Here is an overview of things to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress. For more details please refer to our Mattress Shopping Tips page.

1. Don’t fall for the higher the price the better the mattress.
2. Do your homework, i.e. pre-shop and research online before going to the furniture stores.
3. Never buy a new mattress without buying the matching box spring or foundation unit.
4. Always use a bed frame or a headboard and footboard set with good support for the box spring or foundation unit.
5. Don’t believe rumors that you can’t buy a good mattress set at a department store because they offer a lower quality to meet a competitive price point.
6. Here’s one that should be obvious, however too may people are reluctant to do it. You have to lay on the mattress (not sit on it).
7. As a rule, only buy a major name brand mattress set.
8. Watch the warranty and make sure it’s a minimum of a Ten-Year Non-Prorated Warranty.
9. Don’t buy at the first store you go into regardless of the “Big Sale” they’re having.
10. Never ever buy a “rebuilt” or “reconditioned” mattress set.
11. Don’t fall into the coil count game. This has been used for decades to sell mattresses as good better and best and is pretty much outdated due to new construction methods.
12. No matter how nice your salesperson may be don’t trust him or her completely. After all, most work on a 100% commission basis and have bills to pay.
13. Never buy a mattress set sight unseen over the phone or online before checking it out in person.
14. Most important: When buying a mattress for a child…don’t buy a cheap, low quality, piece of junk – we can’t say it any clearer than that.

Get more info on how to shop for a mattress