To get your best night’s sleep, it’s important to find your perfect mattress—and that starts by testing out different beds. With many brands, styles and additional mattress features to choose from, trying before you buy can ensure you’ll get the best option for your desired comfort, support and overall sleep experience. Here’s what to know about testing mattresses and finding the right one at Mattress Firm—and how to make the process enjoyable and easy.

Is It Important To Test a Mattress Before Buying It?

Absolutely! A mattress is a long-term commitment—we’ll spend a whopping 30% of our lives asleep—so having the right one is essential for your overall well-being. Testing mattresses allows you to consider your sleep preferences—including comfort, support, firmness, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and durability—to make a confident, informed decision. Plus, our friendly and knowledgeable Sleep Experts® are here to help—they train 200+ hours annually to match you with the perfect bed. Sleep Expert Erick Fleming says, “Because everyone differs in weight, sleep positions, and body temperature, you’ll want to test various beds and brands to understand what works for you.” The perfect mattress should feel comfortable, provide adequate support, and meet your wants and needs.

What To Know Before Testing a Mattress In-Store?

Before heading to your local Mattress Firm, you’ll want to consider several factors for a productive and informative testing experience:

Research

If you want some insight ahead of time, our handy mattress buying guide is a great first step on your way to better zzz’s. Understanding the different types of mattresses and comfort levels can also help give you an idea of what you’ll be trying in-store.

Budget

Determining your budget can help you focus on finding the best mattress within your price range. We’ll find you the right bed here and now—and if you see a lower price within 120 nights, we’ll match it. Restrictions apply.

Sleeping Preferences

Since our bodies are constantly evolving, a mattress you loved last go-around may not be ideal for you now. Knowing what you’ve loved—and what is no longer working for you—can be valuable in finding your perfect new bed.

Health Considerations

Consulting your doctor about any health concerns or conditions that affect your sleep (allergies, back pain, or arthritis) can help you find a mattress that accommodates your health considerations.

Questions

Our knowledgeable Sleep Experts are available by phone, text, chat, and in-store to answer your questions. Asking about the mattresses you're considering—including materials used, quality, firmness level, warranty, and any additional features or benefits—can help you make an informed decision. "Sharing key bits of information, including who will be sleeping in the bed and any sleep disruptors you have, can help us guide you in finding the right mattress," Fleming says.

How To Test a Mattress In-Store

There are many ways to test and compare mattresses in-store to find the best one for you. Fleming says, “Following these steps can help determine if you prefer a soft, medium, or firm feel, a memory foam, innerspring, or other mattress type, and any additional features, like cooling or motion isolation.” Here are a few effective testing methods to try during your visit:

Lay Down & Stand Up

Transitioning from lying to standing will help you see if getting in and out of bed is easy. But don’t rush it—simply lying down and hopping back up won’t give you a sense of how your body feels after seven to nine hours of sleep. Take your time and cycle through the positions you know you sleep in over the course of a night to get the best sense of how each option feels.

Try Different Sleeping Positions

Lying on your back, side, and stomach for a few minutes can help you determine if the mattress feels comfy or causes any pain.

Try It With Your Sleep Partner

If you will be sharing the bed, lying down with your partner can help you test for motion isolation and ensure you both are comfortable.

Try It With a Pillow

Getting fitted for the right pillow before you try mattresses can help you test for proper spinal alignment. Plus, it’ll give you a feel for what you’ll be experiencing every night at home.

How To Tell if a Mattress Is Good for You

While testing mattresses, you’ll want to keep track of the pros and cons of each bed. “At the end of the day, there may be several beds you really like, but ultimately, you’ll want to choose the one that feels the best,” Fleming says. Here are some questions to consider when comparing beds:

Is It Comfy?

Your body weight, shape, and sleep position all play a role in determining if a firm, medium, or soft mattress will provide you with the most comfort. Sleep Expert Cameron Housley says, “Try laying in your preferred sleeping position for a few minutes. If you feel like you need to try a different position or feel discomfort on the shoulders, hips, or spine, that bed isn’t the best fit for you.”

Is It Supportive?

Your sleep position, body weight, and shape also help determine whether an innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, or other mattress type will provide you with the most spinal alignment for great sleep. Fleming says, “When you try a mattress, you’ll know it’s not the one for you if you have some stiffness in the shoulders or hips or discomfort in your lower back.”

Does It Come in the Right Size?

Not all mattresses come in every size, so make sure to test beds you know are available in the size you need. If you want to upgrade your mattress size, measure your bedroom before buying to ensure it will fit. Our handy mattress size guide can help you find the best bed size for your room.

What Is the Warranty?

Warranty is offered through mattress manufacturers and differs across brands. When testing mattresses, you'll want to review each warranty card for coverage details, including what's covered and for how long. You'll also want to consider delivery, setup, and return options for each bed.

What Are the Reviews?

Reading customer reviews on mattressfirm.com may give you more insight. However, Fleming says, "Because everyone is different, what works for one person may not work for the next." While reviews can help guide your decision, you should not entirely rely on them.

What Are Some Signs That a Mattress Isn't Suitable for You?

When testing mattresses, you should first lay in your preferred sleeping position to instantly rule out any pain or discomfort that might occur. Housley says, "If you feel any pressure on the shoulders, hips, or unalignment of the spine, that is not the right mattress for you." If you experience abnormal sweating or allergic reactions, you'll want to find a bed made with different materials. You'll also want everyone who will be sleeping on the bed to try it. If it only works for one of you, it is best to keep looking.

Can You Test a Mattress at Home Before Making a Purchase?

“Visiting your local store to try before you buy is the best way to get a feel for your dream bed, compare options and get Sleep Expert advice,” Housley says. But if you’d rather test a mattress at home, we offer a 120 Night Sleep Trial®—love it or your money back, plus we’ll find you a better fit. Restrictions apply. Remember: Adjusting to a new mattress takes time—but these tips and tricks can help you break it in.

Test the Best Mattresses at Mattress Firm

Your local Mattress Firm offers a wide selection of top brands at every price for you to try and buy in-store. Plus, our knowledgeable Sleep Experts are there to answer your questions and walk you through the mattress testing process to find your perfect match. “It’s our duty to make your shopping experience simple, productive, solution-based, and fun! We offer the best guarantees, prices, and expertise,” Housley says.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattress Testing