Tips for How to Test a Mattress in the Store

In order to get the best mattress, you need to know how to test a mattress in the store. After all, you’re going to spend A LOT of time (we’re talking like 33 years of your life) in your bed. You want it to be comfortable and supportive while still giving you the amount of sink you prefer. Thankfully, testing out mattresses is simple –– all you have to do is lay on it!

In this article, the mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers walk you through how to test out a mattress in-store and give you five things to keep in mind when shopping.

How do you test a mattress in a store?

The best way to test out a mattress? Lay on it! To get an accurate idea of the comfort level, experts suggest laying down in your normal sleeping position for at least 15 minutes. It also helps if you’re wearing comfortable clothes when you test out a mattress. If you’ll be sleeping with a partner, have them come too!

Pay special attention to how the bed contours to your body shape. Is it supporting everything that needs to be supported? Do you feel your partner’s movements? Are any of your limbs going numb? Does anything hurt? Pay special attention to your neck, shoulders, and hips as these are where pressure points are most likely to occur. These are common questions to ask yourself when trying out mattresses.

5 things to think about when testing out a mattress

What do I need to know when buying a mattress? Luckily, there isn’t too much to remember when shopping for a mattress. Here are five things to keep in mind when trying mattresses:

1. Think about your sleeping position

Your sleep position is going to tell you a lot about which mattress to buy. It will affect the level of firmness, support, and material. If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll want to try out a softer, more supportive mattress with a thicker comfort layer. 

Are you a back sleeper? Ask about a medium-firm mattress or a firm mattress that will provide a  good amount of support for the spine. 

Our experts will help you find the right mattress style for any comfort and sleeping position combination including the best type of mattress for stomach sleepers.

2. How much do you weigh?

You don’t have to tell anyone the number, but you do need to keep it in mind when shopping for a new mattress. Certain firmness levels are better suited for different weights. For example, a  softer mattress can provide the right amount of comfort and support for those on the lighter side. For heavier set individuals, you’ll find the most comfort with a mattress that has a firmer support layer. A higher coil count will provide better support while the comfort layer can still provide that plush feel.

If you’re unsure which type of mattress is best for you, ask one of the experts in the store. They will be more than happy to assist you.

Continue reading: How to choose the best mattress for your body type

3. What’s your firmness preference?

Generally speaking, there are three main types of mattress firmness — soft, medium, and firm— with everything in between. With all those options, you might find yourself wondering how to choose between a firm vs. soft mattress. The right firmness type depends on your sleeping position, weight, body type, and preference. Whether or not you think you know what you want, we highly recommend heading into one of our mattress stores to test out your favorites since a feel selection is a preference and ultimately subjective and can change person to person. You might find that what you thought you wanted actually isn’t comfortable at all.

If you get home to find your new mattress is too firm, it may just need some time to break in. If it’s still too firm after 30-90 days, give us a call! Texas Mattress Makers offers a 90 night trial period from your original delivery or pick-up date. To get more details on our break-in period, check out our refund policy.

4. How much support do you need?

Although the terms are often used in place of one another, mattress firmness is not the same thing as mattress support. 

Mattress support is relative to the structure of the bed itself rather than a preference of firmness. It lets you know how well your weight will be distributed so that your spine can maintain a neutral position. Without good support, your mattress can cause muscle aches, back, shoulder, or hip pain, stiffness, and lack of sleep. This is especially true if you have any sort of existing injuries or joint pain.

5. Ask a mattress expert at one of our Houston locations

Buying a mattress is one of the most important purchases you’ll make. Your mattress affects your sleep quality and your sleep quality affects your health, mood, energy, and so much more. This is why we always recommend talking to the people that work in our stores.

Our experts can help direct you to mattress selections that meet the comfort level you’re looking for and answer any questions you might have. We are ready to help you find the perfect mattress!

Find your new mattress in-store at Texas Mattress Makers

Now that you know exactly how to test a mattress in the store, come try some out for yourself!

Wondering where to buy a mattress in Houston? It’s here! The experts at Texas Mattress Makers can help you find a mattress that truly fits you. All of our mattresses are hand-made in Houston using top-of-the-line American-made components. This means that you get a higher quality mattress at a much lower price.

You can shop by either comfort level, mattress type, mattress size, or budget, or come and visit any of our convenient Houston-area locations today!

More Beducation by Texas Mattress Makers:

• How to Store a Mattress in a Garage
• Mattress Coil Count: Does it Matter?
• Is a Firm Mattress Better for Your Back?
• How to Clean a Dirty Mattress
• Best Type of Mattress for Stomach Sleepers