How To Choose and Buy the Best Mattress

Finding the best place to buy a mattress seems like it should be an easy task, but if you’ve ever taken a walk into a mattress store you know it can be an overwhelming and confusing endeavor. There’s a lot to consider–the best time of year to buy a mattress, how often should you buy a new mattress, and what to look for when shopping are all factors that should go into the decision making process.

We all have to shop for a mattress at some point, it can be difficult to know where to even begin. Essentially, there are two paths you can take. Consider this your mattress buying guide when it comes to the where and how of it all.

The Traditional Route

Maybe your current bed is looking more like a block with a you-shaped hole in the middle and it’s time for an upgrade, or maybe you’re just ready for a change. Either way, your journey has to start somewhere.

If you’re a “try before you buy” type, or you just don’t even know what’s out there, paying a visit to your local mattress store might help you make a decision. Before you jump in the car in search of that wavy-armed inflatable on the corner, you should take a second to consider the things that matter to you.

Do you have a specific medical concern—like back pain—that you should chat with your doctor about? Do you have a price-point that you’d like to stay under? Do you have a preference in material that you sleep on?

Once you’ve answered these questions you’ll have a better idea of what to ask for when you go in. You’ll probably be greeted by someone pretty quickly who will be able to walk you through the available models and answer any questions you may have.

You can check out these posts to learn about what you should be looking for when it comes to warranty questions and return policies so you feel more than prepared with the right questions to ask. You don’t want to fall in love with the feel of something just to get surprised by the fine print.

Pros: You can try multiple styles and models before committing, you can ask questions in person.

Cons: Models will vary widely from one store to another, as will pricing. You may be bound to delivery fees and fluctuating sales.

The New Wave In Mattress Shopping

Nowadays, if you can imagine it, it likely exists on the internet and is ready to ship right to your door. This definitely is the case when it comes to furniture and mattresses.

For those who aren’t exactly thrilled at the notion of walking into a traditional store, the online options have exploded in recent years. Where to buy mattress related items has gone from the shop down on the corner to an endless list of options in the palm of your hand.

This might seem overwhelming, but the upside is there are options for just about any budget and sleep style. Most online retailers offer a trial period for their mattresses and allow returns if you aren’t totally in love, which can help alleviate any nerves you may have before clicking “buy.” A quick search will bring up dozens of options, so you want to take the time to read each site and get a clear idea of what you’re looking for.

Get a feel for the return policies and warranty processes just like you would at a traditional store before you make any decisions. What might be the easiest option initially could start to feel like a cumbersome process if you need to return or exchange it.

The best time to buy a mattress can vary wildly, but often stores run promotions and sales online, just like brick-and-mortar stores, right around holidays. Keep an eye out for sale information on those holidays we often forget about: President’s Day, Labor Day, and Memorial Day are all common weekends for furniture sales!

Pros: Endless options and price ranges, quick and convenient delivery, you don’t even have to put on real pants to purchase.

Cons: Returning might get complicated, limited customer service if you experience an issue, can’t try before purchasing.

The Tuft & Needle Way

While we started as an online retailer, we heard the customers who wanted to see us in real life and give the mattress a try—which is why we chose to offer the best of both worlds.

We have stores in several stores for those who’d like to give it a test drive. When you walk into one of our stores, you can try out our products without any pressure to buy and ask the questions you need answers to before committing.

If you aren’t near one of our stores, you can still get the same experience online. We’re available to chat, email, or talk on the phone about any concerns you have and our beds comes with a 100-Night Sleep Trial so you have plenty of time to try it. If you’d like to return it or you have a warranty claim we make the process as easy as possible.