What is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress
Share
Fact checked
Reviewed by experts
Writers at Sleep Authority are supported by a research team conducting in-depth research about the topics. The editorial team reviews them for accuracy and facts to ensure the most authentic and accurate content is published. Sleep Authority does not offer any medical advice, and you should not rely solely on our content for your course of treatment. Consult your medical professional to discuss any health concerns, chronic conditions, treatment options, or diagnoses.
Updated
January 10, 2023
Quick read
11 mins to read
List of Content
What is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress
Knowing exactly what to buy is vital when it comes to buying a mattress. Should you visit an online store? Or is a physical store the right fit for you? Who is more trustworthy? Well, worry not! We are here with all the answers and will tell you the best place to buy a mattress. So keep reading this mattress buying guide, and you will be good to go.
Which Are the Best Places to Buy a Mattress?
It’s not just mattress showrooms, but furniture stores and supermarkets may also have the best mattresses. So, your favorite mattress may be closer than you think. Let’s take a look in detail at where to buy a mattress.
Mattress Showrooms
One of the traditional places to buy a mattress is a mattress showroom. If you want to get the feel of mattress shopping, this is one of the best places to get a mattress. In a mattress shop, you can try all the varieties of mattresses, making it oh-so-easy to compare.
As soon as you step into a mattress showroom, you can take your own sweet time and check out each and every mattress available there. Then, you can lie on them and see how it will feel. You will also find salespersons available to answer all your queries and doubts here. But it will be a breeze only if you find a good salesperson who will not put unwanted pressure on you to make a purchase right away. So, below-mentioned are some of the pros and cons of buying a mattress in a showroom. Read on.
Pros
- When you find good salespersons in a mattress shop, it becomes easier to buy a mattress as they will give you all the necessary information you want and steer you in the right direction.
- Testing a variety of mattresses will help you see which one will fit you right.
- You can bargain in a mattress shop and avail of great discounts.
Cons
- You may sometimes pay more in a mattress shop as extra charges may apply for home delivery.
- You won’t be exposed to various offers as an online store.
- When you are shopping online, if you don’t like one e-shop, you can quickly move on to another, which won’t be possible with physical stores.
- Sometimes the options are minimal.
- If you encounter a pushy salesperson, it can get a little overwhelming.
Question to Ask at Mattress Showrooms Before Buying a New Mattress?
Before you check out with the mattress you have finalized, there are a few things you must ask. They include;
- Do you have any sleep trials on the mattress? If yes, what are the rules you must follow?
- What is the return policy like? (It is important for you to go through the fine print here, so you are not duped)
- What’s the warranty of the mattress?
- Are there any additional charges?
- How much will you have to pay for delivery?
You can also ask the showroom about white glove delivery. Here, the showroom will help recycle your old mattress. The team will first drop off the new mattress at your home and remove the old mattress. However, additional charges may apply here.
Also, a pro tip that you can keep in time is to purchase during big holidays, such as Memorial Day, Black Friday, and more.
Furniture Stores
Your neighborhood furniture store may harbor your favorite mattress! While a furniture store carries all the important household items you will need, they also have selected mattress pieces, making it the best place to get a mattress. While they may not offer a huge variety, you will likely find all the popular variants. Most people find furniture stores a better choice as several are available in your local area.
Also, what some mattress brands have done is that they have teamed up with a few local furniture stores so they can expand their audience. Therefore, you will find the popular choices in a furniture store. But, unlike in a mattress store, you will not find knowledgeable employees answering your questions on any mattress queries you may have because they are more well-versed in furniture than mattresses.
One more point to note is that mattresses at furniture stores may not come with sleep trails or other additional features. Therefore, talk to the store manager and ask all the important questions before purchasing. Then, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of buying a mattress from a furniture store.
Pros
- If you are looking to revamp your home or room and make a mattress purchase, a furniture store is the best place to purchase a mattress where you can find all the pieces under one roof.
- Furniture stores are easily available in every nook and corner.
Cons
- You may not find knowledgeable salespersons in furniture stores who can tell you the ins and outs of the mattress.
- They don’t have a wide selection of mattresses.
- Furniture stores don’t see regular mattress sales, so maybe you will only find old variants.
- You may not find high-end options in furniture stores.
- You may not come across additional features like sleep trail.
Department Stores
Nowadays, buying a mattress is no longer a taxing chore because big-box department stores bring you a decent selection of mattresses. So, if you are wondering where I should buy a mattress, you can head over to the nearest mattress store. But just like a furniture store, you may not find a wide range of mattresses here, and salespersons may not be able to answer all your questions about mattresses. However, if you find a suitable fit in a department store, ask them a few questions about sleep trials, shipping charges, and more. Then, let’s take a look at all the pros and cons.
Pros
- You will not have to travel very far off.
- You can easily bring home your favorite mattress on your next trip to buy the groceries.
