How to Test a Mattress Before Buying: A Complete Guide

Choosing the right mattress is essential to ensuring quality sleep and overall health. With so many options available, knowing how to test a mattress before buying can make all the difference. Follow these steps to find the perfect fit for your body and sleep style.

The Importance of Testing a Mattress Before Buying

Testing a mattress isn't just about comfort; it's about finding the right support for your body, which can improve your sleep quality and overall health. Since we spend about 30% of our lives sleeping, investing time in mattress testing is crucial to ensure you choose one that promotes restful sleep. A mattress that's too soft, too firm, or unsupportive in key areas can lead to discomfort, poor sleep quality, and long-term health issues like back pain.

Preparation for Mattress Testing

1. Know Your Needs: Assess your firmness preferences, sleeping position, and any health issues you might have, such as back pain, before going to the store.
2. Bring Your Partner: If you share your bed, it's essential that both people test the mattress for comfort and motion isolation.
3. Remove Outer Layers: Take off jackets or coats while testing to get an accurate feel of the mattress.
4. Use Your Own Pillow: Bring your favorite pillow to the store to assess how well the mattress works with it for spinal alignment.

"Comfort is personal—what's perfect for one person may not be for another. Testing with your partner and using your own pillow ensures an accurate fit." — Sleep Experts

In-Store Testing Methods

• Lie Down and Stand Up: Transitioning between lying down and standing will help you gauge how easy it is to move around on the mattress, a crucial factor if you struggle with mobility.
• Try Different Sleeping Positions: Spend at least five minutes in each of your natural sleeping positions—back, side, and stomach—to determine if the mattress provides consistent comfort and support.
• Test with Your Partner: Lie down together to evaluate motion isolation and ensure both people are comfortable with the firmness level.
• Use a Pillow for Spinal Alignment: Test the mattress with your own pillow to ensure proper spinal alignment, especially if you have neck or back pain.

For detailed in-store testing tips, check out Mattress Firm's guide on testing a mattress.

Specific Tests for Different Sleepers

Not all mattresses are suitable for every sleeping position. Here are some specific tests to perform based on your preferred sleeping position:

For Back Sleepers:

Use the "hand test" to check mattress firmness. Lie on your back and slide your hand under the small of your back. If it's too easy to slide your hand under, the mattress is too firm; if you can't slide it in at all, the mattress might be too soft.

For Side Sleepers:

Check for spinal alignment. Lie on your side and ask someone to take a photo of you from behind. Your spine should remain straight from your neck down to your lower back.

For Stomach Sleepers:

Focus on finding a firmer mattress that prevents your stomach from sinking too far into the bed, which can strain your lower back.

For more details on how to test for different sleep positions, visit The Sleep Site.

At-Home Testing: The Sleep Trial Advantage

Many mattress companies now offer at-home sleep trials that allow you to test the mattress for 100-120 nights. This extended period helps you assess the mattress under real-life conditions, so you can see if it supports you properly over time.

Key Considerations During a Sleep Trial:

• Check for Pressure Points: After a few weeks, evaluate if any discomfort arises, especially in common pressure areas like the hips and shoulders.
• Evaluate Temperature Regulation: Pay attention to whether the mattress is keeping you cool or warm enough during sleep.
• Monitor Motion Isolation: See if you or your partner experience any disturbances due to movement.

To learn more about sleep trial benefits, read Saatva's guide.

Final Tips for Finding the Perfect Mattress

• Don't Rush: Spend ample time testing in-store and during the trial period at home. Comfort is key, and it can take time for your body to adjust to a new mattress.
• Use Your Body's Feedback: Pay attention to how you feel after lying on the mattress for an extended period.
• Take Expert Advice: Sales associates and sleep experts can guide you through the process to find a mattress that matches your needs.