Menu
MattressFirm Logo
Bed Basics
Bed Basics

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy a Mattress

By The Mattress Firm Sleep Experts
December 13, 2017
Dec13_blog_640x400

After many restless nights, you've decided it's time to invest in a new mattress. Congratulations! You may have already done some legwork researching the perfect mattress or dreaming of what features you want in your next bed. You may have even narrowed it down to two finalists. When flipping a coin doesn't seem very responsible, how do you decide?

We've put together some go-to questions to ask when you're stuck and simply can't narrow down your mattress choice. Grab your notebook and pen and let's get started!

1. What is my budget?


Look at your finances and decide what you can afford to pay for a mattress. Examine the condition of your current bed to determine if you'll need only a mattress or complete set with box springs and frame.

Sometimes, saving up over time makes more sense, but it can also be beneficial to jump on an especially good deal.

2. How do I sleep on the bed?

Determine the way your body lays on the bed or your “sleep position." Ask yourself if the mattress' features align with the support you need. The best sleep position for your body type can prevent against aches and pains giving you sound sleep all night long. Also remember, a Mattress Firm employee can help you determine your sleep position and the best bed for you if you are unsure.

3. What are my must-have features?


From an innerspring support system to gel memory foam, you'll want to study up on what features top your priority list and then visit a Mattress Firm store to touch and feel a variety of mattresses.

These days, beds have an endless amount of features from which to choose, so the best way to determine which ones are for you is often just to come in-store, test multiple beds and find the perfect match.

4. Which size mattress is right for you?


If you and your partner both prefer to spread out on a bed, upgrading to a king size mattress might be the best choice for you.

Before making that purchase though, measure your bedroom and consider any other large furniture that will fill the space. And remember a Feng Shui tip: less clutter or overcrowding in a room will bring peace to our downtime!

5. Is there a move in your future?


If you have a large enough bedroom for a king size bed now, don't forget to think a few years down the road — do you anticipate moving to a smaller or larger home? Given that you may own a mattress for 5-7 years, this is an important factor to consider.

Alternately, if you're saving up for your dream home with a large master bedroom or having kids soon, you might want to purchase a mattress that is a little large for your current apartment, but will fit well in your next home.

6. What does the fine print really say?


Particularly if you're shopping in-store, you have the opportunity to make sure that you fully understand the warranty and return policy for the mattress that you're purchasing. Make sure the return policy is flexible, so that you have the opportunity to test out your mattress at home, and can return it if it's not what you expected.

Be sure to take a look at our Buyer's Guide for more useful resources including a Shopping Checklist.

Take the Next Step: It's Really That Easy


Now that you've selected a mattress, you can rest easy knowing you have a cozy place to rest your head at the end of the day.

Sleep is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle and the Mattress Firm team is committed to helping you make the very best decision for you.

Happy snoozing!

More:

Shopping Tips

You Might Also Like

Woman is using eye mask in bed while electric fan is blowing on the foreground
Bed Basics
Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers in 2025If you struggle to stay cool at night, you’re not alone. At least 57% of adults in the U.S. report feeling too hot while sleeping on occasion.
Read More
Matty against a blue background. Text reads: Matty Asks Mattress Sizess
Bed Basics
Matty Asks: Mattress SizesGot questions about buying a new bed? We’ve heard ‘em all. Our Sleep Experts® are here to help with all the answers. Whether you’re curious about bed fillings, accessories, pillow lofts, under-bed options, or anything else in your bedroom, we’ve got answers. And there’s no question too small or too silly.
Read More
A bed with a duvet, two pillows and a blue headboard in a white bedroom.
Bed Basics
How Long Does a Mattress Last? Think about how many years you have slept on your current mattress. How long has it been since you upgraded? If you’re struggling to find an answer, that may mean it has been too long. Even if your mattress looks like it’s holding up well, it may be time to start searching for your next bed.
Read More
An illustration Sleep Expert® and a customer talking in store next to a mattress.
Bed Basics
Should I Shop for a Mattress In-Store or Online?If you’re short on time, buying a mattress online may seem like the best option. But before we give you our expert-approved mattress shopping tips, keep in mind there are pros and cons to each. The biggest perk of shopping in-store is getting the help of our Sleep Experts®, who are trained to make your mattress shopping experience quick and easy. Plus, we have thousands of stores across the nation, so you won’t have to go far!
Read More
A couple laying on an adjustable bed looking at a tablet.
Bed Basics
Tips and Tricks for Styling an Adjustable BedYour bedroom should reflect your style and taste in a way that helps you to de-stress and get into a relaxed state before bedtime. Of all the elements in your bedroom, the most important is the mattress that enables you to get great sleep each night, and many people have further optimized their rest with an adjustable bed.
Read More
side sleeper uses a pillow for more lumbar support
Bed Basics
What Is Lumbar Support and Why Do I Need It?Back pain affects a lot of people. In fact, it’s estimated that 8 out of every 10 Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Luckily, our sleep experts are weighing in on ways to ease the discomfort.
Read More
KD Houseman's headshot against a blue background. Text reads: Get Matched with KD Houseman
Bed Basics
Get Matched With KD HousemanThere’s a lot that goes into getting a good night’s sleep. Bedding, pillows, your sleep environment, and, of course, the mattress you sleep on. With all these factors to keep in mind, you may wonder how exactly the Sleep Experts® at Mattress Firm ensure they’re helping you get the best sleep yet.
Read More
An illustration of two purple pillows in the clouds. Text reads: Sleep Week Expert Sleep Tips
Bed Basics
Our Sleep Experts' 7 Top Tips for Good SleepNobody gets great sleep every night. But if you want the best sleep you can get, Sleep Experts® at Mattress Firm are here to help. With 200+ hours of training, they know better than most how to set yourself up for those eight hours of quality zzz’s to help you feel your best.
Read More
A man and a woman hanging out in a bedroom. The woman is laying across the bed while the man is sitting on a rug on the floor.
Bed Basics
Why You Should Shop the Clearance SectionIf you’ve never checked out our clearance section, you’re missing out! From floor models to discontinued inventory and more, you’ll find great deals on top of our everyday low prices. Plus, you won’t have to sacrifice quality—all clearance mattresses are either new or slightly used and undergo a precise inspection and cleaning process.
Read More