How to Compare Mattress Comfort

Shop at a reputable mattress store. Make sure they have warranties for the mattresses, as well as trial periods. If your bed sags in the middle after a few months and the springs squeak, you will want to know your bed has a replacement warranty. If the mattress felt great in the store, but it's killing your back every night, it is nice to have a trial period and the option to return it.

Look for someone to explain the differences between the beds. Many retailers will carry several different manufacturers. Let the salesperson know you are just testing and will be visiting other stores for comparison shopping.

Choose a manufacturer that sounds good and is recommended by the mattress specialist. If you sleep on your side and have a partner who keeps you awake, you might be shown a bed made with pocketed coils; if you sleep on your back and have lower back problems, there are different manufacturers that specialize in that. If you prefer a soft mattress but your partner prefers a hard one, an adjustable mattress might be a better choice for the both of you. Once you have been shown a brand that sounds interesting, start your comfort testing.

Lay on the beds and spend at least 10 minutes on the ones you feel the most comfortable. Change positions and let your body feel the comfort of the foams as well as the supportive feel of the innerspring. Move to the edge of the bed to see if you slide away. A bed with good edge support is essential to a better night's sleep.

You may even find that you are more comfortable on a pillow-top mattress then a firm flat bed. As long as the beds provide the proper support to your back, choose the bed that is comfortable. Because your spine is shaped like an "S," a bed that is too hard can actually contribute to more back problems.

Come back later. If you are confused and have spent too much time on each of the beds, write down the names of the beds you preferred and come back to retest. Never settle for a bed you are unsure of. If you dislike that particular brand of mattress, look at the other ones available.

Choose a mattress made with foams that will last. Memory foam and latex will last years longer than basic cotton, silk and wool. Since there is no warranty usually on most foams, it's important to pay extra for a bed that will feel just as good 10 years from now. Once you have found a bed that feels luxurious and is great quality, ask about available discounts and financing. Sometimes, you will receive a better price on a mattress if you just ask for one.