How To Test A Mattress In-Store Or At Home

Are you in the market for a new mattress? Choosing the right one can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep.

But with so many options available, how do you know which mattress is best for you? The key is to test it out! Testing a mattress properly involves more than just lying down for a few seconds.

To make an informed decision, you need to take your time and evaluate various aspects of the mattress. Here’s how to properly test a mattress, whether you’re in a store or trying one out at home.

Testing a Mattress in Store

When you head to the store to test mattresses, wear comfortable, loosely fitting clothes that allow you to move freely and easily. Think about what mimics the pajamas you wear at night!

This will enable you to genuinely experience the feel of each mattress and make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.

Check Support and Spinal Alignment

Proper mattress support maintains spinal alignment and distributes weight evenly, preventing muscle aches, back pain, stiffness, and sleep loss. To test support, follow these guidelines based on your sleep position:

• Back Sleepers: Slide your hand under the small of your back while lying down. If your hand moves too easily, the mattress may be too firm; if it doesn’t slide through at all, it may be too soft.
• Side Sleepers: Lie on your preferred side and have someone photograph your back or check your spine alignment. Your spine should appear straight.
• Stomach Sleepers: Although no mattress can fully support your spine in this position, lie down and assess any sinking, pressure buildup, or lower back pain after 20 minutes.

Examine Bounce Back Time

To determine a mattress’s recovery time, test it in various sleep positions. Lie down in your preferred position, then shift and observe how long the mattress takes to regain shape.

Memory foam typically responds faster than gel foam, while innerspring and latex mattresses have the quickest recovery times. Depending on the comfort layer’s foam type, hybrid mattresses fall somewhere in between.

Assess Motion Transfer

When you regularly share a bed, you should visit the mattress store with your partner to test various options.

Evaluate how well each mattress minimizes motion transfer. Lay on one side while your partner changes positions on the other. Take note of the movement you experience.

A mattress reduces pressure points with padding for optimal comfort. Such padding can also result in less tossing and turning and fewer sleep disruptions.

Sit on the Side

If you share a bed with a partner who takes up significant space, have children who might climb in, or need extra assistance getting in and out of bed, look for a mattress with strong edge support. Test this by sitting on the mattress’s edge to gauge its supportiveness.

Assess Mattress Cushioning

Determine mattress comfort by testing the top layer’s cradling effect on your pressure points. Comfort is subjective; some prefer firmer beds, while others favor softer mattresses.

Trust your instincts to gauge what feels right for you, but also remember the recommended firmness range for your preferred sleep position and body weight. Lie down in your usual sleeping position for at least 15 minutes in-store.

Temperature Regulation

You can see how much a mattress retains body heat even just after 20 or so minutes of lying on it. Most mattresses are designed to keep hot sleepers cool, but some smart beds offer heating technology.

Memory foam and synthetic latex tend to trap body heat, especially in thicker mattresses. For a cooler sleep experience, opt for natural latex, breathable foams, innerspring, or hybrid mattresses made from temperature-regulating materials

Testing a Mattress at Home

When you purchase a new mattress, testing it in the comfort of your own home is the best way to ensure it meets your unique needs and preferences.

Most mattress companies offer generous trial periods, allowing you to sleep on your new mattress for several weeks or months before making a final decision.

Allow Your Mattress to Breathe

Before sleeping on your new mattress, allow it to outgas in a well-ventilated room to eliminate any unpleasant odors that may be present. This process is crucial for mattresses with synthetic materials purchased from box companies.

It also lets the mattress fully expand after being compressed for shipping. To get a better understanding of what to expect during this initial phase, take the time to read through mattress company reviews and customer experiences.

Compatibility with Your Bed Frame and Box Spring

Before fully committing to your new mattress, it’s essential to test it on your current bed frame and box springs.

This will give you a clear picture of how well the mattress works with your existing setup and whether any adjustments are necessary to achieve optimal comfort and support. You may need to buy a new set of slats or even a whole new frame entirely.

Keep in mind that the right combination of mattress, bed frame, and box spring can greatly impact not only your overall sleep experience but how long the mattress lasts.

Assessing Edge Support

To determine the level of edge support your new mattress provides, sit on the edge and practice transitioning from standing to lying down. This test will give you a clear sense of how stable and supportive the mattress feels when you’re sitting or lying near the edge.

Good edge support is particularly important for individuals who have difficulty getting in and out of bed, as it provides a stable surface to sit on and helps prevent the feeling of rolling off the mattress.

Checking Temperature Regulation

As you put your new mattress through its paces, be sure to pay close attention to any heat trapping issues. Unlike other aspects of mattress comfort that may improve as the mattress breaks in, heat retention is typically a persistent issue that won’t resolve over time.

