BUYING GUIDE
How to Test a Mattress In Store
What to wear, how long to lie down, what to check for, and the mistakes most shoppers make.
Quick Answer
Lie in your primary sleep position for at least 10-15 minutes per serious contender. Wear comfortable clothes, bring your partner if you share a bed, and test 5-6 mattresses. Don't rush — your body needs time to feel the difference between support levels.
What to Wear and Expect
- Wear comfortable, loose clothes — Jeans and belts distort how a mattress feels
- Plan 30-60 minutes — A thorough visit can't be rushed
- Bring your partner — Both need to be comfortable
- Tell the consultant your needs — Sleep position, pain issues, temperature, budget
- No appointment needed — Walk in anytime at our 5 LA locations
How Long to Lie on Each Mattress
Minimum 10-15 minutes per serious contender. Most people test for 30 seconds — not enough. Memory foam takes 2-3 minutes to conform. Pressure points take 5-10 minutes to appear. The "wow this is comfortable" first impression can change after 10 minutes of real testing.
Narrow your options to 3-4 contenders with quick tests, then spend extended time on each finalist.
What to Check For
- Spinal alignment — Ask your partner or consultant to check if your spine looks straight from behind while side-lying
- Pressure points — Pushing at shoulders, hips, or knees = too firm
- Hip sinking — Hips dropping below shoulders = too soft
- Edge support — Sit and lie near edges. Secure or sliding off?
- Motion transfer — Partner rolls over. Can you feel it?
- Temperature — Does it feel warm after a few minutes?
Mistakes Shoppers Make
- Only testing on your back — Test in your actual sleep position
- 30-second tests — Insufficient. Give 10-15 minutes minimum.
- Ignoring the consultant — They've helped thousands of customers
- Focusing only on softness — Initial softness may not support all night
- Not bringing partner — Both must approve for shared beds
- Testing after a big meal — Full stomach affects comfort perception. Test when comfortable and alert.
Frequently Asked Questions
10-15 minutes minimum per serious contender. Your body needs time to settle into the mattress and for pressure points to become apparent. Quick 30-second tests are essentially useless.
Yes, always if you share a bed. Both partners need to be comfortable. Test together for motion isolation, space, and firmness agreement. Couples guide →
If you feel pressure building at shoulders, hips, or knees after 10+ minutes in your sleep position, it's too firm. You should feel supported, not pushed against. Firm guide →
Yes — our stores have adjustable bases set up for testing. Try the zero gravity position, head elevation for reading, and foot elevation for leg circulation. Adjustable base FAQ →
Tell them your sleep position, any pain issues, temperature preferences, and budget. Ask about material differences, expected lifespan, warranty details, and delivery options. Good consultants listen more than they talk.
Yes — we encourage it. Remove shoes before lying on mattresses. This is more comfortable for testing and keeps the mattresses clean for all customers.
Start with quick tests on 8-10 mattresses to narrow preferences, then spend extended time (10-15 min) on your top 3-4 choices. Testing too many in depth causes decision fatigue.
Weekdays are typically less crowded, giving you more time and attention from consultants. Weekends work too — just expect slightly busier stores. Either way, we don't rush customers.
Our policy is no-pressure guidance. Consultants are there to help you find the right mattress, not to push a sale. Take your time, test thoroughly, and only buy when you're confident. You're always welcome to leave and come back.
Yes — we carry Tempur-Pedic, Helix, Stearns & Foster, Diamond, and all our brands in store. If you researched a specific model online, we likely have it for testing.
No appointment needed — walk in anytime during store hours. All five LA locations are open 7 days a week.
Same-day delivery is available on in-stock items. You can test, buy, and sleep on your new mattress tonight. We include white glove setup and old mattress removal. Delivery details →
Still have questions?
Our sleep experts are ready to help — in person, by phone, or online.