhelming. Consumer Reports recommends taking your time to browse, test and negotiate a price that suits you.
For a start, you should definitely try out any mattresses you decide to purchase in the store. Most stores are happy to let you lie down and try out mattresses before committing to buy, and it’s a great way to get a feel for whether the mattress is suited to your body type.
When it comes to the actual buying decision, it’s best to remember that if you don’t like what you’ve picked, don’t be afraid to return it. You can typically do this through the manufacturer’s website, or via a physical retailer. The process varies, but it can be as simple as packing the mattress up and shipping it back to the company for a refund or recycling. For physical retailers, you’ll often need to arrange for a professional pickup to haul it away. It’s also important to note that the majority of companies will allow you to return a product with a warranty.