Cons
- You may not be able to test the mattress.
- You will have limited options in a department store.
- You may not be able to return it or enjoy additional features like a sleep trial.
- Salespersons may not be able to answer all your questions.
Does the New Mattress Feel the Same as In-Store?
If you have tried the mattress in a showroom and wonder if the mattress feels the same, the answer is no. The experience you enjoy in a mattress showroom is due to a few factors, such as the age of the mattress, the way it is manufactured, and the temperature of the showroom. So, since you cannot replicate the same at home, the feel will not be the same. But, the mattress will give you the same comfort after the break-in period.
When you try the mattress in a showroom, you experience the feel you would enjoy after the mattress has gone through the breaking-in period. This usually takes anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Here, the mattress becomes soft and plush and gives you optimal comfort. Breaking-in takes place when you start lying on the mattress regularly. Now in a showroom, many people come in and test the mattress, so even a new mattress becomes soft in a week.
Next, the temperature is also an important factor here. For instance, when you buy a memory foam, it becomes soft when the room temperature is warm. So, if you like to sleep in cooler temperatures, the chances are that the mattress may be slightly firmer.
Finally, even if it’s the same model, the chances of slight variations are possible. So, you must be ready for them. Also, trying the mattress once and sleeping on it throughout the night will not feel the same. It will take some time for you to get used to it. So, give it about 30 days, and you are good to go!
Do Sales People Help You Make the Right Choice?
As soon as you step inside a showroom, you will have a salesperson coming toward you and asking you what you are looking for. And as you browse through the variety available, they will keep walking side by side to be available for any queries or questions you may have. Unfortunately, while some are genuinely interested in hooking you up with the right mattress, some become pushy just to make a sale for the sake of their commission.
Here, it becomes important for you to judge if the salesperson is putting undue pressure on you. Remember, there is no hard and fast rule that you have to purchase once you visit a store. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always walk away. If you feel overwhelmed and want some space, you can step out of the store. Think it through, make the necessary comparisons, and then head back for negotiations. You have the power as a customer, so don’t let salespeople decide for you.
Online vs In-Store
While online stores were already a popular choice, we have all started relying on them more and more post-pandemic. Even when it comes to mattresses, once upon a time, you only had to rely on brick and mortar stores, and today, there are plenty of options available online. And online shopping is not just convenient but comes with other benefits such as low prices, easy comparison, and the ability to select from the widest range possible.
Now, if you are wondering what makes online shopping cheap, it’s because manufacturers don’t have to meet several overhead costs when making sales online. So, that prevents burning a hole in your pocket. Traditional mattress stores also charge you for delivery, while online stores mostly offer free delivery.
One of the advantages of buying a mattress online is the independence you enjoy. No salesperson is pushing you towards a particular mattress, nor do you have to adhere to a particular time. You can browse through the mattresses any time you like. However, when it comes to online shopping, you will also have to research and see what previous consumers are telling about that particular mattress. Today, you will find reviews everywhere for everything. So, go through it to see if that particular mattress is the right choice.
Also, some people are wary of online stores because they will not be able to touch or feel the bed before making a purchase. But, you know now that testing a mattress in the store is not the ideal way to gauge a mattress. Buying a mattress via online stores can grant you free trial nights. Some stores even offer a 365-nights trial where you can try the mattress for the whole year, and if you still think it is not the right fit, you can return it and get a full refund.
Today, online mattress stores usually deliver the mattress in a box where a mattress is compressed and rolled inside the box for a compact fit. This makes delivery easy and makes placing the mattress in the room easier. However, rolling up an innerspring is slightly difficult. So, you may not find a variety of innerspring mattresses online.
What to Look for In a New Mattress?
There are a few things you must keep in mind when choosing a mattress, which include the firmness level and the cost. Because one takes care of your budget and one factor provides you with the necessary plushness to ensure you enjoy a deep slumber.
The fitness levels of mattresses are soft, medium, and firm. You will also find medium-firm and soft variants to match your needs. The firmness of a mattress is an important factor because it depends on how the mattress conforms to your body, and this helps relieve any pressure points offering you optimal comfort. Each sleeping style has the right firmness level to keep the sleepers cozy. They include;
- Side sleepers need soft to medium-firm beds as they need cushioning on their shoulders and hips.
- Back-sleepers will find medium-firm to firm mattresses comfortable because it aids the lumbar support. This is also suitable for combination sleepers.
- A firm mattress is the best for stomach sleepers as it prevents sinkage.
