How to Buy a Mattress: 8 Tips for the Best Choice
Master mattress shopping with expert tips on types, features, timing, and warranties to find your perfect fit.
A quality mattress represents a significant financial investment that impacts your health and well-being for years to come. Whether you’re upgrading from an old mattress or purchasing your first one, understanding the key factors involved in mattress selection can help you make a smart decision that balances comfort, durability, and cost. This guide covers essential tips and strategies to help you navigate the mattress-buying process with confidence.
Understanding Different Types of Mattresses
The mattress market offers several distinct types, each with unique characteristics, price points, and benefits. Before making a purchase, it’s important to understand how each type performs and which might suit your needs best.
Spring or Innerspring Mattresses
Spring mattresses, also known as innerspring or coil mattresses, are the traditional mattress design that most people envision when thinking of a standard bed. These mattresses feature metal coils that provide a cushioned and comfortable sleep surface with responsive support.
When evaluating spring mattresses, pay attention to two key specifications:
- Coil Gauge: This measurement indicates coil thickness. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the coil. For example, a 12-gauge coil is thicker than an 18-gauge coil, and thicker coils generally provide a firmer mattress.
- Coil Count: Most mattresses contain between 300 and 2,000 coils. A higher coil count typically means a longer lifespan, better body contouring, and a higher price tag. However, coil counts beyond 1,000 offer diminishing returns in terms of comfort and durability.
Spring mattresses offer affordability as a major advantage, with queen and king-size options starting at low prices in the hundreds of dollars. However, they have the shortest lifespan of all mattress types, typically lasting about 5.5 years before noticeable sagging occurs, compared to approximately eight years for other types.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses have become increasingly popular due to their conforming properties and support. When evaluating foam mattresses, understanding density and firmness specifications is essential.
Foam density is measured in pounds per cubic foot and significantly impacts mattress longevity. A foam density of at least 3.5 pounds per cubic foot generally indicates a mattress designed for extended durability and performance.
Firmness in memory foam mattresses is determined by ILD (Indentation Load Deflection). A higher ILD rating indicates a firmer mattress, while a lower ILD suggests a softer feel. Most memory foam mattresses feature layered construction where the top layer has a lower ILD for comfort and deeper layers have higher ILD for support and stability.
Adjustable Air Mattresses
Adjustable air mattresses represent the premium option in the mattress market, offering customizable firmness levels to suit individual preferences. These mattresses use air chambers that can be adjusted to provide the exact level of support each sleeper needs.
The Importance of Proper Support Over Comfort
A common mistake shoppers make is selecting the softest, most comfortable-feeling mattress they test in the store. While a very soft mattress feels wonderful during a brief trial, it may not provide adequate support for proper neck and back alignment during a full night’s sleep. Experts recommend choosing a medium to firm mattress that offers the right balance of comfort and support for extended sleep periods.
The goal is to find a mattress that maintains spinal alignment and provides adequate support throughout an eight-hour sleep cycle, not just one that feels plush during a five-minute test.
8 Essential Tips for Buying a Mattress
1. Shop Online First Before Visiting Stores
Begin your mattress search online, regardless of whether you plan to buy a bed-in-a-box or purchase from a physical store. Online research helps you identify options, compare specifications, and establish your budget before engaging with salespeople. This preparation prevents you from being persuaded into more expensive models than you intended to purchase.
2. Know Your Specifications
Understanding the technical specifications relevant to your needs prevents overwhelm when facing numerous options. Determine what matters most to you: Are you seeking a foam mattress with a density of at least 3.5 pounds per cubic foot for longevity? Do you prefer a firm mattress with 12-gauge coils? Are you looking for specific comfort layers or adjustability features?
Having these details in mind streamlines your search and helps you quickly identify mattresses that meet your criteria.
3. Pay Attention to Pricing Across Channels
Mattress prices vary significantly between online and in-store options. Some brands offer online sales unavailable in physical stores, and many retailers will price-match online prices in their showrooms. Additionally, some mattress stores will match prices on similar models from competing brands. Always note the prices you’re seeing and use this information to negotiate the best possible deal.
4. Consider Warranty and Return Policies
Before finalizing your purchase, thoroughly understand the warranty and return policies and obtain them in writing, particularly if you’ve negotiated the price or terms. Most mattress warranties cover physical defects such as sagging, broken or exposed coils, and foam bunching, but typically exclude comfort-related issues. Be aware that warranties may be voided if the mattress becomes stained or if any tags are removed. Request a detailed written copy of warranty terms to avoid surprises later.
