For a lot of mattress shoppers, testing a mattress in the store is a matter of plopping onto a few displays, rolling around for a minute or two, and then blindly pointing at the mattress that felt the most comfortable. What we mean to say is that a lot of mattress shoppers are testing mattresses all wrong. While most customers know that testing out a mattress before you buy is important, not a lot of customers understand the mechanics behind how to test a mattress. Check out these tips to help you try before you buy.
How to Test a Mattress
Check Both Firmness and Support
First things first: Mattress firmness and mattress support are not the same thing. While a lot of shoppers prefer both a high level of support and a very firm mattress, it’s inaccurate to use the terms interchangeably. Mattress stores actually use a numerical mattress firmness scale to rank different levels of firmness. The scale runs from one to ten, with one being the softest mattress and ten representing the firmest mattress. Mattress support refers to how well a mattress aligns the spine and distributes your body weight. Both firmness and support are key when it comes to getting a great night’s rest.
Be Realistic About Your Sleeping Position
While a quick flop onto a mattress or two might seem like a good way to gauge mattress quality, that approach simply isn’t enough. We recommend removing your coat or jacket, lying in your natural sleeping position, and taking a load off for at least 15 minutes to get a true feel for a mattress. There are also several things to consider depending on your preferred sleeping position:
- Back Sleepers: If you’re a back sleeper, you’ll probably enjoy a medium-firm to firm mattress. To get a feel for the mattress, lie on your back and then slide your hand under the small of your back. If your hand slips under too easily, then the mattress is probably too firm for your body. If you can’t get your hand in at all, the mattress might be too soft.
- Side Sleepers: Side sleepers usually do well with softer mattresses that conform to the body, aligning the spine. To test a side sleeper mattress, lie in your preferred position and see if the mattress helps take pressure off your hips and shoulders.
- Front Sleepers: Stomach sleepers usually prefer medium-firm mattresses, which prevent you from sinking in too deeply and placing undue strain on your spine. If you feel like you’re sinking into the mattress, go with a firmer option.
Talk to the Experts
Of course, you’ll want to do your research online before you head to the mattress store. But when in doubt, chat with the experts: the mattress store associates. They’re your best resource when it comes to how to test a mattress, and they’ll be able to make recommendations as needed.
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A mattress is a major investment, and you don’t want to make the wrong decision. Consider your preferred sleep position, your height, your firmness preference, and several other factors before you make your selection. Don’t be afraid to spend plenty of time testing out a mattress, and don’t hesitate to reach out to mattress store associates with any questions.
Are you looking for a new mattress? Visit Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. At our locations in Springfield and Branson, Missouri, we provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Scandinavian Sleep Systems. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming, but with our wide variety of mattresses and expert sales staff, we can put your worries to rest. To get started, please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.