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Step 1
Before going into a bed store to buy one know what size mattress you want. Are you looking for a twin, full, queen, or king size mattress? What is the most practical choice for the space in your bedroom? Full and double mattresses are actually the same size and a queen sized bed is only about four to six inches wider.
I just bought a Sealy full size mattress and box spring. This was my first time shopping in a mattress store to buy a new bed. The only thing I knew before I went in was what size I wanted to buy. -
Step 2
Do not be swayed by the person selling the bed. He or she might take you to a high priced mattress, like the sleep number beds or a Temper-Pedic because the sale will bring a bigger commission. Don't forget this is your purchase. Walk around the store until you find what fits you.
For example, I told the salesperson I needed a full sized mattress and he walked me over to a model in the window that was over my price range. I was polite and looked at it, but continued shopping until I found the bed that was right for me. -
Step 3
Lay down on the bed. It might feel embarrassing or uncomfortable, but laying down on the bed in the position that you go to sleep in is going to be the way to find out if it's going to be comfortable. Lay on your stomach, side, back, and toss and turn. Most people who buy new beds go in the store and sit down on it. While sitting on the mattress might give you an idea of whether the bed is hard or not, unless you sleep on your rear then this is not a good enough test of comfort.
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Step 4
Know about mattress coils and springs before walking into the store. This is a selling point and can make your mattress thicker. Usually a mattress that has more coils in it will be more expensive. It also can make a difference on how long your bed will last, but other factors influence that including weight.
When you set up your new bed at home make sure that the bed frame is going to fully support the mattress and box spring all across the bottom otherwise you will have a problem with the mattress sagging in the middle and wear out faster. -
Step 5
To get the best price on your new bed ask the salesperson if there are any discounts available. Sometimes there are returns or other in store promotions that can get you a deal. Depending on the store the salesperson has some leeway to barter with you on the price.
I decided on a Sealy mattress, but got a box spring in perfect condition for a discount because it had been returned. This allowed me to get the bed that I found most comfortable within my price range. Had I not asked about discounts and specials, I would have bought a Serta mattress that was comfortable, but just didn't feel quite as good as the one I wanted. -
Step 6
Ask about warranties and the ability to return your bed if you get it home and are not satisfied. Make sure that there is a comfort exchange for your bed, so you can return it if it's great in the store but uncomfortable once you get it home and sleeping. Of course, these are void if you damage the mattress or stain it, etc. Check with the store for their specific policy. For example, Sleep Country has a 5% discount if you find a bed at a lower price within 100 days plus you can return the bed after 30 days. There are also stores that deliver and set up your new bed if you can't do it or don't have a truck, but these are often done at an extra charge.
Comments
LilacGirl said
on 9/17/2009 Helpful and well-written article. I am shopping for a bed right now so your article is very helpful to me. Thanks for the tips and suggestions.
Alrady said
on 5/29/2009 JP great article I need new mattress soon. warranties are definately VERY important.
xrayness said
on 5/26/2009 Very well written article about shopping for and buying a bed. I really enjoyed reading this eHow article. Your contributions are definitely making eHow a worthwhile experience.