Try before you buy! It’s true of everything from sports cars to ice cream scoops, so why shouldn’t it be true of your mattress?

The quality of your mattress can affect your physical and mental health in lots of ways, so make sure you’re getting the right one for all your needs. Beds in boxes shipped straight to your door may be trendy at the moment, but nothing beats taking your mattress for a test drive before bringing it home. When you go bed shopping, be sure to follow these mattress-testing tips to make sure you’re getting one that’s perfect for you.

Study Up on Mattress Types

Starting your mattress shopping journey without the right knowledge is a one-way ticket to disappointment. Before you start shopping, read up on the different options and their pros and cons. Be sure to measure your space too, so you don’t find yourself trying to cram a King into a spot that couldn’t even fit a full-size bed! Though our mattress experts are always happy to help answer questions and help you find your perfect fit, you’re more likely to go home with a bed you love if you’ve done your research on mattress sizes, price points, and types.

Ask an Expert

Don’t try to go it alone! One of the best parts about testing a bed in store is having access to knowledgeable sleep experts who can guide you through all your questions and concerns. One-on-one advice from our associates can help you find a Beautyrest mattress that fits your body and your budget without the headaches of online-only shopping.

Test for Your Sleep Style

Back, side, and stomach sleepers are all going to need different kinds of support in different places. While you’re shopping, be sure to check that a mattress has the right balance of comfort and reinforcement for your sleep style.

If you sleep on your back, test a potential mattress by lying down and trying to slide your hand under the small of your back. It should be a bit difficult, but not impossible. If your hand easily slides behind your back, the mattress is probably too firm, and if your hand won’t budge at all, it’s probably too soft.

Side sleepers will need a friend, partner, or store employee to help test this out. Take off any loose outerwear and lie on your side in whatever position you would normally sleep in. Have someone take a picture of your back, then check the picture to make sure your spine is as straight as it can be. If it isn’t, move on to another mattress!

Stomach sleepers can’t test this quite as easily since no mattress can fully support your back in this position, so you’ll have to take extra care to listen to your body during the testing process. Can you feel your shoulders cramping, or the mattress sagging under you? If you notice these problems now, you’ll definitely notice them after spending a whole eight hours sleeping on it. Thank you, next!

Get Your Snooze On

To really find out if a potential new mattress is going to offer support and comfort in all the right places, you can’t just touch it, sit on it, or lie down on it – you have to sleep on it.

You aren’t going to really see how a mattress affects you until you let your muscles relax and rest how they would while you’re asleep. So when you start mattress hunting, set aside plenty of time to browse our Beautyrest mattress selection in store, and be sure to bring your partner too! Just because a mattress is supportive enough for you, doesn’t mean it will be as comfortable with two on the bed. Lie down on a mattress that interests you and set a timer for at least 15 minutes, then get to napping. You’ll know soon enough whether a bed feels right or not.

You deserve a bed that gives you the right support – that’s why we’re here to give you the right support on your journey to find it. If you’re ready to begin your mattress shopping adventure, stop by our store or give us a call! We’re always ready to give you the sleep – and the service – you deserve.

Angela, Your Sleep Expert