10 Expert Mattress Shopping Tips for the Best Night’s Sleep

Did you know the average person spends up to a third of their life on a mattress? And yet, most people spend just a few minutes picking one out.

If that sounds like you, let's pause for a second and talk about how to shop smarter, and make an investment that actually makes a difference in your life.

Here are 10 essential mattress shopping tips from our team here at JaxCo Furniture:

1. Lay Head-To-Toe

Sitting on the edge of a mattress or pressing down on the corner won’t tell you anything about how a mattress would actually feel. The only way to know if it’s right for you is to lay down just like you would at night. Most mattresses are made with zones, the head and foot feel similar, but the center (where your hips and back are) can have a different structure and firmness. 

2. Use a Pillow While Testing

Up to 30% of your comfort comes from the pillow you use. So when testing mattresses, ask a salesperson to help find the right pillow for your sleep style and body type.

3. Test How You Actually Sleep

Most of us don’t sleep flat on our backs with our arms straight at our sides. So you shouldn’t test a mattress that way. Test it the way you sleep. Even if that means curling up, tossing around, or spreading out like a starfish.

This is about your comfort, not how you think you’re “supposed” to test.

4. Get a Mattress Protector

It might not seem like a big deal, but a good mattress protector is essential. For all you clean freaks, these are just as washable as your sheets. Mattress protectors defend against:

• Bodily fluid stains 

• Dust mites and allergens

• Warranty-voiding accidents

And if you ever need to file a warranty claim, a clean mattress is a must. It’s a small investment that extends the life of your bigger investment. 

5. Don’t Waste the Cooling Technology

If you’re buying a cooling mattress, like the Tempur-Pedic Luxe Breeze, which helps you sleep up to 10 degrees cooler, make sure your sheets and protector also have cooling properties. Otherwise, you’re paying for that high-tech mattress just to trap heat with the wrong bedding. It's like covering a fan and expecting to feel a breeze.

6. Don’t Test Too Many Mattresses

When trying out mattresses, your body can get confused fast. After three or four, everything starts to blur. So be strategic and intentional. Let a salesperson guide you based on your needs and preferences. Contact us and let an expert walk you through a comfort test. 

7. Lay on Each Mattress for 3-5 Minutes

Give your body time to adjust, especially on memory foam beds like Tempur-Pedic. What feels just okay at first might feel amazing after a few minutes.

And don’t be afraid to ask for space. Mattress shopping can be awkward, and we totally get it. If you want to test a bed alone, just say so!

8. Buy Nice Or Buy Twice

Sticker shock is a very real thing, but it’s important to remember that a mattress is an investment in your health and happiness. It’s also something that you’re going to have for the better part of a decade. If the right bed is slightly outside your budget, don’t panic, we offer financing options and no-credit-needed payment plans to fit any situation.

9. If You Don’t Sleep Alone, Don’t Shop Alone

If you’re sharing a bed, shop together. Your body types, sleep habits, and preferences might be completely different. If this is the case, you’ll need help narrowing down your options to a mattress that works for both of you. 

If you still can’t agree on a mattress, consider getting two twin XL mattresses to form a king-sized bed tailored to your individual needs.

10. Try an Adjustable Base

Adjustable bases aren't just for luxury, they're incredibly functional. They can:

• Reduce snoring

• Improve circulation

• Relieve congestion

• Relieve pain

• Customize comfort

• Track your sleep and snoring habits

• Even connect to your tv for a surround sound experience!

Whether you want a simple head-only adjustable base or one with additional features like massage and Bluetooth, there’s an adjustable base that fits your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Take Your Time, Sleep Better

If there’s one thing you remember, let it be this:

It’s not about picking a mattress fast, it’s about picking the right one for you. Ask questions. Get comfortable. Take your time. When you invest in the right mattress, you’re investing in better nights and better days.

Ready to start shopping? Come visit us at JaxCo Furniture. Our team is here to help you rest easier, shop smarter, and sleep happier.

P.S. We can ship most of our mattresses out of state if you don’t live nearby.