How to test a mattress in-store: A complete guide

If you’re shopping for a new mattress, one key consideration is whether you should try before you buy. After all, you wouldn’t necessarily buy a new car without taking it for a test drive. While many new mattresses sold online now come with sleep trials, returning an unwanted mattress can be a hassle and may involve return or shipping costs. That’s why testing a mattress beforehand is one of the safest and most effective ways to determine whether it’s right for you.   

How to test a mattress in-store

Testing mattresses in-store will help you determine which models are comfortable and supportive. But before you rush out to your nearest store, it helps to understand the process so you can use your time effectively and choose a mattress that meets your needs.

Choose reputable mattress stores

Only shop at reputable stores that offer a good selection of mattresses for you to try. Start by searching online for local retailers and visiting their websites to learn more about them and the types of mattresses they offer. Read their online reviews, but be mindful that some retailers may handpick the reviews they publish on their own sites. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations, especially those who have recently purchased a mattress.

Since a mattress is an important purchase, it may be worth travelling a little further to a store, particularly if they have a wide selection and knowledgeable staff. If you require expert advice, a bed specialist can help guide you through the process and suggest mattresses you may not have considered.

Try not to stick to one store when shopping for a new mattress. Visiting several stores allows you to compare different mattress brands, prices, and levels of customer service.  

Also consider the store layout. The mattresses should be easily accessible and placed on suitable bed bases for you to try, rather than just stacked on top of each other. The environment should be calm and relaxing, so you can properly test each mattress without distractions.

Preparing for your visit

Once you’ve established which stores to visit, it’s time to plan your shopping trip. Set aside plenty of time to do the job properly and avoid rushing or making other plans on the day, as this could result in you choosing the wrong mattress.

If you have a partner, shop together. Since you may have different preferences, testing the mattresses together allows you to find a compromise that works for both of you.

Wear comfortable clothing that you can easily remove when testing mattresses, and avoid heavy or restrictive layers that could affect how the mattress feels. Consider bringing a pillow from home to better gauge how the mattress will feel when you sleep.

Try to avoid busy times, such as weekends or sales events, where possible. Opt for quieter periods where there are fewer distractions so you can relax and focus on the task at hand.

Testing mattresses in the store

When you visit a mattress store, the number of options can seem overwhelming initially. However, if you’ve done your research beforehand, you should have a fairly good idea about the type of mattress you need and how much you can afford to spend.

As you walk around the store, avoid simply pressing or sitting on mattresses. You need to actually lie down on them to determine which ones you find comfortable. Don’t feel embarrassed by this: it is an important part of the testing process. 

While browsing, don’t just limit your testing to mattresses with fancy names or attractive covers. Manufacturers put a lot of effort into making their products stand out, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more comfortable. If you’re unsure where to begin, speak to a sales advisor who can show you different models and guide you through the process. However, ask for some space while you’re lying on the mattresses so you can relax and share your thoughts with your partner, if you have one.

Before testing mattresses, remove any heavy clothing that might affect comfort, such as jackets or shoes. Don’t just lie on your back when testing mattresses, as some models can feel similar in that position. Instead, spend at least ten to twenty minutes on each mattress, lying on your side or in your preferred sleeping position.

Also consider the level of mattress firmness you may need. Besides personal preference, body weight is one of the main factors to consider when choosing firmness. Generally, the heavier you are, the firmer the mattress you need. Some mattresses specify their firmness level on the label, which can help narrow down your options.

To check whether a mattress provides the right level of support, lie on your back and slide your hand under the arch of your back. If your hand easily slides under your back, the mattress is likely too firm. If you cannot slide your hand under at all, the mattress might be too soft. When you slide your hand under your back, you should feel slight resistance. This indicates that the mattress is conforming to your body and supporting you correctly.

Alternatively, ask someone to check your alignment while you lie on the mattress, and if necessary, have them take a picture from their phone so you can check for yourself.

If you and your partner require different levels of support, consider a split tension mattress. This allows each person to have their side of the bed in their preferred firmness, for example, soft on one side and firm on the other.

Mattress size is also an important consideration, especially if you share a bed. There should be enough room for each person to stretch out without disturbing the other. Test different mattress sizes in the showroom by lying next to your partner on your back with your hands behind your head and elbows pointing out. If your elbows don’t touch, there’s enough space for both of you.

Motion transfer (movement across the mattress) is another factor to consider for couples. Partner disturbance is a common cause of poor sleep, so test mattresses by moving around to see how much movement is transferred from one side of the bed to the other and whether you notice your partner’s movements. 

You should also test a mattress for edge support by sitting or lying near the edge to ensure it doesn’t collapse, sag, or make you feel like you’re falling out of bed. Be mindful that some showroom models may feel unstable around the edges, where people have sat or bounced on them. The fillings can settle around the perimeter and create an uneven sleeping surface due to repeated use. This doesn’t necessarily indicate poor edge support. Rotating or flipping the mattress usually helps to even out the wear and provide a more consistent sleeping surface.

If you’re buying the mattress and bed base together, check the overall bed height to ensure you can get in and out of the bed comfortably. You should be able to sit on the edge of the mattress with both feet flat on the floor and your knees level with your hips.

Avoid testing too many mattresses in the same store, as this can be overwhelming. Focus on three or four models and thoroughly test each one. It also helps to try the mattresses on a bed base similar to the one you’ll use at home to give you a better sense of how they will feel.

Lastly, test the weight of the mattresses by carefully lifting them from their bases. Since you may need to turn or move the mattress at home, it’s important to ensure you can manage the weight comfortably.

Final thoughts

Some people argue that you can’t truly tell if a mattress is right by lying on it in a showroom for a few minutes. However, testing a mattress beforehand is still highly recommended, as it reduces the likelihood of making a mistake.

Finally, investing in a new mattress is a big decision. Take your time when testing mattresses and consider the options carefully. Don’t feel rushed or pressurised into making a choice.