Your Guide to Buying a Mattress Online

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The benefits of a good night’s sleep are universally acknowledged and appreciated.  There’s nothing better than to curl up under your blankets in your favorite position to catch some ZZs. But you can’t sleep without a good mattress to ease you into it!

While shopping is fun and relaxing, mattress shopping isn’t. It’s lengthy, tiring and confusing.  And online shopping comes with its own set of catch-22s. But no worries, follow this guide and you’ll be buying one in no time at all.

  1. The first step is to ask yourself what you need in a mattress. Then start thinking about your favorite sleeping position. Next in line is understanding the material your ideal mattress should be made of. There are three common types of mattresses: innerspring, foam, and adjustable. There’s no one “right” material to choose, but in general, side sleepers need a softer mattress, stomach sleepers need a firm one, and back sleepers fall somewhere in between.
  1. Some savvy manufacturers make a hybrid-style mattress that combines various materials like coir, foam, bonnell springs etc. But certain manufacturers can get carried away with claims about cooling properties, especially when you consider all the layers (protectors, toppers, sheets, and so on) that go on top of the mattress.
  1. The preference for softness and firmness in a mattress is on top of the factors people want to choose their mattress for. This is mostly because of settled in preferences from older mattresses or a requirement for body issues. Firmness or softness is highly variable and is customizable by altering the comfort and support layers in a mattress.
  1.  The density of the support and comfort layer determines the mattress’s superficial comfort and feel. The density also determines any potential sagging and air regulation. The density of your mattress materials also determines them, maintaining most of their features and longevity.
  1. Since each mattress has its firmness level it’s a good idea to inquire or research about the Impression Load Deflection (ILD) of the mattress you want to buy. An ILD of lower count (say 12) means the mattress is very soft. On     the other hand, a higher ILD count (say 50) concludes that the mattress is extremely firm. Consider talking to your health professional about the firmness level your body requires.
  1. Do you want to buy your mattress with a coupon code? Of course, you do! Think about the brand of mattress you want and find mattress coupon codes that match the brand you are looking for. Don’t forget that there are coupon codes out there for many brands, so you’re sure to find a deal on the mattress you want while shopping online.

       Beyond the types of mattresses and firmness, here are the other factors to be considered:-

Certification:

If you’re concerned about allergies and chemicals, you definitely shouldn’t be buying an uncertified mattress.

Foam and latex are both inherently antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites and mold. If you opt for innerspring or air topped with fiberfill, be sure to encase it in an allergen-resistant cover to keep irritants at bay. It’s at this point in time that you might want to check how to maintain the mattress so that you haven’t bitten off more than you could chew.

Certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, BRIT QUALIS, CertiPUR-US, eco-INSTITUT ensure that the mattress has been manufactured in a natural way, is free from toxins and is completely safe to sleep on.

Most online mattresses are made of polyurethane foam, in some cases not even plant based. If you have respiratory issues, then a double check is definitely warranted.

Reviews and Testimonials:

The best way to decide what mattress you want to buy online is to see what other customers have to say. Read reviews to see what others think about the comfort of the mattress, how the customer service was, and even the level of satisfaction with the delivery process. If many others have had an awful experience with that store or mattress model, you clearly  want to move on.

Cutting Out the MiddleMan:

A great way to find an amazing mattress with little hassle is to buy one directly from the producer.  The prices are much lower than retail stores. Especially if it has great reviews. But don’t let that be an excuse to not do your research or look at pictures carefully to see if they’ve been edited or photographed angular.

Sleep trial:

A sleep trial is the most important factor in purchasing a mattress online. This trial gives you the opportunity to test the mattress out, break it in a bit, and see if it’s the best choice before deciding to keep it or send it back. Sleep trials vary from one manufacturer to another. They can also vary depending on whether you purchase a mattress directly from the company or through an online retailer such as Amazon.

If you use additional items on your bed, like a feather bed or egg crate, make sure you have them before your mattress arrives so you can take full advantage of the trial period. If you have a partner, involve them in the process to ensure you both like/dislike it.

Don’t forget to keep track of the length of the trial period. Keep in mind that it can take your body at least 30 days to adjust to a new mattress, so be patient before deciding to return.

Warranty:

What’s online shopping without a warranty? Ideally, it should cover structural defects in the mattress, excessive sagging, and unexpected damage (springs popping out or edges of the mattress tearing).

Make sure to keep a note of what’s covered in warranty and what’s not. Many brands cover manufacturer defects under warranty and many don’t. A mattress with a longer warranty is generally expected to last longer. But that may not always be the case, so remember to check.

Returns:

Say you don’t like your mattress, and now you want to return or exchange it for another one. This is why it’s important to read the terms and conditions, policies of returns, cancellation or exchange, and warranty period before making a purchase.

Some sellers will pick up your mattress and offer a refund with no questions asked if you aren’t happy with it. Others might charge a fee, and still others will work to solve your problem by sending over extra layers to make the mattress softer or firmer. This is why you should save all your documents and receipts, unless you’re absolutely sure you won’t need them.

Customer service:

Just because you’re shopping online doesn’t mean you have no questions (while buying or even after). That’s where customer service comes in. When you’re going through company reviews, look for ones with responsive and friendly customer service.

Shipping:

Shipping times may vary from one manufacturer to the next, depending on stocks, inventory and availability. Some companies may also have limited shipping. You should also check to see what fees may apply to your order.

Setting up:

One of the most unanticipated things about ordering a mattress online is how easy they generally are to set up. So search it up and see if you can do it on your own or if you’ll need help in that direction. 

Promo codes and Coupons:

Even though buying a mattress online saves bargaining, that shouldn’t stop you from getting a steal deal. Keep your eyes open for promo codes that will save you money on your purchase.

As for coupons, many times when you buy a bed online, the price you see isn’t set in stone. Often, you’ll find a coupon that will take a certain dollar amount or percentage off of the price. It makes choosing a mattress a lot easier when you know you’re saving money.

Sometimes this can take a bit of research, but often, it’s as simple as reading a mattress review about a brand you’re interested in.

PRO TIP: Find the right foundation for your mattress. That means an appropriate place to set it up. Depending on the mattress type, a box spring or some other sort of stable foundation underneath it will get the job done. Once unwrapped, leave the mattress uncovered for a few hours to let it breathe and you’re good to go.

CLOSING THOUGHTS:

Apart from these above tips, we suggest you ask other people too. Buying a mattress is a long-term investment for obvious reasons. It’s definitely not a decision you want to make in a hurry. So, take your time and always remember that it’s all about quality. And how comfy it is to sleep on of course :).

Written by Avanti Giridharan
Avanti Giridharan is a freelance writer who is interested in writing about relationships, lifestyle, beauty and fashion. When she's not writing, she can be found reading or playing music. She seeks to empower people through compassion and logic in her writings.