The softest mattress is more expensive than the firm one. But before you zero down on the firmness levels, you must check who will be using the mattress. For instance, if you are sleeping with your partner and both of you enjoy different sleeping styles, you must consider both styles to see which one can seamlessly match your needs. Finally, you must choose the right mattress size. There are six standard sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King. Let’s take a look at the size chart to understand them better.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions in Inches |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38 inches by 74 inches |
| Twin XL | 38 inches by 80 inches |
| Full | 54 inches by 75 inches |
| Queen | 60 inches by 80 inches |
| King | 76 inches by 80 inches |
| California King | 72 inches by 84 inches |
A twin mattress is suitable for kids and teenagers, while a Twin XL is best for teens and single adults. It can also be a great choice for dorm rooms or guest bedrooms. Coming to a full, it is also known as double and is more suitable for single adults. However, if you are a petite couple who loves to cuddle, you can go for a full.
The most popular choice for couples is the queen and then the king. But, if you are a tall individual who needs some extra inches in length, then a Cal King is the best.
The thumb rule you must keep in mind before finalizing the mattress size is that you must leave at least 2-3 feet on all three sides of the mattress to easily move around in the room. Also, consider the other furniture pieces you want to place in the room.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?
Which is the best place to buy a new mattress? You have not gone through the pros and cons of all the available options. Of course, if you want something on an urgent basis, you can always choose a furniture store or a department store. But, if you are looking for something particular and think having salespersons answering your questions will be helpful, a good place to buy a mattress is a mattress shop.
You Should Buy Online If You Are Looking For:
- Variety of Options
The best way to buy a mattress is online for you if you want to choose from a wide range of options. When buying a mattress online, you can explore anything and everything from any corner of the world and choose the right choice for yourself.
- Additional Features
Buying your mattress online ensures you are privy to all the additional features, such as trial nights, extended warranty, etc. Online stores usually keep bringing big discounts and sales, so you don’t have to wait for any important dates to purchase your favorite mattress.
- Lower Prices
You enjoy competitive prices where you don’t end up emptying your wallet because there are no middlemen involved here. Also, the competition is high online. So, manufacturers always keep the prices low online to attract consumers.
- Comparison
You can easily compare all your favorite choices online, side-by-side. This will give you an overview of what you can expect from a particular mattress. This will also help you check if that particular mattress has all the features you are looking for.
- Real Reviews
Another advantage of making a purchase online is that you can go through all the real-time reviews and even watch unboxing videos online. This will give you an idea of what to expect.
You Should Buy In-Store If You Are Looking For:
- You Can Try It Before You Buy It
One of the main advantages of purchasing a mattress from a brick-and-mortar store is that you can feel and try it before purchasing. So, you know what you are spending on. While there might not be many options available, if the requirement is urgent, you may find the right fit here.
- Salesperson
When you are buying a mattress from a store, you have the salespersons help you out with any doubts or questions you may have. And since they have the right expertise, you know the information given to you is correct. But this only works if the salesperson is genuinely bothered about your welfare. Otherwise, they may just push you in the wrong direction to make a commission.
- Fast Delivery
While you may not get a free delivery while making a purchase in-store, you will certainly get the fastest delivery, which means that your mattress will be home waiting for you in a couple of hours after making the purchase. This is usually not possible when you make a purchase online.
- Customer Service
Even if the customer care is not answering the call, you can simply visit the store and talk to them about any concerns you may have, which is not possible with an online store.
Conclusion
So these are some of the tips that can help you make a seamless purchase! Now you know the best place to buy a mattress for you. See which works well for you because buying a mattress is a major investment, and buying it from the right place guarantees you are bringing home the best choice.
FAQs
A mattress’s cost depends on the quality. A budget-friendly mattress is around $250-$1000, while a mid-range mattress is $500-$1500. A high-quality mattress can be anything over $1500.
Not all mattresses need a box spring. For instance, you will need a box spring for an innerspring mattress, but a foam mattress will need a solid foundation.
Generally, the holiday season brings big discounts. Memorial Day, Independence Day, Black Friday sales, and more offer big discounts. However, if you don’t want to wait, you can always opt for an online store as they usually keep coming up with discounts.
First, have a budget in mind, and then choose the firmness as per your sleep style. For instance, if you are a side sleeper, choose a memory foam mattress as it offers the right firmness and relieves pressure point relief. Then comes the mattress size. If you share a bed with your partner, a queen or a king is suitable. However, if you are above 6 feet tall, a Cal King can be excellent.
Next, finalize a few brands offering the best quality within your budget. Next, go through the reviews, look at all the additional features, and then decide.
This website does not offer medical advice nor professional medical services; rather, it is provided solely for educational, informational, and/or entertainment purposes. Individuals seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition, disease, or injury. When you have a medical condition, you should always talk to licensed doctor or other certified medical professional. You should never delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on the contents of this website. Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have a medical emergency. The contents of this website are provided “as-is”, Sleep Authority and its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, contributors disclaim any warranty of the information contained herein. Please contact using contact form to report any errors, omissions, misinformation, or abuse.
Sleep Authority is brought to you by Resident, the company that brings you Nectar, DreamCloud, Awara, Wovenly, Bundle, Home Well Designed and Level Sleep.