How to Shop for a New Mattress

Most people buy a new mattress every 7–10 years — which means most people aren't very experienced at it. The process can feel overwhelming: too many options, confusing terminology, and pressure to make a big decision quickly.

This guide cuts through that. Here's what actually matters when shopping for a mattress — and how to walk out with something you'll sleep well on for the next decade.

When Do You Actually Need a New Mattress?

You don't need to wait until your mattress is completely broken down. Replace it when:

• You wake up with aches, stiffness, or soreness that weren't there before
• You sleep better in hotel beds, guest rooms, or on your couch
• You can see or feel visible sagging, lumps, or indentations
• The mattress is 8–10+ years old and comfort has noticeably declined
• You or your partner are disrupting each other's sleep from motion transfer
• You've experienced major weight or health changes that affect sleep needs

A deteriorated mattress is a silent drain on your sleep quality — and therefore your energy, mood, and focus. Don't wait until it's embarrassing to replace it.

Setting a Realistic Budget

Mattress prices span a huge range — from under $500 to over $5,000 for a queen. Here's a general framework:

Set your budget before you walk in — not after you've already fallen in love with something. A well-made mid-range mattress will serve most people better than a premium mattress they're anxious about affording. And if budget is a concern, financing options are available.

Know Your Sleep Style First

Your sleep position is the single most important variable in choosing a mattress. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Side sleepers — Need pressure relief at shoulders and hips. Softer to medium firmness. Memory foam and soft hybrids work well.
• Back sleepers — Need lumbar support without excessive sinking. Medium to medium-firm is the typical sweet spot. Hybrids and latex are popular choices.
• Stomach sleepers — Need firmer support to prevent the hips from sinking and arching the lower back. Firm hybrid or latex recommended.
• Combination sleepers — Move between positions through the night. Need a responsive mattress that adjusts quickly. Latex and bouncy hybrids tend to work well.
• Couples — Consider motion isolation (how much movement transfers), edge support (can you use the full sleeping surface?), and whether two different firmness preferences can be satisfied.

Understanding Mattress Types

A quick reference before you shop:

• Memory foam — Contouring, pressure-relieving, excellent motion isolation. Can sleep warm without gel or open-cell variants. Great for side sleepers and couples. Browse memory foam mattresses.
• Latex — Responsive, bouncy, naturally cool and breathable. Durable and eco-friendly. Best for hot sleepers and those who want a "on top of" feel. Browse latex mattresses.
• Hybrid — Coil support base + foam or latex comfort layers. Balanced feel. Versatile for most sleepers. Strong airflow and edge support. Browse hybrid mattresses.
• Innerspring — Bouncy, cool, traditional feel. Less pressure relief than foam or latex. Best for back sleepers or those on a tighter budget.

For a deeper breakdown, see our guide: Mattress Buying Guide.

How to Test a Mattress In-Store

This is where most people go wrong — they spend 90 seconds lying on their back and call it done. Here's how to actually test a mattress:

1. Wear comfortable clothes — You're going to be lying down. Dress accordingly.
2. Bring your partner if you share a bed — The mattress will feel different with both of you on it.
3. Lie in your actual sleep position — Not on your back if you sleep on your side. Spend at least 5–10 minutes in position.
4. Bring your own pillow if you can — Different pillows change the feel of the mattress significantly. Testing with your own pillow helps isolate the mattress itself.
5. Test edge support — Sit on the edge. If it collapses, that's valuable real estate you won't be able to use.
6. Notice temperature — Does the mattress feel noticeably warm after a few minutes? That's data.
7. Narrow to two or three options, then go back and retest — Don't decide on the first pass. Compare your finalists before committing.

Our team at any of our 5 LA showrooms is trained to help you test properly — not rush you through. We'd rather spend the time upfront so you leave with something you'll love.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Don't walk out without knowing the answers to these:

• What's the trial period? — We offer a 120-night comfort guarantee. You should have time to actually sleep on the mattress before committing fully.
• What's the warranty? — Most quality mattresses include a 10-year warranty. Know what's covered (sagging depth thresholds, etc.).
• What's the return/exchange process? — Understand what happens if it doesn't work for you.
• Does it come with white glove delivery and setup? — Ask if they remove your old mattress. We do.
• Is this model available to try in-store? — If buying online, be cautious of brands where you can't test before committing.

Best Time to Buy

Mattress sales are real and worth timing if you have flexibility:

• Major holiday weekends — Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day are the most consistent sale periods across the industry.
• End of model year — When new models arrive, older models get marked down. Ask about discontinued or floor models.
• January and September — Slower retail periods often come with promotions.

That said, don't wait months if you're sleeping on something worn out. The cost of poor sleep — in productivity, mood, and health — adds up fast. A $1,500 mattress over 8 years costs about $0.51 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How firm should my mattress be?

Firmness is personal, but your sleep position is a good starting guide. Side sleepers generally need softer (3–5 on a 1–10 scale). Back sleepers tend to do well at medium-firm (5–7). Stomach sleepers usually need firm (6–8). When in doubt, medium-firm is the most universally comfortable option.

Should I buy a mattress online or in a store?

Both work, but in-store shopping has a clear advantage: you can actually feel what you're buying. Online mattress companies have made great strides with trial periods, but you're still making a decision blind. If you're buying a high-quality mattress at a significant price point, testing it in person is worth the trip.

Is a more expensive mattress always better?

No. Price doesn't always correlate with fit. An expensive mattress with the wrong firmness or construction for your body will sleep worse than a mid-range one that matches your needs. Focus on fit first, then quality, then price.

What size mattress should I buy?

If you share a bed, a queen is the practical minimum for most couples. King or California King gives both people full width comparable to a twin — ideal if you or your partner moves around a lot. Solo sleepers can comfortably use a full or queen. See our queen, king, and California king collections.

What about mattress-in-a-box brands?

Some are genuinely good. The challenge is buying without testing. If you're considering one, make sure there's a real trial period (at least 90 nights), understand the return process in detail, and read reviews from people with similar sleep positions and body types as yours.