If you're in the market to buy a new mattress, it's essential to test it out in-store before you buy. When mattress testing, you'll want to know exactly how it'll feel when you lie down to sleep at night and make sure its comfort level is to your liking. What may be comfortable for someone else, may not be comfortable for you. The only way to find out which mattress is best is to try it yourself!
We know what you're thinking, “But I don't want to lie on a bed in front of my fellow shoppers." Don't worry, our sales experts see it all the time, and it's a crucial step in the shopping process. Here are some things to consider so you can understand the best way to test a mattress in store:
Do Your Homework Before Coming in the Store
Mattress Firm employees will do their best to help you find the perfect mattress, but it's important to know your options before you come in to a Mattress Firm location. For best results, take a look at our mattress buying guide and convenient shopping check list ahead of time. Having an idea of what you want and need before going shopping will help lead you and your sleep consultant in the right direction and save you more time.
Take it for a Test Drive
Once your sleep consultant leads to you a few possible options, we recommend lying down in the position in which you normally sleep —whether it's on your stomach, back or side — and wiggling around to different positions to make sure you're content. Don't be uncomfortable, it's part of our customer service to let you try out beds in the Mattress Firm store.
You may be wondering, "What am I trying to learn when lying down on this mattress?" The key to picking out the perfect mattress is to note where you're feeling pressure and adjust from there. For example, if you're a side sleeper, on a firm mattress, you'll feel the most pressure on your hips which can lead to discomfort in the morning. In this case, you'll want to opt for a mattress with more give, such as a pillow top or contoured mattress. However, if you're a stomach sleeper, you'll most likely want a firmer mattress to make sure your back is supported. In general, you'll want to vet different mattress comfort levels until you find the perfect one; because in the mattress world, one size does not fit all.
Some questions to ask yourself as you test drive each mattress include:
- Do I prefer a firm or soft mattress? Refer to this five levels of comfort guide if you're not sure.
- Which mattress brand do I trust the most? Check out this list of our most trusted mattress brands if you need more information.
- What features can I live without? What features can I NOT live without? (For example: hybrid mattress only, must be memory foam, etc.) Take any relevant notes on what you liked/didn't like about each mattress you test.
It's also important to note: if you sleep with a partner, you should both test the mattress at the same time. Ensuring that you each have enough space and both agree on the comfort level of the mattress will help you both sleep happy in the long run.