5. Evaluate Material Quality and Construction
Beyond specifications, assess the overall construction quality and materials used. Higher-quality materials and construction methods typically result in longer mattress lifespan and better performance over time. Don’t rely solely on brand reputation; examine the specific materials used in your chosen model.
6. Test Multiple Options
If shopping in physical stores, take time to lie on multiple mattresses for several minutes each. Pay attention to how your body feels and whether you notice good spinal alignment. If buying online, research brands that offer in-home trial periods, allowing you to test the mattress in your own bed before committing.
7. Factor in Long-Term Value
While price matters, consider the mattress’s expected lifespan and overall value. A slightly more expensive mattress that lasts eight years may provide better value than a cheaper option lasting only 5.5 years. Calculate the cost per year of use to better understand the true investment.
8. Shop During Peak Sale Periods
Timing your mattress purchase strategically can result in substantial savings. If your purchase isn’t urgent, waiting for major sale events significantly improves your chances of finding excellent deals.
Best Times to Buy a Mattress
If flexibility exists in your timeline, purchasing during peak mattress sale periods yields the best prices:
- Presidents Day Weekend (February): This represents the first major mattress sale of the year and offers the best deals annually.
- Memorial Day Weekend (May): This long holiday weekend traditionally features substantial mattress discounts.
- Independence Day Weekend (July): July Fourth promotions provide another excellent opportunity for savings.
- Labor Day Weekend (September): This holiday weekend typically includes competitive mattress sales.
Mattress companies use these holiday weekends as major promotional opportunities, making them ideal times to purchase if your timeline permits waiting.
Comparing Mattress Types: Quick Reference
| Mattress Type | Key Features | Lifespan | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innerspring/Spring | Metal coil support, responsive feel | ~5.5 years | Low hundreds (budget-friendly) | Budget-conscious shoppers, traditional feel preference |
| Memory Foam | Conforming layers, varied firmness options | ~8 years | Mid-range to premium | Those seeking contouring support and durability |
| Adjustable Air | Customizable firmness, premium construction | ~8+ years | Premium | Those wanting personalized firmness control |
Key Specifications to Understand
For Spring Mattresses
- Coil Gauge: Lower numbers (like 12) indicate thicker, firmer coils
- Coil Count: 300-1,000+ coils; beyond 1,000 offers minimal additional benefit
For Memory Foam Mattresses
- Foam Density: Minimum 3.5 pounds per cubic foot recommended for longevity
- ILD Rating: Determines firmness across different layers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a very soft mattress always the best choice?
A: No. While soft mattresses feel comfortable during brief tests, they often lack adequate support for proper spinal alignment during full nights of sleep. Experts recommend a medium to firm mattress for optimal support and neck and back care.
Q: What’s the ideal coil count for a spring mattress?
A: Coil counts between 300 and 1,000 generally provide good comfort and durability. Counts exceeding 1,000 offer minimal additional benefit in comfort or lifespan, making them a less economical choice.
Q: How long should a mattress typically last?
A: Spring mattresses typically last about 5.5 years before sagging becomes noticeable. Memory foam and adjustable air mattresses generally last closer to eight years or more with proper care.
Q: What does ILD mean in memory foam mattresses?
A: ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) measures firmness in memory foam. Higher ILD ratings indicate firmer mattresses, while lower ratings indicate softer feel. Different layers often have different ILD values for varied support.
Q: When is the absolute best time to buy a mattress?
A: Presidents Day weekend in February offers the year’s best mattress deals. Other excellent times include Memorial Day weekend (May), Independence Day weekend (July), and Labor Day weekend (September).
Q: Can mattress stores price-match online deals?
A: Yes. Many mattress retailers will price-match online prices, and some will even match prices on similar mattresses from competing brands. Always ask about price-matching before making your purchase.
Q: What does a typical mattress warranty cover?
A: Most warranties cover physical defects like sagging, broken coils, and foam bunching. They typically do not cover comfort-related complaints. Warranties may also be voided if the mattress becomes stained or if tags are removed.
Q: Should I buy online or in a physical store?
A: Research online first to compare options and prices, then decide. Many quality mattresses are available as bed-in-a-box options online. Physical stores allow you to test mattresses in person. Some people benefit from trying mattresses in-store before purchasing online for a better price.
References
- How to Buy a Mattress: 8 Tips to Get The Best One for You — The Penny Hoarder. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/how-to-buy-a-mattress/
- The Best Time to Buy a TV, Mattress and More: Here’s Your Guide — The Penny Hoarder. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/best-time-to-buy-almost-anything/
- These are the Luxuries We Won’t Give Up (And How to Save Money On Them) — The Penny Hoarder. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/how-to-save-money-on-what-we-wont-give-up/
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