1. Shop for the right mattress, not the lowest price.
    Determine what you need in a new mattress and shop with benefits in mind.
  2. If you have a partner, make sure you shop together to get an accurate sense of comfort.
    Buy a mattress big enough for both of you, so that you reduce sleep interruptions caused by partner movement. Studies show that when it comes to sleeping with a partner, larger beds provide better sleep for both individuals.
  3. Firmness is a personal choice, but don’t fall for the myth that you need the hardest surface for the best support.
    Concrete is hard, but you wouldn’t sleep on it. A good mattress should provide proper support while remaining relatively plush and comfortable.
  4. Don’t test a mattress by sitting on its edge or pressing down on the surface.
    The best example of this is memory foam: the edges of the mattress handle weight and feel very different than the centre.
  5. Lie down for at least 15 minutes on mattresses you like, to ensure they conform to your body and are comfortable to you.
  6. Don’t buy coil mattresses based on coil count alone.
    Specialty foams in comfort layers can easily double the price of a coil mattress, and this needs to be considered when buying a new mattress.
  7. Buy trusted brands.
    They have the most to lose if you’re unhappy, which is why they care much more about their materials and workmanship.
  8. Invest in a better night’s sleep by spending as much as you can afford.
    Better mattresses generally cost more, and bargain mattresses are not a bargain if they fail at giving you a better night’s sleep or cause health problems.
  9. Don’t determine value based on warranty.
    Mattress warranties cover manufacturing defects, not comfort or support.