How to Buy a Mattress: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a mattress is one of the more consequential purchases you'll make. You'll spend roughly a third of your life on it. Get it wrong and you'll feel it every morning — stiff back, poor sleep, low energy. Get it right and you'll barely think about it, which is exactly the point.

This guide walks you through the whole process — from recognizing it's time for a new mattress to protecting the one you buy.

02Step 1 — Recognize When It's Time

Most mattresses have a useful lifespan of 7–10 years. But age alone isn't the only signal. Here's how to know it's time to replace yours:

• You sleep better in hotels, on a couch, or at a friend's place than in your own bed
• You wake up with stiffness, back pain, or soreness that eases throughout the day
• Your mattress has visible sagging, lumps, or indentations
• You find yourself tossing and turning more than you used to
• You've had the mattress for 8+ years

If two or more of these apply, it's worth shopping for a replacement.

03Step 2 — Choose the Right Size

Size matters more than most people expect. The wrong size can limit how well you sleep and how your bedroom functions.

Measure your room before committing. You need enough floor space to walk around the bed comfortably — at least 24 inches on each side. If you share a bed, a queen gives each person 30 inches of width. A king gives you 38 inches each, close to a twin per person.

Browse our queen mattresses, king mattresses, and California king mattresses to see what's in stock.

04Step 3 — Factor In Health and Sleep Needs

Your sleep position, body type, and any health concerns should guide the firmness and type of mattress you choose.

• Side sleepers generally need a medium to medium-soft mattress that cushions the shoulder and hip
• Back sleepers do best with medium to medium-firm support that keeps the spine aligned
• Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to prevent the hips from sinking
• Combination sleepers benefit from a medium feel that works across positions
• Heavier sleepers typically need firmer support and durable construction
• People with back or joint pain often benefit from pressure-relieving foam or hybrid mattresses

If you have a diagnosed condition that affects your sleep — like sleep apnea, acid reflux, or chronic pain — talk to your doctor before shopping. An adjustable bed base can also make a meaningful difference for some conditions.

05Step 4 — Research Before You Go

Spending an hour online before visiting a store is worth it. You'll arrive with vocabulary, a clearer sense of what you want, and questions ready to ask.

What to look for:

• The main mattress types: innerspring, memory foam, latex, hybrid
• Firmness levels and how they relate to sleep position
• What your budget can realistically get you
• Brand reputations and what their warranties actually cover

Be skeptical of online-only mattress reviews — many are affiliate-driven and don't reflect real in-store testing. Use them to understand features, not as a substitute for lying on a mattress yourself.

Our mattress types guide and buying guide blog are good starting points.

06Step 5 — Set a Realistic Budget

Mattress prices range from under $300 to over $5,000. You don't have to spend a fortune to sleep well — but you do need to set expectations.

• Under $500: Entry-level foam and basic innerspring. Fine for guest rooms or temporary use.
• $500–$1,200: Mid-range hybrids and memory foam. Most people find great options here.
• $1,200–$2,500: Premium construction, better materials, longer durability.
• $2,500+: Luxury brands like Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and high-end natural latex.

Calculate cost-per-night: a $1,000 mattress you sleep on for 8 years costs about 34 cents per night. That framing helps put the investment in perspective. We also offer flexible financing options if you want to spread the cost.

07Step 6 — Go to the Store

There's no substitute for testing a mattress in person. Photos and descriptions don't tell you how a mattress actually feels under your body weight and sleeping position.

A good mattress store will:

• Ask about your sleep habits before showing you anything
• Offer a range of options across firmness levels and price points
• Give you time and space to test mattresses without pressure
• Answer questions honestly, including about limitations

LA Mattress Store has 5 showroom locations across Los Angeles. Our staff are trained sleep experts, not commission-chasing salespeople.

08Step 7 — Test Drive Thoroughly

This is the most important step most shoppers skip. Don't just sit on the edge — actually lie down in your normal sleep position and stay there.

• Test each mattress in the position you sleep in most
• If you share a bed, bring your partner and test together
• Pay attention to pressure points at the shoulder, hip, and lower back
• Note whether your spine feels neutral and supported
• Try a few different firmness levels, even if you think you know what you want

A firm mattress isn't automatically more supportive — it just feels harder. Support is about spinal alignment. A medium-soft mattress can be highly supportive if it's built well.

