We spend about one-third of our life sleeping, so it’s an understatement to say that a comfortable mattress is a worthwhile investment. If you’ve reached the point where your current mattress is no longer cutting it in the support department and you need to buy a new one, we’ve got your back (literally!). Here’s a short guide on how to choose a mattress that’s right for you — and make an informed purchase.
1. Focus on Your Own Comfort
The most important consideration when buying a new mattress is your own comfort. Just because a mattress is the most expensive or most popular one out there doesn’t guarantee it’ll be right for you. Instead, focus on factors like the materials, size, and firmness of your mattress — as well as what type of sleeper you are.
2. Find the Right Size for You
The first — and perhaps easiest — decision you have to make when shopping for a mattress is which size to get. We suggest a twin for kids, teens, or petite adults, and a twin XL for tall teens or those shopping for a college dorm. Full mattresses are great for adult single sleepers, but a queen can also be a good option if you like to spread out while you sleep. Kings are perfect for couples, and California king mattresses can be a wonderful option if you have kids and pets that like to climb in bed with you.
3. Get an Understanding of Firmness
One key factor to consider for a new mattress is firmness. However the mattress industry doesn’t have a standardized measurement of firmness; one manufacturer's “soft” could be another brand’s “medium.” So, be sure to pay attention to the firmness guide of each individual brand, and actually try the mattress out for a while to determine if the firmness is right for you. Which brings us to …
4. Ask About Trial Periods
Gone are the days of awkwardly laying on showroom mattresses — and thank goodness, too! Not only is it icky to sit and lie down on mattresses that have been tested out by dozens of other people, it’s also just not a good way to test out a new mattress.
For one, those mattresses could already be wearing down, so you won’t get an accurate idea of what it feels like to sleep on it. But even if the mattress is in perfect condition, you still can’t get a good feel for it after just a few minutes. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of trial periods, like our risk-free trial program that lets you sleep on a mattress for 120 nights before deciding whether or not you love it.
5. Read Verified Reviews from Other Shoppers
Since so much mattress shopping happens online these days, another great way to get a feel for a mattress is to read the customer reviews. True, what might not be a good fit for someone else could be perfect for you — but reviews will still help give you an idea of the quality of a mattress, a company’s customer service, and the overall online buying experience.
6. Research and Compare All Possible Options
We always recommend having an open mind when shopping for a new mattress. You may have some preconceived notions about certain types of mattress. But the truth is, everyone will have different experiences with different types of mattresses — and you never know what might be the best option for your body and sleeping habits. Because of this, we suggest comparing your various options side by side to help you determine which option will be best for you.
7. Look for Cooling Materials
One of the biggest culprits of a poor night’s sleep is heat. Mattresses tend to absorb our body heat while we sleep — and without breathable, cooling materials, your mattress can retain all that heat and leave you feeling very sweaty and restless. We recommend buying a mattress that’s made with cooling foams and materials (like all of the Bear Mattresses), which will help regulate your body temperature and dissipate any and all heat.
8. Buy Certified Clean Mattresses
When it comes to mattress materials, certifications matter. It’s important to look for a mattress that meets chemical emissions and sustainability standards, like the Greenguard Gold or CertiPUR-US certifications, so your mattress doesn’t create an unhealthy living space for you and your family.
9. Decide on a Budget and Stick to It
Mattresses prices vary a lot from company to company, so it’s important to pick a price point upfront. And with so many mattress options out there, your budget will also help narrow the playing field a bit.
That said, a mattress is an investment that you’ll use every single day, so if you can afford to, we wouldn’t recommend sacrificing quality for a lower price tag. You can also ask about financing options, like we offer at Bear.
10. Don’t Rush Into a Purchase
On a similar note, don’t be impulsive when buying a new mattress. Take as much time as you need to research and compare your options, so you make the best possible decision.
11. Look for Hassle-Free Returns
Even if you do your research and carefully consider your new mattress purchase, it’s still entirely possible that the mattress just won’t work for you — and that’s okay! But that’s also why it’s crucial to buy from a brand that offers hassle-free returns. At Bear, we’ll arrange a free pick-up, so you don’t have to fuss with your unwanted mattress, and we’ll issue a full refund.
12. Don’t Forget About the Base!
Your mattress is only as good as the foundation you put it on, which is why you should always make sure you 1) have a mattress base, and 2) use a base that’s compatible with your particular type of mattress. This will not only help your mattress last longer, but also ensure that it fully supports you while you sleep.
13. Don’t Skimp on Accessories
We always and strongly recommend shelling out for a mattress protector to prevent stains or other damage to your new mattress. But you may also want to consider getting a new pillow to maximize support — or even adding a mattress topper to enhance your comfort level.
14. Make Sure Your Mattress Has a Warranty
A new mattress should last at least 5–10 years, and you’ll want a long-term warranty to match. At Bear, we offer warranties of 10–20 years to help protect your purchase and ensure you get the most out of your new mattress for years to come.
15. Shop with a Trusted Brand
Finally, always buy your new mattress from a trusted brand with excellent products and above-and-beyond customer service. At Bear, all of our mattresses are factory direct, using high-quality, high-performance materials — and we offer helpful, reliable customer support from a team based right here in New Jersey.
Questions About Shopping for a New Mattress?
We’re here to help! Reach out to us via chat, email or an old-school phone call with your questions, and our friendly support team will do their very best to provide answers and advice.
