Whether you’re purchasing a new bed for the first time, relocating and want a fresh start, or your trusty mattress of 20 years has finally taken its last snooze, mattress shopping requires a lot of consideration. With hundreds of brands and mattress options, shoppers may feel lost on where to begin.

Before starting your mattress-buying journey, let’s discuss a few shopping tips.

Consider your mattress (and room) size

If you’re deciding between two sizes, think about the dimensions of your room to help determine the best mattress size for your space. While you may dream of a king-size bed, if your room is more compact, a smaller size might be a better choice to ensure the rest of your furniture fits comfortably. For a stress-free shopping experience, take measurements of your room before you go and leave enough space to navigate around the bed and other furniture easily.

Explore different feel options & try them before you buy

Once you’ve decided which mattress size will work best in your space, it’s time to choose a feel. There are countless options when selecting your mattress feel. Most standard mattresses come in soft, medium, and firm. However, as technology evolves, several newer feels, like medium-firm, medium-soft, and hybrid options, are also available for shoppers to consider.

Most importantly, selecting a feel comes down to your personal preference. However, the position you sleep in also contributes to what mattress feel best accommodates that position. Softer mattress models allow you to sink into them – this is often found comfortable by side sleepers as they need a mattress that won’t result in pressure points on their shoulders or hips. On the other hand, back and stomach sleepers tend to prefer a firmer mattress. You know your body best, so if you’re a stomach sleeper and prefer a soft feel, that’s ok, too! We strongly suggest visiting a local retailer to try the mattress before making your final buying decision.

If you share a bed and find that your partner prefers an entirely different feel from you, there is always the option to purchase a split king. A split king is made of two twin long mattresses, resulting in a standard king size that allows you to select a different feel on each side. Split king mattresses are often a lifesaver for many couples who struggle to find that happy medium for both.

Prioritize proper mattress support

Gone are the days when your only option was a traditional box spring. Box springs were the go-to for mattress support for many years, but as technology has advanced, many newer, more innovative options are now available. Because box springs give due to the springs rather than provide firm support, this may not properly support your mattress over time.

Today, many mattress brands have moved away from using a box spring and have opted for a flat foundation. Foundations provide the mattress with a solid, flat surface compared to traditional box springs. Flat foundations often come in various height options, allowing you to customize your mattress's height to your liking.

If a flat foundation isn’t exactly your cup of tea, and you’re looking for opportunities to take your sleep to the next level, you should consider a power base. Power bases are a great way to enhance your overall sleep experience. Functions like raising the head of the bed, raising the foot, and even massage capabilities are all great features of power bases. All Tempur-Pedic® power bases come with a Zero Gravity feature that elevates your head and feet, closely simulating weightlessness and helping take the pressure off your back. Many shoppers suffering from back pain enjoy this elite feature.

We recommend pairing your Tempur-Pedic® mattress with a power base or flat foundation. Of course, this is not for every bed set, and it is best to check with the mattress manufacturer or retailer for the foundation that best supports your mattress type.

Don’t forget new linens

While many customers think the shopping ends once you’ve picked your mattress and base, it’s important to remember the bedding! Bedding can significantly impact the feel and comfort of your bed. First, find a well-fitting pair of sheets – be sure to confirm the height of your mattress to ensure the set you choose fits properly. Many sheets will come with the standard pocket depth of 12" - 13"; however, for taller mattresses or if you’re using a mattress topper, you should look for sheets with deeper pockets, something along the lines of 16” – 18”.

There are also several options to consider regarding the material of your bedding. Linen, cotton, bamboo – the possibilities are limitless. For those seeking to sleep cooler, a bamboo or bamboo blend material will be the best option for promoting airflow throughout the night.

Consider the climate

As crazy as it may seem, the climate you live in and temperature impact the feel of your mattress. Certain commodity memory foams will harden uncomfortably in cooler temperatures, making it challenging to get the rejuvenating rest you need, but TEMPUR-Material™ is unlike any other foam mattress. With TEMPUR-Material™, the heat your body creates as you sleep softens and reshapes the mattress to fit you perfectly. TEMPUR-Matieral™ responds to your body weight and warmth. It contours to your body, automatically adjusting to your every curve. When not in contact with your body, the material returns to its usual shape, feeling slightly firmer when you first lay down.

TEMPUR-Material™ also responds to the room temperature, so if your room is very cold, the mattress can feel less responsive and slightly firmer; if your room is hot, the mattress can feel a bit more responsive and softer. Your mattress will feel its best between 68 and 72 degrees. Many shoppers are surprised to learn that adjusting the temperature of your room may be the final step in achieving your perfect sleep environment.

Finding the right mattress for you is no easy task, and we hope these shopping tips help guide you to your best night’s sleep.