Connaught003

How to buy a bed — researching and in the showroom

6th January 2017

Guides & Advice

The time has come to buy a new mattress, perhaps your old one has worn out, maybe you’ve decided to redecorate for the New Year, or you simply desire improved comfort and support. Whatever the reason, buying a mattress is a process that shouldn’t be rushed. A mattress is an important investment so from your initial research, to when in the showroom, each step should be carried out carefully ensuring you get the best possible night’s sleep at the end. We’ve got a few helpful tips on to help make buying a mattress a little easier.

Omega Crop

Research

It can be pretty daunting walking into a showroom with dozens of varieties of mattress all looking the same, and with little knowledge it can be tricky to know where to start. It is recommended that you do some research before buying a mattress, this way you are aware of what brands are the market and will have a basic idea of the different types of mattresses and their benefits. If you are unsure, we have written a blog post on ‘What is a Pocket Sprung Mattress’ which you can find here.

Set a budget

Once you’ve carried out some research, this will enable you to set yourself a budget. Setting a budget is important as it will give you guidance when in the showroom and help you buy the best mattress you can afford. Remember, you spend a third of your life on your mattress, so it’s not something to scrimp on!

What to do in the showroom

Once in the showroom armed with your research and any questions you may have, your first point of call should be the sales advisor, after all they are there to help and will guide you through the process from start to finish.

Whilst in the showroom there are a number of things you need to take into consideration. Firstly you need to make sure you test out the mattresses. When sampling mattresses it is vital you are replicating as closely as you can how you would sleep at home – this means taking your shoes and coat off. If you are in a store where pillows are sold, ask the sales advisor for a similar pillow to that at home, alternatively you could even bring your own pillow along. This way you are ensuring your sleeping experience at home is duplicated in the showroom.

Showroom

In order to get a reliable feel of the mattress don’t just lie on it for 30 seconds, get into your usual sleeping position and lay on it for at least 10 minutes. Relax, and try not to feel self-conscious when trying out the beds, if you would normally share your bed with your partner, ensure they are trying out the bed with you. You’re going to be spending the next 8-10 years on this mattress so it is important it is right for you. At this point the sales advisor should be checking your spine is perfectly aligned whilst lying down, this will determine which level of support you require your mattress.

When your spine is in a neutral position, the heavier parts of your body such as the hips, knees and shoulders are correctly supported, this is when you know you’ve found the right mattress support for you. If the heavier parts of your body are dipping then the mattress is too soft, and if they are raised then the mattress is too firm.

Be sure on what size you want your new mattress – it’s found that many of us are sleeping on a mattress too small. Buying a mattress that is bigger can improve your work life, health and relationship; it means you have more room to move around and you’re less likely to disturb your partner. Therefore it may be wise to size up this time round.

It’s easy to go overboard trying lots of mattresses in one day, but try and avoid this. Trying out 5 or more mattresses may confuse you so take yourself off, have a coffee and get yourself out of the world of mattresses! This way you will have a clearer head when it comes to the big decision.