How to Buy a Memory Foam Mattress

Purchasing a memory foam mattress can be a wonderful investment for people who have long endured the back pain and restless sleep associated with traditional mattresses. You'll have a hard time finding a memory foam mattress that's uncomfortable or doesn't give you a decent night's sleep. However, there are still many other things to remember when making the purchase.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick a mattress that's soft, yet supportive. Each mattress comes with an IFD (Indention Force Deflection) rating that measures its rigidity. However, it's important that you to try it out for yourself and decide if it provides enough support for your needs.

2. Check out information provided by manufacturers about how to buy their products. The Tempur-Pedic website offers information for purchasing by phone, online or locating a retailer in your area.

3. Decide whether you would like to purchase an entire memory foam mattress or just a topper for your current mattress. Mattress toppers are less expensive, but may also wear out in 4 to 5 years, while a memory foam mattress may be under warranty for up to 20 years.

4. Find the right mattress topper simply by testing the foam out for comfort. Because they don't last as long as mattresses, comfort is the main factor in buying a mattress topper.

5. Find the right mattress by examining a combination of comfort and durability. A durable memory foam mattress should have medium high density memory foam and not be padded with layers of other, lower cost material. Find out how the density compares with competitors and other models.

6. Learn about the free trial period and warranty offered for the mattress you want. Because it takes a while to adjust to a memory foam bed, you'll want to try it out for two or three months, not just a few days. A high quality memory foam bed should be guaranteed to last about 20 years.

7. Ask questions about the quality and durability, especially if you are buying from lesser known brands of memory foam. The increased prevalence of memory foam manufacturers makes it easier to get affordable memory foam, but be informed about the materials these manufacturers use and how they compare to the bigger brands.

8. Give yourself time to adjust to your new mattress. Memory foam beds often feel hot, or at least warmer than your old mattress. It will take time for you to adjust to the new feel. Expect that you will need time to adjust. Give yourself more than just a few days before making the decision on whether to keep your new bed.

Resources

• Get information on how to buy a memory foam bed by phone, online, or locate a retailer.