0112 Steps to Buying a New Mattress (The Right Way)

Buying a mattress should be straightforward. It isn't — at least not without a plan. There are dozens of mattress types, competing marketing claims, and a wide range of prices that don't always correlate with quality.

This guide cuts through the noise. Follow these 12 steps and you'll know exactly what you need, what to look for, and how to make a decision you'll be happy with for years.

02Step 1: Assess Your Current Mattress

Before you shop, be honest about whether you actually need a new mattress. Signs it's time:

  • You wake up stiff, achy, or sore more than once or twice a week
  • You consistently sleep better in hotels or at other people's homes
  • Your mattress is visibly sagging or has permanent body impressions
  • It's more than 8–10 years old
  • You feel or hear springs through the surface

If two or more of these apply, you're ready to shop.

03Step 2: Know Your Sleep Position

Your sleep position is one of the most important factors in choosing firmness and mattress type. Get this wrong and you'll be comfortable for a few weeks, then uncomfortable for the next decade.

Sleep Position Firmness Range Key Needs
Side Soft to Medium Pressure relief at shoulder and hip
Back Medium to Medium-Firm Lumbar support, spine alignment
Stomach Medium-Firm to Firm Prevent hips from sinking, neck alignment
Combination Medium Responsive, adapts to position changes

Body weight also matters. Heavier sleepers compress foam more deeply and typically need firmer support. Lighter sleepers may find firm mattresses don't contour enough.

04Step 3: Choose Your Mattress Size

Size affects both sleep quality and room compatibility. Don't pick a size based on habit — pick it based on your current needs.

  • Twin / Twin XL: Single sleepers, kids, smaller rooms. XL adds 5 inches for taller adults.
  • Full: Single adult who wants more room, or couples in tight spaces.
  • Queen: The most popular size. Good for most couples. 60" wide, 80" long.
  • King: Best for couples who want maximum space. 76" wide. Requires a larger room.
  • California King: Narrower but longer than standard king. Great for tall sleepers.

Measure your room before you shop. Leave at least 24" on the sides and foot of the bed for walking space. Browse our size-specific collections: queen, king, California king, twin, full.

05Step 4: Set a Realistic Budget

Price correlates with material quality — to a point. A $300 mattress and a $1,200 mattress are genuinely different products. But spending $3,000 doesn't guarantee three times the quality of a $1,000 mattress.

A useful frame: you'll spend roughly 25,000+ hours on your mattress over its lifespan. An extra $500 for significantly better comfort and durability works out to a few cents per night.

If budget is tight, explore financing options. You may be able to afford a mattress tier up without paying all at once.

06Step 5: Learn the Mattress Types

You don't need an engineering degree. Just know the basics:

Type Feel Best For Consider If
Memory Foam Contouring, slow response Pressure relief, side sleepers, motion isolation You sleep hot (look for cooling foam versions)
Hybrid Balanced — bounce + cushion Most sleepers, couples You want the best of both worlds
Latex Responsive, buoyant Durability, natural materials, hot sleepers You want an eco-friendlier option
Innerspring Firm, traditional bounce Firm support, traditional feel You prefer sleeping "on" the mattress, not "in" it
Organic Varies Chemical-sensitive sleepers, eco-conscious shoppers Material sourcing matters to you

07Step 6: Talk to Your Doctor (If Relevant)

If you have a specific health condition — chronic back pain, arthritis, acid reflux, fibromyalgia, scoliosis — your doctor may have useful input on what type of support or sleep position your body needs. They won't pick the mattress for you, but they may help narrow your requirements significantly.

08Step 7: Research Online First

Before you visit a store, spend 30–60 minutes online. Look at mattress brand websites, read reviews, and identify two to four models you want to test in person. This lets you walk in with a shortlist rather than starting from scratch.

A few caveats about online reviews: many mattress review sites earn affiliate commissions, which can bias recommendations. Look for reviews from verified buyers, not just editorial scores from review sites with affiliate links in every paragraph.

09Step 8: Go to a Store

There's no substitute for lying on a mattress. Online shopping with a good trial period can work — but you'll spend the first few weeks figuring out if you made the right call, rather than knowing before you buy.

At our five LA Mattress locations, you can test a wide range of mattresses with no pressure. Our sleep advisors are there to guide you, not to steer you toward the most expensive option.

10Step 9: Test-Drive Multiple Mattresses

Don't just sit on the edge. Lie down in your actual sleep positions. If you share a bed, bring your partner. Give each mattress at least 10 minutes before moving on. You're looking for:

  • Spine alignment — does your lower back feel supported or does it arch/sink?
  • Pressure relief — any discomfort at the hips, shoulders, or knees?
  • Motion transfer — if shopping with a partner, can you feel their movement?
  • Temperature — does the mattress trap heat or feel cool?
  • Edge support — can you sit on the edge without rolling off?

11Step 10: Slow Down

Your body takes time to register how a mattress feels. Spend at least 15 minutes on the mattresses you're seriously considering. Talk through your impressions with your partner. Compare notes on what felt right and what didn't.

If you're narrowing between two options and genuinely unsure, that's a good sign — it means both are reasonably good fits. In that case, favor the one with better long-term durability (higher-density foam, better coil count) or the better trial/return policy.

12Step 11: Ask About the Warranty and Trial Period

Before buying, get clear answers on:

  • Trial period: How many nights can you sleep on it before deciding? LA Mattress offers a 120-night comfort guarantee.
  • Exchange policy: If the mattress isn't right, can you exchange it? Is there a fee?
  • Warranty length and coverage: Most quality mattresses carry 10-year warranties. Understand what's covered (sagging depth thresholds, materials defects) and what isn't (comfort preference, stains).

13Step 12: Protect Your Mattress

The first thing to buy with your new mattress is a waterproof mattress protector. This isn't optional. Stains — from spills, sweat, or any other source — void the warranty with virtually every manufacturer. A quality protector costs $50–100 and can save you thousands in warranty claims and premature replacement.

It also extends the hygienic life of your mattress significantly, blocking dust mites, allergens, and moisture.

14Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get used to a new mattress?

Most people adjust within two to four weeks. If you're still uncomfortable after 30 days, the mattress may not be the right fit — which is why a trial period matters.

How often should you replace a mattress?

Every 8–10 years is a common guideline, but it depends on mattress quality and usage. If you're experiencing sagging, pain, or just consistently poor sleep, evaluate earlier rather than waiting for a milestone date.

What's the best mattress for back pain?

A medium-firm mattress tends to work well for most back pain sufferers, particularly back and combination sleepers. Side sleepers with back pain often benefit from softer surfaces with strong underlying support. There's no single best option — your sleep position, body weight, and pain location all factor in.

Can you negotiate mattress prices?

At many independent retailers, yes. It's worth asking. More importantly, compare what's included — delivery, setup, old mattress removal, trial periods, and accessories. The lowest sticker price isn't always the best overall deal.

Is a box spring necessary with a new mattress?

Not always. Many modern mattresses work on platform beds, slatted frames, or adjustable bases without a box spring. Check the manufacturer's support requirements before assuming you need one.

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Buying a mattress the right way takes a few hours of your time. It pays back in years of better sleep. When you're ready to shop, our team at any of our five LA locations can walk you through every step. Or start by browsing our full mattress collection online.