6 Mattress Buying Mistakes You Might Be Making

Buying a mattress is one of the most important buying decisions you make during your lifetime. But why?

The average person spends 26 years of their life sleeping. That’s a lot of hours, and if you aren’t sleeping on the right mattress, you may sacrifice sleep quality and end up with lots of aches and pains.

To help you, we look at six mistakes you might be making when it comes to sleep. We look at some basic sleep solutions as well as ways to avoid mattress buying mistakes.

#1: Buying Based on Word of Mouth

While buyers today do get advice from friends and family, you want to remember that your needs are different than someone else’s.

You have a different sleep style and a sleep position that is unique to you. So, while someone may love one type of mattress, that one won’t always be the best mattress for you.

Try to steer clear of others’ recommendations and talk to the salespeople at the mattress company. Tell them what you’re looking for, and they can direct you to the appropriate mattress.

Finally, you can look at online reviews if they’re available. They can provide you with some insight into the quality of the mattress. Do be careful, though, and try to read between the lines, especially on the negative reviews.

#2: Buying the Cheapest Mattress

Let’s face it, mattresses are expensive. However, you do want to think about how many years you’ll be sleeping on the mattress. When you factor this in, the cost seems more reasonable.

You’ll find that the cost of mattresses varies based on material, warranty, quality, and construction.

So, you don’t always want to look at the cheapest mattress. You can find mattresses that fit into your budget that are still high quality and not too cost-prohibitive for you.

#3: Buying a Mattress That’s Too Firm

Some people think that if they buy a firm mattress, it will last them longer. Yet, this is one of the biggest mattress buying mistakes.

In addition, many people buy firm mattresses because they think they’ll sleep better. This may be true for some people, but the vast majority of people will be better off on a medium-firm mattress.

If you buy a mattress that is too firm, you may end up with pressure points on your hips, back, and shoulders. You want to make sure your mattress conforms to your body, so your spine is left in a supportive, neutral position while you sleep.

#4: Buying Based on Too Many Choices

Yes, you want to try out your mattress when you’re shopping in a store. But you also don’t want to try out too many mattresses.

If you do this, it will become overwhelming and confusing.

Your best bet is to tell the salesperson your budget and ask them to point you in the direction of a soft, medium, and firm mattress to try. This way you only have a handful of choices to choose from.

Spend about 10-15 minutes lying down on each one, and then make your decision.

#5: Buying Without Considering Sleep Position

The most important thing you should tell your salesperson is the position you sleep in. This means explaining whether you are a stomach sleeper, a side sleeper, or a back sleeper.

Don’t make the mattress buying mistake of buying without accommodating your sleep position.

For example, back sleepers usually do best on a medium firm mattress because it helps keep their spines aligned. A hybrid model works great.

For stomach sleepers, an innerspring or hybrid model will give them firm support for more comfort.

Side sleepers may prefer a softer memory foam mattress because of the pressure on their shoulders and hips.

For combination sleepers, a medium firm mattress can help provide comfort and pressure point relief.

#6: Buying Without Knowing Mattress Types

Another mattress buying mistake involves purchasing a mattress without knowing the general types available to you.

Here is a brief overview:

Memory foam mattresses are comfortable, provide pressure relief, isolate motion from sleeping mattress partners, and cradle you as you sleep. They are generally less expensive than hybrid models.
The traditional innerspring mattress combines coils with padding. They are generally cooling, durable, and bouncy.
A hybrid mattress combines springs with memory foam. They provide support and pressure relief and are generally cool mattresses to sleep on.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know six mattress buying mistakes to avoid, you’ll find there are a few more ways to get a better night’s sleep.

First, consider going to sleep on your new mattress at the same time each night. This helps you get into a rhythm that works for you.

Next, create a good sleep environment. You want your bedroom to be quiet, dark, and just the right temperature. Outfit your new mattress with comfortable pillows and bedding. And turn off your devices an hour before bedtime.

You’re now ready for a great night’s sleep, 26 years of your life!

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