Nothing is more relaxing than snuggling into bed after a long day. But buying a mattress? That event is almost ZERO parts zen. There's much to consider when hunting for the centerpiece of your bedroom -- but the mattress-buying process doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here's a quick briefing that will ensure your shopping trip is as smooth as a midday nap. There is indeed a "cheapest" time to buy. Most experts recommend purchasing a mattress near a holiday -- like Presidents Day, Labor Day, the Fourth of July, and Memorial Day -- or in the month of May, when mattresses are usually marked down in showrooms. In January, you can start prepping for your mattress purchase at "white sales," which are deeply discounted sales for bedding. Higher prices does not mean better sleep. One of the biggest complaints when buying a mattress is price, and figuring out why they cost so damn much. This is usually attributed to large markups, which depends on the brand. We recommend staying in the $500 to $1200 range, as anything over that price doesn't necessarily indicate better quality or better sleep, and probably has the same amount of cushioning and support as more expensive mattresses.
You can negotiate your price. Though it may surprise most people, it is possible to negotiate the price at most of the bigger mattress chains. Robin Wilson, an eco-friendly interior design expert, says that if you bargain "at a department store, you might be able to get tax taken off the mattress price, or delivery for free." You'll also have a better chance of getting a discount or redeeming a coupon if you go to the store to purchase a mattress, rather than buying online. "Firm" mattresses are not the same "firmness" everywhere. Yes, labels may tout a mattress's level of firmness, but one brand's "firm" may be another brand's "soft," according to Consumer Reports Expert Shopper Tod Marks. "The only way to determine if the cushiness and the firmness is right for you is to lie down on the bed and try it for yourself," he says. It's harder to return a mattress than you think. Most mattress retailers (from IKEA to Tempur-Pedic) will allow you to try out your mattress for up to 90 days, but they differ on the amount of money you'll get back if you return it.
Other stores require an exchange fee or disposal fee, which can cost hundreds of dollars. There are organic options. The squishy foam on mattresses is often made from petroleum oil, which (not surprisingly) can cause health problems for some. Organic mattress brands like Keesa use their own foams that put plant oils into the mix. While they may be more costly, all-natural mattresses are worth it, says Wilson. "We spend one third of our lives sleeping," she explains. "Consider your mattress a health investment." You can order a mattress online as easily as you can order a pair of shoes. Yup, you'll find mattresses right in the Amazon store, many listed with free shipping. And a whole new suite of boutique mattress retailers (like the newly-popular Casper) operate solely online, sending mattresses to your door in a nice, neat box. These new online retailers often allow returns for a full refund, without any fees or charges whatsoever. But the old standby brands -- which you might find on discount sites like Overstock -- likely won't do the same, so it's smart to go test them out in a store first.
You don't need to buy your mattress from a brand you've heard of. The aforementioned Casper is an online retailer that aims to ease everyone's mattress-buying headache with a 100-day trial period and sleek design. Other sites like Saatva (which has an eco-friendly focus) and Novosbed (which also boasts free delivery, free trial periods and free returns) also deliver to your door in a snap. Hop on the bandwagon, because this is the future of mattresses.Common Sleep Customs Around the World How Sleep Works Buying a Mattress: Online Vs. In-Store Shopping Where is the best place to purchase a new bed?You spend one-third of your life on a mattress—so it’s no wonder that you want to make sure that you buy the right one. But since mattresses last for years, maybe it’s been a while since you’ve purchased a new one. As a result, you might feel confused about how to go about comparison shopping and getting the best deal without sacrificing satisfaction. As with most purchases, you can sometimes get a better deal online than in a brick-and-mortar store.
But there are also benefits to taking the more traditional path and doing your shopping in person.If you want to go the virtual route, rest assured that there is no difference in satisfaction between people who buy mattresses online, compared with those who get them at mattress showrooms. But you can’t just log on to a website and pick a mattress randomly—you still need to know what you like. That’s why, regardless of where you want to ultimately make your purchase, you should first go to a mattress showroom and test out different mattress styles to find out what you like. Springs or memory foam? Shed your embarrassment and lie down on lots of different mattresses. Change positions a few times, making sure that you spend a few minutes on each side, your back, and your stomach. Even if you already have a specific type of mattress, you should still take this first vital step. Technology changes in the years between mattress purchases, and you may find that your preferences shift. Once you identify what you like, you can narrow down your options.
So why not always buy the mattress in the store? One reason is price. You will typically pay 15 percent less online, compared with in-store (sometimes less than half the retail price!). And many websites offer easy returns. Website retailers know that customers will want to test out a mattress, so some include things like 90-day free trials as a way to convince customers that it’s a low-risk transaction. It is – but remember that you usually have to bear the burden of wrapping up the mattress and getting it to the post office or carrier for return. It also comes down to preference: Some people just like shopping from the comfort of home or don’t have a store nearby that sells what they’re looking for.That said, some people feel really uncomfortable making such a big purchase online. Maybe, for instance, you are worried about having to return it or want to lie on the actual mattress you’ll be buying. If that’s the case, you can still get a great deal at a store. If you find a mattress on a website for a great price, bring an online deal into a store and ask a salesperson if the store can match the price.