Choosing the Right Mattress: A Buyer's Guide

Whether you're replacing an old mattress or are buying a whole new bed system, the process for choosing the right mattress can be complicated. The tips listed below can help you choose the right mattress for your needs and budget.

Shop around
Mattress prices vary from shop to shop. Gather a list of local furniture stores and outlets and visit each one. Each shop may carry the exact same mattress, but vary greatly in what they charge for it. When comparison shopping, also learn what each store charges for shipping as this can vary as well. Some shops provide shipping for free while others charge. In order to find the best deal, it's advised to learn what each store has to offer.

Mattress testing
When looking at mattresses, don't forget to lay on them. Don't just lie on your back, but test how it feels on your sides and stomach as well. Some mattresses may feel great when lying on your side, and feel terrible when you lie on your back. Don't forget to take this into account when testing the wide array of mattresses available to you. Comfortable sleep is very important, so don't take this aspect of your shopping experience lightly. Above all, your new mattress should be comfortable.

Sizing
There are several sizes that a mattress can come in including Twin, Full, Queen and King. Before heading to the stores, measure your room to see how big of a bed you can fit into it. Be aware that a lot of stores charge more for bigger sizes. There are often sales where each size costs the same, though. Keep in mind that if you get a new bed that's a different size than what you had previously, your old sheets and comforters will be rendered useless. If you change the size, factor in the added costs of new bedding as well.

Pillow top mattresses
Pillow top mattresses are regular mattresses that have a layer of comfortable fluff on top. These mattresses never need to be flipped, which is an upside to choosing one with this feature. Pillow top mattresses are often a lot more comfortable than regular ones, which will raise the price. If you can afford this luxury, go for it. Pillow tops add a lot more comfort to your sleeping experience. Unfortunately, though, pillow tops are a lot thicker, so regular fitted sheets often don't fit. You'll have to shop around for deeper fitted sheets if you choose to purchase a pillow top mattress.

Mattress lifespans
Mattress lifespans vary according to how much you pay for them. The cheaper mattresses could last for only a few years while the higher end ones can last up to ten years. When purchasing a mattress, keep this in mind. Although the cheap mattresses are a great deal now, they may be more expensive in the long run because you'll have to buy a new one sooner.

Price
Prices vary based on the store, mattress manufacturer, and quality of the mattress. Different sizes mean different prices, so keep this in mind when choosing how big you want your mattress to be. Stores often have sales where they include a free bedding set and frame with the purchase of the mattress and box spring. This can be a great deal, especially if you are moving up or down in size. Generally, the sale mattresses tend to be of lower quality, though.

Delivery
If you can't ship your own mattress, most furniture stores will deliver it for you. This often costs extra money. Most services will also take your old mattress and box spring for free or an added fee. It's better to have the stores deliver it to you because you won't have to do any heavy lifting or worry about disposing of your old mattress.

By keeping these aspects of mattress buying in mind, your shopping experience should be a breeze.