If you find that your mattress is holding on to absorbed body heat and causing you to sleep hot, consider returning it in favor of a cooling mattress. These mattresses have cooling technologies or materials designed to promote airflow and temperature regulation.

Listen to Your Body

As you sleep on your new mattress, be mindful of any aches, pains, or stiffness you experience when waking up. If you consistently notice discomfort or pain, it may indicate that the mattress is not the right fit for your body and sleeping preferences.

Keep a sleep journal to track any patterns in your discomfort and help you determine if the mattress is the cause.

Consider Allergies

If you have existing allergies or develop new ones during your mattress trial period, the materials in your mattress may be the culprit. Pay attention to any changes in your allergy symptomsVerified Source Medline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health.View source or any new sensitivities that arise while sleeping on your new mattress.

If you suspect your mattress is causing allergic reactions, contact the manufacturer to discuss your options and potential solutions. You may need a protector as an allergen barrier or a new hypoallergenic mattress.

Evaluate Sleep Quality

Throughout your mattress trial period, keep track of your sleep quality and how rested you feel each morning. Note any changes in your sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, or feeling groggy in the morning. Keeping a sleep diaryVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source can help you track these.

If you consistently experience poor sleep quality or feel unrested, it may be a sign that your new mattress is not providing the comfort and support you need.

Allow Your Body to Adjust: The 30-Night Rule

When you first start sleeping on your new mattress, it’s essential to give your body time to adjust and the mattress time to break in.

Sleep on your new mattress for at least 30 nights before making a final decision about its comfort and support. This will allow you to experience the mattress in various conditions and give your body a chance to adapt to the new sleeping surface.

You can also take steps to break in your new mattress, such as lounging on it during the day or walking across the surface for a few minutes.

FAQs

How long should I test a mattress in-store before making a purchase?

To get a feel for a mattress’s comfort and support, we recommend that you lie down on it for at least 10-15 minutes in your typical sleeping position. This will give you a good initial sense of the mattress’s comfort level, support, and pressure relief.

If possible, try to stimulate your normal bedtime routine, such as reading a book or using your phone, to help you relax and better assess the mattress. However, keep in mind that it’s difficult to fully assess a mattress’s suitability with just a short in-store test, as it can take your body several weeks to adjust to a new mattress.

Many mattress retailers offer generous trial periods, often around 100 nights, which allow you to sleep on the mattress in your own home and return it if you’re not satisfied, providing a more thorough and realistic testing experience.

Is it normal for a new mattress to have a strong odor?

Yes, it’s common for new mattresses, especially those made with memory foam or other synthetic materials, to have a strong odor initially. This is called off-gassing and is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the manufacturing process.

The smell should dissipate within a few days to a week, and you can speed up the process by allowing your mattress to air out in a well-ventilated room.

How do you know if a new mattress is bad?

If you find that your new mattress is too firm or too soft, causing discomfort or pain, it may not be the right fit for you. A mattress that doesn’t provide the right level of support and pressure relief can lead to poor sleep quality and waking up with aches and pains.

Additionally, if you notice any strange odors, such as strong chemical smells that persist beyond the initial off-gassing period (which typically lasts a few days), it could indicate an issue with the materials used in the mattress. If you experience any of these problems with your new mattress, consider taking advantage of the manufacturer’s trial period or return policy to exchange it for a more suitable option.

How do I know if a new mattress is safe?

Look for mattresses that are made with certified organic or natural materials, as these are less likely to contain harmful chemicals or irritants. However, a mattress with synthetic materials can still be safe with a certification like GREENGUARD Gold or CertiPUR-US.

It’s also crucial to purchase your mattress from a reputable manufacturer or retailer that adheres to strict quality and safety standards.

Should I test a mattress before buying?

Yes, it’s definitely nice if you can test a mattress before buying it, as this can give you a good initial sense of its comfort level, support, and pressure relief. It can help you determine if it’s a good fit for your body and preferences. However, if you can’t test a mattress before purchasing, there are still ways to ensure that you’re making a good choice.

Many online mattress retailers offer generous trial periods, often around 100 nights, which allow you to sleep on the mattress in your own home and return it if you’re not satisfied. This provides a more thorough and realistic testing experience, as it can take your body several weeks to fully adjust to a new mattress.

Conclusion

Testing a mattress thoroughly, whether in-store or at home, is essential for ensuring you find the perfect fit for your unique needs and preferences. By considering factors such as:

• Comfort
• Support
• Temperature regulation
• Edge support

You can make an informed decision and choose a mattress that will provide you with the best possible sleep experience.

Remember to take advantage of generous trial periods offered by most mattress companies, as this allows you to test the mattress in the comfort of your own home. Then, you can make any necessary returns or exchanges if the mattress doesn’t meet your expectations.