I am replying to this as someone who was completely lost when I started looking recently. I had not even looked at a mattress in about 15 years and was overwhelmed. This site has a great deal of useful information, so do not be afraid to search it. As others have mentioned, the tutorial is a great place to start, and as you will see, I relied on it too.
First, upon realizing just how many different types of mattresses are out there, I held back and did research. In my case, I came home every day and glued myself to the internet just learning about everything I could find. I also took notes, looked through ads, read reviews, and so on. I found it helped me tremendously to have a basic idea of what was out there: hybrid, latex, memory foam, gel foam, innerspring, etc.
Second, Stop yourself from jumping the gun and just getting anything. This is a big decision and you are going to be on it every night for a long time to come. I realized that it had been 15 years plus on the old one, and another week of discomfort would probably be worth it.
Third, Go to a store that carries a huge selection of brands and comfort levels, as well as, most of the materials, such as gel foam, latex, innerspring. Then spend however long it takes trying them all out. Some are easy to knock off the list as soon as you lay on them, and by lay on them, I mean try different sleeping positions. If you are shy, push it aside and flop around like you do at home. Write down the ones that you like, so you can research them more. Make a note of the conditions in the store, such as if the mattress area was cooler or warmer. The same mattress can feel a bit different depending on temp, among other factors. Do NOT buy anything this day. The purpose is to give you a general idea of what firmness and materials you like and do not like. For example, I found I liked cushion firm, but noted to keep in mind that it may feel like another manufacturer’s plush. It also helped get a feel for the differences between latex and foam, because they feel quite different.
Fourth, go to a different store/manufacturer that has mattresses with similar qualities to ones you wrote down. Again, note the temperature and conditions of the display area. I also sleep hot, and the gel mattress felt very cool in the store with the fans blowing, yet the same mattress was noticably warmer in the place that had the heat turned up. Still cool, but could feel the difference. Be aware that room temp is only one factor among many that can influence how “hot” a mattress feels. I learned that, along with a lot on this list, from this site.
Fourth, check the membership page here and try to find a manufacturer near you, then go there. Also, search the web for other’s and try them, if possible. Do not assume that smaller companies are either too high-end or that they are making cheap garbage. What I have found is that they are no higher in price than the big brand names, and in many cases, are actually lower. I also have found that their customer satisfaction, along with their material and build quality, seem to be much higher. Most, if not all, are family-owned businesses, and they take a lot of pride in their craftsmanship. I regret not doing this before, but am doing it with my current shopping for the other bedroom. At the very least, it gives you another option to check out.
Fifth, now that you have a general idea of what you like and do not like, go back out and try them again. By now, you should have narrowed down your likes, and this trip should help shorten that list to 5 or less. Again, do NOT buy anything. So, just to be safe, just to be sure…hold back once you are down to two that you love. And make sure you love them, not just okay…make sure you love them or go back and try again. You may be sick of seeing mattresses, may be sick of reading about them, but do not settle for something just to “get it over with.”
Sixth, go back home and relax. Take a day and don’t even think about mattresses. Watch a movie, do anything to clear your head and have a mattress shopping vacation.
Seventh, go back and try your two favorites out again. Don’t just sit on them…take the time and, again, lay in them how you would at home. Spend, at least, 15 minutes on each one, if not more. Even if one is a brand name and the other a family-owned maker, I would recommend the time investment. After all, whichever you pick, you are the ones who will be using it nightly for the foreseeable future.
Lastly, go buy yourself a good set of sheets while you wait for your new mattress to be delivered. Don’t you dare put on those old, pilled ones you have been using for 10 years:) :cheer:
I am still learning and this is just what I did based on the tutorial. I am sharing what has helped me, but this is your journey to better sleep, so tailor your shopping adventure to suit your needs.
