Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Research before you purchase
• Method 2 of 2: Buy your mattress
• Tips
• Warnings

Buying a mattress is one of the most important purchases you can make for your home. You will likely spend more time on your mattress than on any other piece of furniture you own. For this reason, take a few steps to make sure you buy the best mattress for your lifestyle.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Research before you purchase

1. Visit mattress websites to find out what's on offer. If you haven't bought a mattress in a while, it's good to see what options are available before going to a store.
   • Check prices online to see what you think is reasonable based on what's on offer.
   • Mattress brands often come up with new mattress types, including ones that offer adjustable firmness and temperature. Decide how technical you want your mattress to be, as some of them may only be available at specialty stores or on the Internet.
   • Find out which special features are offered with each mattress brand, including a trial period or money-back guarantee. If you wish, you can print this information to take with you to the store.
2. Decide on the firmness. While this is difficult to determine without testing mattresses first, a few physical factors can help shape your choice.
   • If you have back problems, consider choosing a medium-hard or hard mattress. These are best for supporting your lower back and reducing back pain.
   • Pocket sprung mattresses are best for those who are not underweight as they don't have enough weight to compress the top sheet and springs to a point where the comfort makes a difference. Larger and heavier people in particular therefore find pocket spring mattresses more comfortable.
   • Disregard the number of springs indicated as evidence of the expected quality and firmness or softness of a mattress. Studies have shown that the number of springs does not directly affect how comfortable the mattress is.
3. Measure the space where you want to place the bed. Nothing is worse than finding and buying your perfect mattress, only to discover that it doesn't fit in your home. Check the space you have available in your bedroom, then decide on a mattress size to fit there.
   • Single mattresses are the smallest size, they measure 90x200 / 220 cm.
   • The next size is the double mattress, the dimensions of which are 140x200 / 220 cm.
   • The queen format (name from England and Ireland) is the most sold double mattress in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, the dimensions are 160x200 / 220 cm.
   • The largest standard size mattress is called Lits Jumeaux in the Netherlands. The dimensions are 160x200 / 220 cm.
   • Standard mattresses are 200 cm long, but sometimes they are also offered in lengths of 210 or 220 cm.
   • Make sure the mattress size you want to purchase will not only fit in your bedroom, but will also fit through all the doors you have to go through to get into the bedroom.
4. Find one or more stores to shop. Typically, specialty mattress stores will have more experienced salespeople and information about mattresses than a general furniture store. Wherever you want to buy a mattress, make sure they have a good reputation and helpful staff.

Method 2 of 2: Buy your mattress

1. Test mattresses. To know if you like a mattress, you will have to test it in the store. Look around for mattresses that meet your needs and then lie on those mattresses to see if you really like them.
   • Lie on each mattress for at least 2-3 minutes and up to 15 minutes. The store models are there for that very reason, so don't hesitate to hang out in the store.
   • Ignore descriptions on signs such as “ultra warm”, “super soft” or “extra firm”. These are not regulated terms and are therefore used freely within any mattress brand without any consistency. Instead, just lie on the mattress to feel how soft or firm it is.
   • Try a firm, a luxurious and a pocket sprung mattress to get a feel for which type you prefer. Compare these different types all within one mattress brand to get the most accurate idea of ​​what you like best.
   • Ask to see a diameter of the mattress, if available, so you can see exactly where you might be sleeping on.
2. Ask for a comfort guarantee. A comfort guarantee differs per brand, but it is a certain period after your purchase during which you can return or exchange your mattress for free.
   • Always do this before your purchase and verify it upon purchase to make sure you are getting the correct information.
   • Find out how long the comfort guarantee is in effect, as it can vary by brand.
   • Find out if you have to pay for delivery to / from your home if you don't like the mattress. This way you will not be surprised by extra costs afterwards.
3. Take it on trial. Many mattress brands and stores give you the opportunity to test the mattress at home for thirty days. If you can, take this opportunity to ensure that this mattress will meet your sleeping needs.
4. Check the warranty. Make sure the mattress you are going to purchase has a full 10-year warranty.
5. Buy the necessary accessories for your mattress. While it may seem like you only need to buy a mattress, you also need to buy at least a slatted base and frame to support it.
   • Always buy a new base with your new mattress, as old bases wear out over time and lose the desired support and firmness.
   • Buy a water-resistant mattress cover to cover your new mattress. Not only will this make cleaning easier in case something gets spilled on it, but it will also keep the warranty intact. Many warranties are void if the mattress is stained or spilled on.
6. Negotiate the price. Mattress prices can often be lowered if you negotiate a bit with a sales associate or store manager. Use the amounts you previously found online to determine if you made a good deal.
   • Include the cost of collecting the old mattress and delivering and installing the new mattress in the total cost.
   • Ask for extras; many stores will provide free services if you just ask for them.

Tips

• Some stores have the option of bringing the mattress home for a testing period. Sometimes there is a small payment or even a credit check.
• Ask around for a good seller or brand. Word of mouth is often the most reliable tool you have when researching a new make or model.

Warnings

• Before purchasing, make sure the mattress is comfortable at the store. Feel free to lie down on it if the sign indicates.
• Don't let the sales pitch influence your choice. You have already invested quite a bit yourself and the seller will most likely not be familiar with any other brand outside of their own store and inventory.