Do you wake up with inexplicable aches and pains? Have you noticed that your mattress feels lumpy or looks like it’s sagging or uneven? It might be time for a new mattress.
Today, there are more options than ever when it comes to mattresses. Gone are the days when mattresses were only sold at specialty and department stores. Now, you can find a great mattress in places that might surprise you—online, for instance!
So what should you look for in your next mattress? Read on to find out.
Deciding What Type of Mattress You Want
If it’s been a while since you last bought a mattress, you’ll be surprised at the variety of models available. These days, there’s no need to splurge on a top-of-the-line model. In fact, you can get a high-quality, comfortable mattress for under $1,000. Here are some of the major mattress types you’re likely to see while shopping:
- Innerspring. Your standard innerspring mattress is still available. Featuring steel coils for support, innerspring mattresses are often the least expensive option. They’re also the most commonly sold. Some variations worth checking out include “hybrid” innerspring models with special foam or gel layers for added comfort.
- Adjustable Air. This customizable option allows you to inflate your bed to the desired firmness. Some types allow each partner to inflate their side of the bed according to their needs.
- Memory Foam. Made from polyurethane, memory foam mattresses are popular among people who suffer from joint or back pain, or light sleepers who are easily woken up in the night by their partner moving. As the name suggests, memory foam mattresses conform to your shape when you lie in them.
When You Go Shopping
It’s important to try a mattress out before you purchase it. Unless, of course, you’re buying online or at a warehouse—in that case, be sure to check the company’s return policy. Otherwise, it’s important to feel at ease when you lie down. This may mean you have to get rid of any pesky salespeople so that you can properly feel out a variety of mattresses. Take your time, and make sure that you lie in the same position that you normally sleep for at least five or ten minutes.
Most stores offer something along the lines of a “comfort guarantee,” which gives you the right to either a refund or a credit towards another mattress if it doesn’t work out with the one you choose.
If you’re buying in store, consider trying to get a deal. Though warehouse retailers and department stores may have a policy against price adjustments, specialty chains are usually willing to negotiate prices. Mattresses have huge markups, so you never know—you might just get lucky. Of course, don’t be afraid to walk away if the price is out of your range.
Another important thing to keep in mind when mattress shopping is whether or not you need a box spring. Though a salesperson may try to push it on you, it’s not necessary in every case. You might be surprised to learn that you don’t actually need one.
