Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Mattress

The role a mattress plays in sleep quality cannot be understated. Given how we spend a third of our lives sleeping, your mattress of choice is crucial to a good night's rest.

A good mattress offers a myriad of benefits, such as increased body support, better health, improved productivity and more. While this can be achieved with at least seven to eight hours of sleep alone, a comfortable mattress can take your sleep (and dreams!) to new heights.

However, buying the right mattress can be a confusing experience altogether. Given the abundance of options on the market, it’s easy to make a mistake during the selection process. This poses the question: how do you buy a good mattress?

To help you out, we’ve outlined a few errors to avoid when looking for a good mattress to buy.

Opting for cheap mattresses

Affordable mattresses can be easy on the wallet — but not all good deals offer great returns. Most cheap mattresses are constructed from a single foam piece that provides little to no support. This can be detrimental to your long-term health, as our sleep posture affects our airways, breathing, stomach and back.

It’s also worth noting that cheap beds aren’t built to last, so they’ll have to be replaced more frequently than quality mattresses. For those on a budget, having to buy a mattress periodically while suffering through discomfort is counterintuitive. Opt to buy a quality mattress built to offer lasting support and comfort instead. This way, you can make a one-time purchase and enjoy better sleep throughout the long life of the mattress.

Assuming that expensive mattresses are better

Next to buying only cheap mattresses, there is a common misconception that the most expensive mattress is always the best. This could not be further from the truth. An expensive price tag does not always guarantee the best quality, nor does it mean it will meet your needs. Remember that every sleeper has unique sleeping habits, which means you will need to look for a quality mattress that addresses what suits you.

Overlooking the many types of mattresses

There are many types of mattresses, with each mattress having varying specifications. This includes different firmness levels, materials, sizes and customisation options that may not be suitable for everyone.

In terms of materials, memory foam mattresses, especially brand-name ones, are more expensive than pocket spring mattresses. However, a pocket spring mattress is better for those who want minimal partner disturbance and a good combination of support and pressure relief. Conversely, memory foam mattresses are better for higher levels of pressure relief, which can alleviate some types of back pain. On the other hand, gel mattresses have cooling technology and are ideal for individuals who live in warmer climates.

Beyond materials, mattresses also come in a variety of sizes, including single beds, long singles, doubles, queens, kings and king singles. The size you choose should be comfortable for you while sleeping and allow you to move around freely. For instance, mattresses for kids are often smaller than mattresses for teens or adults. This means that you will also have to consider your child’s growth when you buy them a mattress.

Familiarising yourself with the basics of mattresses can help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars, as you won’t end up buying a mattress that doesn’t suit your needs.

Buying a mattress without a trial period

Quality mattress brands know that not all mattresses suit everyone — which is why they offer a trial period. Typically, a trial period should last at least 3 to 4 weeks or more, as that is how long it takes to get used to a new bed. When you buy a mattress online, take advantage of brands that offer a risk-free trial period to ensure you purchase a comfortable mattress that suits your body.

Ignoring your sleeping habits

Knowing your sleeping habits and positions is essential, as every mattress and pillow offers various levels of support. For instance, if you sleep on your back more often, a medium-firm mattress can provide the most optimal support and keep your spine aligned.

If you sleep on your stomach, an innerspring mattress with firm support is ideal for keeping your shoulders and hips aligned. On the other hand, if you sleep on your side, a plush mattress made of memory foam is better for providing pressure relief and comfort.

It may be more challenging for combination sleepers to find a good mattress to buy. Generally, however, a medium-firm latex mattress may provide the same gentle cushioning and buoyant support as a plush mattress while having the same firmness needed to support you when you sleep on your back.

Overlooking the after-purchase support

When you buy a mattress online, it’s important not to miss out on the return and shipping policy, warranty and customer service. You don’t want to end up with a damaged mattress during shipping or a mattress that goes bad with little-to-no customer support.

Prior to hitting the check-out button, make sure to read reviews of your desired mattress and brand. This is where you’ll find out about their customer service and see if there are any complaints from those who have dealt with damage or warranty issues.

Find quality mattresses with all the right support at Mattress & Pillow Science

At Mattress & Pillow Science, our range of mattresses offers various levels of support and comfort, perfect for any sleeper and climate. Whether you need a firm mattress or want one that can cater to your specific requirements, trust that we’ll have the brand for you. Our inventory includes mattresses from a vast number of brands, such as SleepMaker, A.H Beard, Comfort Sleep, Therapedic Bedding and Transforma.

Our mattresses come with a 30-day trial period and are shipped Australia-wide with a low flat rate shipping fee (free over $150!). Interested in one of our mattresses? Get in touch with our team today and take the first step towards a better night's sleep. We can help you find a good mattress to buy.