When people decide to buy a new mattress, they often underestimate the importance of their decision and end up with a product that not only leaves them dissatisfied, but potentially in pain for years to come. When you consider that most people spend more time on their mattress than they do at work, it makes sense that the mattress-buying process would take time, even a long time.
This short article outlines ten mistakes to avoid when buying a mattress. Just knowing these mistakes can help you when looking for your next mattress purchase, whether it ends up being one of the models here at Natural Mattress or a cookie-cutter mattress for sale at one of the national chains. Pay attention to these mistakes when shopping for your next mattress, and there’s a good chance you’ll not only make a more informed buying decision, but your overall satisfaction level will be higher than someone who ignores these common mistakes altogether.
1. Not knowing your type of sleep – We all sleep differently, and it is very likely that you also sleep differently from your partner. This means saying your part and not settling for the all-too-common response, “I’m happy with whatever you want, honey.” By letting your salesperson know your individual sleep style, they can better recommend a product that will keep both you and your partner happy. The most important part is that the difference in weight usually requires a different firmness of the mattress to be comfortable. Dorsal and Dynamic Slats mattress systems recognize how individualized your sleeping style can be, and can help provide a different mattress core within a mattress for people who share their mattress with a partner.
2. Not testing the mattress… correctly – Too often in the retail world, we see people prop themselves up on the mattress with their hand and then lie down… on their backs! Statistically, most people sleep on their sides, so it’s surprising to see so many people trying mattresses on their backs. Anyway, you won’t be one of those suddenly sleeping on your back in the showroom after reading this. Be sure to take a few minutes to test the mattress in the position you sleep in while on your mattress at home. (Need a pillow? Ask for one—even a semi-skilled salesperson will be happy to offer one to help make your try-on experience more realistic.)
3. Not learning more about the mattress (detailed mattress materials, reviews, ratings, complaints, warranty) – Buying a mattress “blindly” is the main cause of dissatisfaction among mattress owners. But all too often, consumers are “intimidated” by the product of the day without getting a second opinion from others. Checking out detailed mattress materials, reviews, ratings, and complaints is a good idea before you shell out your money—you’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn. Also, ask for details in writing as some salespeople will tell you all the good stuff you like to hear; Some people may claim a 100% natural latex mattress when it actually has synthetic latex. It’s best to know about this fickle piece of documentation before finding out the hard way that it’s not what you thought it was.
4. Making assumptions about price and comfort – Although the more you pay for a mattress, the more likely you are to get better quality materials, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be a more comfortable mattress for you. Some of the most expensive mattresses have the highest dissatisfaction rates among owners, both memory foam and innerspring products. In many cases, the price works the same way as the expectations. Meaning, many consumers feel that if they pay more money for a mattress, they should get more comfort out of a mattress. But spending a lot has nothing to do with whether that product is right for you. Don’t confuse price with comfort, and take the time to learn what the mattress is all about before spending your money.
5. Believing that the base plays a secondary role to the mattress. -A complete mattress set consists of the mattress itself and the base (also known as the box spring). While most consumers focus on what goes into the mattress, the foundation is worth considering as the second invaluable part of a complete mattress set. No matter how comfortable a mattress may seem, if you don’t use a proper, high-quality foundation, the comfort features could be lost in a poor foundation. In many ways, the foundation itself actually contributes more to the sleep experience.
6. Not considering alternatives – Many buyers have a price point or product type in mind and refuse to consider alternative recommendations from the seller. If the salesperson fully understands her needs and preferences, chances are he or she can offer her a couple of alternatives so she can see what other brands can offer. In some cases, they will cost a bit more, but refusing to consider those alternatives could be a big mistake down the road. Ask lots of questions, keeping your options open to suggestions and alternatives can result in better sleep quality, so don’t discount products or brands you never considered before.
7. Make impulsive decisions – It’s easy to fall in love with a mattress based on the price or how it feels in the showroom. Unless your mattress has burned down and you have nowhere to sleep that night (or a sale ends on that specific day), there’s no need to make a hasty decision on a mattress. Taking notes about what you liked about the mattress in question and going home to “sleep on it” before making the purchase is a good thing. You may realize the next morning that there are other deals or options you haven’t considered yet, or that the mattress in question might not suit your sleep style in the same way that your current mattress does. Try never to buy a new mattress the same day you start your search.
8. Not knowing who you are buying from – The proliferation of mattress retailers has resulted in healthy competition in the industry. However, some retailers are not as reputable as others. Buying a bad mattress is one thing; buying it from a bad retailer is another. Before spending your money on a retailer you know little about, try to research the equipment to make sure it lives up to its service promise and has been in business long enough to really understand the industry. No matter how good a mattress is, dealing with a terrible retailer can ruin your entire mattress shopping experience.
9. Not thinking that a supportive mattress is as important as a comfortable one. – Too hard or too soft does not provide a good night’s sleep, a good balance is that you are comfortable and your spine is aligned straight while sleeping on your side. Although the National Sleep Foundation stresses the importance of having a comfortable mattress if you want to get adequate sleep each night, sleeping on a supportive mattress is probably even more important. The reason is that an unsupported mattress will not only cause you to toss and turn all night due to poor sleeping posture, it will leave you waking up with aches and pains, robbing you of the necessary deep sleep your body needs to recover. . While comfort is certainly important, a supportive mattress that allows your body to rest the way it needs to is even more valuable.
10. Not taking care of the mattress – While it’s true that the salesperson who encourages you to add a mattress protector to your purchase is an “upsell”, these protectors are essential equipment for your mattress. Not only will they keep your mattress insulated from spills or unwanted bodily fluids (most people sweat while they sleep), they will also prevent stains and therefore keep the mattress warranty valid in case you need to make a claim. . Just make sure that your mattress protector has a similar property to your mattress, like good air circulation. Caring for your mattress is just as important as maintaining your vehicle, not only for warranty, but overall performance as well. Keep it in mind.