09Step 8 — Slow Down and Compare

Spend at least 10–15 minutes on the mattresses that feel promising. Your body needs time to settle in and give you honest feedback.

As you test, focus on:

• Is there pressure on your shoulder or hip?
• Does your lower back feel supported or is it sinking?
• Do you feel any springs or ridges?
• If you share a bed, can you feel your partner's movement?

Narrow it down to 2–3 finalists, then go back and compare them side by side before deciding.

10Step 9 — Understand What's Inside

Every mattress is built differently. Knowing the basics helps you ask better questions and make a more informed decision.

• Innerspring: Traditional coil-based mattresses. Good airflow, responsive feel, broad price range. Coil count and gauge affect quality.
• Memory foam: Conforms closely to the body. Excellent pressure relief and motion isolation. Can sleep warm unless it has cooling tech. Great for memory foam shoppers.
• Latex: Natural or synthetic rubber. Responsive, durable, cooler than foam. Latex mattresses are a premium but long-lasting option.
• Hybrid: Combines coils with foam or latex comfort layers. Balances support, pressure relief, and airflow. Popular for most sleepers. See our hybrid mattress collection.
• Organic: Made with certified natural materials. Good for allergy-sensitive sleepers and those who prefer chemical-free options. Browse organic mattresses.

11Step 10 — Understand the Warranty and Trial Period

Most quality mattresses come with a 10-year warranty. Understand what it actually covers before you buy.

What warranties typically cover:

• Sagging beyond a set threshold (usually 1–1.5 inches)
• Manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship

What warranties typically don't cover:

• Normal softening over time (this is wear, not a defect)
• Comfort preference
• Damage from stains or improper support

Also ask about comfort trial periods. LA Mattress Store offers a 120-night comfort guarantee — if the mattress isn't working for you within that window, we'll help you find one that does.

12Step 11 — Protect Your Investment

A mattress protector is not optional — it's a requirement if you want to keep your warranty intact. A single stain voids most manufacturer warranties, no exceptions.

Use a waterproof mattress protector from day one. It protects against:

• Spills and sweat that break down foam and fabric
• Allergens and dust mites
• Warranty-voiding stains

A good protector should be invisible when you sleep on it. There's no reason not to use one.

13Step 12 — Verify Delivery and Setup

Before you finalize your purchase, confirm:

• Delivery timeline and scheduling options
• Whether setup and old mattress removal are included
• What access requirements your building may have (elevator size, stairwells)

LA Mattress Store provides white-glove delivery — we deliver, set up your new mattress, and remove the old one. No extra hassle on your end.

Quick tip: Don't rush this purchase. A 15-minute visit to a store won't tell you much. Block out a proper afternoon, bring your partner if relevant, and take the time to test. A great mattress can meaningfully improve how you feel every single day.

14Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my mattress?

Most mattresses should be replaced every 7–10 years, though high-quality latex mattresses can last 12–15 years. The real signal is how you feel when you wake up — if you're consistently stiff or not sleeping well and the mattress is past its prime, it's time.

What's the best mattress firmness for back pain?

Medium to medium-firm is most commonly recommended, but it depends on your sleep position and body type. Side sleepers often need softer, while back sleepers tend to do better with medium-firm. The best approach is to test options in person with a sleep advisor.

Is it worth buying an expensive mattress?

Not always — but quality matters. A mid-range mattress from a reputable brand will outperform a cheap mattress over time in durability and support. The sweet spot for most people is $800–$1,500 for a queen. Beyond that, you're often paying for brand name more than sleep performance.

Can I buy a mattress online?

You can, but you're guessing on feel. Online mattresses come with trial periods for this reason. If you have any back issues, specific firmness preferences, or share a bed, testing in person first is strongly recommended. You can always buy in-store and have it delivered.

What mattress works with an adjustable base?

Memory foam, latex, and most hybrids are compatible with adjustable bases. Traditional innerspring mattresses are generally not. Always confirm compatibility before purchasing both. See our adjustable bed collection for compatible setups.

Do I need a box spring?

Most modern mattresses don't require a box spring. They perform well on platform beds, slatted frames, or adjustable bases. Some may need a solid foundation. Ask when you buy — the wrong base can void your warranty.