Tips for buying a mattress

At Sealy, we think buying a new bed should be enjoyable! After all, you are making an investment that will enable you to experience a comfortable night’s sleep for many years to come. This set of tips will help take confusion out of buying a bed so that you can enjoy shopping and feel confident about your bed selection.

To help you choose the best bed for your needs, we have developed a Bed Selector tool, that will help provide a recommendation for you. You might like to try this and consider the advice below.

Consider your space

The first step in buying a mattress is to consider your space. Measure up your room and consider what size bed can comfortably fit. Also consider who the bed is for, as size requirements will be different for a couple, a single person or a child. This will help you to determine what mattress size is required. For guidance on mattress dimensions, check out our Mattress Size Guide.

Know your health needs

If you have any kind of back, neck or spine related condition, it might be a good idea to get some tips from your health care provider. Purchasing a mattress with an orthopedically correct design is a key consideration for a restful and recuperative sleep. Learn more about sleep and back care in our Guide to Sleep, Health and Well-being.

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Do your research

Before you visit a store, make sure you do your research. Find out what beds the retailer stocks, where the beds are made, the materials they are from and the product testing and warranty offer. A bed is an investment, so knowing that your bed is made from a local manufacturer, with high quality materials, to exact standards, will give you peace of mind.

If you have had a positive shopping experience with a preferred retailer, we recommend you start with this store. Check the retailer offers the brand you prefer. Or, find a retailer from our list of recommended Sealy Posturepedic stockists.

Check online reviews

Look online to see what people are saying about certain products. Real customer reviews are one of the best ways to find out what kind of quality you can expect from a product and gives insight as to what kind of mattress might be best for you.

Visit a store

When heading out to find your new bed, it is best to put on some comfortable clothes, or consider taking your pillow along to the store, so you are able to recreate your normal sleeping environment, as much as possible. Think about the size of the bed that will fit your room best and think about your normal sleeping position. Keep in mind that side sleepers usually need a softer comfort level, while front and back sleepers may prefer a more medium or firm feel.

Take your partner with you

If you are shopping for yourself and your partner, we encourage you to shop together for your new bed. Comfort test several beds to find the sleep system that works best for both of you.  Find out more with our Mattress Buying Guide.

Figure out your comfort preference

Comfort levels ranges from very soft to extra firm – so it is best to find out your comfort preference first. Remember, comfort is different for everyone. Try several different comfort levels when you are in-store. A good mattress will provide you with the right support at every comfort level.  Discover more about the different comfort choices here.

  • Ultra Plush – a very soft-feeling surface
  • Plush – firmer than the ultra plush, but not as firm as cushion firm
  • Cushion Firm / Medium – firmer than a plush, but softer than firm
  • Firm – a firm sleep surface
  • Extra Firm – the firmest of all the comfort levels

Our bed selector will help you to choose the ideal comfort level for your needs.

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Review warranty policies

A well-made bed will generally last eight to ten years. Look for beds with a ten-year warranty, which will give you peace of mind knowing that in the unlikely event that your bed has a fault, the manufacturer will repair or replace coils, wires or foundational elements, so that you can enjoy your new bed for years to come.

Buy a mattress protector

We recommend purchasing a mattress protector to keep your new bed safe from spills and stains. Find out more about ways to clean your mattress.

Look after your purchase

Once you have made a purchase, ensure you protect your investment and extend the lifetime of your bed by caring for it according to the manufacturer guidelines. For more information on mattress care, rotation, cleaning and assembly, visit our Mattress Care Guide.

Need more guidance? If you still have questions on how to buy a bed, our friendly customer care team can help you – please reach out to us today.