How to Shop for Latex Mattresses

Compile a list of stores in your area that sell latex mattresses. A good place to start is your local phone directory. The Internet is also a good source. Type in "latex mattresses" and the name of your city. This will bring up the names of area sources for latex mattresses.

Ask for recommendations from friends and family. Chances are they have either purchased or know of someone who has purchased a latex mattress. It is important to find a reputable dealer who will guide you toward the right selection.

Visit the store you have selected. Plan this excursion on a day when you have ample time and are not rushed to get somewhere else. A hurried purchase can lead to later disappointment.

Consider any person who will be sharing your bed. Take that person along on your mattress shopping excursion. It is important that you both be in agreement on this.

Request a sales person who is knowledgeable in mattress specifications. This is especially important if you are purchasing from a store that also sells items other than mattresses. A little knowledge is not what you need. You want an expert to guide you. This will be a purchase that lasts many years.

Don't hesitate to request another sales person if the initial one is making you feel hurried, agreeing with everything you say or does not seem to have the answer to your questions.

Decide which mattress firmness feels best for you. The main choices are: firm, plush and pillow top. Spend an ample amount of time lying on each. Be sure to remove coats and shoes. You want your dress to be as close as possible to how you sleep.

Position yourself the way you normally sleep at home. Don't simply try a back position if you are a side or stomach sleeper.

Notice how the latex mattress is conforming to your body. It should cradle and conform, leaving no gaps between your body and the mattress. The mattress should fill in the arch of your back or curve of your side. This helps to prevent pressure on your joints, preventing morning aches and stiffness.

Test each firmness level in the same manner, allowing approximately 10 minutes for each one.

Check out the firmness you have chosen within different price levels. A mattress is an item you will want to splurge on a bit. You don't need to buy the most expensive one, but the bargain basement price is not a good choice. The pricier ones will have more structural components, such as thicker foam encasing the bed.

Ask about warranties. A good latex mattress should have at least a 20 year guarantee against manufacturer defects that could cause the mattress to sag. Many top latex mattresses have 30 year warranties.

Inquire about comfort return policies. The store should allow you to return the mattress if it is not comfortable when you sleep on it at home. They may require you to pay a re-stocking fee, but that is a better choice than being stuck with an uncomfortable latex mattress.